Embracing The Canadian Winter

This year, I’m fully embracing the Canadian winter. No more hibernating indoors. No more counting down to spring. No more SAD. I decided to get some proper gear and fill my calendar with winter adventures…

For years, I’ve been told that getting outside during winter is the key to surviving it happily, but I never really followed the advice. Until now. And since I feel like I just found a magic happy pill, I’m sharing my discovery so hopefully you can have a brighter winter too. I know, it sounds horrifying (especially during the polar vortex marathon we’ve been experiencing). But trust me, as long as you dress properly, winter can actually be a beautiful season. Not only will you squeeze in more daylight hours, but you’ll get fresh air and feel like a kid again!

This year, I’m not going to let the weather stand in the way of my happiness. I’m fighting back! Here are the winter adventures that have put a smile on my face so far. I hope you give some of them a shot:

• Learn how to ski or snowshoe at Blue Mountain. Or just head out there for the spa, food and après ski activities!
• Visit the Toronto Zoo. The crowds thin out during the winter months so it’s the perfect time to observe the animals. They also have over 10 km of walking trails!
• Attend an outdoor dance party at Igloofest in Montreal or Brrrrr! in Toronto.
• Head up to Haliburton and go dogsledding or snowmobiling!
• Head over to the Harbourfront Centre for a dance party on ice (free).
• Take a Winter on the Mountain tour in Montreal where you can skate on a natural lake, snowshoe up Mount Royal and slide down with wooden sleds.
• Go on a horse-drawn sleigh ride to a Sugar Bush in Waterloo Region and learn how maple syrup is made.
• Check out the beautiful ice sculptures at Icefest (free).
• Grab your family and friends and head to a tube park for some fun.

Let me know what else I should add to my list: I’m new at this!