From Ice Yoga in British Columbia to Toboggan Intervals in Newfoundland, Here’s How Canadians Are Embracing Fitness in Subzero Temps
Summary: As winter blankets the country, Canadians aren’t retreating indoors—they’re stepping up their cold-weather workout routines. From polar dips to parkas-and-planks, we explore the unique and resilient ways Canadians stay active during the coldest months of the year.
Staying Fit When It’s -30°C: A National Fitness Movement
As the snow piles up and temperatures drop well below freezing, Canadians across the country are proving that winter isn’t a barrier to fitness—it’s an opportunity. A wave of community-driven, outdoor-centric cold-weather workout trends are emerging in every province, fueled by a collective passion for nature, health, and resilience.
Coast to Coast: How Canada Moves in the Cold
Here’s how Canadians are making movement a priority during the long winter months:
- British Columbia: Ice yoga sessions have taken root in Vancouver’s Stanley Park, combining mindfulness and mobility on frozen lakes with breathtaking mountain views.
- Alberta: In Calgary and Banff, winter trail running has gained popularity, with locals donning crampons and moisture-wicking layers to hit snow-covered trails.
- Ontario: Toronto residents have embraced urban Nordic walking, navigating icy sidewalks and scenic waterfronts with ski poles in hand.
- Quebec: Snowshoe HIIT circuits are trending in Mont-Tremblant, combining traditional cardio with functional strength intervals.
- Nova Scotia and Newfoundland: Locals are organizing “toboggan interval training”—sled hill sprints followed by core exercises in snow gear.
Experts Weigh In: Why Winter Workouts Work
Dr. Leah Raymond, a kinesiologist and sports medicine researcher at the University of Toronto, explains that exercising in cold weather can actually enhance calorie burn and improve cardiovascular efficiency. “The body works harder to regulate its temperature, which means your metabolism kicks into a higher gear,” she says.
Cold-weather workouts also boost mental health. According to a 2024 Canadian Mental Health Association study, outdoor winter exercise can significantly reduce seasonal affective symptoms.
“It’s not just about staying fit—it’s about staying connected to your environment and keeping seasonal blues at bay,” adds Raymond.
Motivation Beyond the Gym: Culture, Community, and Climate
While traditional gyms remain popular, many Canadians are choosing the outdoors because it offers something more profound: a connection to place and people.
“Winter is part of who we are,” says Calgary-based ultrarunner Omar Lalonde. “If I don’t get outside, I feel like I’m missing out on part of being Canadian.” He leads a free weekly snow-run club that has grown to 100+ members since 2022.
Social platforms have played a huge role too. Hashtags like #FrostFit and #CanadianWinterWorkouts have gained traction on Instagram and TikTok, with creators sharing routines, gear reviews, and motivational clips set to snowy backdrops.
What’s Next: Cold Weather, Hot Trends
With growing interest in wellness and a climate-conscious shift toward outdoor recreation, winter workouts are expected to gain even more momentum in 2025.
Local governments are also investing in winter wellness infrastructure, from groomed multi-use trails to heated outdoor shelters. Vancouver recently launched a Winter Movement Initiative to support low-cost community-led fitness events in parks and on beaches—even in snow.
For more ways to stay active all year long, check out “Outdoor Fitness in Calgary: The Snow Doesn’t Stop These Workouts” and “The Rise of Forest Therapy in Canada’s Mental Health Movement” on our site.
Solutions and Tips for Getting Started
New to winter workouts? Here are a few expert-backed tips:
- Layer smart: Use moisture-wicking base layers and waterproof outers.
- Stay visible: Use reflective gear and headlamps.
- Warm up indoors: Dynamic stretches before braving the cold can prevent injury.
- Join a local group: Accountability helps—check Facebook or your local rec centre for winter fitness events.
For gear and safety tips, visit the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology.
A Season of Strength
In Canada, winter isn’t just something to endure—it’s something to embrace. Across cities and provinces, people are trading treadmills for toboggans and gym mirrors for frozen lakes, proving that health, community, and joy can thrive even in the coldest months.
So this winter, don’t hibernate—hydrate, layer up, and step outside.
