13 Ways To Stay Active Outdoors & Enjoy The Canadian Winter
Updated: Jan. 23, 2018
Take advantage of the season! Enjoy a Canadian winter in the best way you can – by getting outdoors and getting active.
A Canadian winter isn’t an excuse to stay indoors – it’s the reason to get outside!
Instead of hibernating this winter, why not put on your favourite parka and enjoy the outdoors. I’ve rounded up 13 ways you can enjoy and embrace the Canadian winter while staying fit. And, as an added bonus, to help you stay warm all winter long I’ve rounded up some great cold weather active clothes perfect for any activity on this list.
The healthiest comfort food recipes that will warm your soul.
Dog Sledding on Tagish Lake
Get off the grid this winter and on a dog sled at the Tagish Lake Kennel. Located 100 kilometres south of Whitehorse, Yukon, wind your way through the snowy northern territory on half or full day tours leaving daily from the Southern Lakes Resort.
Want to workout with dogs? How about goats? We listed the funnest animal workouts in Canada!
Shredding the powder in Golden
The west coast is the best coast, when it come to finding somewhere to ski or snowboard in British Columbia. Golden and nearby Revelstoke has the perfect snow conditions for a long winter season with eight resorts (including Kicking Horse Mountain Resort and Revelstoke Mountain Resort) in The Kootenay Rockies as well as backcountry heli-ski or cat-ski trip adventures.
We had no idea that skiing did this for our health. Did you?
Walking on ice in Jasper National Park
Take in a Canadian winter sight like no other. Wander your way through the bottom of Maligne Canyon in Jasper National Park in Alberta. The guides lead you along the frozen canyon floors to see wondrous sights like a cave system, ice sculptures and past a frozen waterfall that towers down the canyon walls.
Keep moving along the South Saskatchewan River
In the heart of downtown Saskatoon beside the Delta Bessborough Hotel, the Cameco Meewasin Skating Rink offers free skate rentals all winter to those hoping to take a spin. Embrace the chilly Prairie winter by exploring the Meewasin Trail along the South Saskatchewan River by snowshoe, fat bike or even kick sled.
Ice fishing in the Northwest Territories
In the Northwest Territories, the best months to enjoy winter activities are in April and May when the ice fishing season is at its peak. Whether you are at a cozy lodge in town or a remove lake only accessible by snowmobile, try you luck fishing for Char on the Arctic coast or Trout, Pike and Pickerel on inland lakes.
Love fish? Make sure you are eating the healthiest fish you can buy (or ice fish!).
Cross-country skiing in Whiteshell Provincial Park
Whiteshell Provincial Park, 150 kilometres from Winnipeg, is characterised by the Precambrian Shield rock, making the landscape quite different then the rest of the Prairies. With an expansive trail system, the best way to see the views is by cross-country skiing.
Ice climbing in Ontario
Haliburton are Ontario’s Highlands with a host of activities to explore in both the summer and winter. During the snowy winters visitors can learn how to ice climb at Medeba with Yours Outdoors on their 36-foot ice-climbing wall.
Snowmobiling through Nunavut
One of the easiest and most exciting ways to get around the northern territory of Nunavut is by snowmobile. Travel across the ice through Frobisher Bay to the Meta Incognita Peninsula over 100km through the Katannilik Territory Park for a five-day trip from Iqaluit to Kimmirut with Inukpak Outfitting.
We were surprised to find out travel trend no. 6 among millennials.
Fatbiking in the Laurentians
Fatbiking is quickly becoming a popular winter activity as it is specially designed with thicker tires for riding on snow and ice. Throughout the Laurentians there are a number of trails for all skill levels as well as at the Le Parc regional Montagne du Diable for the adventurous rider.
Soar down P.E.I.’s only ski hill
Less than 30 kilometres east of Charlottetown, Brookvale Provincial Park is home to Prince Edward Island’s only Alpine ski hill with a 250 foot vertical drop. Enjoy the stunning scenery along the accessible trails outside of the resort perfect for snowshoeing and cross country skiing.
Ever skied in Switzerland? You will want to after seeing this.
Snowshoe through Metepenagiag Heritage Park
Metepenagiag Heritage Park is an accessible and educational way to explore the land. Guided snowshoe walking tours often end with tea and bannock served by a campfire where you can learn more about the history of this beautiful area of New Brunswick.
Finally the debate about the caffeine in tea versus coffee is over!
Skate around The Oval in Halifax
The Emera Oval in Halifax is the largest outdoor surface in the Maritimes, equalling the size of three NHL hockey rinks. And it can accommodate 1,500 skaters at one time. The Halifax Common was once the site of horse races, circuses and fairs; locals fought to keep “The Oval” a permanent fixture during the winters in Nova Scotia.
Why figure skater Tessa Virtue resolved to have a “year of yes!”
Snowmobiling through Newfoundland & Labrador
In Newfoundland and Labrador, there are over 5,000 kilometres of trails where snowmobiles can drive their way through forests, over mountains, and along fjords (long, narrow inlets). What better way then to discover the legendary coast of Newfoundland soaring through the North Arm Hills or the beautiful Lomond Sinkhole.
And that is how you enjoy a Canadian winter to its fullest. Now, keep reading for how to stay warm!
Or you can try snowmobiling in Nunavut, like this blogger did.
What to wear during a Canadian winter
Stay warm during even the snowiest winter sports with the latest athletic gear for winter, like this sleek but cozy jacket.
Parajumpers Harriet Puffer, $415.00 at parajumpers.it.
These long puffer coats are as flattering as they are comfy.
Lets talk a boot this Canadian winter
Heavy duty boots are a must, but they are also Canadiana chic!
Baffin Kristi Boot, $224.99 at baffin.com.
Nice stems
Layering helps, but snow pants are where it’s at.
MEC Below Celsius Insulated Pant, $185.00 at mec.ca.
Matchy cover up
You will be thankful for they athletic layers. Trust us.
Under Armour Threadborne Seamless Heathered Funnel Neck, $79.99 at underarmour.com.
Spot the Canadian touches in Lindsey Vonn’s new collection for Under Armour.
You need support
Whether you are snowboarding, skiing or ice climbing, the right sports bra will make all the difference.
Anita Xcontrol Sports Bra, $75 at Anita retailers.
Legs for daze
Any gal loves a good pair of leggings, but in a Canadian winter, you want ones that keep in body heat.
New Balance Women’s M4M Seamless Heat Tight, $104.99 at newbalance.ca.
This is the best way to slim down thighs without working out too hard.
Backpacker’s guide
Outdoor sports are no HIIT workout, so bring snacks (and other necessities).
MEC Outpost Pack, $98 at mec.ca.
Everything you will need to pack in your backpack in case of an emergency.
It is all about that base
Long johns got a makeover with athletic base wear.
Columbia Women’s Midweight Stretch Baselayer Long Sleeve Shirt, $69.99 at columbiasportswear.ca.
Did you know that body temperature might keep your weight down?
Newsletter Unit
