Canadian winters are known the world over for being chilly and snowy. Temperatures can dip to well below freezing while blizzards cover roads and trees with a thick blanket of snow. But with a warm coat, winter boots, a hat, scarf, and mitts there’s no reason why you can’t enjoy the unique fun winter has to offer.

Whether you’re used to cold weather or preparing to see snow for the very first time, here are five fun activities you should try this winter in Canada!

1. Get to Know Your City by Going Geocaching

One excellent way to enjoy the winter outdoors is to go geocaching. This increasingly popular pastime has followers all over the globe.

Geocaching involves using your phone’s GPS to find the location of a hidden “cache” or box in a local park or urban area. It’s one big scavenger hunt! Some boxes might be disguised as rocks or tree stumps while others will be easier to spot.

To start finding caches in your city, all you need to do is join a club like geocaching.com. Membership is free, and there are plenty of caches hidden all over Ottawa, Oshawa, and London.

2. Watch or Play a Hockey Game While at ESL School in Canada

Even though hockey isn’t Canada’s official sport (it’s lacrosse), this cold weather pastime is a favourite among Canadians.

While you complete your English as a second language program this winter, try watching a game or two. You can cheer for your city’s team at a live game, or enjoy a warm drink indoors by watching a hockey match at a local pub. Want to really get in on the action? Join a league either on campus or in your city.

3. Try a Classic Canadian Winter Sport While You Study English as a Second Language

Enjoy the outdoors and get some exercise this winter by learning to ski at a nearby slope, snowshoe at a park, or skate at one of your city’s many ice rinks.

If sports aren’t your thing, there are also less formal outdoor winter activities to try – like tubing, tobogganing, or good old snowball fight!

4. Stay Inside With a Board Game Night or Cooking Class

If it feels too cold to go outside, try checking out an activity organized by your ESL school.

As a leading ESL school in Canada, CultureWorks offers many activities for students, including board game nights and cooking workshops, where you can learn how to make plenty of tasty treats.

5. Go to a Winter Festival While You Study English in Canada

Many Canadian cities host fun winter festivals. ESL students in Ottawa, for example, can see ice sculptures or catch an outdoor concert at “Winterlude”, while students in Oshawa are just a short trip away from Toronto’s “Cavalcade of Lights” and “Winterlicious” festivals.

Up for a longer trip? Consider visiting Quebec City to see its world-famous Ice Hotel and “Carnival” festival.

What other activities do you want to do this winter while you study English as a second language in Canada?