5 Ways to Beat the Cold on Winter Hikes
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High Park in Toronto provides some of the most accessible best hikes in winter for the city's residents. Its trails are usable year-round, but unpaved sections often remain snow-covered or icy. Average January highs sit near 0°C, with lows reaching -8°C and wind chill pushing effective temperatures lower; snowfall totals around 120 cm annually, but cold rainy days occur, especially in early or late winter, when mixed precipitation turns paths slick.
Local report logs describe the High Park Loop and Western Ravines trails as reliable winter options, with snow adding grip in places but ice on hills requiring caution. Additionally, coyotes appear more visible in winter, so if you're brining your dog with you, keep it leashed. Children should also stay close.
To beat the cold weather and handle hiking in the cold or a cold rainy day, these five evidence-based steps, (drawn from mountaineering standards and Toronto-area reports) should help reduce discomfort. These principles apply to almost any outdoor situation when you're running or hiking in cold weather.
1. Layer Effectively to Regulate Temperature
Start with a moisture-wicking base layer (synthetic or merino wool long underwear), add a mid-layer fleece or wool shirt and pants, then top with an insulating jacket and waterproof shell. This allows more control over body temperature as you warm up to avoid sweat buildup. Pack gloves, a hat, and extra socks.
2. Select Fabrics That Retain Heat When Wet
Skip cotton entirely. It holds water, cools the body, and dries slowly; all dangerous properties on a winter hike or during a sudden rain. Synthetic fabrics or merino wool wick moisture, insulate even when damp, and dry faster. Merino wool socks cut blister risk on longer loops like High Park’s ravine trails.
3. Maintain Hydration to Avoid Dehydration Risks
Cold dulls thirst by up to 40%, yet dehydration raises hypothermia risk and impairs judgment on icy descents. Carry at least 2 litres in an insulated bottle or hydration bladder and sip regularly even if you don’t feel thirsty. Add electrolytes if sweating under layers. Nutrition matters too, so pack high-calorie snacks to maintain energy on a 5–10 km winter hike.
4. Prepare Hot Liquids for Core Warming
A hot drink raises core temperature faster than movement alone and supplies calories. On a cold rainy day in High Park, this can prevent the rapid drop in body heat that some hikers and runners describe after stopping on exposed ridges.
5. Pack and Use the Hiking 10 Essentials, Adapted for Winter
High Park is urban but still demands basic preparedness. Follow the systems list from American Hiking Society or The Mountaineers’ Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills:
- Navigation (map or phone with offline High Park map, compass)
- Sun protection (minimal in winter but useful on bright snow)
- Insulation (extra dry layers)
- Illumination (headlamp for short winter days)
- First-aid supplies
- Fire (lighter, tinder)
- Repair kit and knife
- Nutrition (extra food)
- Hydration (extra water)
- Emergency shelter (space blanket or bivy sack)
In winter, add traction aids like microspikes for ice and an insulated pad for breaks. This kit ensures safety on the best hikes in winter. Check avalanche reports via apps like CAIC if in mountainous areas.
With these five basic steps you'll reduce the winter hiking and running risks and extend your range at High Park, or any similar trail. Always review weather via NOAA and share plans with someone.
Happy hiking!
