5 Easy Winter Wins in St. Thomas

□ at Dan Patterson Conservation

​Winter in St. Thomas doesn’t have to mean hibernation. From cozy indoor escapes to fresh-air fun that’s worth bundling up for, here are five easy ways to enjoy the season — no major planning required and easy on the wallet.

​1. Lace Up for Free Public Skating

There’s something timeless about gliding across the ice on a wintery afternoon. Thankfully, we have FREE public skating at the Joe Thornton Community Centre every Sunday which makes it easy to get moving. Whether you’re bringing the kids, meeting friends, or sneaking in some practice, it’s a classic winter activity that never gets old.

📍 Joe Thornton Community Centre, 75 CASO Crossing, St. Thomas
​📅 Sundays 1:15pm-2:45pm
🔗 More info on Drop-In Programs

2. Hit the Trails at Dan Patterson Conservation Area

When the snow falls, Dan Patterson becomes a winter favourite — especially for cross-country skiing. Known for having some of the best local ski trails, it’s also a great spot for snowy walks, wildlife watching, and quiet moments in nature along Kettle Creek.

📍 Dan Patterson Conservation Area, 11500 Highbury Ave, St. Thomas
🔗 Kettle Creek Conservation Authority - Dan Patterson

​3. Warm Up at a Winter Market

Winter markets bring all the cozy vibes. Stop by Winter at Horton to shop year-round farm products like meats, dairy, honey, and preserves, grab a hot breakfast, and browse local artisans. It’s relaxed, welcoming, and perfect for slow winter mornings.

📍 Horton Farmers' Market, 10 Manitoba Street, St. Thomas
🔗 Website for year-round info
​📢 Follow on socials for weekly updates

​4. Catch a Game (or Try a New Sport)

Winter is prime sports season in St. Thomas. Cheer on the St. Thomas Stars at a home game, or check out the curling club calendar to find an open league and give curling a try yourself. Whether you’re watching or participating, it’s a fun way to embrace the season.

📍 Joe Thornton Community Centre, 75 CASO Crossing - Rinks/Track/Gym
🔗 St. Thomas Stars Hockey Schedule

📍 The Power Alley, 560 Talbot Street, St. Thomas - Baseball batting cages
🔗 Learn more and book your time.

5. Plan a Cozy Night Out

Cold nights are made for warm times. From comedy nights at CASO Station to live theatre and local dining, winter is a great time to enjoy St. Thomas’s arts and entertainment scene!

📍CASO Station, 750 Talbot Street, St. Thomas
📍 Princess Avenue Playhouse, 40 Princess Ave, St. Thomas
🎉 Find current local events on our website.

🏅​ Bonus: Catch the Winter Olympics Locally 

February 2026 brings the thrill of the Winter Olympics! You don’t have to travel far to join in on the excitement. Gather with friends at local spots like Railway City Brewing or Legends Tavern to watch the games on big screens, cheer for your favourite athletes, and enjoy seasonal snacks and drinks. It’s a fun way to add a little excitement to your St. Thomas winter adventures. 🏅

❄️ ​Whether you’re leaning into the snow or seeking out cozy corners, these easy winter wins make it simple to enjoy St. Thomas all season long.

WINTER IN ST. THOMAS

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author

MEGAN PICKERSGILL
​From Elgin County fields to global cultures, Megan's journey led her to St. Thomas as Tourism Manager with the EDC. Here she fuels her passion for history, art, and community development—when not digging in her garden. Reach her at [email protected].