SNOW MUCH FUN
Activities you and your family can enjoy this winter.
Canadians are no strangers to the cold. From the mountain chill of BC to the three-day shutdowns incurred by debilitating snowstorms on the east coast, we all have our own hurdles to overcome in order to conquer winter.
This year, we’ve seen the great outdoors take on greater meaning for Canadians. The holiday season is quickly approaching, but many are wondering how much time they’ll get to spend with friends and family with a second wave underway and restrictions tightening for much of the country. With health experts testifying to the importance of proper ventilation and social distancing in curbing the virus, many are flocking to the safety that fresh air and wide-open spaces permit in order to spend time with loved ones in a lower-risk environment.
But signing up for an extended stint in freezing temperatures can be a daunting task for many. The good news? It doesn’t have to be!
The first order of business is finding the right apparel and gear for the activity and weather at hand. We’ve compiled a convenient guide to help you find the right fit for the whole family.
Once you’re prepared to face the elements comfortably, it’s important to have a game plan to pass the time and keep everyone’s blood pumping.
At a loss for inspiration? We’ve got you covered! Here are a few ideas to pass the time in a winter wonderland:
1. Snowball Fight!
Level up your next backyard battle by dividing your crew into two groups. Assign team captains to organize the building of a headquarters or a safety wall (made out of snow of course) to act as a home base for strategizing and shielding from incoming (snow) fire.
Pre-roll snowballs so you’re all stocked up and have a neutral party draw up some ground rules. If you’re looking for some inspiration, we recommend watching the classic snowball fight scene from the 1998 film, Jack Frost, starring Michael Keaton in snowman form.
2. S’mores in the Snow
Who said campfire parties are only for Summer nights? Sometimes, the contrast between a warm crackling fire and the cool chill of a December night actually heightens the experience. Socialize in the safety of fresh air with chairs spaced six feet apart around the fire, and have an old-fashioned campfire cook out. Still a little chilly? Pull out some old blankets for a little more insulation. Bonus points for whoever can tell the spookiest campfire story!
3. Ice Fishing
Ice Fishing is a tried and true Canadian pastime in winter months—one that brings about comradery, excitement, and potentially: dinner. Hesitant to hit hard water or unsure of where to begin?
We’ve got you covered with our expert guide dedicated to all things ice fishing! Click here to browse pro tips, tutorials, and more! You’ll be hailing hard water in no time!
The blanket of snow and hoar-frost coated trees provide an entire new landscape to discover.
4. Winter Walk
We’ve all enjoyed a nice hike on a hot Summer’s Day, but a trek through the trail can be just as enjoyable in the colder months. The blanket of snow and hoar-frost coated trees provide an entire new landscape to discover. Make sure you dress appropriately with a warm base layer and hit the trail! Pack a few snacks and a hot drink in your thermal cup to help keep your core warm. Depending on your experience and how far you’re venturing from home, it might be a good idea to bring a GPS navigation system along with you. The last thing you want to be is lost in the wild in freezing temperatures.
5. Toboggan Relay Races
A fun twist on a classic Canadian tradition. Before your next trek to your favorite toboggan hill, do a little bit of planning and see if you can transform an already fun activity into a little friendly competition! Split your group in half and create a relay race! Have team members slide down the hill, hit a target with a snowball, and then run back up the hill to tag the next person on their team in. Add your own flare if you like and incorporate as many winter games as you’d like. Adjust each activity to the skill level of the group and make sure you have plenty of reinforcements in the way of food, and extra mitts and gloves (in case you’re dealing with a wet snowfall).
6. Outdoor Slumber Party
It may be a little chilly for tent camping this time a year (unless you’ve got the experience and equipment to withstand the elements), but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy an outdoor slumber party! You can create your very own snow shelter in your backyard using nothing but a shovel, your hands, a bit of hard work, and a whole lot of snow. Gather your troops and try your hand at building a quinzee, a snow shelter that is essentially a hallowed-out pile of snow operating much like an igloo, providing insulation and warmth.
It’ll take several hours to build, so make sure you’re up for the task physically and stay hydrated and dry. Haul out your sleeping bags to your new winter fort and enjoy the coolest (no pun intended) sleepover ever!
*Consult a quinzee-building guide online prior to starting construction to ensure your shelter is structurally sound and safe.*