March 7, 2022

Experience Great Outdoor Adventures in the Maritimes This Winter

Enjoy everything a Maritime winter wonderland has to offer!

Winters in the Maritimes are always full of fun! Sure, there’s snow (sometimes a lot of snow), but there’s no reason to let that get in the way of your outdoor adventure. In fact, snow can make your next winter escapade that much better! If you’re planning on doing some travelling throughout the Maritimes this season, we’ve put together some suggestions for things to do outdoors in the winter that you won’t want to pass up!

Hit the slopes at one of the many ski hills

Skiers and snowboarders alike will find plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures this winter! With more than half a dozen hills across all three Maritime Provinces, you’re never far away from a spot where you can strap in and shred! Ski Wentworth, located in the beautiful Wentworth Valley, is the largest hill in the region. This mountain has over 20 trails and a massive terrain park to unleash your inner daredevil. Elsewhere in Nova Scotia, you’ll find Martock in the Annapolis Valley and both  Ski Ben Eoin and Cape Smokey in Cape Breton. New Brunswick is home to Crabbe Mountain in Lower Hainesville, Mount Farlagne in Edmunston, and Poley Mountain in Sussex (only 45 minutes from MV Fundy Rose).

Take the Scenic Route, Go Snowshoeing

Are you more of a sight-seer than an adrenaline junkie? Ditch the snowboards and racing skis for a pair of snowshoes that will carry you on an adventure through a winter wonderland. If you enjoy hiking in the summer, this is the winter activity for you. Rediscover your favourite trails with a pair of snowshoes strapped to your boots and see your backyard through a brand new lens. There are many snowshoe and cross-country skiing trails in the Maritimes, but some of our favourites include Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site, Caledonia, NS, and the Irving Nature Park, Saint John, NB.

Skate on One of Our Beautiful Outdoor Rinks

It’s no secret that we love being on and around the water in the Maritimes — even when it freezes! All across the region, you’ll find opportunities to skate with those closest to you and create winter memories that will last a lifetime. In Moncton, Truro, and Charlottetown, you’ll find beautiful outdoor skating rinks in the heart of the downtown core. In addition, Halifax is home to the Emera Oval. This oval is the equivalent of 3 NHL hockey rinks and is the largest refrigerated ice surface in the region.

Take a winter ferry ride

The Bay of Fundy is beautiful in the wintertime, and there’s no better way to see it than from on the deck of MV Fundy Rose. Out on the water, you’ll have stunning views. And if you keep your eyes peeled, perhaps you’ll catch a glimpse of the marine life that calls the Bay of Fundy home. Of course, you can also take in the snow-capped shorelines of the Maritimes from the water. Best of all, taking the ferry means less driving time, and relaxing aboard mv Fundy Rose always beats driving on a wintery road!

Snuggle up for an enchanting sleigh ride

Winter is a great time to grab a hot cocoa and some friends for a lovely sleigh ride through the Maritime countryside. At Hamilton Sleigh and Wagon Rides in Lower Onslow, Nova Scotia, groups of any size can enjoy a ride through the snow led by two Belgian Horses. Not far from Saint John, you’ll find Snider Mountain Ranch, where you can take trail rides in the summer and sleigh rides in the winter.

Too chilly? Stay inside and enjoy some art!

While the Maritimes are full of things to do outdoors in the winter, sometimes it’s a little chilly. Suppose you’d rather have a winter adventure that takes place indoors. Why not spend time in a few of our region’s beautiful art galleries? Whether you’re a fan of progressive, thought-provoking art, or beautiful works from decades and centuries gone by, you’ll find a wide assortment of pieces in the Maritimes. In fact, we love art so much here that we’ve already highlighted a few of our favourite Maritime galleries in this blog post, The Colourful Canvas: A Guide to Maritime Artists for Art Lovers.

What’s better than camping in the summer? Camping in the winter!

Camping season doesn’t have to end when the weather gets chilly. Quite the opposite! For many people, winter is when the camping season begins. The Maritimes are picturesque at any time of year, and winter camping offers a perfect opportunity to see our beautiful landscapes in a whole new light. If you’re more of a “glamper” than a camper, that’s nothing to be ashamed of! Head to the Ridgeback Lodge in Kingston, New Brunswick. The lodge is home to the beautiful Dream Dome and Stargazer Domes, where you’ll have a camping experience unlike any you’ve ever had before.

Of course, if you’d rather spend your days exploring and your evenings inside, the Maritimes have plenty of great accommodations throughout the region.

In the Maritimes, there are always things to do outdoors in the winter!

From the slopes to the sleighs, the Maritimes is a winter wonderland. It’s time to embrace the snow and take advantage of everything Canada’s East Coast has to offer. To learn more, check out Explore the Maritimes or start planning your winter adventure today!