Winter activities in Quinte West

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://quintefishingicehutrentalsguidingservice.square.site/

Lucky Plus Convenience offers a wide variety of Ice Fishing supplies and bait https://www.facebook.com/LuckyPlusLiveBaitAndTackle/

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 

Canadian Tire  
Reilly Awards & Embroidery 

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.

Quinte West Public Library 

Batawa Ski Hill

Quinte Museum of Natural History

Free public skating

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.