Is that spring in the air? It finally feels like winter is behind us. I’m usually pretty good at embracing winter, but this year it felt like it dragged on forever. We had glimpses of spring a while back with a few warmer days, just enough to get your hopes up, before being pulled straight back into second and third winter.

*Stubbs Falls Waterfall in Arrowhead Provincial Park, Ontario, Christmas 2025*

I cannot wait for summer. I was never someone who really loved it when I was younger, as a redhead, me and the sun have always had a slightly complicated relationship. But since moving to Canada and falling in love with canoeing, summer is without a doubt my favourite season, spending as much time on the water as possible.

Before I get too carried away thinking about what’s ahead, I wanted to take a moment to look back on what has probably been the longest and coldest winter I’ve had since moving to Canada. I think I’m someone who enjoys the extremes, the depth of winter and the height of summer, and less of a fan of the in between. Spring here in Ontario always feels so short. Daffodils and tulips all seem to bloom at once, then just as quickly fade as the humidity starts to build.

I would say this winter was a good one though. Toronto saw record snowfall and I think we embraced it as best we could. We had family visiting as well, which was really nice and a great opportunity to show them what Canada can really be like in the winter.

*Middle of a snowstorm this winter, Toronto, January 2026*

Some of my favourite moments are the simple ones. Wrapping up warm for a winter walk on a bright blue sky day, snow underfoot, and the branches of pine trees sagging under the weight of fresh snow. There’s something about that kind of stillness that makes you slow down without even realising it. On our trips away, it was great finishing the day outside around a snowy firepit, the heat toasting your face and hands while your butt freezes to a Muskoka chair in the -20C early evening chill.

*Family winter hike over the Christmas holidays, Algonquin Provincial Park, December 2025*

One of the things that really stood out this winter was watching the changing shoreline along the beach in our neighbourhood. The wind whipping the water up into dramatic shapes and incredible ice shelves forming along the shore. Even on the brutally cold days, there was still beauty to be found right on our doorstep.

Back in February over the Family Day long weekend we had a great trip away with friends trying out a mix of winter activities. Snowshoeing and cross country skiing were great fun, and we even cut out a hole in the ice for a cold plunge. It took us ages as the ice was over two feet thick, but we stuck with it and it was totally worth it, running back and forth to the sauna at the Airbnb for a few hot and cold cycles.

*Cross country ski lesson at Georgian Nordic Outdoor Activity Centre, Parry Sound, Ontario, February 2026*

*Sawing through the ice to cut out our cold plunge, Muskoka, Ontario, February 2026*

*Lowering myself into the cold plunge, deep breaths! Muskoka, Ontario, February 2026*

I would say our winter really culminated in our ski trip to Banff over Easter. It was a great way to wrap up the season. In my last blog post I talked about committing to four workouts a week and three physio sessions in the run up to the trip. I managed the workouts with a little help from a friend, messaging back and forth to keep each other accountable, but I failed miserably at sticking to my physio and I really felt it on the slopes. It’s something I need to work on, but more on that in my next post.

*Easter ski trip in Banff, Alberta, April 2026*

For now I’m just looking back on the good parts of winter. It’s funny how much easier it is to appreciate it now that it’s over. I’m more than ready to pack away the winter boots and coat for a bit though and start looking ahead to longer days, warmer evenings, and as much time outside as possible.

The Best of a Long, Cold Winter

When Life Gets in the Way of the Plan