Spending time outdoors is a key strategy for reducing seasonal depression, a condition that impacts up to 10 per cent of Canadians during the winter, according to the Canadian Mental Health Association.
The Canadian winter not only brings with it dark skies, chilly winds, and wet clothing, but also a surge of depressing feelings. The desire to watch Netflix while curled up in bed with a blanket stay at an all-time high. To combat the winter blues, however, it is necessary to step outside to soak up the natural light.
Here are four places you can visit/activities you can do to swim against the wave of low emotions:
- Fat bike in Toronto
Winter fat biking in the snow. Photo credit: Mathieu Dupuis
Anybody can go biking under the sun. You can take up a challenge for yourself and ride a fat bike around the snow-covered trails near Toronto. You can ride a fat bike in Toronto in the following places:
- Whitechurch- flat, easy, north of Toronto
- Bendor- easy rolling hills
- Long Sault- hilly, north of Bowmanville
- Eldred King- gentle grades, sandy too
The average cost for a full day bike rental would range from $50 to $60.
Source: Ontario Bike Trails
- Visit Winter Stations
“Mirage,” work by Cristina Vega and Pablo Losa Fontangordo at a Winter Station. Photo credit: Chris Fox
Summertime is a popular time to visit the beach. However, you could spend a day by the shore in the frigid weather visiting the winter stations in Toronto. The empty and deserted coast of Woodbine beach will have an astonishing architecture exhibition.
Winter stations Toronto is a global art and design competition that displays temporary artworks that transform lifeguard posts along the beach. Winter Stations 2023 will have the topic of Radiance, which is the property or state of being luminous. The installations will be on display starting February 20, 2023, for six weeks. There is no fee to enter.
- Attend the Kensington Market Winter Solstice Festival
A performer playing with fire at the Winter Solstice Festival. Photo credit: Zou Zheng/Xinhua
You can visit the warm and well-lit Kensington market on December 21, 2023, the coldest day, and the longest night of the year. Street entertainers, revelers carrying handmade iconic lanterns, roving huge puppets, and dancers with various musical accompaniment are all featured in the parade.
The market is in the heart of Toronto. You are welcome to take part in the march without paying anything and eye the magic of people effortlessly playing with fire and much more.
- Book a day with Scenic Caves Nature Adventures
Crossing the winter bridge in snowshoes. Photo credit: Scenic Caves Nature Adventures
You would not want to miss visiting one of Canada’s eighteen UNESCO biosphere reserves and a magnificent winter playground. The Scenic Caves Adventures is an all-in-one package. From sports to scenic views, it offers it all.
A winter day trail pass includes: 12km Snowshoe Trails, 27km Cross Country Ski Trails, Suspension Bridge, Look Out Points, Children’s Adventure Playground, Wooden Animal Carvings, Scavenger Hunt.
The average cost for a day pass ranges from $25 to $30.
Source: Scenic Caves Nature Adventures
If you venture outside your home during the winter, there are countless additional areas to explore. These are locations where you might start and lift the gloom of the dry, gray winter days.
