Last weekend I took my kids to skate on Lake Banook near our home in Dartmouth, NS. The moment we glided out onto the frozen lake I felt an overwhelming sense of awe, and had to pause for a moment to take it all in.
The lake had transformed into a winter playground that stretched out as far as the eye could see. People of all ages were taking part in various activities: a few games of ice hockey with hats or gloves to mark the goal area, older couples skating hand-in-hand on trails that someone had lovingly shoveled, and a few people ice fishing and waiting patiently for a tug on the line.
We even saw some brave souls in their bathing suits making their way into a small area where the ice had been chipped away for a quick “polar dip”, while warmly dressed onlookers cheered them on.
It was just beautiful. The sky was a perfect shade of winter blue, the air was so crisp that each breath felt like inhaling the scent of peppermint, and the sun was hitting the ice in a way that made it sparkle.
And everywhere I looked, people were embracing the cold together. It made me wonder, what exactly is it that makes being outside in winter feel so special?
The benefits of getting out in the cold
Getting outside in the winter has a whole host of benefits for our mental and physical health. Studies show that embracing the cold can help strengthen your immune system, reduce stress, and increase the production of feel-good hormones like dopamine and serotonin.
This last part plays a big role in combatting Seasonal Affective Disorder – a form of depression that 15% of Canadians report experiencing during their lifetimes.
Winter also has the power to connect us culturally. Across Canada, winter activities like skating, sledding, and hockey are more than just pastimes – they’re shared experiences that connect us, no matter where we come from.
I saw this first hand that day on Lake Banook: strangers coming together to form a hockey team, neighbours bringing hot cocoa to the polar dippers, and newcomers to Canada taking their first uncertain glides on a pair of skates.
These connections strengthen us. The more we embrace winter together, the stronger we become – both against the cold, and whatever challenges come our way.
What would Canada look like without winter?
Something else was in the back of my mind that day. Earlier that week I had read a report that found that Canadian cities are losing up to 19 days of winter due to fossil-fuel driven climate change. My province of Nova Scotia has added 7 days of above-freezing temperatures each winter over the last decade.
It made me wonder: what Canada would look like without winter? No frozen lakes to play a friendly game of ice hockey on, no sledding hills dusted with a fresh layer of snow, no crisp mornings where our breath hangs in the air in puffs of white.
It feels nearly impossible to imagine, but climate change is already taking more and more of the season that shapes so much of who we are.
On thin ice
Winter in Canada exists because of a delicate balance of nature – one that has shaped our landscapes, traditions, and way of life for generations. But now, fossil fuel-driven climate change is disrupting that balance, bringing warmer winters, unpredictable weather, and shrinking ice.
We’re already seeing a decrease in the amount of days we can enjoy our cherished winter activities across the country. Ottawa’s Rideau Canal was closed to skaters due to warmer temperatures for all of 2022 and 2023 — a first in its 50 year history. In 2024, it was only open for 10 days, making it the second shortest season on record.
Meanwhile in B.C., a lack of snowfall and an unusually warm January meant that many ski resorts struggled to open in the 2023-24 season.
These changes in winter as we know it affect more than just the activities we do in our recreation and leisure time. They also threaten the livelihood of the people and regions who make a living from those activities, and the wildlife who rely on the rhythms of the seasons to survive.
And the implications of warmer temperatures and less snowfall extend beyond the winter season itself. Combined, these factors are big contributors to drought conditions. This has huge impacts on both how abundant our food growing season is, and how destructive our wildfire season is from spring through fall. In fact, there are very few areas of our lives and our planet that won’t be impacted by large shifts in our seasons.
A season worth protecting
I know there are parts of winter that aren’t enjoyable for everyone – shoveling our cars out of snow banks when we’re already late for work, and icy roads that turn driving into a white-knuckle experience to name a few. But on the ice this weekend I was reminded what a gift this season actually is – and why it’s worth celebrating and protecting.
In order to do that, we need to tackle the problem at its source and make the switch from fossil fuels to clean energy. While that shift is well underway, at times it can feel like progress is not happening fast enough, and I can feel powerless at the scale of it all.
In those moments I feel so grateful for all of you in the My Climate Plan community who are stepping up in big and small ways to protect the seasons, landscapes, and traditions we hold dear. May our hockey ice always be frozen, and our cocoa always hot.
Ways to reconnect with winter
Embracing the magic of winter doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. By reconnecting with what makes this season special, we both improve our well-being and also deepen our appreciation for the winter traditions that connect and strengthen us.
In that spirit, here are a few family-friendly, budget-friendly winter activities to help you make the most of the season:
- Go for a skate on a local pond or rink: Many communities maintain outdoor rinks that are free to use, and some even offer free or low-cost skate rentals. Always check ice conditions before skating on a natural pond or lake – never skate on ice that hasn’t been properly tested for thickness and safety.
- Go for a winter wander: Don’t underestimate the power of a good walk! A layer of snow can make even a familiar place look magical and new. Dress up in several warm layers, and head out the door to enjoy the crunch of snow underfoot. If you have kids, ask them to make note of what looks different in winter compared to other seasons.
- Try snowshoeing: If a walk doesn’t feel exciting enough, throw on some snowshoes. Snowshoes can sometimes be borrowed from local community centers, libraries, or outdoor clubs. Some parks also offer rentals for a small fee, making it a budget-friendly way to explore snowy landscapes.
- Do a winter scavenger hunt: With my kids, a walk needs to have a purpose or it’s not going to be long before we hear the first “my legs are tired!” Last winter, I found this great Winter Scavenger Hunt activity that encourages little ones to look for things like pine cones and animal tracks. While the kids had a blast, I think we parents had just as much fun.
What are your favourite activities to do during winter, or some of your fondest winter memories growing up? We’d love to hear them! Email us at community@myclimateplan.com – we read every single email and they really make our day.
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