We’re all familiar with peak wedding season in Canada. From June to about mid-October, couples across the country are taking advantage of nice weather and summer holidays to tie the knot. But what about engagements? It turns out that winter is actually the most popular season for couples to get engaged. As the days get shorter and colder, you might have already seen the ads for engagement rings creeping up on your social media.

The winter months provide some great opportunities to propose to your special someone. Besides the magic of the Christmas holidays and the romance of Valentine’s day, you’ve got many more options to make your proposal a memorable one.

Here’s a list of 10 totally romantic ideas to get you inspired.

The Cozy Proposal

Colder temperatures in late fall and winter bring us closer together. There’s nothing quite like a cozy romantic night in with your partner – the perfect setting for a proposal. Make some warm drinks like hot chocolate or mulled wine, and slip into ultimate coziness before you pop the question.

If you want to send it over the top and be super cute, present your partner with a custom mug that reads “will you marry me?” It might sound silly, but it will make for an adorable keepsake to commemorate the event. Make sure to have some alternative beverages on hand in case they’re not in the mood for a hot beverage.

The First Snow Proposal

This one is simple but effective. It will require some flexibility, however. You’ve got to be ready when that first dusting of snow appears. If you’re lucky, you’ll get an overnight snowfall, which means you can set up your proposal before your partner wakes up.

If that’s the case, you can make a trail of footprints leading towards a question (maybe also written in the snow) or somewhere where you’ll be ready to propose. If not, you can take advantage of a first snowfall when you’re out and about and propose then. In either case, follow up with a special event like breakfast in bed or a romantic dinner.

The Winter Stroll Proposal

Whether it’s a nice walk on a crisp winter morning, or a magical stroll through an illuminated city, the winter stroll is a classic proposal idea. Even if there’s no snow on the ground, you’ll both be invigorated by the glittering frost and chill air.

Choose a nice path to walk along, like a park or quaint corner of your town. A sunrise walk is also a great idea. Try to find a place that’s relatively quiet. If there’s snow on the ground, find an area that people haven’t walked on yet. Reward yourselves with a nap and enjoy the rest of your day together.

The Surprise Family Visit Proposal

The winter seasons brings many opportunities for family visits, whether it’s for Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Year’s. In many cases – especially if you’re a young couple – you might find yourself splitting up to visit your respective families. How about this time you pretend you’re leaving, but show up at your partner’s family gathering to propose instead?

You can really play this one up. Say your tearful goodbyes, and then surprise your partner when they answer the door wondering who it could be. This is a great way to incorporate the family into your proposal – but keep in mind it might not be for everyone!

The Holiday Lights Proposal

Christmas lights can sometimes be a bit of a competition, especially in the suburbs. It seems like they are going up earlier every year – and people are not shying away from going all out. Why not get in on it and set your proposal against a magical, illuminated backdrop?

If you want to take it to the next level, you could set up the question written in lights. At the very least, create your own romantic space (whether indoors or outdoors) with a few well-placed coloured lights. Make sure you get some private time to set it all up.

The Skating Rink Proposal

If you’re like most Canadians, chances are you know your way around a skating rink. Ice skating is a classic winter activity that can be very romantic. It’s the perfect setting for a winter proposal no matter how skilled you are.

If you’re a pro, you can reserve the rink for just the two of you and glide gracefully around your partner as you propose. If you’re not, you can always score some points for being adorably clumsy. If you don’t want to take a chance with your balance, you might want to skip this one altogether!

The Christmas Morning Proposal

If you want to make your winter proposal extra memorable, there’s no better way than to tie it in with Christmas. You can borrow some of that Christmas magic and propose to your partner surrounded by friends and family, or plan a quiet romantic Christmas morning for just the two of you.

Proposing in front of the tree is a classic – you can even present the ring disguised as a Christmas gift. You can also get creative and embed the proposal in a tree ornament or stocking. These are all cute ways to create special moments you’ll treasure forever.

The New Year’s Eve Proposal

If there’s anything more classic than the Christmas proposal, it’s probably the New Year’s proposal. Everything is already set up for you, and you’ve got the perfect excuse to go out for a special evening – complete with champagne and celebrations.

Time it right, and you’ve got yourself an unforgettable winter proposal. Find a romantic place for the countdown, and let the surrounding revelry set the stage for an amazing moment. Propose just after midnight and then join the party! Fireworks, champagne, dressing up and being around loved ones – what more could you ask for? Plus, you’ll add excitement to an already festive atmosphere.

The Winter Activity Proposal

For some people, winter means adventure. There’s a host of outdoor activities to enjoy during your typical Canadian winter, from skiing to snowboarding to hiking. If your partner is into that lifestyle, there’s no better way to make your proposal stand out than by pumping it with some adrenaline.

Whatever your chosen winter activity is, you’ve got plenty of opportunities to propose to your partner. You can plan it so you propose at the bottom of a ski hill, when you reach the end of your cross-country trail, or when you’ve found a secluded spot on your hike. Whatever you decide to do, make sure you’ve planned a relaxing and romantic evening to follow it up.

The Winter Getaway Proposal

If you live somewhere that doesn’t see any snow, you can always plan for a winter getaway with your partner. If you’re so inclined, there are many destinations that can offer you stunning backdrops for a perfect winter proposal. Everyone loves a romantic getaway after all.

If you set out to explore Scandinavian countries or even take an Alaskan cruise, you’ll have many breathtaking opportunities to create memorable moments. Check out places where you might see the magical northern lights for the ultimate winter proposal!