On Frozen Pond – PEI Winter Wonderland

On Frozen Pond

There is something about winter which transforms the soul. The season is heavenly white,  almost post card like as if frozen in time providing a variety of experiences, adventures and celebrations. Every year in Canada winter is an anticipated adventure season enjoyed by many,  but a source of complaints to  some.  We like to call this the “Ba Humbug” generation.

Some prefer to live in a one season country – with no change, no variety and the same old activities year round.  While some people like the variety of seasons – appreciating the four season landscapes of Canada.  It is the variety of activities and the ever-changing scenery… and the rebirth of new landscapes and frozen playgrounds that makes Canada so special year round.

People often tell us we are unique, because we cherish all seasons and the joy it brings to many of us.  We are, in many ways,  like children in a toy store waiting for the snow to fall while others hope it never comes.Here on Prince Edward Island at the writers retreat we take advantage of the snow as often as we can. It has been days now where the snowflakes are falling like autumn leaves and the icicles stretch longer by the second.  We go for walks to the end of the street to watch the dancing snow squall twisting in the wind.  We walk out the backdoor and explore the shores of the frozen bay.  We plan on going ice fishing more and doing some snowboarding.

There is always something to do in Canada!  Here where we are on PEI is no exception.  In Charlottetown there are winter festivals with ice sculptures, exhibits and performances.  In Summerside there is a ski hill in full swing catering to skiers and snowboarders.  And across the whole province of PEI the Confederation Trail is a winter sightseeing bonanza for snowmobiling, snowshoers and winter hikers.

Every once in awhile the clouds part ways for days of sunshine. The sun reflects off the snow -so bright at times – we are forced to bring the sunglasses out of summer retirement.  And in the morning hours the clouds give way to amazing colored skies – so orange with hinges of deep reds and purples. (main Blog photo).  It is a great way to start a winter day.

After the snow has fallen it quickly kicks into winter activity high season. There are so many new activities to enjoy in Canada like skiing, snowmobiling, ice fishing, cross country, dog sledding and snowshoeing.   Hiking trails transform into cross country and snowmobile adventures. Rivers and lakes are frozen over giving birth to ice skating and ice fishing. Mountain peaks and alpine valleys provide endless kilometres of dog sledding and snowmobiling. What is there not to like.

Canada is a top destination for those seeking a winter wonderland. And not all adventures need to be activities. In the northern territories and northern sections of some of the provinces there the Northern Lights. A spectacle of colors dancing in the skies – swirling, twisting and floating on the horizons. Some northern areas are also the homes to polar bears – people come to Canada from around the world to view the migration of bears to their feeding grounds.

On the west coast of Canada storm watching attracts plenty of travelers. It is a chance to walk sandy beaches, through clouds of mist with thundering waves high overhead crashing down like a fist on a table. Where the snow does not fall some suit up and play a round of golf. Want warmth and pampering… that is here too in one of the world famous spas and hot springs in Canada.

Life is too short to watch from the sidelines.

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