Winter In The Hills

Get ready to embrace the colder weather with backyard rinks, tales from the Arctic, Alton Mill’s Fire & Ice festival and lots more winter fun.

December 13, 2023 | | Back Issues | Winter 2023

Mother Nature is wasting no time in marking the new season, delivering snowy weather right on schedule.

In our new winter issue, we’re keen to face the cold head-on. Writer Liz Beatty meets two locals who are dedicated to finding innovative solutions to food insecurity in the Far North. Anthony Jenkins hits the ice with families who build their own backyard rinks. Alison McGill pulls together tips on storm preparedness. And Johanna Bernhardt proposes more than a few outdoor events and sports to try this year. Good chilly fun.

We’re also getting into the spirit of the holiday season, with food, theatre and gift ideas galore – along with Local Heroes, our annual tribute to the people in our midst who have made kindness and community their North Star.

It all makes for cozy reading when you have a quiet moment.

Happy holidays from all of us at In The Hills!

NORTHERN CONNECTIONS

Two Headwaters residents are working with Indigenous people on innovative programs to enhance food security in the Far North. Learn more.

LOCAL HEROES

We salute some of the extraordinary people across Headwaters who make our communities stronger. Learn more.

Family skates together on backyard rink in Ontario

SHEET OF DREAMS

Parents don’t build rinks, they build memories – a look at two impressive ice makers in Hockley valley. Learn more.

Alton Mill Fire and Ice festival

FIELD NOTES FOR WINTER 2023

Our top ideas on how to embrace winter outdoors, hit a holiday market and enjoy the best local performances. Learn more.

THE YEAR IN BOOKS

Our annual review of new books – everything from mysteries and novels to memoirs and kid lit by local authors. Learn more.

A selection of seasonal offerings from Cookies by Gia, including chocolate and chocolate chip, red velvet, shortbread and gingerbread.

FOOD + DRINK TO TRY THIS WINTER

Holiday cookies, festive tipples and tasty local gifts bring cheer to the season. Learn more.

Stephanie Casino Esguerra adds gold leaf to one of her watercolour and ink pieces. Photography by Pete Paterson.

MEET THE MAKER:
STEPHANIE CASINO ESGUERRA

Meticulously applied lines of jet-black ink are a defining feature of the fanciful works of this Orangeville artist. Learn more.

MADE IN THE HILLS: HOLIDAY EDITION

From pottery to oversized chunky knits, our Made in the Hills gift guide has something for everyone on your list. Learn more.

HEADWATERS NEST

Bethany Lee muses about the power of secrets – at Christmas and beyond. Learn more.

PORTRAIT OF THE ART THERAPIST

Rapinder Kaur built a therapy practice around the wisdom of our inner artists. Learn more.

prepare rural home for winter

POWER MOVES

How to prep your home, car – and psyche – for winter storm season and its inevitable hydro outages. Learn more.

Snowstorm in February 1904 left hundreds of train passengers stranded north of Shelburne.

BACK STORY

How a “snow blockade” wreaked havoc in February 1904 north of Shelburne. Learn more.

TAKE A HIKE

Stroll on scenic boardwalks, lush forest trails and dams while spotting lots of local wildlife at Island Lake Conservation Area. Learn more.

WE NEED TO STAY IN TOUCH

Columnist Dan Needles laments the loss of printed news while pondering the future of journalism. Learn more.

IN RETROSPECT

On our 30th anniversary, we’re digging into the archives to review some of the themes that have shaped us. Learn more.

ARTIST IN RESIDENCE

As a student of mysticism and esoteric philosophy, artist CJ Shelton’s works reflect her love of the archetypal realm. Learn more.

Tips for seniors to stay safe at home

OVER THE NEXT HILL

Home safety tips for seniors to avoid unhappy accidents. Learn more.

MEET A COMMUNITY ELDER

Having served three terms as Caledon’s mayor, Carol Seglins still cares deeply about the well-being of her beloved Caledon. Learn more.

AT HOME IN THE HILLS

An elegantly renovated former church in Mono fulfills its mission as a serene family nest for a mom and her two daughters. Learn more.

CELEBRATE LUNAR NEW YEAR

Ring in the Year of the Dragon with a tasty, mostly homemade feast. Learn more.

About the Author More by In The Hills

Related Stories

Autumn Leaves - In The Hills Magazine

Autumn In The Hills

Oct 13, 2023 | In The Hills | Autumn 2023

Check out what’s in season this autumn at In The Hills, with award-winning apple pies, fall events, hikes in the forest, and lots of new food and drink to try.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

By posting a comment you agree that IN THE HILLS magazine has the legal right to publish, edit or delete all comments for use both online or in print. You also agree that you bear sole legal responsibility for your comments, and that you will hold IN THE HILLS harmless from the legal consequences of your comment, including libel, copyright infringement and any other legal claims. Any comments posted on this site are NOT the opinion of IN THE HILLS magazine. Personal attacks, offensive language and unsubstantiated allegations are not allowed. Please report inappropriate comments to vjones@inthehills.ca.