Some people complain about the cold weather, but I could never live somewhere that didn’t have snow for at least a couple months of the year. As soon as the first flake touches the ground, the kids and I are outside having a ball. People in warm climates don’t know what they’re missing. Take a look at some of my favourite – and admittedly wildest – winter activities!
Scott McGillivray is a real estate expert and host of HGTV Canada’s Income Property and Moving the McGillivrays.
Published November 17, 2017, Updated December 1, 2019
Making Snow Angels
Whenever we get enough snow, the first thing my daughters run out and do is make snow angels. We can barely get them to put on their snow pants and hats before they’re taking off outside. They come by it honestly though. I used to do the exact same thing when I was their age. Sometimes I still do!
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Dad Sled Race
One of the best things about our new house is that we have a decent size backyard. I took this video after our first big snowfall in the new house. The kids wanted to play and I needed a workout, so the dad sled race was born! Not gonna lie, my arms hurt pretty bad the next morning.
Related: Scott McGillivray’s 10 Things to Know About Your Rental Before Cold Weather Hits
Skiing in Your Own Backyard
Besides the size of the backyard, the other great thing is that we have a tiny little hill – perfect for sledding and teaching the kids to downhill ski. Layla was a little hesitant, but her big sister was all over it. Myah handled that slope like a pro. I might have to find something a little bigger for her this year!
Great Skate
One of the kids’ favourite winter activities is their skating lessons. I can’t say I love all the early weekend mornings at the skating rink, but I guess this is payback for when I was a kid. At least that’s what my mom says!
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Mini Hockey Rink
I admit that putting a mini hockey rink in my basement might seem a bit excessive, but given the number of good times I’ve had with my siblings, friends and all of our kids, it was 100 per cent worth it.
Olaf the Snowman
Truth be told, we don’t always get that much snow in the city. So sometimes activities like building snowmen can be a bit of a challenge. Fortunately, since Frozen came along, the only snowman anyone wants to build is Olaf. And with his slim physique, we can usually make do.
Hunting Wabbits
Whenever I’m out on the slopes I keep my eyes peeled for wildlife lurking in the woods. One year during our annual trip to Collingwood I managed to grab a selfie with a ski bunny!
Après Ski, McGillivray Style
After a day on the slopes, there’s nothing better than heading inside for a little après ski. Of course when you have toddlers it’s generally limited to hot chocolate, but the sentiment is the same. (OK, this photo may have been staged, but it’s still a pretty accurate representation.)
Polar Plunge
My brother and I have always been close and we’ve been known to do some crazy things together – including the odd polar plunge. I can’t remember who dared who this time, but it wasn’t our first and definitely wasn’t our last.
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