Fun, Outdoorsy Adventures To Get In The Holiday Spirit
Canada’s cold season doesn’t have to mean staying indoors or acting like the Grinch in frigid temperatures. Amp up the joy and chase away the winter blues with these fun outdoor holiday adventures. Pull on your warm winter clothing and get outside for an adventure!
Here are 10 of our favourite activity ideas for December.
Wander Through Magical Lights
One of the most beautiful ways to brighten up winter’s dark nights is by visiting an outdoor light display. In North Vancouver, Canyon Lights at the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is a stunning seasonal experience. Cross the wobbly 137-metre-long suspension bridge, high above the river below, enjoying the dazzling lights that ignite the bridge in magical colours. The illuminated treetop adventure and glowing orbs transform the forest into an enchanted winter wonderland.
Go for a Winter Hike in Ugly Christmas Sweaters
Bundle up with mittens, a toque and long underwear—then toss a ridiculous holiday-themed sweater overtop your jacket. Find an easy trail and bring a friend or two, along with the 10 essentials. Take some silly photographs posing in the snow for your next holiday cards. When hiking in the winter, remember to leave earlier than usual and bring your headlamps just in case, as the sun sets significantly earlier in the winter months and you don’t want to be caught in the dark unprepared.
Dress like Santa on Skis
With ski hills opening across the country, it’s time to dust off your gear, wax up your skis or snowboard and don a onesie to hit the slopes. Yup, we’re encouraging fun, holiday-themed outfits for the month of December. I hope you’re okay with some extra attention, as you’ll likely get some funny looks and a lot of enthusiastic cheers. Tag us on Instagram @exploremagazine and we’ll reshare our favourites!
Go Tobogganing with Your Family
When there’s enough snow, break out the old wooden toboggan, plastic saucer or new sled and head to your local sledding hill with your loved ones. In a pinch, you can use a cardboard box or garbage bag. Personally, I love using an affordable and erratic Crazy Carpet. Run up the slope and race your friends and family members back down again. If you’re brave enough, hit a little jump! This activity is perfect for kids and adults who like to act like kids.
Have a Winter Picnic
For a successful winter picnic, pack some hot or warm foods as well as traditional cold picnic foods. Bring sandwiches and salads in a cooler, and transport tea, stew, chilli and warm soup in thermoses, keeping the hot and cold items packed in separate backpacks for best results. An insulated picnic blanket with a waterproof bottom is also a must. Campfires keep everyone cozy and allow you to roast s’mores for dessert.
Build a Snow Sculpture
To make a traditional snowman, use a corncob pipe, a button nose and two eyes made out of coal. If you don’t want to replicate classic Frosty, it’s time to get artistic! Create your own snow animal, alien or mythical creature: maybe you’ll build a dog, cat or dragon? Bunnies, turtles and, of course, snow castles are other popular snow creations. Have fun and aim for enjoyment rather than perfection.
Attend a Christmas Market
Nothing says “Christmas” like wandering around a European-inspired outdoor holiday market. Beneath garland and decorated trees, listen to carol singers, browse for gifts, warm up with Gluhwein and treat yourself to a bratwurst with sauerkraut. The best time to visit is in the morning or early afternoon, right when the market opens, when it’s quieter, and on a snow day, so you can enjoy the feeling of soft snowflakes falling on your hair and eyelashes while you wander through the wooden stalls.
Play Snowball Freeze Tag
Have you ever played freeze tag? This is the same idea, only with snowballs! Depending how many people you have to play, one to three people can be “it.” They are trying to tag the other players with snowballs. Once you are hit, freeze like an icicle in the exact position you were hit in. When another player gently touches you, you defrost—so you can rejoin the game. Be careful—only use soft snow and always aim below the head.
Skate at a Local Outdoor Rink
Whether you prefer a manmade surface like an indoor rink or natural ice on a frozen lake or river, there are tons of options for skating in Canada. Always make sure the ice has been tested and approved for skating before venturing onto it. Play a game of pick-up hockey or teach a loved one how to skate. Many rinks offer rentals and sell hot chocolate.
Enjoy a Hot Chocolate Date in a Park
Winter is the perfect time to cozy up in the beautiful outdoors. Listen to birdsong, watch for telltale signs of wildlife like pawprints in the snow and sip a steaming cup of hot cocoa with your favourite person in your backyard or a local park. Bring a camping mug, thermos full of a comforting warm beverage, and relax in a winter wonderland.
