When it comes to making winter memories, nothing beats a day in the great outdoors. Mississauga has no end of fantastically fun parks and attractions that your whole family will want to keep coming back to. Read our guide to the ultimate outdoor excursions in Mississauga and make this season a magical winter to remember for years to come.
Skate at the City's Largest Outdoor Ice Rink
Enjoy some family time at Celebration Square’s free outdoor ice rink. The nearby heated patios make this the perfect rink for those who might need breaks from the cold. Open from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. most days of the year, you can choose between an evening skate under the glow of the city lights or an exciting daytime outing. With lots of special events happening throughout the season, you might even catch a themed skate.
See Winter Wildlife
The winter months are the perfect time to explore idyllic, snowy vistas during a hike through the Riverwood Conservancy. While some critters may hibernate or migrate, there is still a world of fauna to explore throughout Riverwood’s woodlands, wetlands and waters. You could come face-to-face with weasels, rabbits, deer and a variety of birds, just to name a few. Make sure to bring your binoculars!
Skate Around a Frozen Park Trail
Swap your winter boots for skates and go for a scenic glide around the brand-new ice-skating loop at Port Credit Memorial Park. The 220-metre path is free for public use and makes for a fun family outing in one of Mississauga’s most popular parks. When you’re ready for a rest, you can relax in the newly-refreshed gazebo with a thermos of hot chocolate, the perfect pairing for a day outdoors.
Window Shop and Stop for Tea
Experience the made-for-tv charm of one of Mississauga’s most picturesque main streets during a family stroll along downtown Streetsville. With their historic architecture and idyllic winter decorations, the storefronts are made for window shopping – and they’re just as charming inside. During your walk, pop into Tea One Bakery & Café to warm up with a festive beverage and one of the village’s tastiest baked treats.
Stride Out on a Snowshoeing Adventure
Try a new family activity while easily traversing the winter landscape by snowshoeing in one of the city’s most scenic conservation areas, Rattray Marsh. Although known for its wetland during the warmer weather, there are many sights to see all year long across the five trails, with beautiful towering trees, a shale beach and plenty of birdwatching. The Marsh connects to Jack Darling Memorial Park, so you can continue trekking along the waterfront of Lake Ontario and on the David J. Culham Trail.
Try Out the Ultimate Toboggan Hill
Go for an exhilarating ride at one of the locals’ favourite sledding spots, Erindale Park. As Mississauga’s largest park, there is plenty of space for your whole family to spread out and race each other, with slopes of different sizes. Afterward, you can explore the park’s trails, playgrounds and the view from the pedestrian bridge overlooking the Credit River to cap off your excursion.
Looking for even more family fun? In celebration of Mississauga’s 50th year, we’ve put together the top 50 things to see & do in Mississauga!