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Outdoor Tips, Tricks, Inspiration and Activities | MEC Blog

People bundled up in hats and scarves, streets slick with ice and temperatures cold enough to see your breath – the signs are clear. Winter’s here and that means it’s time to make the most of the snow, Montreal. Whether you’re a long-time resident or a first-time visitor, the City of Saints and its surrounding regions offer plenty of winter fun that goes beyond Mont-Tremblant. To help you take advantage of Montreal’s winter trails, we’ve highlighted our favourite options to explore.

### Mont-Royal


Located in the heart of Montreal, [Mount Royal](https://www.lemontroyal.qc.ca/en/) is a classic destination to go cross-country skiing, snowshoeing or winter biking. For an added dose of adrenaline, you can also go tubing right by Beaver Lake.

For a unique experience around the city, try the guided City Lights snowshoe excursion, offered on Friday and Saturday evenings from January 6 to March 4, 2017. You’ll leave from the Beaver Lake Pavilion with a steaming mug of hot chocolate, and wind your way through the park. If you’re there at the end of January, you can celebrate the city’s 375th anniversary with a special snowshoe trek that follows the route taken by the Montréal Snowshoe Club.

### Parc national du Mont-Saint-Bruno
Located just a half hour away from Montreal, [Parc national du Mont-Saint-Bruno](https://www.sepaq.com/pq/msb/index.dot?language_id=1) will please any outdoor winter fan. If you’re looking to do a morning hike, the park offers a 3.5-km trail with a shorter 1.5-km loop. If you’d rather spend a little more time outside, try the 7-km walking trail that circles Lac Seigneurial – you might spot a woodpecker or two along the way. Make sure to pack some winter hiking essentials like a [warm hat](/en/products/clothing/clothing-accessories/hats-and-toques/toques-and-beanies), [mitts](/en/products/clothing/clothing-accessories/gloves-and-mittens), an extra [layer](/en/products/clothing/base-layers-and-underwear) and some [traction](/en/products/footwear/footwear-accessories/traction-devices) for your boots.

If you’re into [fat bikes](/en/products/cycling/bikes/mountain-bikes) (or want to try one out), this is the place to go for a ride. Rentals are available at the Discovery and Visitors Centre, and riders can bike around Lac Seigneurial. On January 20, February 3 and February 17, some of the park’s cross-country trails will be available to riders on fat bikes from 5pm to 9pm. It’ll get dark around that time so a [headlamp](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/headlamps-and-lighting/headlamps) will come in handy.

### Aerobic Corridor and Morin-Heights
Nestled in the region of Morin-Heights, just an hour’s drive from Montreal, the [Aerobic Corridor](https://www.morinheights.com/Parks-Trail-networks) is a 58-km recreational trail that weaves through the Western Laurentians for you to roam at your own pace. You can access the corridor via provincial and local road networks.

Morin-Heights has a 165-km cross-country and snowshoe trail network, 90km of which are backcountry trails. Keep in mind that you’ll need a valid cross-country ski pass or day ticket to enter this area. Snowshoers can venture on 15km of trails in the Aerobic Corridor or try out the 12km of resort trails at Ski Morin Heights. After a long day traversing the rugged backcountry terrain, you can warm up with a cup of hot cider or maybe something a little different like a [hot toddy](/en/article/7-delicious-ways-to-stay-warm-outside-this-winter).

### Cap-Saint-Jacques Nature Park


If you’re itching to try out your brand new pair of cross-country skis, [Cap-Saint-Jacques Nature Park](https://montreal.ca/en/places/parc-nature-du-cap-saint-jacques) is a great place to test them. You’ll enjoy a pretty view of the Lake of Two Mountains and the Rivière des Prairies as you ski or snowshoe along the park’s 32km of trails. Cap-Saint-Jacques has many loops, which makes it easy for you to return where you started and then take off on another path for more adventure.

You can also head out for an evening ski and stop off at the Sugar Shack for a delicious crêpe or some taffy on the snow (which is pretty tasty).

### Mont Blanc
Looking to get in some downhill skiing or snowboarding and want a quieter ski area than Mont-Tremblant? Head to Mont Blanc instead. This ski resort features three peaks, 42 trails and the Mont-Tremblant region’s second highest elevation, so there’s plenty of fresh snow for skiers and snowboarders to rip through. After you’ve had your fill of the slopes, you can unwind in the hot tub and feed your well-earned appetite at any one of the resort’s quality restaurants.

Face winter head on – dressed in appropriate [layers](/en/explore/clothing-layers), of course – and enjoy everything this magical season has to offer. Whether you’re looking to try out a new winter activity or just get your heart pumping, Montreal has a trail for every taste.

*Photo credits: Rob Kints / Shutterstock.com,* ***[abdallahh](https://www.flickr.com/photos/husseinabdallah/2305980293/in/photolist-4vLKAV-e7z24g-dJTpmD-4vQR5L-4vVFer-4vZMu3-4vVEXF-4vVDRv-4vZMM5-dFeFDn-4vZN4Q-qgNFXs-91ssB7-daLHPa-bGhixr-6YmKh-e36Wpy-e36WTU-auiVbM-dMuAgz-dMA9Sq-e31fEa-4Eqeh1-4vVFKF-dJSWt6-jPLKPe-4ofnVV-718xp-4EkYTK-e7z2n8-vN2c-718y3-718yB-e2Tfxw-e2MAPa-718wx-cE8Lrs-35b9nr-kjcxJy-dMAaNW-Csj96D-4vVGi2-4vVG54-CpgtH2-ESCMNo-BDu33c-Cyz3BJ-EW1u3s-C3n98F-CyyUdu)***, ***[abdallahh](https://www.flickr.com/photos/husseinabdallah/2092365051/in/photolist-8pV867-8pV7Ku-8pV8mE-8pRWr8-4aLK4y-4aLL1S-4bTVev-6jLNwi-4aLKzY)***



Take advantage of Montreal’s winter trails – these are some of our favourite ones to explore. Fat bike trails, snowshoe treks, taffy on the snow and more.

6 winter-friendly trails around Montreal | MEC Blog

6 winter-friendly trails around Montreal

Every so often, you wind up outside on one of those perfect nights – when the moon is shining bright and the stars are out, lighting up the sky in a way you don’t see from the city. Imagine if you could point out directions to your friends using only the stars as your guide. Turns out it’s not as challenging as it might sound. All you need to do is familiarize yourself with a few constellations, and you can impress your pals with a navigation trick that few people know.

Of course, there’s no substitute for learning to navigate using a [GPS](/en/products/watersports/marine-navigation/handheld-gps) or [map](/en/products/travel-gear/books-maps/maps) and [compass](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/tools-and-accessories/compasses) – but if you want to add more skills to your navigation toolkit, here are some ways to start:

#### 1. Look for Polaris, the North Star, to find north


Polaris, also known as the North Star, is the brightest star at the tip of the Little Dipper’s “handle.” It’s the only star that appears to remain static in the night sky, thanks to its position right above true north – the direction of the North Pole.

If you’re having a hard time finding the North Star, you can use other constellations, like the Big Dipper, to help locate it. Find the Big Dipper’s “ladle” and imagine that soup is pouring out from it. The flow from this hypothetical space soup will lead right to the North Star. If you see a constellation that resembles a “w,” that means you’ve found Cassiopeia and have gone too far. Backtrack a bit and you’ll spot Polaris, nestled cozily between the Big Dipper and Cassiopeia.

#### 2. Use Polaris to find your latitude in the Northern Hemisphere
If you’re north of the equator, you can use Polaris to determine your latitude. Normally, a sextant or a quadrant is used to measure the angle between Polaris’ position and the northern horizon, but that’s not an object that we tend to keep handy on a camping trip. If you happen to be outside without a sextant, you can use your fists to measure the angle.

Stretch your right or left arm out in front of you, with your hand closed in a fist, towards the horizon. Place your other fist above and continue stacking one over the other until one of your fists meets Polaris. Each fist approximates 10 degrees, so you can use them to help count how many degrees separate the North Star from the horizon to find your latitude.

#### 3. Seek help from Orion to find south


To find south, you’ll need to locate the constellation Orion, which looks a bit like a bent hourglass. In the Northern Hemisphere, Orion is visible primarily during winter. Eight major stars make up Orion’s body: one star – Meissa – represents the head; two stars – Betelgeuse and Bellatrix – represent the shoulders; another two – Saiph and Rigel – serve as the feet; and three – Alnitak, Alnilam and Mintaka in the middle – make up Orion’s belt.

You’ll want to look for Orion’s sword, which is made up of three stars that hang off of the belt. Follow its point and it will show you south when Orion is oriented close to vertical (like the image above).

Not sure if it’s Orion you see in the sky? You can use a star dial or a stargazing app to help you identify different constellations.

#### 4. Follow the stars for direction
Just like the sun, stars travel across the sky from east to west. Keep track of which direction they seem to be moving to determine which way you’re facing. If you want something more precise, look for Mintaka, the star located on the right side of Orion’s belt – it rises close to true east and sets close to true west.

A compass or GPS device is essential for serious navigation, but it can be refreshing to take a tech-free approach by looking to the stars above for guidance. Whether you’re out exploring the wilderness late at night or you’re just looking to show off a cool party trick at your campsite, consider the sky your celestial road map.

#### Want to improve your navigation skills?
Browse some [books](/en/products/travel-gear/books-maps); they cover everything from map reading to digital navigation.

*Photo credits: **[Ryan Hutton](https://unsplash.com/photos/worms-eye-view-of-trees-during-night-time-Jztmx9yqjBw)**, Vector FX / Shutterstock.com, Yuriy Kulik / Shutterstock.com*



All you need to do is familiarize yourself with a few constellations, and you can impress your pals with a navigation trick that few people know.

How to do anything: navigate using the stars | MEC Blog

How to do anything: navigate using the stars

The best presents are often things that can’t be wrapped or put in a box. Yet amid the frenetic rush of holiday gift giving, last-minute birthday hunting, and the countless other celebrations that now demand some flashy token of our love (Halloween, Easter, etc.) it’s easy to forget that the greatest gifts we ever give our children are the ones that come for free: love, time and attention.

So this year, as you struggle to choose meaningful presents from amid reams of plastic and junk – something that will bring a smile to their face, something that aligns with your values, something that builds family bonds instead adding to a landfill heap – consider doing something revolutionary, and in lieu of more *stuff* (or at least, alongside stuff) give a piece of *yourself* too, in the form of a simple IOU note.



Maybe you promise to teach your child a new skill, like how to light a fire in the rain or how to paddle a J-stroke. Perhaps you set a shared goal of biking a century ride together or learning to roll a kayak. Or plan a special weekend away where they navigate, with your help, to a distant camp. Such uninterrupted time, spent together outdoors, is invaluable for kindling curiosity, building confidence, teaching independence and perseverance, and imbuing respect for nature and an instinct for adventure.

What follows are a few simple suggestions to get your own ideas flowing. Think of these as small acts of defiance. Or perhaps, the greatest gifts of all.



### IOU a phone-free day
Our omnipresent phones may be the greatest attention-stealing devices ever invented. So why not provide your child with the antidote: a hand-written coupon, cashable at any time, requiring you to leave your mobile device behind for one entire day.

Could you do it? Sounds scary, that’s for sure. What’s really scary is that going without a phone, for just a day, can seem so daunting. Of course you can do it! No one is so important that they can’t unplug for a day. So give your precious kids 24-hours of straight up, unadulterated, undistracted you. They will love it.

### IOU a night under the stars
Camping doesn’t have to be an ordeal. No need to pack the car and head for the hills, your little one will be just as thrilled to sleep out in the backyard. Perhaps aim for August, at the height of the prolific Perseid meteor shower (it runs annually from July 17 to August 24). Or instead, maybe a new moon, when the stars are their brightest and constellations easier to identify. Maybe make it your co-mission to see the northern lights together (keep an eye on online aurora trackers and set out when conditions look promising). Whether you spot the elusive aurora borealis or not, your child will enjoy free reign to unzip the tent door at any hour of the night to peek.



### IOU tickets (to something, anything)
The [Best of Banff Mountain Film Festival](https://www.banffcentre.ca/banffmountainfestival/tour) is a great way to kindle a child’s interest in wild places and adventurous activities. Or perhaps you’ll choose tickets to the local theatre, live music or a public speaker. The important thing is that you’ve got something marked in the calendar, together.

### IOU five bike rides
Maybe you teach them to ride. Maybe you set a goal of riding 50km together by the end of the summer, and train towards it.

### IOU every run on the hill
Why not a pledge (or challenge) each other to ski every run at your local hill together, marking them off, one by one, on a trail map taped to a wall at home? It doesn’t matter how long it takes.



### IOU how to light a fire (or another skill)
Promise to teach them a fundamental skill: how to light a fire, how to paddle the stern seat of a canoe, how to safely use a knife or axe or how to read a map and navigate in the wild. Such skills build confidence and last a lifetime.

### IOU shared lessons
If you aren’t confident teaching a new skill, why not enroll in lessons and learn together? Learn to surf. Join a climbing gym. Take a photography course. Climb a mountain.

Of course the possibilities are endless. Promise to read a book under a tree. Or have a picnic beside the ocean. Go beachcombing. Or bungee jumping. Plan an overnight canoe trip. Or a month in the high Arctic. It doesn’t matter, as long as it’s time spent together.

If you want to impact your child’s life for the better, whenever possible, choose memories, not stuff.



Wondering what to get your kiddo for the holidays, birthday or more? Think outside the packaging with these gift ideas for kids that aren't things.

IOU: 7 priceless gifts for kids | MEC Blog

IOU: 7 priceless gifts for kids

In the summer of 2016, Benjamin Jordan gave a whole new meaning to the idiom “feels like flying.” With the support of an [*MEC expedition grant*](/en/explore/outdoor-impact), the photographer and filmmaker soared 1000km via paraglider from Vancouver to Calgary. The Toronto native is no stranger to unconventional ways of travel; in 2006, he rode his skateboard across Canada with three friends – a trip that led him to his passion of producing adventure travel documentaries.

*Following months of staring at maps, obsessing over ridges, valleys, cut-blocks and logging roads, Ben walked over Vancouver’s Lions Gate Bridge, ready to make history. Here, through colourful photos and captions, he chronicles the experience:*

## Part one: the struggle


***Left:*** From overconfident beginnings to humble proceedings, my first-ever flight from Grouse Mountain was not the glorious 100+km cross-country soar I had dreamt of. Instead, it was a 45-minute struggle just to stay airborne as the thermals became weaker and weaker in the sea breeze air. I spent a total of five days at Grouse Mountain before realizing it was the wrong season to fly in that region.

***Right:*** Staying sane on the mountain for days at a time required me to branch out my activities. This activity is called standing on an island rock, singing at the top of my lungs.



After a last attempt to fly out from North Vancouver, I walked across West Vancouver to Lighthouse Park and made camp for the night. In some ways, this felt like the true start: bathing in the Pacific, a week of dirt already caked to my exterior, and a feeling that the worst was behind me. What lay ahead, however, was 100km of asphalt to pound out on the way to Whistler, and all uphill.



***Left:*** I have two modes: hike and fly. In either mode, one thing is for certain: weight sucks. Thanks to MEC and my other amazing sponsors, I was blessed to have the lightest versions of everything I need.

***Right:*** Trees, a busy highway or the sea? Hrmmmm … no, wait! There’s a tourist pullout! Looking back, I was such a fool to even attempt to fly this section. It was almost certain I wouldn’t make it to the open space in Squamish, still 30km north. Truthfully, I was lucky this pullout existed.

## Part two: now we’re flying!


After arriving in Whistler, I met up with local pilots Scott and Al. Together we hiked and flew from Rainbow Mountain. At long last, I’d escaped the effects of the sea breeze and was making real distance under wing. Together with my aerial brothers, we danced in circles up to clouds and moved steadily along our way to Pemberton for the next potential launch.



My sweet reward, after I just had my first real cross-country flight to Pemberton with top landing, was getting to stay overnight in the Marty Memorial Safety Hut on Upper Mackenzie. I don’t have the right word for the feeling of this moment, but it’s a mix of love, pride and gratitude.



However short (less than 40km) my first two flights were, they ended with spectacular top landings, higher than where I’d launched that day. At this point, I was not only 2300m above sea level, but I was also set up for an east launch, which allowed me to take advantage of the morning sun the following day. Coffee, oats, ramen noodles and the occasional visiting marmot were base camp staples.



A stark realization I found myself having again and again on this journey was how much it sucks to become dehydrated. And I don’t mean thirsty, I mean dry mouth, dry throat, hallucinating, not knowing up from down and making bad choices dehydrated. It happened from time to time, as I could only carry 2L of water in my normal bladder and certain hikes didn’t lend themselves to streams, so when I spotted a watering hole, I got up in it.



***Left:*** Having flown for 12 years, I can safely say that most launches don’t really intimidate me anymore, but this cliff was giving me vertigo like something else.

***Right:*** I’m proud of my rustic tech, but the weight of my camera stabilizer (a must) was too much for the system and kept flipping upside down.



After what was the most remarkable day of this entire project – a 140km straight shot over pure wilderness and the entire West Kootenay region – I just couldn’t resist an aerial jam session.



Successfully crossing over the Pinnacle Watershed in Monashee Provincial Park was a heart-stopping experience. Although there were still over 20km to glide to safety, little else was on my mind when I spotted the emerald lakes and snowy peaks.



***Left:*** Ever since my first time driving from Banff to Radium ten years ago I dreamt of this day. While Kootenay National Park is a no-land, no-launch zone, I knew that wouldn’t be a problem.

***Right:*** I felt as though my heart might stop from the beauty of this moment. Not one minute before I was on the verge of tears, when I realized I’d gotten myself way too low in a bad spot. Then, I was reminded why I’m so addicted to this incredible sport – I was dealt a wildcard that not only allowed my passage onward, but left this scene as a parting gift.



It was late when I began hiking up Cougar Creek toward the Lady MacDonald trailhead and set up camp for the night without the shelter of my cozy tent. I woke up at sunrise with the Three Sisters watching over me.

## Part three: home free


Whenever I step up to launch, I struggle with the feeling that I will just bomb out, landing at the base of the mountain in frustration. But time after time, a greater force proves me wrong, which makes my fantasy of crossing this mountainous divide as real as anything. This photo captures my first climb from Lady MacDonald. I knew then, without a shred of doubt, I’d get beyond the mountains.



After 37 days of massive mountains, glaciers, deep valleys and man-eating crevasses, I had completely forgotten that any other type of landscape existed. Like warping through space to an entirely separate planet, there I was: staring at a level horizon with farm fields as far as the eye could see. Ironically, now that there was no danger to avoid, I couldn’t figure out where to best fly and bombed out shortly after arriving in the flats.



***Left:*** I set up camp along the famous Bow River. No longer concerned about running out of food, I spoiled myself with two packs of ramen noodles and a piece of chocolate to celebrate.

***Right:*** Alberta had been struck by storms almost every afternoon all summer. Though it would have been nice to fly all the way to Calgary, I was happier beholding the power of these mammoth storm cells from the ground.



MEC was the first business to hop on board this project and the catalyst for many of my other sponsors to do the same. Having begun my journey from the flagship MEC location in Vancouver, it felt right that I complete it by arriving at the MEC Calgary store.



### 

Ben made history as the first paraglider to take a solo flight over Canada’s southwest mountains and the first person to vol-biv (that’s fly-camp) from Pacific to prairie. MEC was proud to support his journey via [expedition grant funding](/en/explore/outdoor-impact). Way to go, Ben!

Curious about what he brought along? Check out his [full gear list](https://benjaminjordan.com/adventure/xbc-gear).



*This is a highlight reel of Ben’s original photo essay. Check out the full story on* [*benjaminjordan.com*](https://benjaminjordan.com/photo/xbc/) *and follow him on* [*Instagram*](https://www.instagram.com/benjaminjordanadventure/) *for updates on his forthcoming film about the trip.*



Adventurer Benjamin Jordan is the first person to paraglide solo over the entire span of Canada’s southwest mountain ranges. See awesome photos and captions from his expedition.

39 days in the air: paragliding from BC to Alberta | MEC Blog

39 days in the air: paragliding from BC to Alberta

Looking for a fresh start to your year? Look no further than the polar dip, the popular annual tradition of dunking yourself in cold water with fellow weirdos to welcome the New Year.

We give the newness of the next calendar year a lot of weight. Expectations are high, resolutions are at the ready and we’re all set for a fresh start – a feeling perhaps no better symbolized than by a polar dip. For the unfamiliar, a polar dip or polar bear swim is the act of submerging oneself into a body of water during the height of winter purely for that *carpe diem*, you-only-live-once, why-the-heck-not feeling,  much to the delight (or horror) of nearby spectators.

Sound crazy? Hear us out. It’s a perfectly exciting answer to the inevitable “what did you do for New Year’s?” question and certainly the flip side to the house party/staying in and splitting growlers and burritos option. If you do plan on burning the midnight oil, there’s no better next-day wake up than cannonballing in -5°C (or colder) weather.

The payoff? Bragging rights, and hopefully, a fuzzy towel and something deliciously warm to sip afterwards.

## Where to polar dip
Polar dips are best experienced with a group of similarly enthusiastic friends and strangers. Luckily there are lots of organized polar bear swims across Canada to join in. Before you change your mind, here are some places to get your swim on:

#### British Columbia
- [Vancouver Polar Bear Swim](https://vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/polar-bear-swim.aspx)
- [White Rock Annual Polar Bear Swim](https://www.whiterockcity.ca/Calendar.aspx?EID=3968)
- [Sydney Polar Bear Swim](https://www.peninsulacelebrations.org/events/polarbearswim)
- [Delta Polar Bear Swim](https://www.delta.ca/community-culture/happening-delta/events-calendar/2025-polar-bear-swim)
- [Kelowna Polar Bear Dip](https://www.kelownapolarbeardip.ca/)
- [Peachland Polar Bear Dip](https://www.peachland.ca/parks-recreation/community-calendar/new-years-day-polar-bear-dip)

#### Alberta
- [Calgary Ice Breaker Polar Dip](https://www.calgaryicebreaker.com/)
- [Edmonton Polar Plunge](https://www.specialolympics.ab.ca/events/2025-edmonton-polar-plunge)
- [Sylvan Lake Polar Bear Dip](https://www.todocanada.ca/city/edmonton/event/plungex-polar-plunge-for-special-olympics-alberta/)
- [Canmore Polar Plunge](https://www.specialolympics.ab.ca/events/2025-canmore-polar-plunge)
- [Medicine Hat Polar Plunge](https://www.specialolympics.ab.ca/events/2025-medicine-hat-polar-plunge)
- [Lethbridge Polar Plunge](https://www.specialolympics.ab.ca/events/2025-lethbridge-polar-plunge)
- [Rocky’s Freezin’ for a Reason Polar Bear Dip](https://davidthompsoncountry.ca/events/rockys-freezin-for-a-reason-polar-bear-dip/)
- [Grande Prairie Polar Plunge](https://www.specialolympics.ab.ca/events/2025-grande-prairie-polar-plunge)
- [Calgary Polar Plunge](https://www.specialolympics.ab.ca/events/2025-calgary-polar-plunge)
- [Lake Louise Polar Bear Swim](https://www.chateau-lake-louise.com/events/polar-plunge/)

#### Ontario
- [Ottawa Chill](http://searsgreatcanadianchill.ca/ottawa-polar-bear-dip-home/)
- [Toronto Polar Bear Dip](https://torontopolarbear.com/)
- [Oakville Polar Bear Dip](https://www.polarbeardip.ca/)
- [Record Breaker Cold Plunge](https://www.todocanada.ca/city/toronto/event/record-toronto-polar-bear-dip/)
- [Clarington Polar Bear Swim](https://autismhomebase.com/polarbearswim/)
- [Grand Valley Polar Bear Dip](https://sites.google.com/site/grandvalleylionsclub/grandvalleylions/polar-bear-dip)
- [Huntsville Polar Bear Dip](https://www.facebook.com/huntsvillepolarbeardip/)
- [Perth Polar Bear Swim](https://www.perthpolarbearplunge.com/)

#### New Brunswick
- [Mispec Beach Polar Dip](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063583778174)

#### Nova Scotia
- [Dartmouth Polar Bear Swim](https://www.todocanada.ca/city/halifax/event/new-years-day-polar-dip/)
- [Digby Neck Polar Bear Club](https://www.facebook.com/groups/321630037857543)
- [Port Morien Polar Bear Dip](https://www.facebook.com/portmorienpolardip/)
- [Dinghy Beach Polar Bear Dip](https://www.facebook.com/events/2103414570110303/)
- [Halifax: Herring Cove Polar Bear Dip](https://www.facebook.com/groups/36983664830/)

Have any others? Post the link on our [Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/mec) to share with our community.

## 5 polar bear dip essentials
- [Travel towel](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/health-and-safety/bath-and-sanitation-products/towels): It’ll have you dry in no time and stashes easily in your bag.
- [Vacuum bottle](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/camping-kitchen-and-hydration/water-bottles-and-travel-mugs/vacuum-bottles-and-tumblers): Filled with [something delicious](/en/article/7-delicious-ways-to-stay-warm-outside-this-winter), of course.
- [Chili & Spice Hot Chocolate](/en/product/5036-149/chili-%26-spice-hot-chocolate): What more can we say!
- [Waterproof case](/en/products/electronics/electronics-cases/phone-cases): To capture #polarbeardip.
- [Warm jacket](/en/products/clothing/jackets) and [pants](/en/products/clothing/bottoms): Bring something to cut the wind chill.
- [Toque](/en/products/clothing/clothing-accessories/hats-and-toques/toques-and-beanies): Because there’s nothing more Canadian than rocking a bathing suit and toque at the same time.

*Note: If you take the plunge, stay safe! Here are some [polar bear swim safety tips](https://www.redcross.ca/blog/2019/12/everybody-freeze-tips-you-should-know-for-a-safe-polar-bear-plunge) to keep in mind.*



Get Canadian by rocking a bathing suit and toque at the same time. Use this list to find a polar bear swim near you.

Where to polar dip (and why) | MEC Blog

Where to polar dip (and why)

We’ve all heard it before: the [science of happiness](https://www.harvardmagazine.com/2007/01/the-science-of-happiness-html) tells us that we gain maximum satisfaction from getting out and doing things. The reason? A huge part of who we are stems from the sum total of our experiences. Travel, bike rides, beach days, hikes and the like end up becoming an ingrained part of our identity, and we begin to identify with what we do. What better boost for the people you love the most?

Here are experience-based gift ideas centred around having a great time:

### National or provincial park visit
Now’s the time to send your favourite outdoor buddy an invite for a camping, hiking or paddling trip to one of your favourite parks – and to mark your calendar for the day that campsite reservations open (heads up: regular fees still apply for camping and reservations). If your campground of choice is booked, it’s the perfect chance to try a new spot.

### Lessons for a new activity
Have someone special in your life who’s always wanted to try SUPing, skiing, climbing or mountain biking? Lessons are the best way to help get them started. Learning from an expert not only gets your giftee familiar with the ins and outs of safety, but it also helps them build a strong foundation for athletic progression and meet other newbies who are taking up the same sport.

### A tune up
Give the gift of smooth rides. Whether your loved ones are partial to planks or wheels, any pair of skis or bike will inevitably need a tune up to keep them in working order. MEC stores offer professional [ski shop services](/en/explore/ski-shop) and competitive rates. Our bike shop techs service all makes and models and can recommend a [bike tune-up package](/en/explore/bike-service) that best fit your rider’s needs.

### A weekend escape
There’s nothing quite as refreshing or relaxing as a weekend away, especially when someone else (like you) takes care of all the planning and details. Some ideas? Book a rustic cabin, playful yurt, ski weekend, traditional hotel or something totally different you find listed online – like an airstream or treehouse – and make the most of the wilderness or city. Bring some boardgames and wine, and leave your phone on airplane mode.

### Race entry
Have a devoted runner or rider in your life? Help them get a head start on their goals by grabbing them race entry. Bonus points if you choose a race or ride away from your hometown so you can combine it with a weekend escape.

### Drop-in passes
Gym membership sales surge every December, with lots of people resolving to devote their lives to fitness in the New Year, but numbers start flailing again as early as February. Instead of getting someone a membership that might not suit their year-round exercise habits, grab them a couple of drop-in pass to their favourite spin studio, bouldering gym, community centre, swimming pool or crossfit box.

Some ideas: Passport to Prana is in 7 Canadian cities, and lets pass holders try every yoga studio in their city once for maximum *om* output. In Toronto and Vancouver, [ClassPass](https://classpass.com/) lets attendees try out a wide selection of fitness studios for a flat monthly rate.

### Passes to your local snow resort


Whether it’s already cold and white or snow has yet to fall, nothing quite gets a powderhound as excited as a day on the slopes. Pick up a lift ticket for the snow-obsessed someone in your life (or two if you want to join them), so they can tuck through trees at Tremblant, carve corduroy at Blue Mountain, or run laps at Lake Louise.

### Equipment rentals
Know someone who’s interested in tackling a new sport but isn’t ready to commit to all the equipment it takes to make it happen? Offer the [gift](/en/product/5027-227/e-gift-card) of a gear rental so they can try out a new activity, like snowshoeing, kayaking or paddleboarding.



Gift ideas for the active, outdoor-loving person in your life. According to the science of happiness, these experiences will make people smile. See how to make it happen.

Experiences to give this holiday

A great addition to any fitness plan, interval training alternates high intensity exercises with recovery periods over a given time period. The good thing about interval training is that it helps you get stronger for other activities like climbing, hiking, running and biking.

Whether you want to up your performance for a specific activity or find a new way to get in shape, interval training will help you make the most of your workouts.

### Before you start
Interval training isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s effective because of its high intensity approach.

According to former MEC Ambassador and road cycling coach [Allan Prazsky](/en/explore/mec-ambassadors), it’s important to have a base fitness level that’s sufficient enough to properly do a series of intervals without incurring injury. Before you throw intervals into the mix, you should start with a routine of cardio and strength training to help get your body ready for this next step up.

To get the maximum benefits out of interval training, Allan also recommends that you make sure that the intervals are specific to the demands of your fitness routine or competition. These benefits include increased [VO2 max](https://upsidestrength.com/vo2max-testing/) (the volume of oxygen you use), reduced blood lactate levels, better resistance to fatigue, improved neuromuscular efficiency and increased peak power.

### The right equipment


To maximize your training, you’ll want to have the right equipment on hand. This means proper [workout clothes](/en/products/running/running-clothing) and footwear; a [watch](/en/products/electronics/watches-and-trackers) for time keeping; your current heart rate and heart zone measure; and a [heart rate monitor bundle](/en/product/6030-517/garmin-hrm-fit-womens) that can estimate your VO2 max, outputs and recommended recovery time.

### Interval training ideas
Once you’re ready to get going, here are some workout ideas to get you started

##### 1. Tabata intervals
I have a love-hate relationship with Tabata intervals, which involve 20-second spurts of high intensity followed by 10 seconds of rest over 8 cycles. The beauty of the Tabata interval is that you can do it with just about any exercise, and it requires very little time.

I’ve found that the easiest way to keep time is to create a music mix that plays for 20 seconds and then stops for 10 seconds. Once you’ve chosen your time-keeping tool, you can warm up and decide which exercises to do. For example, you can stick to running, biking, swimming or rowing for the eight cycles, or you can add in some squats, push-ups, sit-ups or any other strength-building exercise. If you want to push yourself, try to match your distance or your repetitions during each cycle.

##### 2. Sprint for time
Another type of workout involves picking a distance (such as 100m on a track or two points on a street), and then sprinting to your chosen finish line. Once you’ve reached the finish point, walk back to the start and repeat four to ten times. Keep track of how long it takes you to sprint your distance, and try to match that time during every set.

##### 3. Sprint for distance


You can also sprint for a pre-determined time (30 seconds), rest for a pre-determined time (1 minute) and repeat 4 to 10 times. Use the same start point and try to replicate your distance during each set.

##### 4. Sprint for fun
If you just want to have some fun, you can mix up how you do your intervals. Put some music on and run for an entire song, then rest during the next one. Or you can walk for one song, jog for the next and sprint every time the chorus comes on.

If you’re feeling ambitious, then try Allan’s personal favourite interval, which he calls “Magic 8-Balls.” Do three to five eight-minute sets performed at your VO2 max. It’s important to take your time resting between each set. Allan says each break should last between 8 to 12 minutes to allow for maximum recovery. As he puts it, “They hurt so good.”

Now that you’ve got the basics, you can start incorporating interval training into your fitness plan. Good luck!

*Note: Since this type of training places big demands on your heart, make sure you check with your doctor to see if high-intensity training is alright for you. It’s also important to start slow, with a few intervals for a short amount of time.*

*Photo credits: Angela Aladro mella / Shutterstock.com, baranq / Shutterstock.com.*



## Related articles
- [How to choose an activity tracker](/en/explore/choose-an-activity-tracker)
- [Be a better runner: how to get fast with speed work](/en/article/be-a-better-runner-how-to-get-fast-with-speed-work)
- [How to choose running shoes](/en/explore/how-to-choose-running-shoes)



Make the most of your workouts with these interval training tips. This high-intensity workout helps you get stronger for things like climbing, hiking, running and biking.

How to do anything: Master interval training | MEC Blog

How to do anything: Master interval training

Late October and early November often signal the start of Canadian winter (the solstice is a bit behind), and for the Greater Toronto Area surf community, this time of year boasts the biggest and best waves.

“I always tell people that surfing on the lakes makes you a better surfer,” says Antonio Lennert, founder of Surf the Greats, an MEC Outdoor Nation collaborator organization. “Most of the time our waves are messy and hard to catch, but they do clean up nicely and stack up just like the ocean when the conditions are right.”

The local surf season starts in the fall and goes all the way to the spring. Fall through winter generates the biggest, most consistent waves. “The best time to surf in Toronto is during the winter when the big snowstorms come. When Ashbridges Bay works it gets really good – it’s pretty cool to be able to see the CN Tower while you’re riding a wave,” he beams. “Scarborough Bluffs has a few different breaks suitable for surfers ranging from beginner to advanced. Come fall and winter, some of those spots hold pretty big waves that look and feel just like the ocean, plus you get the natural beauty of the bluffs in the background.”



So if you’re ready to come out of Lake Ontario with icicles dripping from your wetsuit… how do you know when to head out in the first place?

“As most people have seen, the lakes are usually flat,” he explains. “Our swells are often short-lived since they only last as long as the storm system moving through the area.” Antonio credits strong winds as a result of low pressure systems blowing for at least 5 hours for generating 2–3-ft waves. “When [the winds] are blowing consistently from the same direction, they push water, which creates small waves that grow larger the further they travel.”

Other wave-making factors include the depth and size of the lake, as well as air and water temperature. As Antonio explains, the colder the air and water, the least amount of wind is needed to generate waves. “That’s one of the reasons why Lake Ontario goes flat during the summer months,” he clarifies. “However, Lake Erie is the shallowest lake, which is why we can surf there during the summer.”

As hurricanes roll through the Atlantic Ocean in the fall, weather systems move through the Great Lakes, and with water and air temperatures cooling, waves start rolling in to Toronto’s shoreline on nearly a weekly basis. “As winter approaches and air temperatures go below freezing, the water temperature stays just over zero … allowing us to surf sizable waves with very little wind.”



Antonio runs Surf the Greats’ wave forecasting workshops (sometimes held at MEC stores), which give newbies and experienced surfers a wealth of information and tools to surf the Great Lakes. They include further science behind wave formation, how to understand weather maps and charts, apps to use, and even an intro to established local surf spots.

For Antonio, safety and self-rescue go foot-in-leash with chasing waves. “Having the proper equipment is rule number one. If you are a beginner, we recommend a soft top board and a warm [wetsuit](/en/products/watersports/watersports-clothing/wetsuits?facets.Ideal%20for=Surfing) (think 6mm thick). And understanding the conditions is key. We have different types of currents on the Great Lakes and knowing how to avoid and get out of them is very important.” Some of the area’s best surf breaks have tricky entry points and rocky bottoms, so choosing a spot you’re comfortable with is paramount to staying safe. “Never surf alone,” he says, adding that the beaches aren’t supervised in the colder months. “Go with a friend and paddle out where there are other surfers.”

The changing nature of the Great Lakes is something Antonio has come to live for, and hopes to expose more Toronto-area residents to it over the years. “They can go from completely flat to having 6-foot waves breaking in just a few hours and then stop completely shortly after. It makes the chase very rewarding.”

*Photos by [Lucas Murnaghan](https://www.instagram.com/lucasmurnaghan/).*

*Want to try surfing? Check out **MEC Outdoor Nation** and* [*Surf the Greats*](https://www.surfthegreats.com/pages/about) *for the latest events, and don’t forget to tag your freshwater Instagram pics with* [**#myhomewaters**](https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/myhomewaters/) *to help protect Canada’s waterways.*



Tips on when and where to surf in Ontario from Surf the Greats. This Toronto-based organization aims to share the stoke for surfing in the Great Lakes, including spots like Scarborough Bluffs and Ashbridges Bay.

Ontario's Surf the Greats: winter wave forecasting | MEC Blog

Surf the Greats: catching winter waves

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