Tag: skiing

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:

Continue reading Mental health benefits of getting outside this winter

Fun for all at the Sleeping Giant Loppet

Today’s post comes from Peter Gallagher, coordinator of the annual Sleeping Giant Loppet.

Looking to ski your winter blues away?

The annual Sleeping Giant Loppet is a mass participation cross-country skiing festival on the spectacular trail system of Sleeping Giant Provincial Park.

The Loppet is a longstanding winter tradition for many northwestern Ontario families. Mark your calendars: the 44th edition of the event is on Saturday, March 4, 2023!

Continue reading Fun for all at the Sleeping Giant Loppet

Health benefits of cross-country skiing

Staying active in the winter isn’t always easy. For some of us, it’s tempting to stay in, cuddle up, and spend the long winter months binging Netflix under a warm blanket.

Cross-country skiing boasts a wide array of benefits for your physical and mental health. Here’s why you should strap on some skis and spend your winter gliding through frozen forests and snow-covered trails:

Continue reading Health benefits of cross-country skiing

6 tips for winter camping at Kawartha Highlands

So you’re no stranger to camping, but want a new adventure? Or maybe you’ve invested some money in winter camping gear?

Congratulations! Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park offers the perfect opportunity for those looking to get into winter camping.

Just a couple hours outside of the GTA, and three hours west of Ottawa, any weekend warrior looking for a new adventure will hear this park calling their name.

Here’s everything you need to know to make your foray into winter camping at Kawartha Highlands memorable, safe, and successful:

Continue reading 6 tips for winter camping at Kawartha Highlands

10 ways to enjoy winter at Quetico

Today’s post comes from Quetico Superintendent Trevor Gibb.

Quetico Provincial Park 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.

Continue reading 10 ways to enjoy winter at Quetico

Your winter preparedness guide

If you’re reading this, you’re likely a not-very-furry mammal with a core body temperature around 37ºC.

Your body works very hard to maintain this temperature. If it drops even a few degrees, moving, thinking, and other basic tasks become difficult. You will need to warm up quickly, or you may find yourself in a dangerous situation.

To prevent cold-related emergencies, it’s important to plan your winter adventures with care.

Here’s what you need to know to stay safe in cold weather:

Continue reading Your winter preparedness guide

How to get your kids to love cross-country skiing

Did you know 18 of our parks have cross-country trails, about half of them groomed?

Cross-country skiing is a great way for families to get outdoors and enjoy the winter together! It’s less expensive and safer than alpine skiing, it helps keep kids fit, and it’s a skill they’ll have their entire life.

Here are our top seven tips for getting kids hooked on cross-country skiing:

Continue reading How to get your kids to love cross-country skiing

Learning to skijor: your questions answered

Park Information Specialist Jill Legault at Quetico Provincial Park recently took up skijoring. In today’s post, she shares her best advice for getting started with your pup.

If you love skiing and have a dog, skijoring can be a blast!

Before you “hike up,” here are answers to some of your most frequently asked questions about this fun winter activity:

Continue reading Learning to skijor: your questions answered

Winter adventure in Killarney Provincial Park

The George Lake Campground, yurts, and cabins are currently closed due to wildlife activity in the area. The backcountry has not been impacted. For the latest information on the park’s operations and availability, please check the website.

Killarney Provincial Park is 645 km2 of beautiful, unspoiled nature. Add in some incredible trails and comfy accommodations and you’ve got a total winter hot spot. It’s no wonder winter explorers flock to the park when the cold hits.

So what are you waiting for? Here’s everything you need to know to plan your own Killarney adventure this winter.

Continue reading Winter adventure in Killarney Provincial Park