Going stir crazy? There are many reasons to get out of the house — to enjoy local winter activities, see the sights, spend time with friends and family and even get in some exercise.
Whether it’s a date, part of your fitness routine or an adventure with the kids or grandkids, here are some suggestions that are easy on the budget.
See the lights: From December to the first week of January is prime light viewing time throughout Canada. If a stroll around your neighbourhood leaves you wanting more, look for local parks and historical sites in that put on a special show this time of year. Make it an outing by packing a snack and taking along a warm beverage like hot chocolate or flavoured coffee.
It’s also a good time to visit one of Canada’s many light festivals. For example, there’s Ottawa’s Christmas Lights Across Canada, the Festival of Lights at Vancouver’s VanDusen Botanical Garden and Niagara Falls Festival of Lights (to name a few). While some of festivals charge admission, others are free or offer free events.
Skate: Many arenas offer family or public skating times for a reasonable price — and offer rentals for those who don’t have their own equipment. If you’ve got your own blades, take advantage of free opportunities on outdoor rinks at parks, school yards or even city hall. (Availability will depend on the weather, but the hours are more flexible.) You can find an online map through the city’s website or parks and recreation department.
If you happen to be in the Ottawa area, one of the must-do activities is skating part of the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO Heritage Site. At nearly 8 km in length it’s one of the largest skating rinks in the world. (See the Skateway website for details).
Drop in for a game of hockey: Hockey may be quintessential Canadian winter sport, but you don’t have to join a team, be a local or even be a particular age to play the occasional game. Look for pick-up leagues in your area or drop-in hockey games. Many communities offer seniors’ games in addition to regular adult men’s and women’s, and the price is often less than going to the movies. (Some equipment like helmets and gloves are required.)
Explore the trails: Many local parks and conservation areas maintain winter trails for hiking, skiing or snowshoeing, and you can even rent equipment for the day if you don’t have your own. These activities don’t require much instruction or lengthy lessons to enjoy, and they afford some sight-seeing and photo opportunities.
Walk indoors: Unfortunately, icy conditions can pose a risk to avid walkers. If you need to work some exercise into your day, look for indoor walking tracks at the local community centre and college or university campus that are available for public use. While fees tend to be low, access to some tracks is available for free during certain times of the day like early morning and late evening.
