Discover your city this winter

Rebecca McDougall
Student Community Support Network

Now that second semester has begun and the snow is really falling, what better way to spend your spare time than exploring what Hamilton has to offer in the winter months. Before midterms begin, essays are due, and the inevitable stress of being a student mounts, check out these Hamilton winter attractions!

Enjoy skating? Head over to the Hamilton Waterfront Outdoor Rink located at Pier 8 (47 Discovery Drive). The rink is open on Sunday to Friday from 10:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m. and Saturday’s from 11:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m. Don’t have skates? Not a problem! They offer rentals for five dollars with government identification. This is the perfect opportunity to get outside, get active and discover Hamilton. After skating, warm up at the Williams beside the skating rink and take in the beautiful view. If skating later in the evening, you’ll find the Waterfront Festival of Lights until February 17.

Kicking off the month of February, a variety of “Winterfest” activities have been planned throughout Hamilton. From February 1-9, the event welcomes Hamilton residents to celebrate the city of Hamilton and the beauty of the winter season. Events include the Winterfest Kickoff at Pier 8 on Saturday, February 1. The Kickoff will include a variety of art installations, interactive activities, live music and skating. Closing off Winterfest is Kim Adams at the Art Gallery of Hamilton. Adams is a Canadian multimedia sculptor who created the Bruegel-Bosch Bus. The event is free of charge.

A full schedule of Winterfest events can be found at http://www.tourismhamilton.com
/festivals-events/winterfest-2014.
Still looking for something else to do? Why not support the Hamilton Bulldogs by attending a home game. On January 24, the Bulldogs take on Toronto; January 26 they play Chicago; and on February 15 they are back in Hamilton versing Texas. Head to Compass in MUSC to purchase a Voucher to attend a game for only $12 which can be redeemed at the Copps Coliseum Box Office for an individual game ticket in the Blue Section. Redeem your voucher anytime that the box office is open during business hours or three hours before any event.

Make the most of your semester and venture off campus to discover all of the events and activities that Hamilton has to offer!