It’s Time to Bundle Up and LOVE WINTER!

It’s cold and it’s definitely winter in Calgary. Hopefully you have been able to enjoy time outdoors with your household, getting in some fun activities and fresh air this winter. We know for some people, it might be more difficult to get outdoors, or maybe you just don’t like the cold.

It is easy to take for granted (especially right now) that Calgary is widely regarded as one of the best cities to enjoy winter. There are an incredible variety of winter activities that are only possible in cities with our weather. We’re a world-class destination for athletes, tourists and outdoors enthusiasts from all over the world! Do your best to look at Calgary like a visitor would and appreciate the unique beauty of our winter city.

Staying active is absolutely essential to keep us healthy (both physically and mentally!) and there are so many things to do and try in and around Calgary in the wintertime. In years past, we’ve often been so busy shuffling to and from work, school and extracurriculars that we haven’t given ourselves the time to experience new things and pick up new hobbies – when was the last time you tried snowshoeing or cross-country skiing? How long has it been since you put on a pair of skates? Why not bust out that old toboggan? Now’s your chance!

If you’re not excited about renting sports equipment, there are an incredible variety of cleared pathways to enjoy for winter walks across Calgary. Check out the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary and spy wildlife that overwinters in the area, bundle up and walk through Fish Creek or Nose Hill, or just get a coffee or cocoa to-go and find a quiet place near nature to enjoy the stillness of winter.

Create something that will make other people smile. Something we love to do is make snow sculpture displays! Find a public pathway and make a few snow people or animals – it’ll cheer up anyone who walks by and you might see a whole village of them the next time you pass that way. (Just don’t leave anything behind that’s not part of nature! Use biodegradable food coloring and water in squeeze bottles to decorate, or natural objects like sticks and pinecones.)

If it’s just too cold to play outside, shake up your indoor routine a little bit. Make a couch fort, use that old fireplace, rearrange the furniture, set up your tent indoors and camp in your living room, find a silly 80s aerobic routine on YouTube and follow along, or let each family member choose a craft to make. If you haven’t joined the world of online gaming, now’s the time to try it! There are dozens of family-friendly board games available through the Steam client which can be played with friends and family over the internet.

Feeling inspired? Share all of your winter adventures with #lovewinterYYC on social media and inspire others to make it their best season yet. Find tons more great winter activity ideas at Calgary.ca/lovewinter! Stay positive. Test negative.