February is Winter Walk Month
Have fun walking to school when it's snowy outside.
Winter Walk Day is a province-wide event held on the first Wednesday of February, celebrating the unique fun of walking and rolling to school when it’s snowy and cold outside. This year, Winter Walk Day is Wednesday, February 7.
Walking and rolling to school and around your neighbourhood is not just for warm weather. Active transportation is a great way to get exercise and socialize with friends all year long! Doing so in winter brings unique experiences. Can you:
- Hear the crunch of your boots in the snow?
- See the snow on the trees, or icicles on buildings?
- Feel your body warming up as you move?
Stay safe when you’re walking and rolling outside this winter:
- Dress for the weather! Wear a jacket, hat, mitts, waterproof winter boots, and other gear to keep you warm and dry.
- Give yourself time! Sometimes walking in the snow and slush takes a bit longer. Leave for your school or destination 5 minutes early.
- Always be aware of vehicle traffic around youand especially in slippery conditions.
Can families who live too far to walk or roll to school still participate?
Yes! For those who take the school bus, try walking or rolling to the bus stop instead of driving. For those who do not take the school bus, try taking public transit, or parking 5 or 10 minutes away from the school, and walk or roll the rest of the way.
Activity ideas for celebrating Winter Walk Month
Kindergarten – Grade 5
- Grab your crayons, paint, and markers to colour in this colouring sheet or design your own winter-themed poster or bookmark.
- Do a scavenger hunt in your neighbourhood: I Spy Card for K-3, I Spy Card for 4-6
- Learn some winter walking words as you look for them in this word search or use the words to create your own Wordle game.
- Track your active trips and earn treasures with the free, kid-friendly HOP! App.
Grade 6 – 12
- Use your favourite physical activity app for a friendly competition between friends, families, classes, or schools to see who can log the most steps.
- Create your own Wordle game with winter walking words.
- Explore your trip to school (Grades 6-8) using geographic tools with the Get Moving for Climate Change Story Map.
- Use the hashtag #WinterWalkDay2024 on social media to share your journey of walking, rolling, school bus or public transit.
Celebrating as a whole school
- Host one or more Winter Walk Day events with music and fanfare to celebrate students and families as they arrive at school by walking.
- If your school has a large number of students who travel by school bus, consider a school-wide outdoor event during the school day. Try a school-wide Daily Physical Activity in the snow, or a walk around the school yard or community so everyone can participate together.
- Encourage participation at your school by creating student pledges and posting them in high-traffic areas at your school. Use the EcoSchools Active and Sustainable School Travel Pledge template.
- If you’re an EcoSchool, track participation and earn points to certify your school on the EcoSchools Certification Application.
- Get more fun ideas from Green Communities Canada.
