Planning a winter staycation?

1. Set ground rules

Make sure your winter holiday is full of leisure activities, not errands and projects. Plan ahead, set ground rules, give your staycation a start and end date, and book time with friends and family. Choose a theme, like “active adventures” or “gourmet for a day” to help you break out of normal routines and create that holiday feeling.

2. Play the tourist

Be a tourist in your town. Contact the auto club or tourism board for attractions, promotions and day-trip destinations. Or book into a local hotel and enjoy that getaway feeling without going far. Send yourself a postcard – it’ll be a nice memento once you’re back to the daily routine. If you’re near Orillia, come help us cheer the young athletes at the Ontario Winter Games from February 27 to March 1.

3. Get on the ice

When’s the last time you laced up a pair of skates? Visit your local rink to remember why hockey and skating are quintessential Canadian ways to beat the winter blahs. Don’t forget to wear a helmet – learn more about head safety from Scouts Canada. While you’re there, ask about winter fairs, day camps and other programs. When ice time is over, treat yourself to hot chocolate with marshmallows.

4. Enjoy the snow

When snowflakes start falling, head to your local park to make snow angels, go sledding or build a snow fort. Remember to shovel your sidewalks before you go and beware of icy roads and walkways – see more in our winter ice safety tips. If you plan ahead, you can build your own backyard skating rink and enjoy it all winter long.

5. Hit the winter trails

Visit one of the 31 provincial parks that are open for day use in winter. Hike a winter trail and take in the spectacular scenery, like ice volcanoes on the lakeshore. Look for animal tracks and keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, like snowy owls and white-tailed deer. Try a new winter sport – many parks offer daily rentals of snowshoes, cross-country skis and skates.

6. Hibernate at home

Designate one day as “pyjama day” and enjoy the comforts of home. Stay in your pyjamas, curl up with a good book, pull out a giant puzzle, or get everyone together for a board game. Plan ahead and hit the local library, so you can borrow a pile of books, magazines and movies in advance.