Great Toronto Winter Activities: Keep Fit and Enjoy the Outdoors

Engaging in outdoor, cold weather activities is not only a fun way to keep active, it also helps you soak up that winter sunshine and Vitamin D. Thankfully, Toronto has plenty of great activities for people of all ages. Here are ways to enjoy the city and get some exercise at the same time:

Strap on a pair of ice skates

Toronto has over a hundred ice pads, natural rinks, and trails for leisure skaters. While many indoor rinks operate throughout the year, head to one of the 50 outdoor rinks open from early December to March:

Bentway Skate Trail

Opened in 2018, the Bentway Skate Trail is located under the Gardiner Expressway. This figure-eight public skate trail is open for the 2019 season until February 18. Skate rentals and lessons are offered on location. Hours of operation vary:

• Monday to Thursday 5 PM to 9 PM
• Friday 5 PM to 10 PM
• Saturday 12 PM to 10 PM
• Sunday 12 PM to 9 PM

Harbourfront Centre

Harbourfront Centre houses one of Toronto’s biggest outdoor winter parties. The DJ Skate Nights feature a lineup of mixmasters to create the beat as you enjoy the music and skate under the stars. The party is held every Saturday until February 16, 2019.

Slide Down Toronto’s Snowy Hills

Revisit your childhood adventures or share them with your own kids by spending the day tobogganing in the snowy hills of Toronto. You can participate in this favourite winter pastime in many parks around the city, including Birchmount Park, Riverdale Park West, and Stan Wadlow Park. Avoid injury by making safety checks before the fun begins:

Check the hill

There are only a limited number of ways to control a toboggan, so the terrain of the hill matters. Before you head down, do a quick scan of your surroundings:

• Be sure that there are no hazards or obstacles like trees, fences, rocks, or bumps that could block your way.
• Stay away from rivers, roads, railways, and parking lots.
• Avoid ice-covered areas.
• Only go tobogganing in the daylight and don’t go out when the temperature is below -19 degrees Celsius.

Do a gear check

Avoid injury and accidents by making sure all your gear is appropriate and in good shape:

• Use a proper toboggan. Plastic discs and inner tubes are difficult to maneuver and can be dangerous.
• Dress warmly to prevent frostbite.
• Avoid long ropes, loose scarves, and drawstrings.
• Wear a helmet and other safety gear like knee and elbow pads.

Play a Winter Sport

There are many cold weather athletic activities that you can enjoy both indoors and outdoors.

Get fit (and in touch with your inner Canadian) by playing the national (winter) sport of hockey. Even without being a member of a team or league, you and your friends can get together and enjoy a game. Keep in mind, however, that hockey is a highly physical, contact sport. Players must be able to skate adequately, wear the appropriate protective gear, and have the necessary equipment.

Another fun winter sports option is shinny, an informal version of hockey. Unlike a real hockey game, shinny requires less equipment and there are no goalies. When joining supervised drop-in games organized by the city of Toronto, you need to bring:

• Hockey gloves
• An approved hockey helmet (including full mask and neck guard for players under 19 years old)
• A pair of skates, a hockey stick, and pucks

If you’re not a fan of team sports, swimming is always an option, despite freezing outdoor temperatures. Toronto has a number of indoor swimming pools so you can keep doing your favourite cardio or simply just splash around in heated water.

Follow the Snowy Trails

For a more slow-paced activity, pack up and go on a hike. Toronto has many scenic trails and natural parks to explore. Not only does a winter nature walk allow you to experience a whole other Ontario, but it provides an opportunity to see unique natural sights (like frozen waterfalls) while getting in your daily steps.

Although some trails are good for beginners, others are reserved for more experienced hikers. Regardless of your expertise, carry the right gear to stay safe:

• Flashlights and extra batteries
• Flares or whistles (to scare wildlife or to attract attention)
• Pocket knife
• Map, GPS, and compass
• Matches and a lighter (stored in a small waterproof container)
• Extra food and water
• First-aid kit

Make the most of picturesque winter scenery. Whether it’s a quick trip to the nearest park, a jog around the block, or a weekend getaway to one of Toronto’s hiking trails, enjoying the fresh air while keeping active is always a good idea.

Winter is undeniably a great time to snuggle under a thick, warm blanket and take long naps. Fight the temptation to laze around and “hibernate.” It may take more effort to find the motivation to exercise during winter, but staying active provides many benefits. Some reasons to get moving are:

Ward off the winter woes

When you exercise, your brain releases feel-good hormones (serotonin and dopamine) that decrease anxiety and depression. Keep your winter woes and the more serious SAD (seasonal affective disorder) at bay with a quick workout.

Avoid winter weight gain

Waistlines often expand during winter. In addition to the hibernation mentality, the holidays tend to be a time for feasting. Avoid winter weight gain by staying active and burning off excess calories. Cold weather exercise burns more calories than normal in order to maintain the body’s core temperature. Bundle up and get moving this winter to stay fit.

Strengthen your heart

Cold weather makes the heart work harder to distribute blood throughout the body and keep you warm. For those with the cardiovascular endurance to do so, exercising in the cold can strengthen the heart and prepare it to withstand more strenuous workouts and stresses in the future. (Added stress can be unhealthy for some, so check with your doctor before engaging in strenuous activity.)

Having an active lifestyle not only keeps you in shape and aids in flexibility, but it also helps strengthen bones, muscles, and joints. Exercise for at least 150 minutes per week (for adults 18-64 years old) to maintain good health.

Whether you play professionally or recreationally, if you suffer from sports-related injuries and need the services of a physiotherapist in the Toronto and Scarborough area, Be Strong Physiotherapy can help. Call us at 416-792-6440 to schedule an appointment.