New Year, New You!
New Year, new you –that’s what we all say, right? As we turn the page of the calendar to 2023 we are embarking on a fresh, clean page where anything is possible.
Each New Year's party hats are donned, horns blown, toasts made, and the countdown starts, the resolutions start piling up. A new year means a fresh start, a clean slate, and a chance to improve. These resolutions are of course made with the best of intentions.
Sometimes, resolutions are difficult to keep, but this year, we're resolved to be more resolved (you won’t break us, brownies), and we want to help you do the same! Below are events, workshops, and activities across Ontario’s Highlands to help you keep your New Year’s resolutions.
Resolution: Be More Active
Winter in Canada is cold. This means it can be tempting to hibernate a bit; to retreat inside and wait for the warm sunny days of summer to entice us to get outside and get moving. But this doesn’t need to be the case! Dress for the weather and get outside to get your blood pumping, fill your lungs with fresh air, and find out just how fun this season can be.
Canadian National Pond Hockey Championships
Location: Pinestone Resort, Haliburton, ON
Date: Open Weekend Jan. 27-28, 2023 & Masters Weekend Feb. 3-4, 2022
This "pondomonium" event captures the true essence of growing up in Canada –the sound of skates scraping against the ice, of sticks connecting with pucks, and of joy at each hard-won goal. Taking place in Haliburton Highlands, this is the largest pond hockey event on Earth (wow!). Whether you’re participating or spectating, you can celebrate the Canadian sport of pond hockey, feel your heartbeat race as you cheer on teams from near and far, and be amazed by the 700-1000 players who gather to embrace the chill and battle for victory over these two weekends.
Southern Ontario Ice Festival
Location: Maynooth, ON
Date: Feb. 10-12, 2023
Celebrate the sport of ice climbing with old and new friends at this weekend festival. Work your muscles as you climb at Diamond Lake, improve your skills during a clinic, and demo some of the latest climbing toys, before heading to the Arlington for more fun and games into the evening. This event is perfect for novice climbers looking to break into the sport, or more experienced climbers wanting to brush up on their skills.
Hike Haliburton - Winter Edition
Location: Haliburton, ON
Date: Feb. 4-5, 2023
This free event is about more than just hiking and integrates arts, culture, heritage and food and drink experiences into one fantastic weekend. Registrants have the option of adding on workshops like Yours Outdoors' Intro to Igloo Building, Introduction to Ice Climbing, or Ski like a Canadian. Learn how to geocache or take a moonlit snowshoe walk through the Barnum Creek Nature Preserve for a different take on hiking in winter. Take part in over 20 guided and themed snowshoe hikes, demonstrations and events and work up a sweat this winter.
Resolution: Give Back
Sometimes we get so busy thinking about what we need to do and where we need to be that we forget there is always time to give back to our community. In Canada, naturally our giving back often involves the winter months (and sometimes getting wet!). Polar Bear Plunges are a popular way to take the plunge for others, and start your new year's resolutions off with a splash.
Perth Polar Bear Plunge
Location: Perth Legion, Perth, ON
Date: Jan. 1, 2023
Time: 8 a.m. to noon
You don't need to take the plunge in an icy river to give to this fun event that raises funds for local charities, you can also come and watch and cheer as others shiver for a good cause. The Perth Polar Bear Plunge has been running since 1994, one of the longest running plunges in Canada! Come for the breakfast beginning at 8 a.m. at the Perth Legion and enjoy the community spirit this event creates.
Resolution: Spend More Time with Family
Time flies; it’s one of the most precious commodities we have. This year, make it your top priority to spend time together, to watch smiles light your kids’ faces, to witness every inch they grow, and to create memories with your family.
Dorset Snowball Winter Carnival
Location: Dorset Recreation Centre, Dorset, ON
Date: February 17-18, 2023
Gather together to watch the Snowball Parade, and learn about birds of prey before belting your hearts out at karaoke. Transform yourself with face painting, and document the day by donning zany outfits and fun props in the photo booth.
Celebrate the Maple Harvest
Location: Fulton's Sugar Bush & Maple Shop, Pakenham, ON
Date: February 18 to April 16, 2023
Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Indulge in some of the sweetest traditions around and feel the delight that spreads through your family and friends with a visit to Fulton's Sugar Bush. Watch the sweet maple taffy poured at the Taffy Shack, bundle up and take a trip down the tobogganing hill, pile into the back of a horse drawn sleigh or wagon for a fresh air adventure. Bring your curious maple questions to the team in the Sugar Camp and learn about the magic of making maple syrup.
Resolution: Learn a New Skill
In a world where an overload of information is available right at our fingertips, there are still some things that are better to learn in person. Enjoy the authentic personalities of artists and artisans during a workshop this winter, set your creative side free, and learn new skills directly from the experts.
Learn the Art of Glassblowing
Location: Carnarvon, ON
Date: Choose your own date!
Time: Full or half day packages
Discover the art of glassblowing and create your own one-of-a-kind works of glass art with this fun workshop coordinated by Yours Outdoors. Not able to make it to one of the above dates? This workshop can be booked on alternative dates, pending the instructor’s availability.
Try Snowga
Location: Abbey Gardens, Haliburton, ON
Date: January 3, 9, 16, 31, 2023
Time: 11 a.m. to 2 p .m.
Try a new form of outdoor exercise with snowga, a combination of snowshoeing and yoga (who'd have thought?). This fun outdoor event is coordinated by Yours Outdoors and takes place at the beautiful Abbey Gardens retreat. Spend some time snowshoeing and then participate in a one-hour yoga practice.
Resolution: Be a Better Partner
Remember what we said earlier about how precious time is? Make time for each other this year to laugh until it hurts, hold hands, and take date night to a new level.
TIFF Movie Nights in North Hastings
Location: The Village Playhouse, Bancroft, ON
Date: January 17 to May 9
Time: 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Embrace a classic ‘movie date’ and spend an evening tucked into cozy theatre seats as you let yourself explore the lives and struggles of others during the TIFF Films The Good House on January 17 and Phantom of the Open on February 14.
Live Music at Neat Coffee Shop
Location: Neat Coffee Shop, Burnstown
Date: Various dates in 2023
Grab tickets for dinner and a show at Neat Coffee Shop in Burnstown. Be amazed by the musical talent of local (and not so local) performers. Lose yourself in the sounds of the music, the hearty food, and the intimate atmosphere. Book early because these tickets sell out fast!
