Winter Adventures

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person running through snow on a trail with snowshoes

Come explore Winter in Wellington County

Bundle up and experience our cozy communities that transform into wonderful winter wonderlands. Here are some things to do this winter.

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Taste Real in Winter

Did you know you can enjoy local food year-round? Get inspired with some hot tips on how to, shop, experience and engage with local food, even during the cold, icy days of winter! Find out more.

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Outdoor Winter Adventures

Climb frozen waterfalls, sip wine by an outdoor fire, or go on a horse-drawn sleigh ride. Get outside this winter and explore these and more unique experiences in Wellington County.

Book ahead – most experiences are weather dependent and require reservations made in advance.

Snack, Shop, Skate, and "Switch on" at Elora's Village of Lights

Explore downtown Elora while warming by cozy fire pits, enjoy food and drink huts, live performances, and a spectacle of 100,000 lights. This new winter experience takes place every Friday, Saturday and Sunday until March 16, from 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Come and see this unique, vintage, Canadian winter après-ski for yourself!

Visit Downtown | Elora Village of Lights

lights downtown Elora with snow

Fire Pit and Tasting at Cox Creek Cellars, Guelph/Eramosa

Sip wine around a roaring wood fire at Cox Creek Cellars. This idyllic winery offers several outdoor fire tables located throughout the property. They are outfitted with comfortable Muskoka Chairs or handmade benches and are a perfect location for a date or gathering with a small group (up to six).

hand pouring red wine while snowing

Snow Yoga with Alpacas at Brae Ridge Farm and Sanctuary, Puslinch

You won’t find another experience like this - just on the edge of Guelph! An instructor will guide you through an all levels yoga class, lasting approximately 75 minutes, while alpacas quietly wander around you. You will have the opportunity to meet and hand feed alpacas and horses. Embrace the powerful benefits of traditional yoga, nature and animal therapy.

individual doing yoga in the snow with alpacas

Winter Campfire Sites at Elliot Tree Farm, Erin

The magic of Elliott Tree Farm continues beyond the Holiday Season. You can visit this Christmas Tree and Maple Syrup Farm all winter long by booking a private picnic spot. Bring your own picnic and enjoy a private fire pit/grill, walk the trails and explore their gorgeous property and discover many unique treasures that offer a perfect photo opportunity along the way, such as a Vintage 1944 Case Tractor named Ed. Dogs are welcome on a leash. Reservations required.

individuals sitting outside around a campfire

Horse-Drawn Sleigh Ride at Windy Acres Farm, Metz

For a winter experience like no other, head out to Windy Acres for a horse-drawn sleigh ride across snowy fields. Bring your family or a small group and watch their powerful Clydesdale horses dash through the snow while you are wrapped up nice and cozy in a wool blanket.

Book your sleigh ride today.

people on a horse drawn sleigh ride

Snowshoeing and Tobogganing at the Wellington County Museum and Archives, Aboyne

The Wellington County Museum and Archives is an exceptional destination year-round but winter opens up new ways to experience the grounds. Bring your sled and hit their well-loved toboggan hill or rent a pair of snowshoes and explore the beautiful trail network.

three people sitting with snowshoes

Alpaca Winter Experience at Harmony Meadows Alpaca Farm, Belwood

Get up close and personal with Harmony Meadows Alpaca! Visit these cool animals in their pasture and learn all about alpacas directly from the farmers. Feed them treats and they may even let you pet them. Make sure you visit the farm store before heading home and browse the gorgeous yarn, knitted products, gift items, and local foods.

individual feeding alpacas outside

Ice Climbing with One Axe Pursuits, Elora

Climb a frozen waterfall in one of Wellington County’s most scenic spots – the Elora Gorge. One Axe’s Ice Climbing experience is one of a kind – the ultimate winter thrill – and completely suitable for beginners. No previous experience is required, and the starting point is conveniently located in downtown Elora.

individual climbing ice cliffs in the Elora Gorge

Winter Horseback Trail Rides at JohnMel Stables, Puslinch 

Winter trail riding is a unique way to immerse yourself in nature. Book your private trail ride experience, learn how to groom, tack up your horse, and if a beginner, you’ll receive a short lesson before heading out on the trails.

close up of horse with frosted nose

Snowshoe, Hot Chocolate and Campfire at The Fieldstone Barn, Elora

Experience the brisk outdoors. The Fieldstone Barn is a hidden gem within walking distance to the beautiful village of Elora. Enjoy snowshoeing on a picturesque farm, then relax around a toasty fire roasting marshmallows and sipping hot chocolate. Everything is included with limited spots available. This excursion is snow dependent so please call in advance.

Snowshoe and Campfire | The Fieldstone Barn

individuals snowshoeing in the country

Indoor Activities

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Beat the winter blues this season with fun and interactive indoor activities.

Are you a lover of art and entertainment? View an exhibit at the Wellington County Museum and Archives, a National Historic Site, or catch a show at the 1947 Norgan Theatre in Palmerston. The Elora Centre for the Arts is housed in an restored limestone schoolhouse and offers ongoing galleries, an artisan shop, classes and other events. If you want more of a hands-on experience, try a glass blowing class at Blown Away Glass in Elora.

Sports and recreational activities are available year-round. Sharpen those skates and drop in to a local arena. Many offer free sponsored skating days. Try your hand at a new sport or freshen up your skills at a local curling club (located on our interactive map). Many offer lessons. You can bring your own food and drink and get ready for summer by practicing your swing at Grip and Rip Indoor Golf in Drayton or try some classic 5 pin bowling at the Mount Forest Bowling Centre.

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Looking for fun local food and drink experiences? Krisha Indian Cooking School offers hands-on classes at the Puslinch Community Centre or cook riverside at Woolen Mill Kitchen in Erin (book in advance via their websites). Take a bite off the beaten path and go on a guided tour in Elora with Taste Detours Food Tour. Enjoy an evening of cocktail creation by taking a class at the Elora Distilling Company. The Barrel House in Clifford hosts The Coopers Cart Kitchen where you can fine Pete's baked goods (including butter tarts!) and pickles too, as well as gifts, furniture, and decor.

Be sure to grab a friend and visit many of our local hot chocolate spots, located on our interactive map below


Open the Winter Adventures Map

Know of another location for winter adventures? Let us know via email.* 


*We do our best to include as many winter adventure locations as possible; however, there is no guarantee a specific location will be included.