WEEKEND PLANNER
Take a Hike
New Year’s Day Hike, Jan. 1, noon, Dundas Valley Conservation Area, 650 Governor’s Rd., Dundas. Parking at William Osler Secondary School, bus shuttle provided. $10 parking fee. Join the Iroquois Bruce Trail Club, one and two-hour walks, warm drinks, snacks and door prizes. Walks start at 12:30 p.m.
Coyote Howl
New Year’s Eve Public Coyote Howl, Dec. 31, 4 p.m. at Bronte Creek Provincial Park, 3201 Upper Middle Rd. W., Oakville. Learn about the myths and misunderstanding surrounding the Eastern Coyote. Following the hike there will be a traditional countdown for kids at 8:30 p.m. No dogs please. Contact the park for details, 905-827-6911
Merry and Bright
Take part in Hamilton Museum of Steam & Technology’s free “Science of Light” drop-in activity centre to experiment with light and shadow, play with rainbows, and make your own sundial to take home. Cost: Adults: $7, Seniors/Youth: $6, Children: $5, Infants: Free, Family: $20. The event is on daily, noon to 4 p.m. at the museum, 900 Woodward Ave.
Hamilton Market
The Hamilton Farmers’ Market is open Saturday and then closed until Jan. 4. Great stop for last-minute must-haves before New Year’s Eve. The market is open 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is located at 35 York Blvd. Free one hour parking at the York Blvd. Parkade, be sure to get your ticket validated. hamiltonfarmersmarket.ca
Counting birds
The 97th Hamilton Christmas Bird Count continues Jan. 2. You’ll need to register now. It is a tradition going back to a pair of adventurous birders in 1921 and has grown into an annual outing with more than 100 participants scouring Hamilton for every bird that can be found and identified. To participate, visit hamiltonnature.org and register online.
Blue Year’s Eve
Celebrate Blue Year’s Eve at the Hamilton Children’s Museum, Dec. 31, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Indoor and outdoor activities. Adults $2, seniors/youth $2, children $4, infants under 1 year, free, family $9. 1072 Main St. E. 546-4848
Open and closed Monday
City of Hamilton and Burlington City Hall administrative offices are closed and reopen Jan. 2. No garbage day on Monday, Jan. 1. Everyone’s garbage pick up will be delayed by a day. In Hamilton, real Christmas tree pick up is during the weeks of Jan. 8 and 15. In Halton, place your tree out on the scheduled Christmas Tree collection day. Remove all decorations before placing your tree at the curb. Hamilton recreation centres, senior centres and arenas are closed Jan. 1. For holiday schedules, visit hamilton.ca/rec Burlington parks and recreation programs and facility service hours vary over the holidays. Visit Burlington.ca/play All Hamilton-branch locations are closed Dec. 31 and Jan. 1. HSR — New Year’s Eve runs on a regular Sunday schedule with extended hours to 2 a.m. on most routes, bus service is free after 6 p.m.; and New Year’s Day is a Sunday/holiday schedule. For HSR information, call 905-527-4441. DARTS — Holiday hours on Jan. 1. Burlington’s Downtown Transit Terminal is closed Jan. 1. Sunday service with extended hours to 2 a.m. on Dec. 31; and no service on Jan. 1. Call 905-639-0550. GO Transit is running on a Sunday (with late service) schedule on New Year’s Eve. Hamilton civic museums are closed Jan. 1. The Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum is closed on Jan. 1. Post offices are closed and there is no mail delivery Jan. 1. LCBO and Beer Store are closed Jan. 1. New Year’s Eve hours will open their regular time and close at 6 p.m. All Ontario Works government offices will be closed on Jan. 1.
Holiday Traditions at the RBG
Celebrate winter at the Royal Botanical Gardens with Holiday Traditions. The RBG is going bigger and better with performances, Santa experiences, exhibits and more to welcome the holiday season. Here are a few features: The Escarpment Train Exhibit is on display at the Rock Garden weekends To Dec. 31 and Jan. 2 to 7. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The exhibit takes you on a journey through four seasons of Canadian landscapes while telling the story of how railroads shaped our history. Included in your regular RBG admission but pre-registration is required. Botanical Train Display at the RBG Centre until Jan. 7. This display features famous Canadian landmarks from coast to coast.
Tim Hortons free holiday skating
Dave Andreychuck (Mountain) Arena and Skating Centre: Jan. 2, 3 to 5 p.m.; Chedoke Arena: Jan. 3, 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., Jan. 4, 3:30 to 5 p.m.; Bill Friday Lawfield Arena: Dec. 30, 1 to 3 p.m; Harry Howell Arena: Dec. 29, 1 to 3 p.m., Dec. 31, 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.; Morgan Firestone Arena: Dec. 30, 2:30 to 4 p.m.; Saltfleet, Dec. 30, 1 to 3 p.m.