When it comes to recreational activities in southeast Saskatchewan, summer has the reputation for being the more enjoyable time of the year.
After all, there’s no shortage of things to do. You have warmer temperatures, longer hours of daylight and plenty of outdoor options to enjoy.
As long as they can handle the heat, people will tell you summer is just more fun, not just in southeast Saskatchewan, but pretty much throughout the country.
But that doesn’t mean you can’t find a fun time in southeast Saskatchewan during the winter months.
The Estevan area is going to be treated to a great time over the next week and a half, thanks to the upcoming Viterra Scotties Tournament of Hearts women’s curling provincials and SaskTel Tankard men’s curling provincials. (More on those events can be found throughout the paper).
But those aren’t the only fun events that will be happening in the southeast this winter.
The hub of activity in so many communities during the winter months is the local arena, and for good reason. It seems like most people in a community will be at the arena at some point during the coldest months to enjoy figure skating, minor hockey, senior hockey, a tournament or, for those of us in Estevan, a junior hockey game.
Or you might just want to enjoy a burger or a coffee with friends at the local rink.
You’ll also find plenty of people enjoying curling, as a competitor or a fan, during the winter.
Southeast Saskatchewan has a bevy of cultural facilities that are open during the winter months. You can drop by the library. You can enjoy a concert. Some of the museums are open during the winter months.
And if outdoor recreation is your thing, well, you have opportunities. Especially this winter.
Local snowmobilers have waited for years to have that winter when there is lots of snow on the ground. They finally have it. Snowmobiling isn’t a cheap hobby, but there are a lot of people who enjoy it, and with the snow and the terrain, this is a good place to do it. (Just stay off Estevan’s pathways. It’s unbelievable that people have thought the pathways were made for snowmobiles).
One of the activities that we have seen growing in popularity is cross-country skiing. More people have been getting out and skiing in designated areas. Places like Moose Mountain Provincial Park and the Preddy Trails at Woodlawn Regional Park are great for cross-country skiing, which is a fun way to spend time outside while burning off some calories.
Another popular activity has been snowshoeing, thanks to the rentals that are available through the Estevan Public Library.
When the weather is right, and the pathways and sidewalks have been cleared, you can go for a nice walk anywhere in Estevan.
Once schools are out for the winter break, you’ll see a number of organizations offering events for children to remain busy for a few days.
There will be more events happening in the area as winter progresses that people can enjoy, giving you reason to get out of the house.
Or you can just go for a drive and enjoy the beautiful winter scenery (it is quite nice in many areas) or go for a nice meal at your favourite restaurant.
We still don’t have much in the way of daylight. We just cleared nine hours of daylight earlier this week. Temperatures can be frigid. We’re expected to have bone-chilling cold again soon after having above-average temperatures for most of January.
But that doesn’t mean that we don’t have anything to do.
So get out and enjoy what this area has to offer. It sure beats sitting inside and binge watching something on television.
