Brighten the Darkest Month

When the days start getting shorter and the sun becomes something you crave more than chocolate, you know you are entering into the darkest months of the year. It can be easy to feel a little down and dreary at this time of the year, which is why we need to push back and brighten the world by injecting a little fun into our lives.

This is the time to kick up our heels and play in the snow, learn something new, or embrace our competitive edge. We may not be able to chase the sunshine but we can still push the clouds away with some fun local activities that will make you smile.

Chase away the dreary late fall and early winter by injecting a little sunshine into your life with these fun, local activities.

Learn Something New

One of the best ways to shake off the gloom is to learn something new that inspires you to create, to spread your wings, and to grow. Learn how to make beautiful glass art with a glassblowing workshop from Yours Outdoors at Artech Studios. In Perth, Kelly’s Flowers offers holiday workshops throughout the season where you can make a decorative urn, and more, using fresh and dried flowers. In Calabogie, Tree House Art Studio offers art workshops of all kinds for individuals or groups of three and up. 

Go Chasin' Turkeys

The folks at Chasin’ Turkeys in Carleton Place know the lanes are where the fun's at. Roll some strikes (or spares) here and experienced some low-tech, family-friendly fun. Other places to bowl in Ontario’s Highlands include The Fast Lane in Minden (try one of their glow in the dark evenings!) and Gratton Bowling Lanes in Smiths Falls.

Get Outdoors

You won’t notice the weather when you spend time in the forest while absorbing the calming influence only Mother Nature can provide. Take a hike to the top of Manitou Mountain in the Ottawa Valley for a spectacular lookout. In Haliburton, Barnum Creek Nature Reserve has easy to moderate trails that range from one to five kilometres. Explore more than 358 acres of land on one of the trails at McGeachie Conservation Area in Hastings County.  Lennox & Addington's Forest Trails will lead you through more than 127 acres of pristine Canadian Shield landscape.

Eat Up

Could anything perk us up more than an edible experience that satisfies the craving we may not have realized we’re having? Think rich, flavourful coffees. Dark chocolates. Fun beers. Yummy ciders. Unique craft spirits. (And yes, we should probably throw some food in there, too). Hit the road for a delicious road trip to explore one of Ontario’s Highlands’ food and drink trails and feel yourself brighten with each bite or sip.