With the winter solstice came the anticipation of all the seasonal things we can do locally to enjoy these short days and long nights. The cold, crisp weather can bring out the desire to hibernate, and if you’re feeling that need, Six Nations has the stores, stops, and experiences to get you curled up, cozy, and ready to toast to the good life over a cup of hot chocolate (with marshmallows of course!) See below for great accommodations, authentic experiences, and excellent wintertime memory-making in the community!
Chiefswood Park is an accommodations and cultural heritage destination located on 20 acres on the banks of the Grand River. Featuring year-round luxury log cabin accommodations, the park has become a place to experience the rich Haudenosaunee history of the area. In the winter months you can warm up near a campfire, with your hands nicely wrapped around a mug of something hot while the kids or grandkids roast hot dogs and marshmallows! Coupled with events held at the Gathering Place By The Grand or tours through Six Nations Tourism, this will quickly become a winter family getaway favourite.
Adjacent to the park is Chiefswood National Historic Site and museum, which is open for visits and tours throughout the winter months, including special upcoming events and workshops for Valentines Day and Pauline Johnson’s birthday (March 10th!) In addition, it’s also the wintertime home of the Riverside Reading Series which hosts monthly readings by authors, poets, and creative writing enthusiasts. The next scheduled reading is set for January 25th! Follow their Instagram posts here for more dates and details!
While visiting Six Nations, trying new foods should be high priority on your itinerary. From outstanding Haudenosaunee fusion cuisine to mainstays from the Canadian, Asian, and Italian influences, our local restaurants are here to serve. The Burger Barn, Erlind’s, Village Café and Village Pizza & Wings are all great at what they do – serving fine food in a friendly atmosphere with authentic flavours and inspirations. Or enjoy a culinary experience hosted by a local chef! Aicha Smith-Belghaba is the creative visionary behind Esha’s Eats. Effortlessly blending culture and tradition with her passion for epicurean artistry, her Six Nations bookings and events can be found at the web link available here as well as the Esha’s Eats Facebook and Instagram accounts. Follow in advance and plan to attend something tasty in the near future!
Considering pampering yourself in a warm setting while the cold winds blow? Book a personal treatment at Grand River Spa. This tranquil day spa offers holistic treatments, spa packages, massage, and personal services that will have you melting like butter when it’s cold as ice outside! Their thoughtfully curated property is designed with guests in mind, including rejuvenating and luxurious treatments. Facials, pedicures, reiki and reflexology are among their roster of soothing and pampering personal services, and retreats and packages can be booked ahead via their web link available here.
And a visit to Six Nations would not be complete without shopping the local stores and artisan experiences for authentic Indigenous art, crafts, jewelry, clothing, footwear, and so much more. The largest and longest-running arts and crafts store in the community is Iroqrafts, located at 1880 Tuscarora Rd. Featuring a wide array of leather and beadwork, sculptures, paintings and literature, this store has it all under one roof! A stop at Everything Cornhusk and Sapling & Flint in the Iroquois Village Plaza will also complete your gift or shopping list no matter what the occasion, including high-end authentic Indigenous jewelry, beautifully created cornhusk dolls, beadwork, and art. In addition to local shops, the Grand River Artisan Market holds monthly as well as seasonally special craft and handmade markets at the Six Nations community hall! February 9th and March 15th are their upcoming winter events, and you can follow their Facebook page updates here for more details!
Whatever your interest, the Six Nations community has what you need to help you truly enjoy the winter season. From grass-roots experiences and history to great culinary flavours, unique shopping, and cozy accommodations. Rest assured you can also find some rest and relaxation in the process. To plan a visit or to get recommendations for local accommodations, dining, shopping, activities, arts & culture, visit the Six Nations Tourism website or call (519) 758-5444 to speak with a tourism coordinator.
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