Oct 28, 2024
6 min. read
Enjoy a winter walk after a fresh snowfall.
Nothing could be prettier than going for a walk and admiring the snow-laced trees after a snowfall. It’s a truly magical sight and something the whole family can participate in. Remember to wear shoes or boots with good treads to avoid slipping on any ice you may encounter.
Outdoor skating on rinks, lakes and trails.
Skating is a quintessentially Canadian pastime and sport. Some outdoor skating rinks have even become the stuff of legend—Wayne Gretzky’s childhood home, in Brantford, where he famously honed his skills on (backyard) ice, is a designated heritage property. Today, Canadians still spend countless hours skating on backyard rinks, frozen lakes and rivers across the country. Many communities also offer man-made outdoor ice rinks for skating after school or under the stars as a family.
Safety must come first though, particularly if you plan to embark on pond or river skating. Outdoor rinks need cold average daily temperatures, ideally below –10°C, to be skateable. In recent years however, warmer winters have made outdoor rinks in some parts of Canada scarcer and more difficult to maintain. In response, citizen science initiatives such as RinkWatch, at Waterloo’s Wilfrid Laurier University, conduct research and monitor the temperatures and conditions at rinks and ponds across the country.
Road trip to ski country.
Whiz down the slopes, cross-country ski along beautiful trails or whoosh down the hill in a tube. Whatever you decide to do, the Blue Mountain ski area is a great destination for the whole family. With luxurious stays available within walking distance of the famed Village, family-friendly restaurants to indulge at and an amazing après-ski scene (hint: you don’t have to be a skier to enjoy this), Blue Mountain offers something for everyone.
Skate and snowshoe at LV Four Seasons Trail.
Embrace the fairy tale ambience of the forest at night as you skate along a 1.5-kilometre ice trail through scenic woodlands. Skating trails have become more and more popular over the past several years. Taking in beautiful scenery while getting some exercise makes a great combination. At LV Four Seasons Trail, a two-kilometre snowshoe trail is also offered.
Prepare your vehicle for winter adventures.
Wherever you decide to venture, make sure your vehicle is in tip-top shape. When temperatures drop, being stranded by the side of the road is more than an inconvenience—it’s a safety issue. Make sure you’ve transitioned to your winter tires and had your battery tested ahead of the winter season. It’s also a good idea to stock up your car in advance of the winter season with safety items like a roadside kit, blankets and water so you are ready to deal with any challenges your family may face.
Get started planning your joyful winter activities today.