If you’re looking for high-speed winter thrills without the steep learning curve of skiing, a dedicated snow tubing park just an hour outside the city is calling your name.
Located in Kitchener, Chicopee Tube Park has become a go-to winter day-trip destination for Torontonians. Unlike many resorts where tubing is just a side note to the ski hills, this facility is built entirely for the art of the downhill slide, featuring a sprawling 900-foot-long run and a heart-pounding 250-foot vertical drop.
The experience is designed for maximum speed and minimum effort. After flying down one of the six groomed chutes, you can skip the exhausting trek back up the hill. Instead, you’ll hop on the “Magic Carpet” conveyor belt lift that whisks you straight back to the summit so you can save your energy for the next descent.
For those looking for a bit of evening magic, the park is famous for its night tubing sessions. Open til 9:30 p.m. on select evenings, the slopes are fully illuminated under the stars, transforming the park into a glowing winter playground that’s perfect for a unique date night or an after-dark adventure with friends.
Once you’ve had your fill of the cold, you can retreat to the park’s log chalet. The cozy lodge overlooks the hills and features the Chalet Café for quick snacks, or the licensed Ranger Lounge complete with a fireplace and a viewing deck, for a more relaxed après-tube drink.
You’ll find Chicopee Tube Park located at 1600 River Road East in Kitchener. Tubing sessions are typically sold in 90-minute blocks, and online reservations are mandatory as walk-ins are rarely accommodated on weekends.
You’ll also want to check their website before you leave the city; icy days mean the lanes are incredibly fast, while warmer days offer a more casual glide.