Sixty-five percent of the country is covered in snow for roughly six months each year, according to Statistics Canada. And that makes cold winter weather a fact of life for Canadians.
Whether you prefer to head outdoors looking for adventure or spend the cold days staying cozy at home, here are some of the most popular ways to get through the winter months.
Sledding
Approximately one in 10 families engage in winter tobogganing each year, StatCan says. It’s easy to see why. Sliding downhill on a toboggan can be fun and exhilarating while the walk back up the hill counts as exercise. Staying active is a natural mood boostser and contributes to a healthy lifestyle.Building a Snowman
Another popular family snow activity is building a snowman together. You can keep it traditional with a hat, scarf, and carrot nose, or get creative and build a snow creature to guard your yard.Ice Skating
A file photo of a family skating. AboutLife/Shutterstock
Strapping on some skates at a local ice rink can create some of the best winter memories. Many cities create unique outdoor rinks to encourage people to get out, stay active, and enjoy the beautiful scenery winter has to offer. If you live in the country, why not create your own rink in your backyard?
Skiing
Ski hills are big business in Canada, with the industry recording more than $1 billion in profits in 2022—a record year, according to StatCan. Canada is home to roughly 2.5 million skiers, the Canadian Ski Council estimates. It’s one of the most popular ways to get active in winter whether you go with friends or take the whole family.Snowball Fights
Gather family, friends, and neighbours together for an epic snowball fight. You can add to the fun by having each team create its own snow fort that opponents can storm as part of the challenge.Snowshoeing
Snowshoes, which were believed to have first been developed in Central Asia, are synonymous with Canadian winter fun. Indigenous peoples have used the snowshoe for thousands of years as a practical form of travel during winter. Canadians now use snowshoes for recreation and exercise.Take a Walk
To improve your energy and increase your motivation this winter, spend more time outside. Maridav/Shutterstock
Not every winter day is cold and dark. Many places in Canada get lots of sunshine during the season, which means plenty of time to bundle up and take a walk. Take in some of the beautiful scenery, and the sound of the snow crunching beneath your boots.
Drink Hot Chocolate
Winter is the perfect time to sit back and enjoy a mug of hot chocolate. Celebrate the season by adding whip cream, marshmallows, or sprinkles to make it extra special.Join a Class
Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean you have to hibernate all winter. Consider taking a class in something you’ve always wanted to learn, a new language, an ethnic cooking class, or even art lessons. If you’re wary about travelling to the class, look into online options. You'll find many different topics are covered in Zoom classes for all ages.See a Movie
Head out to the movie theatre and see the latest films for an experience you just can’t get at home. Don’t forget to treat yourself to popcorn and a drink.Bowling
Labelled bowling balls at All Star Lanes bowling alley at Westfield in White City, London, on Aug. 15, 2020. Hollie Adams/Getty Images
Stay active during winter without having to deal with the snow by going bowling. It’s a great time for families and groups of friends. Some bowling centres also offer glow-bowling, which is the same game in neon.
Games Night
Nothing beats getting together with people you care about and playing some games together. Whether you choose to challenge each other to a board game, or engage with video games, it’s a fantastic way to pass the time in the colder months.Reading
A woman rests against her dog on a bed while reading a book. Getty Images
A 2022 survey by BookNet Canada found that nearly half of Canadians read or listen to books every week, with 31 percent saying they do so every day. Winter is one of the best times to curl up and start a new novel.
Baking
Similar to tea cookies, these einkorn almond cookies are perennial favourites. Jennifer McGruther
Beat the winter blues by baking your favourite dessert. Whether you love brownies, sugar cookies, or blueberry muffins, creating in the kitchen can cheer you up and satisfy your sweet tooth.
