Let’s face it, winter kind of sucks. At first, it’s not too bad as we get caught up in the whirlwind of holiday festivities but come mid-January when there’s nothing left to celebrate, reality sets in. Winter seems beautiful and glamorous in pictures of frosted window panes and sparkling snow, but in reality, it’s just a bad combination of dry skin, chapped lips, and freezing weather, while trying to decide if it’s worth leaving your cozy bed each morning to face the world. The good news is that while there still may be many bleak, snowy days ahead, there’s also the promise of an abundance of fun outdoor winter activities you can do to pass the time.
1.) Hit the Slopes
Practically a given when it comes to enjoying a day in the outdoors during the depths of the winter months. With a variety of options from tubing and sledding to skiing and snowboarding, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. A good dupe for dragging yourself to the gym, you’re sure to be sore after a day on the slopes. And let’s face it, nothing says pure winter bliss like flying down a mountain with fresh powder snow spraying into your face.
2.) Snowshoe
Another great winter workout, walking on top of the snow requires a lot more effort than it sounds like. But while traipsing through snowy fields, you get to enjoy both the quiet peace of nature in winter and a less-common form of outdoor exercise when it’s too cold to do anything else.
3.) Build a Snowman / Have a Snowball Fight
The older we get, the more it seems like the things we used to treasure as children slip through our fingers as we become encompassed in a world of meetings, schoolwork, business calls, and trying to fit in a social life and a full of eight hours of sleep between everything else. But on the occasional spare afternoon, don’t be afraid to embrace your inner child and head out into the snow with some friends to build a snowman or have a killer snowball fight. You’re never too old to have fun!
4.) Ice Skate
The perfect idea for a date or even just with a group of friends who you can laugh at when they fall on their butts, you don’t have to be a figure skater to get out on the ice. Montreal has a multitude of ice rinks where you can get a day pass and rent skates for pretty cheap, and just like skiing or snowboarding, it’s a fun way to get some exercise outdoors while moving around enough to stay warm.
5.) Soak in a Hot Tub
Widely popular in the colder months, nothing feels as good as slipping into a steaming hot tub or hot springs in the middle of winter. Sure, the dash from the indoors to the water in your bathing suit will raise some goosebumps but the second your skin touches the water, all your worries will melt away. Grab some friends and blast some good tunes and spend a day warm while still enjoying being outside.
6.) Dog Sledding
Often forgotten from the common list of winter activities, dog sledding is great if you want to go outdoors but don’t want to put a whole lot of effort into any physical activity. While you may have to travel outside of the city to find somewhere where this is available, it’s a great non-traditional way to beat the winter blues. Who doesn’t love an abundance of cute dogs frolicking in the snow?
7.) Make Tire D’Érable
“Maple taffy” as it’s referred to by its English translation, this sugar candy is made by pouring boiling maple syrup onto snow and lifting with a popsicle stick. A delicious, sugary winter treat that embraces all aspects of Canadian winter, you can either try making your own as a fun friend activity or find somewhere local that’s selling it. You could even head out to Quebec City for a day at Carnival where you’re sure to find an abundance of tire d’érable sales among many other delicious food and fun winter activities!
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