March break is a fantastic opportunity to spend some time outside with your family, get some fresh air, and recharge! So get your boots, skis, and skates ready! Here are our suggestions for fun activities to try with your family.
March break is often associated with freezing temperatures and bad weather. It's perfectly natural to want to spend this week wrapped up in a blanket sipping hot cocoa. But in between cocooning sessions, you should also make an effort to be active and make the most of winter with your family!
Playing outside has exceptional health benefits, both for you and for your kids. Here are a few good reasons to do winter sports over March break:
Be proactive when organizing your March break activities
Before you head out to play in the snow, make sure to remember the following winter non-negotiables: dress in layers, protect your extremities, keep warm, and stay hydrated. Are you planning to be out for several hours? Remember to bring water, a nutritious lunch, healthy snacks, and sunscreen (yes, even in winter!).
Without further delay, here are four activities you can do with your loved ones to make the most of March break.
1
This classic March break activity is one of the most enjoyable winter sports out there. It's also one of the easiest to do since Quebec is teeming with free skating rinks. Some municipalities even offer a skate rental and sharpening service.
Perfect for all skill levels, this March break activity can be done in the city, in parks, on frozen waterways, and even at certain resorts. In other words, no matter where your family is located this winter, there's a good chance you'll be able to go ice skating. Make sure to wear some extra-warm socks!
Want to skate on a lake or river? Make sure the ice is thick enough before you venture out! If you have any doubts, contact your local authorities for information on whether the ice is thick enough to skate on.
2
Grab your sled, inner tube, or crazy carpet . . . it's time to hit the slopes! Sledding is extremely popular in Quebec, especially during March break! The activity can be done anywhere in the province, with or without specific infrastructure. Many Quebec municipalities rely on natural slopes to entertain kids (and grown-ups) of all ages. You can even go to an organized sledding establishment for a chance to barrel down the slopes on an inner tube or snow raft.
That being said, you'll want to exercise extreme caution if you decide to take your children sledding down a natural hill. Although your local municipality is responsible for developing and maintaining these areas, your children's safety on these trails is your responsibility, and you should adopt the following precautions:
With the right equipment and safety practices, sledding is a wonderful activity you and your family are sure to enjoy!
3
This is another fun March break activity that will allow you and your family to burn some energy while taking in the beautiful scenery that winter has to offer. Whether you go to a ski resort or a national park, snowshoeing is an outdoor activity the whole family can enjoy. It's no surprise that many snowshoeing centres have special activities for March break, such as snowshoeing by torchlight and special guided snowshoeing tours. Some establishments even offer a snowshoe rental service!
Will this be your child's first time wearing snowshoes? Make sure they feel comfortable walking in snowshoes by getting them to practise before it's time to go. This will prevent many falls and help them keep their balance! You should also adapt the length and difficulty of your planned route depending on their experience.
Is the snow on your trail packed down or scarce? Your snowshoes won't be of much use! In these conditions, it's probably better to opt for a hike instead.
4
Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, cross-country skiing is more affordable and less dangerous than downhill skiing. It's also one of the best forms of exercise, since it engages every part your body! In fact, cross-country skiing is a great way to enhance your cardiovascular and muscular health, without much risk of injury.
Quebec is filled with cross-country ski trails you can try with your family this March break! Don't have any equipment? No problem! You can rent them from a large number of establishments and sporting goods retailers.
You'll want to make sure your skis are properly waxed before you hit the trails. If you're not sure how to go about this, special waxing services are often available at national parks or sporting goods stores.
There's no shortage of winter playgrounds in Quebec. Find the national park closest to you so that you can make the most of winter with your family this March break.
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