As all Canadians know, winter can be challenging. Because the country is close to the North Pole, we are subjected to colder temperatures, fewer daylight hours, and greater snowfall amounts than countries that are closer to the equator, and the cold weather tends to last longer as well. Nevertheless, winter can be a magical time of transformation. In that respect, we are fortunate to be able to experience it in all its glory. The Royal Canadian Mint regularly issues commemorative coins celebrating all that is special about Canada. If you are interested in coin collecting, there are several pieces available that highlight all the fun and interesting things about Canadian winter.
Winter Sports
Canadians make the most of the long winter by playing sports made for the ice and snow. Ice hockey may be the most iconic of these and the most closely associated with Canada, so it stands to reason that there are several Canadian coins celebrating it. However, other winter sports, including skiing, bobsled, and figure skating are also popular, each of which is featured on a coin of its own.
Another winter activity depicted on its own coin is dog sledding. It is believed that dog sledding originated with the Inuit solely as a means of transportation. At one time the only means of travelling safely and effectively across the frozen tundra, dog sledding was also adopted by settlers to the region as a matter of necessity, evolving into a sport when people started racing for fun.
Holidays
Many cultures observe holidays during the winter months. Therefore, no matter what the celebration, it is traditional for many Canadians to gather together with family and friends during at least one point in the winter. The Royal Canadian Mint has several coins commemorating Christmas, and there are also coins celebrating winter holidays outside the Christian tradition, such as the Chinese New Year and Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Lights. All of these traditions help to make Canadian culture much richer and deeper.
Family Fun
While families gather for the holidays and enjoy winter sports together, there are also fun outdoor activities that you can do with your family during the winter at any time, not just during special occasions. These activities may or may not be competitive, but they are memorable because of the fun you can have with the people closest to you. You can help preserve the memories and share them with your family with coins from the Royal Canadian Mint depicting activities such as sledding, skating, and building snowmen.
Wildlife
While many species of animals in Canada hibernate during the winter, others remain active all year. Finding food can be more of a challenge for these animals during the winter, so you may be more likely to see them than you would be at other times of the year. Some of them are not camouflaged to blend in with the snow, so they may be more visible during the winter than at other times. Others have light-coloured fur that helps them blend into the environment during the winter, making it more exciting when you do spot one from a distance. There are commemorative coins from the Royal Canadian Mint depicting wildlife such as moose, wolves, deer and lynx in winter scenes.
Natural Phenomena
Aurora borealis, or Northern Lights, result from electromagnetic activity in the atmosphere. Northern Lights can happen at all times of the year, but they are most visible during the winter when daylight hours wane, and they are more likely seen closer to the North Pole. Several coins mimic the spectacular colours of the Northern Lights.
Coin Collecting Is a Good Winter Activity
For all the fun to be had outside during the winter, sometimes it is pleasant to curl up inside where it is warm. Collecting and organizing Canadian coins is a good indoor activity to try during the winter. Start your collection or add to it with Colonial Acres.