This holiday, take time to enjoy the winter wonderland
Winter hiking on the Niagara Escarpment (photo by Al Thompson)
With winter storms battering the country from coast to coast and the mercury dropping, it's easy to want to huddle inside by the fireplace. But most of us find that we're happier when we get outside. For my husband and me, some of our happiest memories have been when we've been exploring nature and the outdoors together.
In fact, an Ipsos Reid poll conducted on behalf of the Nature Conservancy of Canada shows that nine in 10 Canadians say they're happier when they spend time in nature.
There are so many ways for you to get outside and enjoy Canada's winter wonderland with friends and family. Why not try a few of these ideas:
Out for a snowshoe in Gatineau Parc, QC (Photo by DJ)
Spot the species
Bring your binoculars on a hike or snowshoe to identify the species you encounter. Or, try identifying animal tracks in the snow to see what animals are out and about.
Get crafty and creative
Nature certainly looks different with all of that snow on it. Bring your camera to take photos of the snow-covered winter wonderland to send a holiday e-greeting to loved ones.
You can also pack paper and crayons and make bark rubbings of trees on your route, to embellish a special holiday or New Year's card.
Let nature inspire you
Nature and the outdoors make great inspiration for any poet. Jot down notes about your day (or record your thoughts on a voice recorder if the temperatures are too chilly and your mitts too thick to hold a pen) and send that special someone a nature-inspired poem or love letter, mentioning all of the species, sights and sounds you encountered.
Snowshoeing in Parc de la Gatineau, QC (Photo by DJ)
Bring out your inner snow child
Sure, a fresh blanket of snow makes a great canvas to build snowmen or snow angels. But why not break with tradition and use all that snow to build figures in the shape of your favourite animal — making you the inspiration for other snow-figure builders on the block!
Share the love with our furry friends
Winter is the time where food is scarce for the furry and fuzzy creatures that have not migrated to warmer climates. Help make their food hunt a little easier by making pine cone feeders for birds and squirrels and hanging them around the neighbourhood.
How do you enjoy your winter wonderland?
Let us know by sending a photo or video of your time in nature to us at landlines@natureconservancy.ca so we can share them with others!
About the Author
Christine Beevis Trickett is the director of editorial services for the Nature Conservancy of Canada.
