Find your way to winter fun in Hamilton Halton Brant, the Heart of Ontario

(News Release)

Hamilton Halton Brant Region, December 17, 2012 - While the Twelve Days of Christmas tend to steal the spotlight on December’s calendar, Hamilton Halton Brant’s tourism partners are reminding southern Ontario residents that there’s plenty of post-holiday fun to be enjoyed in the Heart of Ontario.

Thanks to the area’s outstanding outdoor recreational options and fantastic family programming, all roads lead to Hamilton Halton Brant for those looking to banish Boxing Days blues.

According to Maria Fortunato, Executive Director of the Hamilton Halton Brant Regional Tourism Association, “The Heart of Ontario is a great destination for couples and families looking to spend some time together following the Christmas rush. Our close proximity to many of southern Ontario’s major urban centres means less time on the highway and more time to enjoy great programming at a wide range of conservation areas, museums and other attractions.”

Take it outside

There is plenty of outdoor winter fun to be had in Hamilton Halton Brant. Glen Eden’s snowmaking machines are on standby so that skiers, boarders and tubers can still hit the slopes even if Jack Frost doesn’t cooperate. When the flurries do fly on their own, cross-country skiers can hit the trails at conservation areas including Hilton Falls, Valens Lake, and several Conservation Halton properties. The Hamilton to Brantford and Paris to Brantford Rail Trails are another popular choice for cross-country skiers.

Hamilton Halton Brant also offers skaters several wonderful outdoor skating rinks, including those at Hamilton Waterfront’s Pier Eight, Brantford’s Harmony Square, Burlington’s Discovery Landing and Oakville’s Bronte Creek Provincial Park.

Those looking for a truly unique winter escape will love Grand Experience’s Iroquois Winter Experience, which allows outdoor enthusiasts to experience life in a 17^th century Iroquois longhouse, taste traditional Iroquois cuisine and try their hand at winter survival skills including fire-starting and flint-napping.

Spend time together

For families with younger children looking to spend time together, Hamilton Halton Brant has some creative options that, when combined with current accommodation offers, make for a great getaway. Families can explore the science of snow at the Hamilton Museum of Science and Technology or party it up at the Hamilton Children’s Museum December Beach Party. 

There are also plenty of choices for celebrating New Year’s Eve without staying up until the wee hours, including special evening festivities at Bronte Creek Provincial Park and Mountsberg Conservation Area.

Mark your calendars

The calendar for the winter season in Hamilton Halton Brant is already filling up with some exciting events. The Dinosaurs: Battle of the Titans exhibit begins its attack on the Royal Botanical Gardens on January 26^th. Hot-ticket entertainers including Lady Gaga, Sarah Brightman, Carrie Underwood and Diana Krall will be making their way to Hamilton this winter for concerts.

About the Hamilton Halton Brant Regional Tourism Association

The Hamilton Halton Brant Regional Tourism Organization is an innovative industry partnership committed to collaborative development initiatives that establish the region as a compelling tourism destination. The organization represents tourism stakeholders in the County of Brant, City of Brantford, Halton Region (City of Burlington, Town of Halton Hills, Town of Milton, Town of Oakville), City of Hamilton, Six Nations of the Grand River Territory and Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nations.

-30-