Learning to skate on a big-city rink: How a new Canadian made Ontario home

When I was growing up in Guatemala City, Hollywood films transported me to a different world. In those films, winter was a magical time synonymous with romance. I was awestruck by the glamorous women I saw on screen – draped in stylish coats and walking confidently through parks and sidewalks in the dead of winter wearing impossibly high-heeled shoes. I loved seeing the images of happy families and hand-holding lovers skating outdoors while fat flakes of snow fell around them.

The thing is, in Guatemala, we enjoyed two seasons: summer and rain. The average temperature is predictably between 21 and 30 Celsius all year.

My first winter in Ontario, my husband Jarret and I visited Toronto. I had never skated before in my life. I was excited at the idea of lacing up and stepping onto the ice at Nathan Phillips Square. For my first-ever skating foray, I carefully chose a black parka with a fur-trimmed hood and a pair of hot pink mittens. A red-and-white headband emblazoned with the word “Canada” on my forehead completed my look. I imagined I’d master skating that day and send proof to friends and family via some dazzling updates on my social feeds.

It was perfectly romantic. Music played in the background, hundreds of LED lights were draped around trees and utility poles. The outdoor rink was filled with happy faces.

With Jarret’s help, I strapped on my skates. I rose unsteadily to my feet with my arms and feet flying, wobbling like a newborn fawn. Even though it was several degrees below zero, I was sweating profusely. I held on to my husband’s arm for dear life.

I abandoned all hope of mimicking the women from the movies I had seen. Who was I kidding? Jarret, who plays hockey and has a deep connection to the ice, moved with poise and style. But my first skating lesson mostly involved me yelping, swaying and staggering. I gratefully accepted Jarret’s suggestion that I take a rest.

Once safely on the ground, I was able to enjoy the scene in front of me. Families sipped hot chocolate and cider, couples held hands and glided in harmony, children called out to their parents as they attempted jumps and twirls. I watched in fascination as a mother expertly tucked a toddler between her legs and swirled around the ice. The air was crisp, cold and invigorating.

That first winter, we explored a number of local communities across the province to take in the scenery and outdoor activities. I was always looking for skating rinks where I could practice. We went to Chicopee in Kitchener, where I tried skiing on the kids’ hill. I was really bad at it, but it was still fun to try something new in a beautiful setting.

One of my favourite places to visit was Blue Mountain, with its cute shops and fabulous restaurants. We’ve been back a couple times since and always find plenty to do there, whether it’s swimming in the Plunge! Aquatic Centre or snowshoeing on a nearby trail surrounded by snow-capped pine trees. One of my most memorable experiences was unwinding in a steaming hot tub at the resort while the snowflakes floated down around us.

I love the annual Winterfest here in Stratford, with horse-drawn carriages, train rides for the children, ice sculptures, parades and bonfires. It’s such a special time each year when Winterfest comes around, with what feels like the entire community joining together to celebrate the season. I remember roasting marshmallows over a fire for the first time, and the combination of warm, gooey marshmallows in the crisp night air was a delight.

In the years since moving to Ontario, my appreciation for winter continues to grow. My family has grown too! One day, it will be my daughter Emilia and me on the skating rink. She’s only seven months old, but I know she will take to the ice like a duck to water. I’m still no expert on skates, but I’m excited to learn along with her.