Winter Stay Activities
December 15, 2020
Staying in residence over the winter break? We know things may be quiet, but there’s lots for you to do during your downtime! Review some ideas below, join our Facebook group to connect with others on break and safely attend events with each other by planning your trip with LTC Routes and Schedules.
Note: As the response to COVID-19 is evolving quickly, the information and availability of services below is subject to change.
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Banting House is the former house of Nobel laureate Dr. Frederick Banting, the inventor of insulin. It currently serves as a museum that tells the story of how he made his life-saving discovery. Cost: Students pay a $5 rate for their tour. |
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Boler Mountain is a local ski/snowboard place in London. It's a great place to get some exercise and have fun this winter break. They also offer tubing, which is a great alternative if you are not very interested in skiing and snowboarding. Cost: $37-$41 for day tickets. |
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Fleetway is currently offering 10 Pin Bowling, 5 Pin Bowling, 18-Hole Glow-Golf, Billiards and the Arcade Games Room. Students are encouraged to pre-reserve bowling lanes by calling 519-472-9310 x 0 to ensure availabilty upon arrival. Check out the website for the chance to visit during their Glow Bowling hours! Cost: $29-$34 per hour/per bowling lane with $3.75 bowling shoe rental. |
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Have a ride? Check out the nearby Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory to see some exotic specimens, brightly colored birds, and a nice warm change from the cold weather. Closed December 24, 25, 26, 2020 and January 1, 2021. Cost: Tickets cost $5 to enter. |
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Cafes |
Need a change of scenery? Check out cool spots like Reset Social Cafe and Black Walnut Cafe to get your caffeine fix. Cost: Approximately $4 for a beverage. |
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On Dec. 15, attend this annual event at the Covent Garden Market. This event aims to inspire and encourage up and coming small, 100% handmade businesses and connect them to conscious consumers in London. Everything you need to fill your Christmas shopping list! Cost: Various items available for purchase that range in price. Free to access and browse around! |
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A free virtual holiday show in support of the London Food Bank streaming free December 22 at 7 p.m. Register at grandtheatre.com. Cost: Free. |
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Hungry? Check out the Covent Garden Market and visit over 30 lunch hot spots from around the world...all in one building! The weekly outdoor farmers' market will be around on Saturdays until Christmas! Cost: Various items available for purchase that range in price. Free to access and browse around! |
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If you're staying in residence for the holiday break, there are some safe outdoor activities you can check out.
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Counting down the days until holiday time? Check out this link for 24 different options to create your own DIY advent calendar. This resource includes instructions for creating different calendars and also has links for you to download printable colouring pages! Cost: Free, or $10-$20 if you need to purchase materials (crayons, paper, tape, scissors, etc.). |
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Want to get a workout, while having lots of fun? Check out London's Flying Squirrel trampoline park! Cost: Tickets range in price, starting from $20+. |
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Gibbons Park |
Enjoy the beauty of the Thames Valley Parkway and take in the magical sights of Winter! Just a 20 minute walk south of campus down Richmond Street. Cost: Free. |
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A group event run by the Canadian Mental Health Association. Pick up a gingerbread man/house kit and decorate while online, listening to holiday music and socializing! Offered on December 23, requires online sign-up and pick-up. Cost: Free. |
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Holiday Gift Exchange |
Organize a gift exchange with a group of friends. If they aren't in London, no problem—you can order presents online to deliver to each other's doors, or exchange gifts in a safe, distanced way when you see each other. Cost: Set a budget limit and exchange gifts online or by mail! |
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Masonville Place is a great mall to go for holiday gifts, with a great atmosphere during the holiday season. You might also find some great holiday or boxing day sales! Cost: Various items available for purchase that range in prices and stores. Free to access the mall and browse around! |
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Get some exercise in and have some fun by trying out a climbing route at Junction Climbing Centre! To visit, you will need to book a time slot and rent equipment (if you don't have any). Cost: $18.50 for a day pass to climb and $10 to rent shoes and a harness. |
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Visit the most popular museum in the city and enjoy some classical regional art. Open Thursday to Sunday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. You can also check out their collection online by visiting their website. Cost: Admission is by donation. |
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Winter doesn't mean parks or walking trails are closed! Check out some of London's best walking trails for some breathtaking views of nature in Ontario's Forest City. Cost: Free. |
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For those with Netflix accounts, why not get to know a few others (or catch up with friends) over a classic or a soon-to-be-favorite film? To use Netflix Party, you and your friends must have a Netflix account. Cost: Netflix plans range from $9.99-$18.99/month. |
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Storybook Gardens has skating trails that are under review for reopening! Cost: Admission to skate at Storybook Gardens is $3 per person. |
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Do you enjoy playing classic arcade games? Have you ever tried axe throwing? Virtual reality? Satisfy your inner kid by indulging in a delicious meal and some fun activities at the Rec Room! Cost: Start by purchasing 40 credits for $10 and add more as you go! |
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Tobogganing |
Purchase a toboggan from Canadian Tire or Walmart and find a hill off-campus! Cost: As low as $10 to buy your own sled! |
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Looking for some movie options? Western offers free video streaming options through Western Libraries. Grab a few friends and have a movie night over Zoom! Cost: Free. |
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Vintage/Holiday Attire Hunting |
Support local businesses and shop sustainably at the amazing vintage shops on Richmond Row. Check out DugOutVintage and Filthy Rebena Vintage for some cool holiday and year-long finds! Cost: DugOutVintage products range from $20 t-shirts to $500 jackets. Shop Filthy Rebena Vintage for accessories, clothing, and houseware products between $8-$150. |
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What would be a better way to have fun with friends and still stay physically distanced? Choose from a list of virtual games to play with friends, individually or in teams. Choose your favorite game! Cost: Free. |
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In times when it is tough to travel or make it to social events, it's still possible to keep your spirits high! Accessing online wellness, learning, virtual tours and games can be the perfect solution. Here's a collection of our favourite online and free programs for you to check out. |
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Volunteer |
Apply to become a virtual volunteer with amazing organizations like Start2Finish and Participation House and make a positive impact on the London community! Cost: Free. |
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Live comedy shows at Yuk Yuks Comedy Club, horse racing on the track, and holiday shopping at the Western Fair Market. The Western Fair District is a great place to explore London, catch some live entertainment, and take home a local souvenir! Cost: ~$20 for a ticket to Yuk Yuk's. The market is free to explore with items for purchase. |
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Try out a new workout! Check out Western Recreation's Instagram to find classes like pilates, barre fitness, high-intensity interval training, sculpt and sweat, and more in the IGTV section! Cost: Free classes and access to Rec Centre with ONEcard. |
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Winter Fun |
There are so many great activities that you can do right outside your door! You can go outside and build a snowman, make a snow angel or create your own snow fort! The possibilities are endless with snow! |
