Popular Winter Outdoor Activities for Families

Winter in Canada can feel endless—dark, cold, and snowy for months. However, with the right mindset it can be the perfect season for family fun! Let’s face it – Winter isn’t everyone’s most favourite time of year. Plus, the season seems to last forever. At least that’s what my kids say. They do have a point, though. Depending on which part of our great nation you live in, the snow can start flying as early as October and can appear into April. The heaviest snowfalls from December through February.  Don’t let this discourage you however – there’s a lot to love about winter in Canada with your family!

Snowy Winter Fun With Family

Ice Skating

This past weekend I had the quintessential Canadian Winter experience that I’d like to share with you. It wasn’t even planned, and it was the BEST. It all started when my husband and I received a call from friends Friday night to go skating on the bay. What? Skating when it’s cold…and dark? I’m not the best ice skater. While my husband’s still teaching me how to move forward in boys skates, I still fall down from time to time. Trust me—it’s harder than it looks. I’m definitely a sight for sore eyes! A couple of weeks ago we went down to the bay to see what the ice surface was like. To our surprise it was busy with lots of families spending quality time together, and it was heartwarming to see. My attempt at gracefully gliding on an ice surface, however, ended up with me lying flat on my back in starfish formation. I was reeling of both shock, embarrassment and maybe a little pain.

Snowmobiling

One of the best winter activities for families is snowmobiling! While I don’t have my own snowmobile, my husband does. I love hopping on the back of his sled for an adventurous ride. After a fun night of ice skating, we woke up early the next morning and headed out for a snowmobile ride. It was chilly, but with the right layers, we stayed warm—not just from the clothing, but from the excitement of zipping along on the sled. The sound of the engine hums peacefully as we glide through snow-covered forests, surrounded by trees blanketed in snow. It’s a beautiful, serene sight you don’t see every day, and experiencing it on a snowmobile makes it even more special for the whole family. Plus, there are toboggans you can tow for the little ones, and two-up seats you can add to your sled, making it an experience everyone can enjoy together.

If you’re looking to enjoy snowmobiling without breaking the bank, you can easily rent a sled from your local motor sport dealer. Another great option, especially for families, is to borrow a sled from friends and head out together for a fun, shared winter adventure.

Ice Fishing

Ice fishing? Yes—ice fishing has become a unique pastime for families of all ages! The day after our snowmobile ride, we had the chance to visit some friends we hadn’t seen in a while at their ice fishing hut. It was my first time trying to catch a fish through a hole in the ice, and I’m still not sure what to make of it. However, I definitely had a peaceful experience. The drive out to the ice in the cozy, heated side-by-side was fun, and we got to enjoy some stunning winter countryside views that you can only reach this way. It sparked my dream of one day living surrounded by fields. I was surprised to see lots of ice huts perched on the small lake and I was even more surprised to see how many families were spending their day together outdoors on the frozen lake.

Once we settled in the hut, it was dark, calm and quiet, but I was amazed by how much light came through the ice from underneath! We could see all the way to the bottom through the three round holes cut out of the ice. I didn’t dress warm enough, however and as a result I was cold. So, next time I’ll be better prepared. It was a unique setting to relax and catch up with our friends while we waited for the fish to bite. For some people, it’s more than just a hobby – it’s a true passion.

So I recommend having fun, because there is nothing better for people in this world than to eat, drink, and enjoy life. That way they will experience some happiness along with all the hard work God gives them under the sun. ~ Ecclesiastes 8:15 NLT

Snowshoeing

Our weekend didn’t end with the fishing adventure, though. We decided to slip on our snowshoes and take our dog for a hike through the woods. He’s a Golden Field Retriever, so he loves to run along with us. We even give him his own little backpack, complete with a bell, water, and treats, while we treat ourselves to a cozy sip of hot chocolate. A little tip if you’re thinking of trying snowshoeing: don’t over-layer, because you’ll definitely work up a sweat hiking through the deep snow! Snowshoeing is such a great workout, and you’ll be surprised at how refreshed and invigorated you feel after a good hike through the snowy landscape.

The best part about snowshoeing is that it’s something everyone can enjoy, from grandparents to grandchildren, and it doesn’t have to break the bank. You don’t need anything fancy—just a pair of snowshoes. If buying new isn’t in your budget, you can usually find some great options on local marketplace listings. While the snowshoeing ended our busy fun-filled winter weekend, there are a couple more activities that are sure to make your family smile.

Making a Snowman

Some of the best memories I have growing up as a child is making snow forts and snowmen in the backyard. My twin sister and I would spend hours digging into the snow piles and making the building blocks for our imagined ice hotel or cozy igloo. We loved shaping and smoothing the snow-like bricks and mortar to make our little winter hideaways. Our snowman had a name—Pete—and we’d dress him up with a hat, scarf, a carrot for a nose always making sure he wore a smile on his face. To this day, whenever I see snowmen pop up in our neighbourhood I smile.

Days on the snow hill were filled with laughter, creativity, and a sense of wonder growing up, as we made our own little world of fun in the snow. It didn’t matter how cold it was—we were too busy enjoying the simple joy of playing outdoors. While the season in some parts of our great nation don’t seem to bring as much snowflakes these days, snowy afternoons still offer lots of fun activities that make cherished family memories.

Tobogganing

Let’s not forget tobogganing! When my kids were younger, they absolutely loved it. Sometimes I’d pull them along behind me in a little sleigh, bundled up and giggling the whole way. As they got older, it turned into racing down snowy hills with their friends—laughing, catching a little air, and trying to see who could go the fastest. Those chilly afternoons on the hill turned into some of our happiest family memories.

Takeaways

Winter in Canada may not always feel like the most inviting season. But with the right mindset and a little creativity, it can become a wonderful opportunity to create lasting memories with the people you love.

Whether you’re gliding across a moonlit ice rink, sledding through snow-covered forests, or enjoying the quiet beauty of a snowy hike, there’s something special about embracing the season together.

The winter months may feel long at times, but they also offer a chance to slow down, reflect, and appreciate the small moments. Stay warm, stay hopeful, and remember that every winter adventure is another way to experience the beauty of God’s creation.