Getting more exercise is likely on New Year’s Resolutions lists of many people all over the world. Part of that resolution might involve getting active and getting outside more often. It is certainly a great way to keep that resolution and improve your overall physical and mental health. But for those of us that live in Canada, and other parts of the world that experience cold weather, one thing can put a damper on plans to pack more outdoor activity into our days: Winter.
The cold temperatures and the snow and ice-filled sidewalks can throw a wrench into aspirations of an active winter. It can be quite frustrating. But luckily, there are several ways to push through the season and enjoy being outside in the cold. It might just require a few extra layers.
A recent report from the Canadian Fitness and Lifestyle Research Institute (CFLRI) and the Canadian Parks and Recreation Association (CPRA) discusses the impact a lack of physical activity has on Canadians. A less active country does not just equate to negative impacts on the health of Canadians, it can also place a costly burden on the Canadian healthcare system. The report states that roughly half of Canadian adults and 72 percent of Canadian children aren’t getting enough physical activity, and includes environmental changes (e.g., flooding, wildfires, snow and ice storms, heat exposure) as a contributing factor to a lack of physical activity.
The report discusses the benefits of SPAR (Sports, Physical Activity, and Recreation) for the physical and mental health of Canadians, and says that participating in SPAR lowers a person’s risk of heart diseases, stroke, depression and type 2 diabetes. With this in mind, it is important for everyone, even those of us living in cold climates, to stay as active as possible all year round.
Winter-friendly outdoor recreation in Ottawa
Hiking/Walking Trails: One of the easiest ways to get outside is going for a walk. There are plenty of great options in the Ottawa area, but one of the best options in the winter is The Sheila McKee Nature Trail located outside of Kanata. The winter is one of the best times to visit as there is a large waterfall that freezes completely during the winter months.
Outdoor Skating/Hockey: While it remains to be seen whether the Rideau Canal will freeze enough for outdoor skating in 2024, the City of Ottawa has several outdoor skating rinks that can be used for light recreational skating and for playing hockey. Some of the city’s outdoor skating surfaces can even be booked for private use. All the city’s outdoor rinks are available to use at no cost.
Cross-country Skiing: The Ottawa area boasts several fantastic cross-country ski facilities, some of which feature full-service equipment rental shops for those new to skiing or those that don’t have their own gear. Mooney’s Bay Ski Centre at the Terry Fox Athletic Facility and Gatineau Park are both just 15 minutes from downtown Ottawa and are great options for public skiing. Gatineau Park also offers trails for snowshoeing and snow biking. The Kanata Nordic Ski Club calls Wesley Clover Parks home, and is a
great facility for those west of the downtown core.
To learn more about the benefits of physical activity, and to read the full report from the
CFRLI and CPRA, visit measuring-impact.ca.