Mental health benefits of getting outside this winter

Getting outdoors in Ontario this winter may be brisk, but it comes with a whole host of benefits for your mood and health.

The winter season notoriously brings cold weather, shorter days, and too much time cooped up indoors. It can even trigger a form of depression known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

All the more reason not to hibernate!

Let’s look at some of the very real mental health benefits of the outdoors during the winter season:

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Your guide to winter yurt and cabin camping

So you still haven’t had enough of the outdoors, even though winter has arrived?

Neither have we!

Day-tripping to your favourite park is a great way to get outside, but maybe you’ve decided to try an overnight stay this winter. Great choice!

Yurts and cabins are a popular way to experience winter at Ontario Parks. Stay warm and cozy while you enjoy all a park has to offer in the winter, from watching early morning sunlight reach across fresh snow, to skiing or snowshoeing through the forest as the snowflakes drift down.

Here’s everything you need to know for your winter adventure:

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10 ways to enjoy winter at Quetico

Today’s post comes from Quetico Provincial Park Superintendent Trevor Gibb.

Quetico is primarily known for its world class backcountry canoeing opportunities.

However, once the lakes freeze and snow blankets the forest, the park transforms into a wilderness winter wonderland.

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Winter adventures at Windy Lake

Lack of good snow getting you down?

Located just north of Sudbury, Windy Lake Provincial Park has some of the best cross-country ski and snowshoe trails in the region, plus cozy yurts and cabins, making it a prime winter vacation destination.

Here are our top five reasons you need to check out Windy Lake:

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6 essential items to pack for your winter hike

Trail guide and cellphone and water in bottles,
Flashlight just in case your hike is a dawdle,
High energy snacks secured with drawstrings,
These are a few of our essential things… (can’t you just hear Maria von Trapp’s voice?)

A walk through a pine tree forest in crunchy snow can be dreamy, however your trip through a winter wonderland can go south quickly if you’re missing important items.

Being prepared with a few essentials in your bag will help keep you safe on your adventure. Here are six items that should always be in your day pack on a winter hike:

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