2023 marks the 25th anniversary of the amalgamation of the City of Quinte West. To celebrate this year, the City is delivering a number of free community activities and initiatives that tell the story of our growing community.
During the holiday season, enjoy one of the upcoming events and winter activities in Quinte West.
The Frankford Santa Claus Parade is happening Saturday, Nov. 25 at 2 p.m. This event is organized by the Frankford Santa Claus Parade Committee.
The Frankford Christmas Fantasy of Lights in Frankford Tourist Park will begin for the season following the parade at the Frankford Tourist Park. Enjoy free hot chocolate after the parade (4:30 p.m.) followed by fireworks at 5 p.m. while supplies last!
The Frankford Christmas Fantasy of Lights in Frankford Tourist Park will begin for the season Nov. 25.
The Trenton Santa Claus Parade is happening Sunday, Nov. 26 at 4:30 p.m. This event is organized by the Quinte West Chamber of Commerce. Enjoy a free hot dog and hot chocolate before and during the Trenton Santa Claus Parade while supplies last!
*Beginning at 3:30 p.m.
The Doug Whitney Christmas Fantasy of Lights display in Fraser Park will begin for the season following the parade.
The Doug Whitney Christmas Fantasy of Lights display in Fraser Park will begin for the season Nov. 26.
The CPKC Holiday Train is back and will make a stop in Quinte West along its cross-country journey! This year’s stop will feature a performance by the Anyway Gang.
Attendees are asked to bring a non-perishable food item to support a local food bank.
When: Tuesday, Nov. 28 from 10:45 – 11:15 a.m.
Where: R.C.A.F. Road & County Road 21, on the south side of the railway crossing
This winter, the Quinte West Pop-ups will be transformed into a holiday winter wonderland showcasing festive decorations, delicious food, winter-themed activities, entertainment and unique vendors.
For three days only, visit Centennial Park and experience the Quinte West Holiday Market.
Find out more here!
Hop on and off locations:
The first night of Hanukkah will be celebrated on Dec. 7 with the lighting of the menorah this evening in Fraser Park at 6 p.m.
Dec. 7-15
It’s time to tour through a Winter Wonderland with the 2023 Holiday Home Tour! The Holiday Home Tour is a self-guided tour of the best-decorated, holiday-themed homes. Make your way around the city to check out the homes with the best holiday decor. This is an outdoor decorating contest only. All decorations will be visible from the road. Tour attendees are not to stop or park along the roadway, enter private driveways or walk onto private property for the tour.
The Holiday Home Tour will run from Friday, December 15, 2023 to Monday, December 25, 2023 from 5 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Find out more here.
Enjoy free public skating at the Duncan McDonald Memorial Community Gardens in Trenton and the Dr. McMullen Recreation Centre in Frankford all season long.
Find more information, including the public skating schedule, at quintewest.ca/skating.
Additional events and activities will be posted throughout the season.
Celebrate the New Year alongside Mayor Jim Harrison and Quinte West Council. Enjoy free public skating*, complimentary refreshments and free activities for the whole family.
When: Sunday, Jan. 15, 2023 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Where: Duncan McDonald Memorial Gardens, 8 Couch Cres., Trenton
*Admission and capacity restrictions apply. Skates and skate rentals are not provided. CSA-approved head, eye and facial protection are recommended.
The outdoor rinks in Batawa are operated by the Batawa Lions Club. The rinks are now open for skating and hockey!
For updates on rink conditions, please visit www.batawalionsclub.com
This year, it’s not about looking back on winter memories from the past; it’s about creating new memories that you can look back on years from now. One of the best ways to fully welcome and embrace the wonders of an Ontario winter is to head to the ski hill. In Quinte West, we are lucky to have the Batawa Ski Hill so close to home.
All information can be found on the website. Book online in advance to save on lift tickets and to be sure there is availability the day of your visit.
362 Glen Ross Rd, Frankford
Catch and Release at Crazy Creek Fishing Preserve
Bring the whole family out to meet Larry and try your hand at fishing. $5 per person and $5 per catch and release fish, add in some great trails and you have a fun day out with the family. Located just north of Frankford at 362 Glen Ross Rd. Call Larry to book your visit at 613 398-6995
Horseback riding in the winter offers scenic views and provides a new experience to this year-round activity. Visit their website for more information and email or text to check availability and book a ride. After your ride or for an entirely different experience, check out the Ranch Day Spa, which is now on site. Find more information and learn how to book a service on the Fina Vista website.
Geocaching is an adventure in itself. What a great way to get out and get active with the family. There are tons of geocaches and earth caches in the area that families can discover. Not familiar with geocaching? Search it up and get started.
1008 Tuftsville Rd, Stirling
Horseback riding in the winter offers scenic views and provides a new experience to this year-round activity. Once the conditions improve, trail riding will be available. Visit their website for more information and email or text to check availability and book a ride. After your ride or for an entirely different experience, check out The Ranch Day Spa, which is now on site. Find more information and learn how to book a service on the Fina Vista website.
As soon as it is safe, ice fishing on the Bay of Quinte can be a fun way to hang out with your friends or take the whole family. No matter the season, fish are plentiful. The season is short so watch for the perfect conditions and if you need an ice hut or advice on how to get started, look up Skylar and Katie at Quinte Fish Hut Rentals & Guiding Service
https://
Lucky Plus Convenience offers a wide variety of Ice Fishing supplies and bait https://www.facebook.com/
Enjoy free public skating at the Duncan McDonald Memorial Community Gardens and the Dr. McMullen Recreation Centre.
Visit quintewest.ca/skating to find the public skating schedule and important updates on the City’s arenas.
Places to get your Skates Sharpened
Conservation Lands are open for public use, but physical distancing rules apply. All buildings, washroom facilities, outdoor picnic sites, benches, and shelters are CLOSED. Guests visiting conservation lands do so at “their own risk”.
DO NOT litter – take your trash with you.
Please respect these rules to keep the conservation areas open for the community to enjoy. Find out more about Lower Trent Conservation trails here.
There is no shortage of activities this March break in Quinte West. If you are looking for something local to do with friends or family, check out one of the offerings below.
While Quinte West does not have motorized trails to use your snowmobiles or ATV, the Hastings Heritage Trail is a four-season, multi-use recreational trail that follows an old railway line linking Hastings County. The trail is open year-round and boasts several parking lots and access points along the route. The southern end of the trail starts in Glen Ross. A trail pass is required and can be purchased here.
These trails are open every day unless otherwise posted. Winter maintenance is not performed on the trails, but visitors are still welcome to cross country ski and snowshoe. Signs regarding COVID-19 protocols are posted. Essentially, keep a distance from other users. If the trail is not wide enough, take a step to the side and let the other person pass, no large gatherings etc. Find out more information about these trails here.
If you’re looking to go for a walk, Centennial Park Trails, Kiwanis Park (Ontario Street), and the new Marina Waterfront Trail will be groomed regularly and are more safe and suitable for walking. Find more information on the trails page of our website.
Splash a little green into your life and try your luck with the City of Quinte West’s St. Patrick’s Day Scavenger Hunt!
This scavenger hunt runs from Fri. March 10, through to Sun. March 19, and offers fun for the whole family.
Seven magical images are spread out in parks & conservation areas in the four wards of Quinte West. Find one of the signs and snap & upload your picture for a chance to win one of three great prizes. One photo per sign per person.
To submit your photos, please click here.
The winner will be announced the week of March 20.
Places to pamper yourself
Wellness/beautification experiences (treat yourself)
Bliss Day Spa
Chanelle’s Eden Day Spa
DeeVa Spa Esthetics & Relaxation
It’s Your Body Day Spa
Kathleen Nails
Pretty Like You
Pure Escape
Quinte Massage & Acupuncture Clinic
Zenergy Health and Wellness