January feels like a permission slip, the kind that says it’s okay to slow down, bundle up, and do the things only winter can make memorable. Here in London, Ontario, winter isn’t something to endure; it’s something to lean into.

If you’re ready to embrace the cold (or just need a nudge to get outside this weekend), this winter bucket list is packed with frosty adventures that make this month feel delightfully mischievous and full of snow-soaked fun.

Go Skating: Indoors, Outdoors, and on Frozen Ponds

Winter skating has a quiet kind of wonder. Indoors, city arenas glow with bright lights, perfect for slipping on your skates no matter the weather. Outdoors is where it really feels like winter. Victoria Park’s rink turns a few laps into a little city ritual: rosy cheeks, careful glides, and a hot chocolate reward nearby. And the Storybook Gardens skate trail? Every glide feels straight out of a fairytale.

London is dotted with neighbourhood-managed outdoor rinks too, where laughter and chatter mingle with the cold air. It’s a wonderful way to meet neighbours while enjoying some crisp-air fun.

And if conditions allow, skating or a casual hockey game on a frozen pond is pure magic: the scrape of blades, the slap of a puck, and the echoes of laughter that make the cold feel warm. Even a first-time skater can feel like they’ve stepped into a Canadian childhood memory.

Note: Always check that ice is officially open and safe before heading out.

Pro Tip: Late-afternoon skating bathes the rink in soft, golden light, perfect for photos and the ideal excuse to wear your silliest scarf.

Pro Tip: Don’t own skates? Many arenas offer rentals, and used skates can often be found cheaply at local shops like Herms Sports or online on Facebook Marketplace and Kijiji.

Toboggan Like You Mean It

January is prime sledding season; the snow is fresh, the hills are fast, and everyone suddenly forgets how old they are. Boler Mountain is the go-to for tubing if you want thrills without the climb, while neighbourhood favourites like Doidge Park, Gibbons Park, Scenic View Park, Springbank Park, or Waterworks Park in nearby St Thomas are perfect for impromptu afternoons with a sled and zero expectations.

Pro tip: go at dusk. Everything feels more cinematic.

Snowshoe or Go Winter Hiking

Winter hiking might be the most underrated January activity in London and area. Trails at Kains Woods, Meadowlily, or Fanshawe feel completely different under snow; softer, quieter, almost secret. Snowshoes add a little novelty (and make you feel very capable), but even sturdy winter boots will do. Dress warmly, plan for shorter daylight hours, and let the cold air wake you up.

If you’re not sure where to begin, there are plenty of snowshoe-friendly trail options in both London and St. Thomas, ranging from gentle woodland loops to longer, more immersive winter walks.

Ski: Downhill or Cross-Country

For downhill skiing, Boler Mountain is a winter classic; friendly, approachable, and ideal for beginners or casual skiers.

For something slower and more meditative, cross-country skiing at Circle R Ranch is beautiful in January. Many cross-country trails around London and St. Thomas wind through hushed forests where the trees sparkle, and for an hour or two, the world gets very quiet.

Pro tip: Trail conditions change quickly in winter, so a quick check before you go can make all the difference.

Try Curling (Yes, Really)

Curling looks mysterious until you try it, then suddenly you’re hooked. London’s curling scene is lively and welcoming, and it is the perfect time to grab a broom and give it a go. Sign up for a learn-to-curl session at the London Curling Club, Highland Curling Club, or the St. Thomas Curling Club, and discover a sport that’s social, surprisingly strategic, and quietly Canadian.

Warning: You may end up shouting “Hurry hard!” more than you ever thought possible.

Fat Bike the Trails

Fat biking looks intense, but it’s surprisingly accessible and wildly fun. The Thames Valley Parkway (TVP) and nearby trail systems are popular spots once the snow is packed down.

There’s something joyful about riding through winter landscapes you usually only walk through, tires crunching, breath puffing, brain blissfully empty.

Pro Tip: Inflate tires slightly lower for better grip on snowy trails and to avoid skidding.

Go Ice Fishing (At Least Once)

Ice fishing is part adventure, part endurance test, part social ritual. Pond Mills and Fanshawe Lake in London and Talbot Creek in St Thomas are popular spots when conditions are right, and there’s something oddly cozy about sitting inside a little hut on a frozen lake, waiting patiently, telling stories, and drinking something warm.

Even if you catch nothing, you’ll come home with a story.

Note: you’ll need a valid Ontario fishing licence, along with proper equipment, before heading out. Ice conditions vary, so always make sure the lake is officially open and safe.

Pro Tip: Choose a hut or shelter with a small stove or heater for extra warmth, especially on windy days.

Try Winter Camping (Brave, But Worth It)

Winter camping isn’t for everyone, but if it is for you, Pinery Provincial Park is pure wonder. Pitch a tent if you’re feeling hardcore, or grab a cozy yurt for a winter camping experience with a little extra comfort.

Picture this: crackling fires, endless starry skies, and sleeping bags so snug they could double as cocoons. Cold-weather gear is a must, but the reward is the kind of peace that makes your cheeks tingle with joy.

Pro Tip: Go for a yurt if you’d like your marshmallows to roast without turning your toes into popsicles.

January doesn’t need to be rushed through. It can be a month of small adventures, cold fingers, flushed cheeks, and stories you’ll tell later. Pick one thing from this list, just one, and let winter in London and area show you what it does best!

Snow Much Fun: Your Winter Bucket List