Let it snow.  Let it snow.  Let it snow.

I absolutely love winter's snowy weather.  I love to hit the ski slopes, make a snowman, or walk while the snow falls.  But one of my most favourite things to enjoy is a bluebird day following a night of large snowfall. It's the time when I get to see my favourite colour of sky blue and the best chance to see how the colour white can pack an awesome photographic punch.  

I am fortunate to live in Aurora, Ontario, where we are also fortunate to have an amazing trail system that winds its way throughout the many neighbourhoods of our town.  It is on these brilliantly sunny and wonderously white winter days that come after a snowstorm that I find myself ever so grateful for those Aurora citizens, community leaders and politicians who had the vision and the conviction to ensure that the beauty of nature and land in its naturalized state was given a high priority in the Town's recreation planning. These trails are available for all to enjoy regardless of whether you're a local Auroran, a member of a neighbouring community or a visitor to the area for the very first time.  

2020's first good snowfall 

For 2020 in Southern Ontario, winter's first generous serving of the white stuff was timed to be a dramatic weather finale to November and an early welcome to winter.  Ten to twelve centimetres of snow fell on and off over two days of stormy weather and, as it fell, I was like a kid in a candy store. 

When I awoke the Monday morning after the snowy weekend weather and took my first peek out my bedroom window, I instantly saw my favourite colour blue contrasted with a mostly untouched blanket of white. I knew I would need to get an early start to the day as temperatures were to rise to just above zero and the wind was going to pick up later in the day. I got dressed, scoffed down some breakfast, grabbed my camera, my car keys and I was off.  

As I arrived and parked the car at one entrance of the trail, I could tell it was going to be a glorious early morning on the trails.  Mother Nature didn't disappoint.  Everything was covered in such a way as to make the forest look kind of like Mother Nature herself had sketched the scene I was seeing with pen and ink and just a splash of colour.  I could see the trails had already been well travelled and proved to me that there were others who were also determined to experience this amazing wintery forest bath before the rising temperatures and the increasingly windy conditions would take it all away in what seemed like an instant. I took it all in and counted my blessings as I did so.

Maps, links and more

Below you'll find some helpful links to enable you to enjoy the Town of Aurora's local trails for yourself this winter.  Do you have a personal favourite spot to enjoy the natural wonder of winter in your neck of the woods that you'd like others to know about and enjoy?  If so, we invite you to share your suggestions in the comments section of this blog.

Town of Aurora Trail System

Town of Aurora Streets, Parks & Trails Map 

Town of Aurora Interactive Facilities & Parks Map 

*An important reminder that during these extraordinary times dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, please be sure to practice effective physical-distancing and stay least 6 feet away from anyone who you aren't living with and with whom you cross paths during your walk or hike. Be sure to use a face mask if you cannot maintain 6 feet of space while social distancing. Practice good personal hygiene and remember not to put your hands to your face, nose or mouth while on your walk/hike and wash your hands when you return home. Also, ensure that you make good personal safety choices while on your walk or hike to minimize any potential risk of injury. You may also want to limit your time outdoors and on public trails if you are currently living with specific underlying health issues. We strongly recommend speaking to your health care physician first if you are unsure of whether or not you should be outside. We also recommend you are aware of any and all regulations around venturing outside if your local, regional or provincial public health agency has issued a 'Stay in place' directive.

SeeWhatSheCanDo

Find, rate and review associations, local community offerings and businesses that will help you do your thing on our Athlete Advisor, your athletic business directory.  

Post your upcoming virtual event or create a virtual group in our SWSCD Hub.

Look for advice, stories, news and more on our Hiking activity page. 

We invite you to share your own pics and particular moments you've captured while walking in your neighbourhood or on a local trail directly through our Discover blog or by using #seewhatshecando on social media and inspire others to get moving.