Winter on the Trans Canada Trail: An All-Ages Adventure for the Senses
Winter activities on the Trans Canada Trail with the little ones can seem a little daunting. Snowsuit, tuque, mittens, snacks … more snacks … even more snacks … and so it goes. But the best way to turn your winter blahs to ahhhs is to get outside and get moving — and guess what? The younger set is pretty much always on board to play in the snow! With Family Day weekend and March break on the horizon, we’ve compiled some family outdoor activities to fully experience the outdoors while out on the Trail.
Sight: Spot winter’s magic sparkle
Photo credit: Amy Schwartz
A sunny day with snow on the ground equals peak winter beauty. Head out on the Trail with the kids and your furry friends, and take the time to pay attention to the shapes and colours around you. Remember to bring sunglasses for those ultra sunny days, though – winter sun can be deceptively bright!
Kid-friendly activity for your trail outing
• Take a photo of your favourite tree/trail/landscape, then draw it when you get home.
Where to go for postcard-perfect trail adventures
• Fish Creek Provincial Park in Alberta
• South Whiteshell Trail in Manitoba
Sound: Listen to the quiet… and the not so quiet
Winter sounds can vary greatly. Sometimes, the snow muffles the sound, and it can feel – and sound – like you’re the only one out there. Other times, you can focus on the sound of boots (or skates!) on the trail, ice melting and water flowing. Or the sounds of kids being kids as they throw themselves into snowbanks and shout with glee.
Kid-friendly activity for your trail outing
• Take 60 seconds on the Trail to stay as still as a statue. Stay silent and listen, then discuss what you heard.
Where to go for auditory adventures along the Trail
• The Sentier Glacé portion of La Montagnarde in Quebec
• The City of Yellowknife – Frame Lake Trail in the Northwest Territories
Touch: Feeling winter
Photo credit: Amy Schwartz
From smooth ice to rough bark, or the cold wind on your cheeks to the soft snow under your feet, winter is a season of textures. Next time you’re out on the Trail, take the time to feel what’s around you – literally.
Kid-friendly activity for your outing
• If the weather allows, gently touch 5 different trees and compare how they feel. Is one rougher than the other? Which one is your favourite?
Where to go for terrific texture-filled trail adventures
• The Waterfront Trail – Etobicoke in Ontario
• Pêmiska Trails in Saskatchewan
Smell: Deep breaths of the winter air
Did you know that winter actually smells different? Because in colder weather, there are fewer particles in the air, less scents are carried than in the warmer months. Winter air has its own smell: clean and fresh (and sometimes, very cold and your nostrils freeze, but that’s another story).
Kid-friendly activity for your outing
• Head out to a forested section of the Trans Canada Trail and take in the evergreen scents. Do different parts of the forest have different smells/scents?
Where to go for fragrant trail adventures
• The Gaetz Brook Greenway in Nova Scotia
• The Cowichan Valley Trail in British Columbia
Taste: Snacks, snacks and more snacks
Photo credit: Amy Schwartz
So … we cheated a little bit with this one, because first of all, we can guarantee your kids need no encouragement to eat snow (and they probably need a fair bit of encouragement to STOP eating snow). And second of all, anyone who has the pleasure of bringing kids outside knows that snacks are an integral part of any trail outing, no matter how long or short it may be. Bring along a thermos full of hot chocolate, your favourite citrus fruit or a tasty homemade granola bar for some flavourful fun on the Trail. Plus, several sections of the Trans Canada Trail take you right through areas filled with cafés and restaurants, perfect for a stop for a bite to eat or warm drink.
Kid-friendly activity for your outing
• Create the perfect snow chair (or if there’s no snow, find an ideal spot to sit), and take a snack break! We can’t explain why, but somehow food tastes better outside.
Where to go for delectable trail adventures
• The City of Nelson Trail in British Columbia
• The Ville de Montréal Trail in Quebec
Tips for winter trail time fun
• Don’t overdo it: A winter outing doesn’t need to be an hours-long affair. Sometimes, keeping it short and sweet will result in kids who are both happier and less apt to lie on the ground and refuse to walk any farther.
• Dress appropriately: Layers are key. So wear tuques, mittens, scarves, coats and snowpants. The better dressed you are for winter weather, the happier you’ll be.
• Check trail conditions and map your route: Make sure your trail section is open and safe to use, and plan your trip before you go to avoid any surprises.
• Stay hydrated: Water is a must, no matter the season.
• Bonus: Tack on an extra activity: Plenty of spots on the Trail are perfect for ice skating, skiing, sledding and more. Check out our recommendations and plan accordingly.
Find winter hiking tips, ways to turn your winter Blahs to Ahhhs, suggestions for winter activities and much more at tctrail.ca/blahs2ahhhs/.
Stretching nearly 30,000 kilometres across every province and territory, the Trans Canada Trail is cared for locally by trail and community groups. As a charity, Trans Canada Trail advocates for and stewards this nationwide system, helping ensure people can keep finding moments in nature that support their wellbeing.
