I had a silly thought at one point that if I didn’t post any winter picture, this season would pass quickly and the spring would arrive right away. A few people told me in late fall, while we were still admiring the fall foliage, that we are going to have a mild winter. I was reluctant at the thought of a gray winter and was amused and encouraged by the idea of a short and warm one.
December came and before long we saw huge amounts of snow. By mid-December I was tired of shoveling snow, but hey, we had a wonderful vacation in Antigua and a great white Christmas!
I actually love winter! I was born just before Christmas, so right before the white season. It is said that people love the season they were born in the most. Well, since we moved to southern Ontario, fall has become my favourite season. While there is something beautiful about every season, I think it all depends on where we live.
As we progressed into January, the weather got colder and the skies duller. But what more could we want when, suddenly, the temperatures improved and, although there was no sun to brighten the sky, it was the perfect time to get outside. It was time to burn off those extra calories after Christmas and also time to go chasing some frozen falls; my favourite time of the year to see waterfalls.
The area around the City of Hamilton (which is nicknamed the “Waterfall Capital of the World” for an obvious reason) boasts with over 100 waterfalls along the Niagara Escarpment. The numerous cliffs and ravines where water flows along these geological formations provide perfect setting for some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the entire province, so we decided to visit Dundas Valley Conservation Area.
Spotting footprints in the snow is another favourite activity. From moose tracks in the bush, to racoon and rabbit tracks up close along our own driveway, it’s always fun to see them. Maybe not as much fun as the neighbour’s dog or cat footprints on the porch, but as long as they don’t leave other types of tracks, we’re good😀
The cold weather persisted and temperatures dropped even further. It is rarely “too cold” for us to walk (except when it’s too windy), but it is very easy to be dressed inappropriately. With 2 layers of hats and sweaters under our winter jackets, we headed to Niagara Falls. The Canadian Falls are always fun to watch in the winter, as the wind and currents spray the mist in layers, which over time form crusts of ice over the nearby features, creating unique appearances.
I kept thinking about the early predictions of a mild winter. Especially when I was shoveling snow. Since then, we shoveled snow off the roof three times and countless times off the driveway. The sore muscles didn’t shy away from shoveling, but I still love the fresh white snow!
The family long weekend in mid-February gave us an extra day for a road trip to Ottawa and its famous Winterlude. We enjoyed this winter festival a few years ago and wanted to see what the new ice sculptures looked like this year.
I keep thinking about spring.. A week ago, we had some wonderful signs that spring was just around the corner, although in the meantime it snowed again. This time I simply refused to shovel anymore, just sitting here and waiting..
For a springtime medley, you can always check out Jo’s Monday walks. I knew spring was somewhere😀
Hey, spring, please cross the ocean and come, we are still waiting for you! xx
1000 Places and Memories 
I have a November birthday, Christie, and always tried to escape our bleak UK weather. In the north east we had very little snow, being close to the sea, but it was more than enough for me. I can see you had fun though! Thanks so much for the link xx
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We also try to escape to the south towards the end of the year, just to recharge our batteries with as much sun as possible. The winter can be fun, but after 4 months, enough is enough😀
p.s. we have just discovered that we have a direct flight from Toronto to Faro😜
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That’s a useful discovery! We have quite a number of Canadians here at present xx
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Wow those are proper winter shots, it’s a very long time since I saw a quantity of snow like that. We were talking the other day about fitting in a “proper winter” trip maybe 26/27. Who knows?
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Yes, winter can be enjoyable, if you like the white season. Late January – early February is the best time to visit Ontario (can’t say about other provinces), when it is the coldest and also the sunniest.
Canada is waiting for you, who knows?😊
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Winter wonderland, indeed! In contrast, it’s been unbelievably warm here in LA (80-90⁰F days), and we haven’t had a proper winter this year. Looks beautiful where you are, and it’s true that spring is just around the corner!
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The landscape looks truly amazing when the sun is out, and we try to take advantage of it to find new trails and places to see, like the waterfalls. We are so ready to welcome spring, at this time🥰
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Beautiful winter pictures of the falls, Christie. After living in Yellowknife for six years, shovelling during -40C isn’t on my list of exercises now! We deliberately decided to move to a region with little or no snow, but there’s no denying that it’s beautiful, especially the waterfalls. Cheers.
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We’ve only had few nights with -30 to 40C, I can’t imagine shovelling in -40!! No wonder you decided to move. We also have friends who are thinking of moving to warmer places soon; we don’t have any plan for ourselves, yet.
Happy Wednesday!
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I love that you are embracing winter, but now it’s mid March and I’m ready for it to melt away 😊
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Indeed, the only way to enjoy winter is to embrace it. But it’s so true, after 4 months I think it’s more than enough, especially since we had huge amounts of snow this winter! I’m so ready for a more colourful season🥰
Cheers, xx
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Wonderful photos depicting winter, I enjoy the cooler nights in autumn and winter. We live in a temperate climate and never seen snow. Though having said that, never say never is this increasing change of climate.
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Thank you, Suzanne! Indeed, the climate has changed a lot in recent years, we see great variances in temperatures, sometimes over 20C from one day to the next. Temperate climate is much better I would say😊
Have a lovely day!
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Amazing Niagara Falls photos!
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Thank you, Diana! Indeed a visit to Niagara Falls during the freezing temperatures will never disappoint!
xx
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I live in the southern U.S. and we are always supposed to have mild winters, but for the three years I have lived here, the winters have been cold and awful! My birthday is in February and I can assure you I do NOT like that season at all! Your winter photos are beautiful, though!
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I hear you! Indeed, the climate has changed in recent years, with so many severe storms, heat waves, etc But hey, you have a good reason to get away on your birthday😜
Happy belated birthday, Lexie! xx
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Those snow formations are spectacular!
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Thank you so much!
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A mild winter!? Ha! I love winter too and all the snow, but I’m not a fan of the extreme cold. Beautiful captures of the snowy landscape.
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Thank you!
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What a Winter Christie, the frozen waterfalls look amazing! Thank you for braving the cold and for sharing these beautiful images 🤍🙏
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Thank you for your kind note! xx
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Beautiful photos! Looks like some lovely winter scenes and fun too!
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Thank you! Indeed, we try to enjoy every moment, whether in the cold or not🥰
Have a lovely day! xx
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