As a Canadian you owe it to yourself to embrace winter. Plus, it’s a long season to just sit indoors watching TV every day. Yes, getting outside can be a bit intimidating—especially with the bone-chilling temperatures we’ve been experiencing this season—but snowshoeing is probably the easiest way to get out and have fun. Sure it won’t get you into the Olympics, get your adrenaline pumping, or make you an action sports star the way other winter sports might, but snowshoeing is still a great past time. Here are five good reasons why you should give it a try.
It’s easy
Unlike most other winter sports, snowshoeing doesn’t require lessons or years of practice to perfect. If you can walk, you can snowshoe. Simply strap them on and go; it really couldn’t be any easier, which makes it a great family outing. Kids, grandparents, and just about anyone in between can enjoy this pastime with ease.
It’s cheap
Snowshoes are relatively cheap. Compared to a snowboard, bindings, boots, goggles, a life pass, or worse yet, hockey gear, you can get into snowshoeing for little money. Snowshoes range in price starting at about $65 and going up to about $200, so they won’t break the bank. Assuming you already have winter clothing, that one piece of gear is all you need.
It’s fun
Snowshoeing is fun. There’s no way around the fact that spending time in the wilderness is always a good time. Seeing what the forest looks like with metres of snow piled on top of it is a great way to spend a cold, winter afternoon.
It’s healthy
You don’t have to run on a treadmill during the dark days of winter—snowshoeing is a great way to stay fit. And don’t worry about getting cold; simply make sure you have a base layer on, get an appropriate number of layers (they can always be removed when you warm up), and in a matter of minutes you’ll be warmed right back up. It’s a great workout, and it’s fun. Win, win!
You can do it anywhere
Anywhere there’s a bit of snow, you can snowshoe. Trails, beaches, heck, even downtown Toronto after a major snowstorm. Anywhere you can walk, you can snowshoe. You can even cross ponds when they’re frozen and explore places around your cottage that you might not be able to in summer.
