Its that time of the month again, and so we find ourselves reviewing the reams of photos which didn’t make it to our social media sites – only because we’ve engaged in so many wonderful activities and events that we simply don’t have the space to post them. Normally we “Purge Post” these pictures in a single gallery, but this month was so amazing we thought they were worthy of a new listicle outlining our favorite winter activities here in St. John’s, Newfoundland.
1. The St. John’s ‘Edge’, the newest team in the National Basketball League of Canada, are enjoying great success in their second season here in Newfoundland. This is a great game of ball and with record breaking crowds thronging to see their home town favorite player, ‘Carl English’, – Every match provides an intense level of excitement. Tickets are especially affordable, and you could likely fly from Toronto, stay in the best hotel, eat like a king, and enjoy courtside seats for the price of a couple of Raptors tickets.
2. Ice Skating at the ‘Loop’. As the name suggests, this is an ice path that loops around the center course of Bannerman Park – a municipal parkland located in the very heart of the city’s downtown core. Did someone say “Hot Chocolate!”
3. Wildlife viewing – the city and its environs host several species of wild animals and a variety of rare birds. A white back drop makes them easy to spot and their tracks define their whereabouts with all certainly. We have otters in the harbour, eagles in the narrows, foxes are everywhere. There’s weasels and mink, snow shoe hare, ptarmigan, snowy owls, and so much more
4. Cape Spear Sunrise: A sun rise at Cape Spear National Park is especially memorable at this time of year. Not only is this the most eastern point of land in North America, but our southern latitude adds Mediterranean light to our subarctic skies, creating crazy textures and amazing patterns of colour.
5. Storm watchers will be comforted by the winter temperatures and how our ocean currents tend to moderate potential extremes down to a mean January reading of only minus 5 degrees. The weather can’t kill you and the locals are so accustomed to the conditions, the young ones are able to navigate George Street in high heel shoes. No kidding!
6. The ‘Growlers’ brought professional hockey back to the city and though they aren’t competing in the same league as our ‘Ice Caps’ AHL franchise, it’s a really good game with quality players who are deadly serious about keeping the dream alive. Another affordable ticket whose face value represents a 90% discount on a Maple Leafs’ stub.
7. Live Music and a great entertainment scene will keep you swinging from the early morning through a late night close. There are many talented musicians who love performing for friends, family and guests. If you time it right you might even get to see some of Newfoundland’s celebrity cast; including Alan Doyle, Kellie Loder, Alan Hawco, Jason Mamoa, the ‘Missus from Biscuit’, Damian Follet, and more
8. Hiking: Dozens of coastal and wilderness hiking trails are easily accessed, often with no more equipment requirements than your hiking boots and a pair of ice grippers. Snow windows make for great cross-country skiing or snowshoeing on the same headland trails. Brilliant views from this unique ocean scape.
9. Food – Newfoundland has become the darling of the ‘Foodie’ world and our world class chefs have lots of extra time to experiment and create something to celebrate your bravado and support. Restaurants are hungry at this time of year – so you will leave full and satisfied in every sense of the word.
10. Colour – There’s a good reason we paint our homes with brilliant hues that brighten every day -no matter the weather.
