The second semester has begun. The workload is light, the good times are rolling and winter is finally here. Take advantage of Kingston’s vast array of winter activities before the words, “I can’t, I have a midterm this week” become part of your vocabulary again.

Skating in Market Square

The City of Kingston has an outdoor skating rink right outside of City Hall. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a better winter activity in Kingston — fresh air, free admission, a zamboni cleaning every 15 to 30 minutes and about 20 hot chocolate flavours available within a 200-meter radius. This activity is perfect for anything from hanging out with friends to a first date.

Banff Mountain Film Festival

Why go to Banff when the Banff Mountain Film Festival is coming to you? This event is hosted by Trailhead Kingston and will take place on Jan. 17 at the Isabel Bader Centre. Whether you’re a movie lover or an outdoor fanatic, this compilation of the year’s best mountain films is sure to be awe-inspiring.

Tobogganing

Every year, cafeterias on campus experience a mass theft of serving trays after the first snowfall.  Most of these end up as sleds on Summerhill. 

If that slope is a bit too tame for you and you’re willing to walk for a few minutes, the hills at Fort Henry offer a bit more of an adrenaline rush.

Cross-country skiing

Queen’s may not be close to downhill slopes, but the Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation Area hosts a network of trails through their winter wonderland that are prime for Nordic skiing. The park is less than a 15-minute drive from campus. 

Don’t know how to Nordic ski? That’s not a problem at Little Cataraqui. The park is offering affordable ski lessons on weekends throughout the winter. For a mere $20 a class, you can learn a new skill and get an insane workout.

Snowshoeing

If Nordic skiing isn’t for you (read: you prefer not to raise your heart rate to superhuman levels), you can still head over to Little Cataraqui to enjoy the snow. Snowshoe rentals are just $12 for the day.

Free yoga

For those of us who aren’t into winter weather, there are still lots of fun, indoor activities in Kingston. 

Lululemon continues to offer complimentary yoga on Sunday mornings. The studio host changes each month, but the classes and post-class snacks are always free.

Carr Harris Cup

The Carr Harris Cup is awarded to the winner of the annual hockey game between Queen’s and RMC. This rivalry has been ongoing since 1886, making it the longest rivalry in the world on record — pretty neat. 

Tickets are free for Queen’s students, so get a group together and head to the K-Rock Centre on Feb. 4 to support the Gaels.