Being a father is a huge responsibility that doesn’t leave a whole lot of free time, especially when combined with work. Canadian dads are under a lot of pressure with rising prices and other issues constantly on their minds, so every moment they can use for themselves feels precious. They have a lot of options to fill those moments, in fact there is so much to do that it can be a struggle deciding what can fit into a busy dad’s schedule on days when the chores don’t eat up every last minute.
While every person has a distinct list of favorite things to do on off days, there are certain trends on the national level. The list presented here may not be exhaustive, but it contains the most popular pastimes that can bring peace to a tired father living in Canada.
Woodworking
Dads generally like keeping their hands occupied even when they don’t have to. Fixing things around the house may not be enough to satisfy this urge, so they resort to woodworking. Most start for practical reasons when they are younger, then develop a passion that lasts a lifetime. Some even go as far as to become bona fide wood artists capable of creating pretty much any object out of a block of maple or cherry, quite often with artistic qualities.
Canada has plentiful sources of high-quality materials while advanced tools are not too hard to get, which allows men who care about this hobby to create a range of items without overspending. Woodworking is traditionally associated with rural Canada, although it is becoming increasingly popular in urban areas, too.
Streaming Videos
An average Canadian household has subscriptions for several streaming services, making this one of the easiest downtime activities for dads who don’t like too much physical activity. While the kids are asleep or in school, dads can catch an opportunity to watch a great movie or a fun show. Some even try watching while the house is buzzing, taking advantage of the possibility to press pause if they need to quickly jump into action. It certainly helps that all the great content can be accessed from a laptop or smartphone, since the TV screen might already be reserved for playing cartoons.
A little strategizing might be necessary to catch that World War II documentary, but it’s all worth it if it leaves the dad refreshed and ready to take on the next day’s challenges.
Playing Online Games
Let’s be honest, as a dad it becomes very difficult to spend a night in a casino. Online alternatives are perhaps the only way to get that carefree feeling while still juggling all the obligations. With all provinces in Canada now allowing online gambling in some form, it’s possible to play some slots without leaving the living room. The goal typically isn’t to win lots of money, but rather to get that adrenaline shot that can be so valuable when your life is all caught up in a routine. Online casino games are fun and exciting and they can be played for small stakes, so family finances won’t be jeopardised.
It takes time to lose money on those games, and that is a resource most dads have in very short supply. Of course, discretion should be used in order not to set a bad example for the kids, so playing from a personal smartphone is the best course of action in this scenario.
Hunting & Fishing
This one might be a bit stereotypical, but there is no denying that Canada has some of the best hunting and fishing grounds in the world. Dads who manage to get away for the weekend can head to the countryside and spend some quality time away from all the noise of their everyday lives. If they find any success and catch something, they can make amazing photos and earn bragging rights. It’s common for multiple married men to go on such trips together and share the experience while supporting each other. A bit of time away from the children can be the perfect way to reset and prepare for all the impossible tasks that will be hoisted on them. Nature heals, and returning to a simpler way of life for a couple of days is just what the doctor ordered.
Golfing
Most people consider golf an upscale activity, but for Canadian dads it often has nothing to do with status and everything to do with finding inner peace. There is a special kind of silence out there on the golf course, allowing the player to forget about the world and just enjoy the moment. At the same time, this is a competitive activity that demands a combination of physical fitness and technical skill which befits dads who must have a practical goal. Since Canada has no shortage of beautiful courses and golfing lessons are readily available, this individual sport is a perfect respite from family life. Once the kids reach a certain age, teaching them how to make a hole-in-one becomes a rite of passage.
