Things to do in Canada in winter
Canada’s winter is one of its most beautiful times of the year. It is also a time of year when Canadians get to enjoy all the things they do not get to do during the other seasons. Whether you are looking for outdoor or indoor activities, this country offers plenty of options. Here are some things you can do in Canada during winter. Before that, how you should know how to prepare for a vacation or how to dress in winter, or what you need, you must know that.
Preparations for winter vacation
Winter is coming, and it’s time to prepare for the cold weather. There are a few things that you should do before you leave for your winter vacation.
First of all, make sure to dress in warm clothes. Make sure to wear layers and avoid wearing too many clothes at the same time. If you think it’s too cold outside, you can also put on a sweater or a jacket. If you want to go hiking during your winter vacation, you should also bring snowshoes. You can get these at any outdoor store, or if you’re not sure where to get them, you can order them online.
If you’re traveling by plane, make sure that you have enough medicine with you – cold and fever medicine will do just fine! And last but not least, don’t forget about packing a first aid box with bandages and other things that might come in handy during your winter vacation!
Things to do in Canada in winter
1. Skiing or snowboarding
Canada is a world-renowned hotspot for skiing and snowboarding. This country is renowned for its immense natural beauty, with snow-capped mountains and an abundance of fresh air. With so many ski resorts to choose from, there’s something for everyone in Canada. If you’re up for a little adventure, try a heli-skiing trip or cross-country ski tour. If you want to hit the slopes, take a gondola or chairlift ride at one of the many resorts in Canada.
Whistler Blackcomb, Revelstoke, Sun Peaks, and Big White in British Columbia are some of the most well-known ski resorts in the world, but you can find some of the best skiing and snowboarding in all of Canada between Alberta and British Columbia on the west coast. Lake Louise in Banff National Park is the best ski resort in Alberta, although Sunshine Village and Marmot Basin are also excellent options for a ski trip.
Where you to go:
- Whistler/Blackcomb, Canada
- Big White, Canada
- Fernie Alpine Resort, Canada
- Kimberley, Canada
2. Enjoying ice skating at one of the many ice rinks
Winter in Canada is a magical time of year, filled with lots of things to do. One popular activity is ice skating on one of the many rinks in Canada or skating on the Rideau Canal in Ottawa, which is one of North America’s largest natural skating rinks.
The Rideau Canal, also called the Rideau Waterway, connects Lake Ontario with the Ottawa River and is approximately 8.4 km long. Between January and March, the Skateway welcomes skaters around the clock for the duration of the skating season.
The Skateway is equipped with five warming shelters, hot drink sellers, and, of course, Beavertails, a popular Canadian food. There are also barbecue grills, restrooms, and picnic tables available at these outposts.
Good skaters and those trying their best to stay upright add to the lively and celebratory environment created by all these people. The rental shop has helmets, wrist guards, and a support bar if you don’t have your own. You may even rent sleighs to pull your infants and toddlers around.
Where you to go:
- Adventure Skating Loop, British Columbia
- Lake Windermere Whiteway, British Columbia
- Lake Louise, Alberta.
- Echo Valley Provincial Park, Saskatchewan.
- Nestaway River Trail, Manitoba.
- Rideau Canal, Ontario.
3. Marvel at the Northern Lights
The Northern Lights, also known as Aurora Borealis, are a natural phenomenon created when solar particles collide with atoms high up in our atmosphere. The Northern Lights can be seen in the sky at night during winter months, and it is most visible in the Arctic Circle and Antarctic Circle.
People who have never seen the Aurora Borealis will be amazed by its beauty and brightcolorss. The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon that can be observed in many parts of the world. The Northern Lights can be seen in Canada during winter time when there is a lot of snow on the ground. You need to go far north to see them or you might not see them at all because they are so high in the sky.
The Dance of the Spirits is an event that takes place every year in December where people gather around a bonfire and watch as these amazing lights dance across the sky. We observed the auroras every night while hunting polar bears with Churchill Wild.
Where to go:
- Yellowknife
- Goose Bay in Labrador
- Hudson Bay in Manitoba
- The prairie regions
- Alberta’s Jasper
- Banff National Parks
4. Witness a Winter Light Festival
One method to do this is to attend one of the many light festivals that are held all around the world, such as the Winter Festival of Lights held in Niagara Falls. While there is a possibility that witnessing the lights reflected off of this well-known waterfall is one of the most photogenic sights in the entirety of Canada, there is also a possibility that it is not.
Where to go:
- Ottawa
- Toronto
- Vancouver
- Airdrie
- Montreal
5. Visit a Winterlude
In the Canadian cities of Ottawa and Gatineau, a yearly winter event known as “Winterlude” is celebrated. Winterlude is the perfect way to spend your winter break. The festival lasts for three weeks and has a variety of events. For example, you can enjoy the world’s longest ice rink where you can skate for free or you can take a drive through snow-covered roads to get to your destination. There are also tons of ice sculptures and snow playgrounds that will keep kids entertained all day long.
Where to go:
- Ottawa
- Gatineau
- Quebec
6. Quebec City’s Annual Winter Carnival
The world-famous Carnivale winter carnival may be found in Quebec City. Winter is when this city, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, comes into its own. The historic district has been completely turned into a winter wonderland that gives off the impression of being stuck in time.
You can pay a visit to the well-known Ice Hotel and have a drink at the bar made entirely of ice. It was the first Ice Hotel in North America when it opened in 2001, and there are ice sculpture competitions that you can see there. Make it a point to spend some time in the winter in the city that feels the most European among those in North America.
Where to go:
7. Do Some Dog Sledding
During the colder months in Canada, one of the most exciting and memorable activities that can be done is dog sledding. Dog sledding is an activity that can be done practically any place in Canada where there is a significant amount of snow. Whether you want to spend a few days or weeks in the outback or just try it for an afternoon, dog sledding is an option.
The Call of the Wild is an established adventure team that has won numerous accolades throughout the years. They provide dog sledding day trips and adventures all year long in the breathtaking Algonquin Park, which is situated directly between the cities of Toronto and Ottawa.
Where to go:
- Attend the annual Yukon Quest sled dog race, at Lake Laberge, Yukon
- Laurentian Mountains, Quebec
8. Enjoy Ice Fishing
Ice fishing is a fantastic opportunity to experience the Canadian winter and to connect with the natural world. The Canadian climate is ideal for ice fishing, and the country also boasts a variety of high-quality resorts and lodges, from the most basic to the most luxurious, that provide ice fishing opportunities.
Where to go:
- Andy Myers Lodge, Eagle Lake, Ontario
- Sainte-Anne-de-la-Pérade, Quebec city
- Last Mountain Lake
- Newfoundland Ponds
9. Enjoy Ice Wine Festival
Ice wine is a dessert wine that is prepared from grapes that have been frozen before fermentation. This delicious alcoholic beverage has gained popularity in Canada, which is by far the largest producer of iced wine in the world.
You can visit a variety of ice wine festivals throughout the season, some of which include the Okanagan Wine Festival, the Niagara Icewine Festival, and the Nova Scotia Winter Icewine Festival. Although Ontario is the maincentere for the manufacturing of ice wine, you can also attend these festivals.
Where to go:
Okanagan Wine Festival
Niagara Icewine Festival
Nova Scotia Winter Icewine Festival
10. Watch a hockey game or go skating with friends on an outdoor rink during the day
By the end of December, the majority of Canada’s lakes and ponds have frozen over completely. From lakes that have frozen over to backyard rinks that have been made by the locals. Skating can be enjoyed in practically all of Canada’s cities thanks to the abundance of public skating rinks and frozen ponds that are open to the public.
Skating on a frozen lake is an enjoyable activity, and the greatest thing is that it is completely free. On the rink, you are guaranteed to have a good time, no matter what you choose to do: glide elegantly across the ice floor or compete in a game of ice hockey. Just keep an eye out for the warning signs that say “Thin Ice.”
Where to go:
Attend World Pond Hockey Championship in Plaster Rock, Brunswick
11. Sleigh Rides
Canada’s most famous winter activity is taking a sleigh ride through the snow. You can take a ride through a forest, along the frozen ocean, or even over the countryside. The best time to do this is in the winter, as well as from December to March.
You can find a few sleigh rides around the world, including In Quebec, one of Canada’s leading winter attractions enjoying a sleigh ride through the Laurentian Mountains while taking in views of both Mont-Tremblant and Saint-Sauveur. Another place to enjoy sleigh rides in Canada is Mount Revelstoke National Park on Vancouver Island which has a Christmas Tree Trail which includes many stops for visitors during the day, including a light display, hot chocolate stands, and a sleigh ride.
Where to go:
- St. Jacobs Horse Drawn Tours, Woolwich
- Thunder Ridge Farm, Armstrong
- Gammondale Farm, Thunder Bay
Conclusion:
The world has a lot to offer and exploring new places is one of the best ways to embrace life. Canada holds a lot of opportunities for people to enjoy the outdoors during winter, and it has so many amazing things that you can do at any time of the year. From skiing and snowboarding to hiking and camping, there is something for everyone. Come to Canada and enjoy its beauty.
Click here to know more updates.