Popular sports include snowshoeing, fat or mountain biking, downhill and cross-country skiing, sledding, skating, pond hockey or ringette, tubing, tobogganing and winter hiking. (Photo: Chris Holder via Unsplash)
Winter may not be your favourite season, but activities that help you reconnect and recharge with nature any time of year can help you maximize your outdoor fun.
Winter activities don’t have to be expensive or require travel, and many eco-friendly options exist!
Winter activities
If you’d rather not work up a sweat, try winter photography or forest bathing while enjoying a hot drink.
You can visit many municipal, regional and provincial parks, nature parks, trails, outdoor skating rinks and arenas for free or for a small fee.
Want to learn a new sport? Check out local organizations in your neighbourhood for classes. Or find someone in your community who can teach you the basics!
Don’t want to enjoy winter alone?
Enjoy activities in a group
Ask family and friends if they want to come along. Join online communities or meet-up groups centred around activities in your area or participate in those organized by recreation centres near you. Meet new friends and connect with old ones.
Budget-friendly equipment
Looking for a new wintertime activity or need new equipment? Check out these budget- and Earth-friendly options.
- Many parks and some private companies rent equipment year-round.
- Online “buy nothing” groups offer free, used equipment. Consider donating or posting stuff you no longer want.
- People sell great quality second-hand equipment in thrift and consignment stores or in online marketplaces such as Kijiji, Craigslist or Facebook.
Choose green transportation
About 24 per cent of Canada’s emissions come from transportation. Fossil fuel–powered cars and trucks are the biggest polluters. It’s easy to green your commute.
- Live near a park? Choose active transportation — walk or ride your bike (even in the snow).
- Take public transportation.
- Carpool or rideshare with folks heading to the same place. Many destinations and parks have dedicated Facebook groups that offer rideshare opportunities. Is there a meet-up group you can join?
- See if your destination offers a shuttle service from a central location, such as a tourism information centre, transit depot or hotel.
Equip yourself for winter
They key to enjoying time outside is being prepared.
- Bring food in reusable containers or bags. Leave no trace! Pack out whatever you pack in, including organic food waste.
- Include a water bottle so you stay hydrated.
- Insulated travel mugs and bottles are great for hot drinks.
- Dress so you stay warm — especially your head, hands and feet. Layers help because you can add or subtract as needed.
- Choose reusable instead of disposable hand warmers.
- Prioritize safety. Bring an emergency kit. Pack a map or save one to your mobile phone and ensure it’s fully charged before leaving. Check the weather report. Let someone know where you’re going.
And most importantly, enjoy your winter adventures!
