I wasn't always a winter-lover. I avoided Ontario winters all-together by living in Coastal BC for ten years. The year I moved back to Ontario I went to MEC and bought a proper insulated winter coat. That was a game changer!

Here are my top 10 reasons for being a winter fan!

1) Cross Country Skiing - this low cost winter activity is so fun, especially after a fresh coat of snow (spots I like: Rockway Golf Course, Westmount Golf Course, and the Pinery)

2) Winter glamping - the last two years I booked a cabin in January at The Pinery. They have propane stoves and bbqs and are very warm and insulated. I love them so much!

3) Winter beaches - I recommend Bayfield - but any large lake beach in the winter can be a real adventure. Especially when it's been cold and snowy, you can walk on the shore feeling like you are on another planet.

4) Winter Walks - a simple walk around Victoria Park or getting some sunshine on the Iron Horse Trail.

5) Days start getting longer after December 21st - and before you know it, it's Valentine's Day and it's starting to feel like Spring is around the corner. I think the toughest part of winter is the lack of daylight, so once we make it to December 21st, we know it only gets better every day!

6) Cozy Warm Drinks - what a total privilege it is to be located right next to Lucero!

7) Winter cooking! Hello pasta nights, ambitious beef bourguignon, banana chocolate chip muffins, and soup season!

8) Winter produce at Legacy Greens! With our weekly trek out to Elmira and Wallenstein, we still have a great selection of winter produce available during these colder months: apples, carrots, beets, cabbage, leeks, winter greens (kale, spinach, lettuce mix - availability fluctuates), sweet potatoes, potatoes, squash, brussels sprouts, garlic, onions, etc.

9) Ontario Tulips - tulip season is in full force in the winter. With great vase life, affordable prices, they bring that pop of colour into your window sill that you didn't know you needed.

10) Downtown skating at City Hall or Uptown Waterloo!