Image from Pexels

 
Love Your Layers

Consider placing area rugs on hardwood or tile floors to add warmth and coziness to your apartment. Not only do they provide insulation, but they also create a comfortable atmosphere underfoot. Decorating your space with soft, warm throws and plush cushions for your sofa and chairs can make a significant difference. Hanging heavy curtains or drapes adds a touch of style and helps keep the cold out and the warmth in during the evenings. Picture luxe fabrics in deep gem tones or bold patterns for some extra flair that’ll complement your cozy vibe.
 

Image from Pexels

 
Dramatize Your Decor

Transform your apartment's decor to reflect the season. Warm lighting with candles, string lights, and table lamps can help set the right mood. Incorporate cozy textiles like flannel or fleece blankets and knit pillow covers for an extra touch of comfort. Invite the season’s spirit into your home with winter-themed decorations such as snowflake bulbs hung from your curtain rod, pinecone candles adorning your end tables, and evergreen branches gathered neatly in a decorative vase. Display your favourite winter artwork or photographs to add a personal touch to your space. The Rideau Canal in Ottawa or MacKinnon Ravine Park in Edmonton offer beautiful settings to snag some winter photos.
 

Image from Pexels

 
Cozy Up with a Warm Drink

Consider creating a dedicated space in your apartment for a hot beverage station. Set up a small table with a kettle, various teas, hot chocolate, and coffee supplies for a comforting treat on chilly days. For a little extra fun, stock up on marshmallows, sprinkles, and whipped cream to garnish your warm drinks. Find a perfect spot to curl up with a good book and escape the winter cold—maybe a relaxing reading area by a window with a comfortable chair, a soft blanket, and a bookshelf.

 
Creating a warm and cozy atmosphere in your apartment during the winter is about attention to detail and an inviting ambiance. Osgoode Properties is dedicated to your comfort, and we hope these tips help you embrace the winter season with open arms. Stay cozy, stay warm, and make the most of this beautiful time of the year.

Consider ways to create a more relaxing atmosphere in your home this winter. Check out 6 Ways to Create a Relaxing Oasis in your Osgoode Properties Apartment.

The post Tips for Keeping Your Apartment Warm & Cozy This Winter appeared first on Osgoode Properties Blog.

Whether you’re an avid outdoorsperson or a novice looking to try something new, here are some outdoor winter activities to check out in your area.

Sledding

Sledding is great exercise for kids and adults alike. Walking up and down the toboggan hill repeatedly will increase your heart rate, helping to strengthen your cardiovascular health while giving your leg muscles a good workout. All that fresh winter air can help you reset mentally, reduce stress, and offer a break from stagnant indoor air. It’s also affordable, easy, and fun! Be sure to check the conditions and avoid areas that have a lot of trees, roadways, or creeks.

Bundle up and check out a hill in an Osgoode Properties neighbourhood near you:

Ottawa     Gatineau   Calgary   Edmonton    Kingston 

Fort Henry Toboggan Run, Kingston. Photo courtesy of Iris Van Loon Photography

Cross Country Skiing

Cross country skiing is a fantastic winter activity that allows you to explore the great outdoors while getting in a great workout! It is a low impact form of cardio that helps build strength and endurance in the legs, core, and upper body. Hit the trails and explore while improving your balance, flexibility, and coordination!

If you are resident in one of our Ottawa neighborhoods check out Kichi Sibi Winter Trail! Sponsored by Osgoode Properties, this free-to-explore trail stretches along the Ottawa River Capital Pathway, from the LeBreton Flats just west of Parliament Hill to Dominion Station. The trail is groomed and features two sets of tracks dedicated to cross country skiers.

Find more trails near you at one of the links below: 

Ottawa    Gatineau    Kingston   Calgary   Edmonton

Kichi Sibi Winter Trail in Ottawa

Skating

Canadians are no stranger to skating! A staple Canadian winter activity, there are many outdoor rinks available to the public. Skating is a great aerobic exercise that targets your legs, core, and strengthens endurance. It can also be a fun outing with friends; grab a hot chocolate to keep warm and hit the ice!

Check out some skating rinks in an Osgoode Properties community near you:

Ottawa    Gatineau   Edmonton    Kingston    Calgary

Patinage en Foret, Quebec

Snowshoeing

Spice up a brisk walk and strap on a pair of snowshoes! Walking in snowshoes is hard work; you can burn up to 1,000 calories per hour all while exploring beautiful trails. It’s a fun activity for the whole family, and a perfect opportunity to reconnect with nature to boost your mental wellbeing in the midst of winter! Many trails are free or low-cost to access, and snowshoe rentals are widely available if you’re not equipped with a pair of your own. 

Find some great trails to hit in your area:

Ottawa    Gatineau    Calgary    Edmonton     Kingston

Snowshoeing in Elk Island National Park, Alberta

Hiking

Hiking is not just a summer and fall activity! In fact, hiking in cold air has been proven to increase energy levels and alertness, while the fresh air can help clear your lungs and improve your breathing. Surrounding yourself in beautiful winter landscapes is peaceful and can help de-stress your mind. Take in the sights and bring your furry friends along for the walk. There are sure to be many opportunities to snap a couple pictures!

Check out these gorgeous hiking spots in your region:

Ottawa    Gatineau    Edmonton    Calgary   Kingston  

Winter trail in Gatineau Park, NCC

Snow Cycling

Cycling in the winter sounds odd, but it is a popular activity! Fat bikes, also known as snow bikes, are an off-road hybrid of the mountain bike. The bikes are equipped with oversized tires and a wider handlebar that allows you to ride on soft and snowy terrain. Snow cycling trails often range in level of difficulty from, beginner to advanced, and can be found close to any number of Osgoode Properties’ rental buildings! Always wear a helmet, stay on designated trails, and follow the rules of conduct on multi-use trails that are also used for other winter sports.

Check out a cycling trail in your neighbourhood:

Ottawa    Gatineau    Kingston    Edmonton   Calgary

Fat biking, photo courtesy of the City of Edmonton

Downhill Skiing or Snowboarding

Downhill skiing or snowboarding is so much fun for those who enjoy speed and adrenaline rushes! New to the sport? Lessons are available for those wanting a thrill. But remember – you’ll be feeling the aftereffects of this workout! Skiing and snowboarding can be strenuous, both requiring balance, coordination, and a lot of cardio. They’re great activities for those looking to have fun all while improving your overall fitness level.

Make a day trip out of this activity with family and friends and create some fun memories at one of these spots near your home:

Ottawa   Gatineau    Calgary    Edmonton    Kingston

Sunshine Village Ski Resort in Banff, Alberta

This winter don’t let the weather keep you from staying active. Enjoy the outdoors and embrace all the fun this season has to offer – regardless of where you live!

Check out our blog to find more fun activities in your area, just filter by your location!

The post 7 Outdoor Activities to Warm Up Your Winter appeared first on Osgoode Properties Blog.

Here are our top tips to help you get your apartment winter ready. 

 

Kitchen from Le 700 St. Joseph

Keep Your Pipes Warm

Water in pipes can freeze and expand in the winter, causing pressure that could result in them bursting. If you are planning on escaping the winter season for a warm getaway, you can help stop pipes from freezing by keeping your heat set to a warm temperature and by opening cabinet doors to help circulate warm air around the plumbing. You can also let your building management team know so they can keep an eye on your unit when temperatures dip below zero. Always check that your drains are clog-free and emptying correctly. Here are some warning signs that may spell trouble in the winter: 

• Water is not coming out of your faucets, or the pressure has lowered 
• There is frost forming on the pipes in your kitchen/bathroom
• There is an odd smell coming from the drain

If you notice any of these warning signs, please contact building management. Remember, don’t use antifreeze to try and resolve this issue on your own! It’s hazardous to your health and the environment. 

Dust Off Your Air Vents

With the transition to cooler weather, check the radiators throughout your apartment to ensure furniture, drapes, and rugs aren’t blocking air flow and preventing the heat from circulating. Open air vents to check for dust and debris, which can be vacuumed or wiped with a damp cloth – and don’t forget the air registers on the ceiling! When you place your hand near your windows, do you feel a small draft? If so, you can apply a window film, add a homemade window stopper, or ask your building management to update the window’s weather stripping. If you experience any issues with heating in your apartment, despite completing your winter checklist, please contact your building manager for help. 

 
Living Room at Eastwood Park

Create a Cozy Interior

Investing in warm flannel sheets for your bedroom is a great way to keep cozy in winter, so is updating your living space with new throw blankets. Candles are always a nice way to add warmth to a room and save energy but be mindful when lighting them in your home. Never leave an open flame unattended and keep it away from children and pets. If your apartment has hardwood or tile floors, add an area rug to help keep your feet warm. Rugs in entryways are also a great way to avoid slips and wipe off snow-covered boots. They can also protect flooring from harsh road salt being tracked inside. 

Add Some Foliage 

Greenspace is hard to find in Ottawa and Edmonton’s cold winter months. Adding house plants to your space can brighten it during the dark of winter. Choose low-maintenance plants with lots of foliage, but make sure to place them away from drafts and in a spot where they get proper sunlight. If you have pets, research your plants ahead of time as some can be toxic to animals when ingested. 

Winter-Proof Your Car 

Car maintenance is especially important in the winter months. If you park in an outdoor lot, always brush off your car and tires before venturing out. Keep extra windshield washer fluid (specific for winter) on hand and a compactible shovel in your car trunk. When the temperatures dip below zero, start your car and let it run every couple of hours to avoid a dead battery. Always allow yourself some extra time in the winter to travel and be cautious on the roads. 

Be a Good Neighbour

At Osgoode Properties, we value community. We can all do our part to keep each other safe this winter. Please notify management if you see any of the following hazards: 

• Shingles coming off rooftops 
• Branches that are hanging low over pathways, roads, and front building entrances 
• Any areas that could collect water and become ice
• Snow accumulated and blocking the front of the building and emergency exits

Now that your apartment is winter ready it’s time to enjoy the season! Need some inspiration? Check out this post for some fun ideas: Winter Activities: How We Do It In Canada.
 

The post Getting Your Apartment Winter Ready appeared first on Osgoode Properties Blog.

Ottawa

Trip To The Rideau Canal and a Classic Canadian Treat
Whether you’re visiting the city or have been born and raised in Ottawa, the Rideau Canal Skateway is a must visit during the Winter season (weather dependant, of course)! Discover Ottawa on skates (or by foot) anywhere from Rideau to the Hartwell locks with your friends and loved ones, and then stop for a Beavertail! Beavertails are a Canadian classic treat, and with so many delicious mouth-watering flavours they can be a little messy, but well worth it.
 

Hit The Tobogganing Hills
No matter how old you are, tobogganing is an activity that will never go out of style. From the east end to the west end, Ottawa has a wide variety of tobogganing hills to choose from! Grab your sleds, crazy carpets, and saucers, and go for a ride down the hill of your choice for a super fun time and a lot of laughs. After burning off all that energy from climbing back up the steep hill, stop at a nearby local coffee shop for a pick-me-up treat. Hot chocolate and fresh pastries are the perfect after-tobogganing snack!

By @ottawa_homes on Instagram

Cross Country Skiing
If you’re looking for a fun challenge, grab the skis (or snowshoes) and go for a cross country adventure on one of Ottawa’s fantastic urban trails! Osgoode Properties is a proud sponsor of the Kichi Sibi Winter Trail and the Rideau Winter Trail, both amazing for cross country skiing with the whole family. Just minutes away from our residents living at Kingsview Apartments, Riverside Tower and Faircrest Apartments, the Rideau Winter Trail is a prime destination for outdoor activities in the heart of Ottawa. The Kichi Sibi Winter Trail is another great option for our residents to enjoy the outdoors, located just minutes away from Parkway Tower, Lincoln Park, The Juliana and Lakeview Apartment!

By @osgoodeapts on Instagram

Calgary

Meet The Penguins at The Calgary Zoo
Spend your Family Day waddling with the penguins at the Calgary Zoo’s 10th Annual Penguin Walk! Until March 25th, the colony of king penguins go for a daily “enrichment walk” around the Zoo grounds to maintain the health of their brains and bodies. Visitors are welcome to join them and get a close-up look at this incredible species as they explore and exercise their way through the Zoo!

By @curiocitycalgary on Instagram

Visit the YYC Hot Chocolate Fest
For the entire month of February, Meals on Wheels hosts this BREW-tiful festival – a tasty way to support local this year and help bring together Calgary’s communities and small businesses! Throughout the month, participating cafés and restaurants will feature signature hot chocolate beverages created for a friendly competition between themselves. Online votes from customers will determine which vendor will win the title of Calgary’s “Best Hot Chocolate”!

By @sweets_of_paradise_yyc on Instagram

Edmonton

Unwind With Friendly Critters and Beautiful Scenery
Spend your Family Day weekend at Dreamcatcher’s “Time on the Land” event in Ardrossan, Alberta! Feed friendly critters like the farm’s horses and donkeys, while being entertained by goats playing on a teeter totter. Explore the beautiful 40-acre property on a walk through its Magical Forest, where you and your family can catch a glimpse of mystical fairies and gnomes!

By @partiprocanada on Instagram

University of Alberta Botanic Garden
If you’re in search of some more laid-back family fun this winter, the University of Alberta Botanic Garden is hosting their “All-Canadian Winter” event until March 13th. Enjoy a scenic stroll through a beautiful winter garden, and try out some fun winter activities including Kicksledding, Snowball Toss, and more! When you’re all tired out from a day of sport, pull up a chair to their firepit and take some much-deserved time to relax.
 

By @omar.jaber95 on Instagram

Kingston

Explore Downtown Kingston at Night
Sing your hearts out under the city’s Singing Tree and Canopy Lights, an interactive lighting display on Brock Street that reacts to sounds of all kinds. After this experience, head over to Springer Market Square where you can enjoy “Impulse”, another interactive and publicly activated installation of lights! This project uses the idea of repetition of subtle light and sound to create a very entertaining and constantly changing experience.
 

By @downtownkingston on Instagram

Skate in The Square
In the heart of Downtown Kingston, lace-up your skates and grab a mask (and helmet, of course) for a skate in The Springer Market Square. This free rink is open to the public with a beautiful view of Kingston’s historic architecture from all angles until 10:00pm. Visit during the day for a fun glide across the glistening ice and see the hustle and bustle of the city or visit at nighttime and experience how Kingston lights up to create a unique atmosphere. Either way, don’t forget to treat yourself to a Beavertail afterwards.

By @momentcapturedphotography on Instagram

Whether you are located on the west coast of Canada and are looking forward to waddling with penguins or on the east coast exploring Kingston’s nighttime light installations, we’re lucky to have such a variety of Family Day winter activities throughout Canada.

From our family to yours, we hope you have a very fun Family Day filled with great memories alongside all your favourite people!

The post Celebrate Family Day With These Canadian Activities appeared first on Osgoode Properties Blog.

Ottawa

Explore the Central Experimental Farm

Escape to nature at the beautiful Central Experimental Farm, just a few kilometres from downtown Ottawa! Dog-friendly, family-friendly, this is a wide-spread open area featuring a variety of paths to explore and interesting things to see for both you and your furry friends. Visit the Ornamental Gardens for a relaxing stroll, or the Dominion Arboretum to take in the stunning trees and winter scenery.
 

By @bellathedooodle on Instagram

Skate at Stittsville’s Newest Attraction: Icelynd Skating Trails

Although Ottawa is best-known for its iconic and central Rideau Canal, there are plenty of new skating trails nearby for you to explore as part of a winter getaway. As Ottawa’s newest winter wonderland attraction, Icelynd Skating Trails certainly does not disappoint. Located minutes outside of Stittsville on Fernbank Road, this attraction is not one you will want to miss out on this season! Skate through beautiful winding paths inside almost 100 acres of natural woods. For a truly magical experience, visiting this attraction at night is highly recommended – resulting in a memorable experience illuminated by charming twinkling white lights and solar lighting throughout.
 

By @icelyndskating on Instagram

Gatineau

Skate Through the Forest

The Ottawa/Gatineau region has also recently become home to multiple skating-through-the-forest experiences. Patinage en Forêt is in Lac-De-Loups, Québec, approximately 45-minutes from the city of Ottawa. A visit to this Instagram-worthy destination allows you to explore one of Gatineau’s beautifully serene forests on skates – imagine freshly fallen snow, catching a glimpse of winter wildlife, and even a toasty hot chocolate to warm you up before or after your adventure! 
 

By @canadiancourt on Instagram

Wildlife Exploration at Parc Omega

Explore the wildlife park during the day, and sleep with the wolves overnight! Parc Omega is an interactive experience in Montebello, Québec, where you can be face-to-face with Canada’s wildlife. Visit during the day to view (and potentially meet) over 400 animals that reside amongst the 12km driving trail and book an overnight stay with their variety of once-in-a-lifetime accommodations! Their ‘Sleep with The Wolves’ experience includes three cabin options at different price points with a view of not only the beautiful Québec forest, but wolves directly in your window.
 

By @fantastrip4 on Instagram

Calgary and Edmonton

Soak in an Outdoor Pool

For those who prefer to spend time relaxing than taking on the slopes or the rinks, the Canadian Rockies Hot Springs are naturally fed soaking pools perfect for kicking back. Operated by Parks Canada, these springs are available in Jasper, Kootenay, and Banff National Parks. Available to visitors of all ages the iconic Miette, Radium and Banff Upper Hot Springs facilities offer a relaxing and easy to access pool experience!
 

By @_her_wandering_soul_ on Instagram

Experience Snowshoeing

Picture yourself crossing a frozen, snowy lake as the knock-knock-knock of a woodpecker echoes in the distance. Strap on a pair of snowshoes (or rent a pair or two through Parks Canada) and experience an exhilarating winter adventure through Elk Island National Park either solo or with loved ones! Exploring during the daytime means that you may catch a glimpse of a bison plowing through the snow and exploring when the sun goes down means that there’s a prospect of seeing the iconic Canadian northern lights. Which would you choose?
 

By @mimibikini on Instagram

Kingston

Tobogganing

No matter how old you are, tobogganing is a winter activity that will never go out of style. Kingston’s Fort Henry is known for its educational history programs, but it also has an amazing toboggan run. A tip from an insider – there is ample parking located at the top of the hill, so make sure everyone has enough energy left to climb back up there at the end of your fun!
 

By @iriszz1 on Instagram

Ski or Snowshoe Through Cataraqui

Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation Area reins in more visitors than any other season during the wintertime. With 13 kilometres of regularly groomed cross country ski trails, there is even more off the beaten path for snowshoers to explore! There are over 394 hectares of land to be traversed – so what are you waiting for?
 

By @jodiosully on Instagram

Who says winter can’t be just as fun as summer? It’s all about layering up! The variety of activities available to us as Canadians are limitless. Whether you prefer going on a skating adventure in Gatineau or soaking all of life’s stress away in the Banff Upper Hot Springs, we’re very lucky to have these opportunities in our own backyards!

Cheers to a happy winter filled with laughter, adventure, and life-long memories.

Stay tuned for our second blog post of the month that will cover winter adventures and events perfect for celebrating on Family Day in Ontario and Alberta!

The post Winter Activities: How We Do It In Canada appeared first on Osgoode Properties Blog.

• Snow Tubing – The worst part of snow tubing is the walk back up the hill, but these great options have a tow to take you back up! For a day of fun you have to try:
  • Le Domaine de L’Ange-Gardien – https://domaineangegardien.com/en/snow-tubing
  • Edelweiss – https://www.sommets.com/fr/glissades-tube/edelweiss/

• Skiing – Several ski hills are within a quick drive:
  • Camp Fortune – https://campfortune.com/en/ – Night skiing available
  • Vorlage – https://skivorlage.com/
  • Mont Cascades – https://montcascades.ca/ski/
  • Edelweiss – https://www.sommets.com/en/ski-mountains/sommet-edelweiss/

• Cross Country Skiing – Our top choice is Gatineau Park
  • Considered some of the best x-country skiing in North America.
  • Tickets are required – https://ncc-ccn.gc.ca/places/gatineau-park-winter-passes#
  • Accessing the Gatineaus for the first time might be intimidating – here are some tips for first time users:
    • P3 – rolling hills to the base of Pink Lake is a terrific ski or really challenge yourself and ski up to the top
    • P8-P9 – start at parking lot 8 and ski through the woods to parking lot 9 for a beautiful and less intense trail
    • These are just the beginning of exploring this incredible region on skis
  • Trail condition report
  • Going at night? Don’t forget your headlamp.

• Winter Camping – Did you know that you can book a cabin for an overnight winter adventure?
  • https://ncc-ccn.gc.ca/news/winter-overnight-stays-in-gatineau-park-reservations-start-november-23

No excuse Gatineau! Get out there and have some fun. Don’t forget to tag us in your photos at @osgoodeapts!

Want to live close to all Gatineau Park has to offer? Make your best move, and give us a call (613-688-2222) or email ([email protected]) today. We can help find you a home with these great trails in your own backyard!

The post Gatineau – Winter Memories & Fun! appeared first on Osgoode Properties Blog.

1. Break out the Toboggan – Ottawa has some excellent toboggan hills. Our top picks would be:
   1. Westboro Beach – Great location with easy parking.
   2. Arboritum – Beautiful for a winter walk after your day of play.
   3. Bruce Pitt – You can even bring the fur kids.
   4. Carlington – This one is steep; in fact, some use it as a ski hill. Fun Fact – the President of Osgoode Properties learned how to ski on Carlington!

2. Skating at Mud Lake – A 3.5 km walk in Britannia Village, great for snowshoes or a nice winter walk, brings you to Mud Lake. Tie on your skates and hop on the lake for a beautiful winter day. Do not forget to bring your own shovel if it has just snowed. This gem is a short distance to our communities at Lincoln Park Tower, Lakeview Apartments and Parkway Towers. But it is so pretty it is worth the trip from anywhere in the city!

3. City or Park Skating Rinks – Find a rink close to you by going to – https://www.ottawarinks.ca/en/rinklist

Enjoy creating winter memories and don’t forget to tag us in your photos @osgoodeapts!

The post Fun & Free Winter Activities in Ottawa! appeared first on Osgoode Properties Blog.

SJAM Winter Tail – http://www.wintertrail.ca/

• Offers 16km along the Sir John A. Macdonald river parkway
• Entrances close to our communities at The Juliana, Riverton Park, Parkway Towers and only a few minutes away from Lincoln Park Tower and Lakeview Apartments

Britannia Winter Trail – https://www.facebook.com/BritanniaWinterTrail/

• Offers 8km of trails close to Britannia Beach
• Did you know that the Britannia Winter Trail is an official training trail for the Canadian Ski Marathon?
• Entrances close to our communities at Lakeview, Lincoln Park Tower, and Parkway Towers

Rideau River Trail – https://www.rideauwintertrail.ca/

• Offers 9 km of trails between the Ottawa Hospital Campus and downtown
• Entrances close to our communities at The Faircrest, Riverside Tower, Kingsview Apartments and only a short drive from Eastwood Apartments

The post Ottawa – The City of Winter Trails appeared first on Osgoode Properties Blog.