With spring in the air and temperatures slowly creeping higher and higher, it seems a logical time to
store away your winter gear and break out the lighter clothes. And what better way to enjoy the relatively
balmy days of spring than with some fun and healthy outdoor activities? The days of skiing and skating won’t
be back for several months so if you’re looking for some alternative activities, here are a few options that
are sure to get your heart rate up.
Hiking
Canada boasts a total of 36 national parks and hundreds more provincial parks so it shouldn’t come
as a surprise that hiking trails are in abundance in our country. So more likely than not, no matter where
you call home, there’s bound to be an accessible hiking trail nearby. The great thing about hiking is its
versatility as Canadians can tailor their hiking destinations to their specific level of fitness, with the
Internet serving as a great tool for finding a hiking trail to meet their needs. For example, the Canada Trails hiking directory allows users to search for
nearby trails with detailed descriptions of what would-be hikers can expect along the way. Whether you’ll
encounter majestic waterfalls, serene lakes or interesting wildlife, research and preparation can ensure that
you won’t run into any surprises along the way. Moreover, visitors to the site can find out the length of
each trail as well as its level of difficulty.
Jogging
If exercising on a treadmill or StairMaster has you thirsting for some real fresh air, it might be
time to get out of the gym and out on the streets. With the weather breaking, it’s expected that more and
more Canadians will take to outdoor jogging. And it couldn’t be simpler. Just plan a route that caters to
your level of fitness, get a quality pair of running shoes and maybe a jogging partner and you’re ready to
go. If you want to make it a group activity, most communities have some sort of jogging club just waiting for
new members. Remember that how you organize your jog is entirely up to you, meaning if you want to take a
break to walk for awhile or even try out speed-walking, go for it!
Cycling
Much like hiking trails, Canada has a huge amount of cycling trails across the country, which can be
referenced at Canada Trails’ biking directory. If you’re a speed demon
concerned with cycling long distances on paved roads, you’ll probably want to try out a racing bicycle. Also
known as a road bike, the wheels are relatively narrow allowing for higher speeds on smooth paved roads.
Alternatively, another popular type of cycling is mountain biking, which involves wider wheels with better
traction to help negotiate the dirt trails, steep descents and other unpaved off-road routes that have become
synonymous with the activity. Lastly, utility bicycles, which fit somewhere between road bikes and mountain
bikes, are ideal for short jaunts from point A to point B. So no matter what type of bicycle you decide on,
it can’t be denied that they are a healthy, efficient and environmentally friendly way to get around. And
cycling doesn’t have to be an organized activity either. There’s nothing more satisfying than simply
exploring your neighbourhood from the saddle of your bike.
Golfing
Known as one of the most relaxing (and sometimes frustrating) experiences out there, playing a round
of golf is a great way to enjoy some quality time with your friends or family while getting exercise at the
same time. There’s nothing quite like standing on that first tee at the crack of dawn knowing you have four
hours of golfing ahead of you. Canada offers a myriad of golf courses, both public and private, across the
country, with most boasting stunning natural views. If you’re just getting started and are unsure whether
it’s for you, try renting a set of clubs for the day instead of purchasing them. And with staggered tee boxes
to cater to players of all levels, golf courses can be as short or as long as you like. And I haven’t even
mentioned the 19th hole (i.e. the clubhouse), which is a great place to reminisce about your day on the links
over the beverage of your choice. While many people love golf carts, do try to walk the course as it makes
for a better workout. You’ll soon find out that Mark Twain’s famous description of golf as “a good walk
spoiled” couldn’t be further from the truth.
Tennis
If you’re looking for a vigorous workout, tennis may be the activity for you. One of the most
popular recreational sports across Canada, the fast-paced game is sure to get your heart rate up. And more
likely than not, a tennis court shouldn’t be too far off. The majority of Canadian cities and towns have
accessible tennis courts for their residents. Whether public or private, hard court or clay, tennis clubs are
a great place to not only get exercise but to meet new people and make new friends. So whether you want to
play a casual doubles match with your friends or you secretly dream of being the next Roger Federer, tennis
is a fun and healthy activity for people of all ages.
So whichever activity you choose, why wait any longer to get out there and get moving? Spring comes but once
a year so you may as well take advantage with one of these enjoyable outdoor activities. •
Some additional helpful links:
The Running Room
Golf Canada
Love Means Nothing
Photo by Rick McCharles
