I may be biased but I think winter activities are my favourite. There’s something about being outside in fresh powder and working up a sweat that I find so satisfying. Granted, this could be because I grew up ski racing so it’s naturally something I love but still.
This winter though has seemed a little bit more difficult than most. Most of our money is going towards our home renovation which means I’m mostly house bound. Whatever activities or exploring I do outside needs to be close to home!
Those of you from a colder climate will understand the need to just find ways to get through winter. In my opinion, nothing makes it go faster than just embracing it. There are so many winter activities you can do you just need to have a little bit of ambition to actually get outside and get over the initial shock!
So what fun activities am I suggesting you try your hand at this winter? Read on to find out:
Skiing & Snowboarding
Did you honestly think I was going to start this list with anything over than my favourite winter activity? Good you know me well.
While the sports can be a little bit on the expensive side, okay a lot on the expensive side, it’s worth it! There are a number of small hills near Toronto but my
Those of you who are lucky enough to live at least somewhat close enough to epic mountains like Whistler or the Adirondacks, take advantage. Big mountains are often more intimidating then they should be. While the hills are long, they are much less steep than you think they are.
Snowshoeing
Honestly I think this is close to becoming one of my favourite winter activities. I inherited (quite possibly stole) a beautiful pair of snowshoes from my mother several years ago and I’m obsessed. I absolutely love going out and climbing up the mountains.
The best part of snowshoeing? It’s free. You can literally do it anywhere you want. Although, I’m not sure I would be doing it on the sidewalks of Toronto because you’ll likely ruin them and look like an idiot but any large park? Go for it!
Do some research before heading out for snowshoeing trails in your area. It’s very likely that someone has already done the dirty work for you.
Cross-Country Skiing
Believe it or not, I only tried cross-country skiing for the first time last winter. I think it was the only winter activity I had never tried. Which is pretty ironic considering that I grew up as a skier.
Thanks to Ontario Highlands, I had one of the most epic first times on skis. We headed up to the Highlands and got private lessons before heading out on the trails.
It was also the most romantic experience we had last year for sure. Just the two of us in the middle of the woods with fresh powder all around us. Seriously what could be better than that?
Skating
Skating is definitely one of the cheaper winter activities on this list if you already own a pair of skates. There are tons of ice rinks popping up now all over Toronto and many of them are actually free to use. Although, nothing quite beats heading out to the local pond and having a skate around.
When I was in University in Ottawa I lived right by the canal. I used to skate to my classes
Sledding
No going sledding (or tobogganing) isn’t just for kids, it’s awesome for adults too! You’ll definitely have to find a bigger hill than what you used as a kid though. If you Google ‘snow tubing’ you might be able to find some cool alternatives nearby.
I remember when I was younger and my dad used to take my sister and I out tobogganing. He would use the wax that was meant for our skis (you know the kind to make you go SUPER fast) and put it on the bottom of the sled. It honestly cracks me up now at the thought of it. No wonder I have such a need for speed now that I’m older. My dad ingrained it in me from day 1.
Walking
I know, of all the winter activities on this list, walking can be done in any season. What I would argue though is that walking is best done in the winter! It’s so romantic and much more enjoyable than sweating your *** off in the height of summer.
Plus, it’s free and you can quite literally do it anywhere. Now that we leave in The Beaches in Toronto I love heading down to the water and walking along the beachfront.
I also love grabbing a hot chocolate or an overpriced Starbucks latte and just wandering around a main street and window shopping. During our trip to Austria we did this quite a bit.
So what are you waiting for? Bundle up and get outside winter isn’t over yet!
