Winter in northern Canada can be tough. Short daylight hours, cold temperatures, and long stretches indoors can leave many people feeling sluggish, unmotivated, and uninspired. But spending time outside during the winter months isn’t just refreshing; it can have real physical and mental health benefits that help you feel better all season long.
Here are some of the top ways getting outside this winter can improve your health and wellbeing.
Boost Your Vitamin D and Immune Health
During winter, reduced sunlight means lower vitamin D production in the body. Vitamin D is essential not only for strong bones and teeth, but also for muscle function, immune support, and energy levels. Even short periods of sun exposure on a clear winter day can help your body replenish that important vitamin, and being outside also gets you fresh air and a break from recycled indoor air, all of which support overall health.
Burn More Calories and Stay Fit
Being outdoors in cold weather naturally increases your metabolism as your body works harder to stay warm. Activities like walking, snowshoeing, skating, or hiking in winter all require extra energy, helping you burn more calories while strengthening muscles and boosting cardiovascular fitness. Regular physical activity outdoors can even help maintain lean muscle mass and improve endurance.
Improve Your Mood and Mental Clarity
Winter can take a toll on your mood and energy, and many people experience symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) or feelings of low motivation. Spending time outside increases exposure to natural light, which supports the production of serotonin, a “feel-good” brain chemical linked to better mood and emotional well-being. Even brief winter walks can lift your spirits, reduce stress, and ease anxiety.
Being in nature also helps clear your mind and improve focus. Fresh air and the quiet beauty of a snowy landscape can sharpen your attention and help you think more clearly, giving you a mental boost that carries into your daily life.
Connect With Others and Make Memories
Winter outdoor activities offer great opportunities to spend quality time with family and friends. Whether it’s a brisk hike, a snowshoe outing, or a simple walk through the woods, being active together creates shared experiences and strengthens connections — a great way to stay socially engaged and avoid feeling isolated during the colder months.
Plan Your Outdoor Adventure for Next Season
As you’re working on getting your fill of sunshine and fresh air in the winter, now is also a good time to get a jump-start on planning your warm-weather outdoor activities too. Lawrence Bay Lodge, located on beautiful Reindeer Lake, offers expert-guided fishing and moose hunting adventures that make every season unforgettable. With experienced guides, quality equipment, and incredible wildlife, it’s the perfect way to enjoy the great outdoors.
Browse our lodging and accommodations online and book your guided hunting or fishing trip today.
