By Kari Svenneby
It was one of those days in Toronto when the city was snowed in. Some folks might say it is the perfect day to stay inside, but we said it was the perfect day to embrace the weather! It was white with beautiful snow everywhere and blue skies and sun. It was a perfect day for urban bushing.
One of the great things about living in Toronto is that it has a fantastic park system with ravines and parks that usually connect together.
After getting dressed, making food and hot chocolate, mom, dad and daughter put on skis. On the beltline (decommissioned railroad tracks converted to trail) we met quite a few people skiing as well. We had so much fun and we would stop on the way and look at animal tracks and squirrels.
For the most part we would drag our daughter behind us in the sled. Every so often we would stop next to a hill for a little sledding and hot chocolate. Our daughter would get up and ski with us and we would also sled down the hills with her. We had to all stop and take off our skis to cross the road on the crosswalk. A modern urban portage. The nice thing about x c skiing in the city is that we can enjoy all what the urban world has to offer. So our trip ended at a nice restaurant in Forest HIlls (an upscale neighborhood in Toronto)
Urban bushing is a challenge but it is worth trying out when your city gets some fresh snowfall. For our family, I think this trip will always stay in our memories. Despite the lack of groomed trails and having to stop and cross roads, there is something special about using skis as transportation in the big city.
Deep in the heart of nature I have skied on some beautiful trails where the only sound you can hear is the scrape of your skis and your own breathing. But, when I get the chance to ski in the city it feels like I am taking a little bustle out of the urban world.
I hope you are going to join me next time we get a big snow in the city and if you are not in Toronto, hope to hear about your city discoveries after a big snowfall.
See you in the bushes!
Some tips for Urban Bushing
You have to have the gear (skis, poles, boots)
As always dress warmly
Bring hot chocolate and food
Be patient you have to be prepare to cross roads
Have a map and plan your trip before you leave your house.
Places to go cross country skiing in Toronto
