7 Winter Activities You Should Get Off Your Butt and Do

I see you; cowering under your favourite blankie, binge watching Netflix. You lost the plot somewhere around Season 6, but there’s nothing better to do, since spring is still so far away. I’m not peeking through your windows, I see you because I was you. I spent years hibernating and loathing winter, and all that ended up doing was making winter a whole lot longer than it needed to be. If you want the season to fly by, invest in some proper winter attire and get out there. I promise, the more you do, the more you’ll start to like, dare I say, even love the season.

Winter Hiking

Probably the sport with the lowest entry cost, winter hiking is the simplest way to get outside and enjoy the marshmallow world that surrounds you. Even if you would describe yourself as “city-folk,” there are trails near you. Go ahead, Google it and then get out there.

Downhill Skiing

I learned to ski at 44, overcoming a thirty year old fear in the process. When I finally got the hang of it, after a small nervous breakdown on the ski hill, I couldn’t help but scoff at how silly I’d been about it all. Downhill skiing can be as easy or challenging as you’d like it to be; I still like green runs, my kids are all over Black Diamonds. Skiing is also a rare sport that doesn’t have an expiry date as you age. Case in point, my 12 year-old’s 70-year-old ski instructor at Mont-Tremblant. If you fall somewhere between those two ages, what’s your excuse?

Outdoor Skating

I hear you protesting. Skating indoors doesn’t count though, not when we have so many amazing destinations outdoors in Canada. Ottawa’s Rideau Canal is probably Canada’s mot famous outdoor skating venue. I can confirm that Beaver Tails and Maple Taffy huts are powerful motivators to complete all seven kilometres of it. There is also an exciting new trend for outdoor skating trails. Check out Muskoka’s Ice Skating Trail, and the outdoor skating trail in Lac-Du-Loups, Quebec, and the IceWay Skating Trail in Edmonton.

Photo courtesy of Ontario Parks

Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing has been around as long as Canada, and if you’re ready to take a step up from winter hiking, then try strapping a pair of snowshoes on your feet. You’d be amazed at the places they can take you, like down the side of a mountain at night on a quest for melted cheese for example. When you’re ready to commit, consider joining a Snowshoe Club. It’s true, there are enough winter lovers out there to actually form a club.

Dogsledding

Another Canadian past-time, dogsledding used to be a legit way to get from your neighbour’s house to yours. Except for in Canada’s extreme north, it’s now a strictly recreational pursuit. While you’re not likely to become a professional musher, it’s something every Canadian should try at least once in their life. Look for a dogsledding facility near you and for one that allows you to interact with the dogs before and after sledding with them. We booked our excursion with Wolf Expeditions through the Tremblant Activity Centre and loved every furry moment of it. Bonus: If your timing is right, you might get to snuggle with puppies.

Cross Country Skiing

You might think that cross country skiing isn’t as intense as downhill skiing, and if you thought that, you’d be wrong. Depending on the terrain, cross country skiing can be much more of an intense workout, which means come spring instead of moaning about all that winter weight you’re carrying, you’ll be that annoying person who slips into last year’s shorts with ease.

Winter Camping

Not for the faint of heart, but if you’ve come this far, you’re a winter warrior (in my opinion). Winter camping allows you to wake up and slip on your snowshoes or cross country skis and get out there from the comfort of your own yurt or cabin. Don’t worry about being warm; these accommodations are quite cozy, and, I might add, perfect for snuggling with someone you love. Finally, if you’re looking for something really unique, check out these treehouses in Tremblant. Talk about channelling your inner child!