Rather than succumb to the temptation to shut yourself indoors all winter long, be ready to coax yourself out with an energizing strain of your choice when the snow hits. The joys of winter in Canada can be made even more enjoyable (or, if you’re grinchly about the cold months…tolerable), elevated. The time is NOW to enjoy it, too; at the rate climate change is moving, winter may not look the same in a few years. Don’t let the season pass you by. Here’s an outdoor activities bucket list for your inspiration. Bundle up.

Go ice skating. If you tend to associate skating with the childhood trauma of charlie-horses and meltdowns in very public spaces (BEEN THERE), then definitely give skating another go. This winter activity is cheap and accessible and can actually be a lot of fun. Microdose before you go and you’ll be able to keep your balance while also enjoying the scenery – and avoiding pulled muscles.

Watch the Northern Lights. This phenomenon is incredible in any mindset, but paired with an uplifting strain, witnessing it will completely inspire you. The Aurora Borealis can be seen from Jasper National Park and Fort MacMurray in AB, parks North of Saskatoon in SK, Churchill, MB, parts of Manitoulin Island and other spots in Canada. If you’re travelling this winter, make a point to find a view of them.

Splurge on a horse-drawn carriage ride. This is a ridiculously romantic experience for a couple or, a fun family or friend-crew activity over the holiday season. If you’re planning on being local to any resorts or farms that run sleigh rides, consider upping your holiday spirit with an elevated sleigh ride.

Go snow tubing. If you really want to feel free, go snow tubing. Unleash your inner child on those slopes and prepare to LOL A LOT. If you’re in Toronto, there are a bunch of snow hills near the city you can choose from.

Find an outdoor hot tub. Is there any better feeling than sitting in a hot tub in the middle of winter? Yes: Doing it high. You’re technically outside, so this counts as an active outdoor activity.

Shovel snow. Because, if you have a driveway or a walkway you use regularly, you need to anyway. Why not make your experience as enjoyable as you can?

Have a bonfire. Gather round with some friends and stay warm as you roast mallows, look at the stars, and connect with the deep, still silence of a winter night. This is what the season’s all about: getting restored. (Winter solstice gathering, anyone?)

Try winter ziplining. If you’re feeling adventurous, take your high with a side of an adrenaline surge. You can get on a winter zipline just 2 hours from Toronto.

Check out a winter festival. Canada is essentially the place to be when it comes to winter festivals. We’ve got Winterlude in Ottawa, Carnaval de Québec, The Frozen In Time Festival in Collingwood, Ice on Whyte in Edmonton, Bon Soo Winter Carnival in Sault Ste. Marie and a lot more. Lean right on into that Canadian winter pride.