Tag: Healthy Parks Healthy People
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5 ways to unplug and experience nature
This is your sign to trade your digital scrolling for some outdoor strolling! Technology is amazing and offers us so many tools (including many we use for conservation in parks!). That said, balance is important, and humans can struggle with screentime. Spending time in nature offers many physical and mental benefits, like a stronger immune…
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Health benefits of cross-country skiing
Staying active in the winter isn’t always easy. For some of us, it’s tempting to stay in, cuddle up, and spend the long winter months binging Netflix under a warm blanket. Cross-country skiing boasts a wide array of benefits for your physical and mental health. Here’s why you should strap on some skis and spend…
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5 ways to beat the winter blues
January’s been a looong month. The holidays have come and gone, and significant snowfall has just begun around the province. It’s no surprise that January’s also seen as a “blue” month, with short days, little sunshine, and very cold weather making it difficult to prioritize time outside. Feeling a bit… off? Fear not! We’ve collected…
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A beginner's guide to snowshoeing
This winter, outdoor activities are a great option to keep you happy and healthy. It’s the perfect time to try something new – like snowshoeing! For any winter activity, planning ahead and a bit of research can go a long way to make sure your day is safe and fun! So what does a beginner…
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Hit the trails for a First Day Hike
Are you ready to start a new tradition for the new year? We’ve got the secret to starting 2024 on the right foot.
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Mental health benefits of getting outside this winter
Getting outdoors in Ontario this winter may be brisk, but it comes with a whole host of benefits for your mood and health. The winter season notoriously brings cold weather, shorter days, and too much time cooped up indoors. It can even trigger a form of depression known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). All the…
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Christmas Bird Count — keep the community science tradition going!
Today’s post comes from Cortney LeGros, the Healthy Parks Healthy People coordinator at Ontario Parks. The holiday season is steeped in tradition. No matter how you celebrate, there’s one scientific tradition that’s been around for over 120 years to help mark the holidays. For me, the holidays would not be complete without participating in at…
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Why it's important for children to play outside in winter
Every winter, as the temperatures drop, so does the amount of time we spend outside. This is especially true for children — playtime can become limited to the indoors. It may be tempting to hide inside until the weather warms up, but outdoor play is essential for your children’s well-being all year long. Here are…