Cart is empty When February hits, winter starts to feel long. The holidays are over, the days are still short, and the chill isn’t letting up any time soon. In Calgary, we’re used to it being cold, but that doesn’t mean we’re stuck inside. Our backyards can still be a great place to play, relax, and breathe in some fresh air, even in winter.
There are simple ways to make outdoor time during these colder months more enjoyable. From building a cozy hangout to using hot tubs in Calgary style, we don’t have to wait for spring to feel better. Getting outside, even for just a little while, can break up the day, lift our mood, and help beat the cabin fever blues.
Create a Cozy Backyard Spot
When it’s freezing out, a few small changes can make your backyard feel a lot more inviting. Blocking wind, adding soft lighting, and warming up your sitting area can go a long way.
• Place a few wind-blockers, like outdoor curtains or wood panels, near your usual hangout spot to help shield the breeze.
• Use string lights, lanterns, or solar lamps to brighten things up. Winter days are short, so it’s nice to stretch outdoor time into early evening.
• Add cushions, blankets, and even a firepit to make the space more comfortable. Just be sure everything you leave outside can handle snow and cold.
Creating this kind of setup gives you a place to enjoy backyard time without feeling frozen to the bone. It can be as simple or as dressed-up as you want, but it should feel like a spot you want to return to.
A cozy backyard spot also helps bring the family together, whether you’re reading a book under a lamp or sharing stories around the firepit. Just a little planning makes heading outside seem less intimidating, even when the snow piles high.
Soak It Up with a Winter Hot Tub Session
If you have a hot tub, winter is one of the best times to use it. The cool air and warm water are a great mix, and short soaks can help your body relax in ways a warm bath inside just can’t match. Using hot tubs in Calgary during the colder months means being smart about getting in and out too.
• Keep a thick robe, towel, or blanket close by so you’re not chilled when you step out.
• Wearing a hat helps trap heat since so much warmth escapes from your head.
• Make short sessions your go-to, ten to fifteen minutes is usually enough on a cold day.
Add a shelf or small storage box nearby for items like music speakers, hot tea, or a safe place to keep your drink. With a little planning, winter hot tub time goes from a quick dip to something you look forward to.
Soaking outside when the steam rises above the water and the rest of the yard is covered with frost is a special experience. It turns any evening into a chance to unwind, watch the stars, or even enjoy quiet snowfall from the comfort of warm water.
Make Backyard Games Snow-Friendly
Just because the ground is white doesn’t mean the fun has to stop. Plenty of games can be adjusted for winter with a little creativity.
• Try snow bowling by setting up plastic pins or bottles and rolling a large snowball toward them.
• Create snowball targets out of boxes or hang them from tree branches to see who has the best aim.
• Use poles or yard sticks with bright tape to mark paths or build a course through deeper snow. These can guide kids and adults through obstacle races or just give a fun path to explore.
Games like these work best if you keep them simple and short. The goal isn’t to tire everyone out, just to give something fun to look forward to outdoors, even when the snow piles up.
Outdoor games in the snow add a different type of energy to the backyard. It’s a great way for kids to burn off some energy and a good break from screens or indoor routines. Even grown-ups can get in on the fun, remembering how a little movement outside can chase away winter fatigue.
Turn the Outdoors into a Mini Getaway
Your backyard can be more than a place to shovel or stack firewood. With a few changes, it can feel like a tiny vacation without leaving home. This doesn’t take a huge project. Just think about how to change the vibe for a night or two a week.
• Set up a small sauna or an insulated tent with seating inside to give your yard a completely different purpose.
• Plan themed nights with music, outdoor grilling, or even just stargazing with blankets and kids’ snacks.
• Keep a hot drink station nearby. A thermos filled with tea, cocoa, or cider can make cold nights easier to enjoy.
What matters most is doing something different, something that doesn’t feel like another night of pacing between the fridge and the TV.
Even a simple change, like listening to a new playlist or watching the sunrise from the deck, can transform an ordinary winter night. Making the backyard feel special is more about intention than cost or big renovations.
Keep Things Easy with Low-Stress Setups
No one wants to spend more time getting ready than actually outside. One of the best ways to use your yard in winter is to keep everything simple and ready to go.
• Make and maintain clear walking paths with sand or a snow melter that’s safe for pets and grass.
• Use storage bins or deck boxes to hold lights, blankets, snow gear, and supplies so they’re easy to grab when the moment strikes.
• Don’t overthink the activity itself. Stepping out for 15 minutes with the kids or sharing cocoa on the deck is a win this time of year.
Once you’ve got a system in place, you won’t have to wait for the perfect evening or big event. Winter fun becomes something you can enjoy without planning days ahead.
Having everything in its place means you won’t get frustrated searching for the right boots or blanket. Making quick decisions easier helps turn outdoor time into a regular routine, not just something you do once in a while.
Cold Weather Can Still Be Fun
Firepits from trusted brands like Elementi and West Coast Fire Pits can add a warm glow to your backyard, making it a great place to gather on winter nights. Pairing a soak in a Clearwater Spas or Be Well Canada Spas hot tub with these setups means you get comfort, warmth, and a bit of fun even when the weather is cold. Backyard Canada is all about easy, year-round outdoor living, offering options designed for our Canadian winters.
Winter doesn’t have to be spent staring out the window wishing for warmer days. Even in Calgary, where February can feel like it’s never going to end, the backyard can bring us small moments that feel good.
Whether it’s a warm soak, a short snowball game, or a calm outdoor evening under string lights, the backyard has more to offer than we might think during the colder months. With just a few small changes, we can turn cabin fever into outdoor fun again.
Winter has you craving more warmth and less cabin fever? Adding a soak under the stars might just do the trick. For those thinking about upgrading their outdoor setup, we have a few great options when it comes to enjoying hot tubs in Calgary, even on the snowiest nights. A well-placed tub can turn your backyard into a winter retreat that’s easy to step into when the mood strikes. At Backyard Canada, we know what works for long, cold seasons. Give us a call if you’re ready to make your winter evenings a little cozier.
