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The 10 Best Places to Visit in Canada during Winter
As the snowflakes fall and the temperature plunges, there’s a frigid wonderland waiting to be discovered in the Great White North. So, don your warmest parka, slip on your trusty snow boots, and get ready to explore the frosty side of Canada.
And don’t worry—whether you’re an adventurous skier or prefer to marvel at the snowy scenery from the comfort of a snug cabin, we’ve got you covered. Together, we’ll uncover the top places you can visit in Canada during the winter, so read on!
Whistler
Website: https://www.whistler.com/
Enter Whistler, a true snow-seeker’s paradise nestled in the heart of the Coastal Mountains of British Columbia.
This alpine wonderland is home to the famed Whistler Blackcomb resort—a skiing and snowboarding oasis boasting over 8,100 adrenaline-pumping acres of ski terrain. But don’t be fooled—Whistler isn’t just about the slopes.
You’ll find a dazzling array of winter activities, including snowshoeing and snowmobiling, which draw families, adventure-seekers, and even those looking to practise the art of après-ski.
We dare you to hop on a snowcat and embark on a twilight snowcat tour, where you will trundle up a mountain peak for unforgettable stargazing.
As if that’s not enough, this magical snowscape is home to some of the finest dining experiences and cosy mountain retreats you’ll ever encounter.
| Local Tip: We recommend treating your taste buds at Bearfoot Bistro, where you can summon the audacity to sabre a champagne bottle. Also, don’t miss out on the Peak 2 Peak Gondola ride for a jaw-dropping panoramic view of the mountain ranges. |
Rideau Canal
Next up, we’re whisking you away to the capital city of Ottawa, where the iconic Rideau Canal awaits. This UNESCO World Heritage site is transformed into the world’s largest skating rink in the winter months, with a vast 7.8 km of ice begging for your skates.
Immerse yourself in the vibrant and buzzing atmosphere of Winterlude, an annual winter festival drawing in throngs of visitors with mesmerising ice sculptures. Not quite ready to give up the excitement?
Strap in and embrace the thrill of a classic Canadian winter pastime: snow tubing! Race down the snowy slopes of nearby Mount Pakenham or Edelweiss Valley before indulging in a steaming cup of hot cocoa at the warming hut.
In the mood for a tranquil afternoon? Stroll through the ice-laden grounds of Rideau Hall, the governor-general’s residence, followed by a visit to the stunning National Gallery of Canada to indulge in world-class art collections.
| Local Tip: For traditional Canadian comfort food, swing by the Byward Market and grab an iconic BeaverTail pastry. |
Plaster Rock
Many consider Plaster Rock to be the epicentre of authentic Canadian ice hockey, where pickup games and friendly rivalries have been played on the frozen lakes and rivers for generations.
Each year, hockey enthusiasts from around the globe gather for this high-spirited competition, showcasing their skills on the ice while bonding over their mutual love for the sport.
Whether you’re a seasoned hockey player or a wide-eyed spectator, there’s no doubt you’ll experience the camaraderie and connection waiting on the ice.
Plaster Rock’s appeal doesn’t stop there, as the region is enveloped by some of New Brunswick’s landscapes. Strap on your snowshoes and explore the Highland Trails, or embark on a snowmobile adventure through wooded paths and frozen lakeshores.
When the sun dips behind the horizon, don’t forget that renowned maritime hospitality awaits in the local pubs, where you’ll find food, fun, and stories to carry home.
| Local Tip: To escape the chilly temperatures, pay a visit to the Tobique-Plex—a must-visit aquatic centre and community hub. |
Waterton Lakes National Park
Website: https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/ab/waterton/
Address: Waterton Park, AB T0K 2M0, Canada
Contact details: +1 403-859-5133
Operating hours:
- Open 24 hours
Blanketed with sparkling snow, Waterton Lakes National Park is a winter nirvana, offering endless trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Trek along Crandell Lake or Cameron Lakeshore, and you’ll be graced with views so mesmerising they’d make an Instagram influencer weep. Didn’t you think picnicking was a winter activity?
At Waterton Park, grab a Riverside Snow-Lunch in the Cottonwood picnic area and experience it first-hand.
What’s more, Waterton is also home to a unique fusion of plants, animals, and geology that’s rare, even by National Parks standards, thanks to its location at a climatic crossroads.
Oh, I almost forgot! You can also sleigh your way through town and along the Upper Waterton Lakes with splendid views of Vimy Peak.
| Local Tip: If you’re planning an overnight stay, save a cosy cabin at the Waterton Lakes Lodge Resort for snug winter nights. |
Churchill
Prepare your mittens! We’re heading north to Churchill, Manitoba, the Polar Bear Capital of the World! Here, majestic polar bears saunter across the snowy terrain, proving a sight like no other.
Take a Tundra Buggy tour for front-row seats to this spectacle without disturbing their natural habitat. But in Churchill, it’s not all about the bears.
In the evenings, prepare for the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) to cast a spell on the expansive skies, creating a natural light show.
For the complete Arctic experience, partake in their tradition of dog sledding through the snow-carpeted forests—clinging to the old ways, the dog sleds are still manoeuvred by local mushers.
| Local Tip: While in town, don’t miss out on exploring Fort Prince of Wales, a prominent reminder of the fur trade era just a stone’s throw from Churchill. In addition, don’t leave the town without tasting the local delicacy, Arctic Char, from one of the eateries in town. |
Jasper National Park
Website: https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/ab/jasper
Address: Jasper, AB T0E 1E0, Canada
Contact details: +1 780-852-6176
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 9AM – 7PM
Prices:
- Adult – $10.50
- Senior – $9.00
- Youth – Free
- Family/Group – $21.00
- Commercial Group(per person) – $9.00
Brace yourself as Jasper’s snow-laden landscapes unfurl before your eyes, showcasing a perfect backdrop for skiing and snowboarding. Marmot Basin Ski Area is the crowd favourite for its excellent terrain, satisfying both beginners and seasoned daredevils.
Not a skier? Worry not. Opt for a slower, more serene pace with ice walks in the Maligne Canyon. The frosty formations forged by water against limestone walls are nothing short of awe-inspiring.
And when darkness falls, another spectacle awaits. Jasper National Park is a designated Dark Sky Preserve—perfect for stargazing. So, get ready to capture the Milky Way in all its glory.
| Local Tip: Satiate your post-adventure hunger pangs at Jasper Brewing Company, the first craft brewery in the Canadian Rockies. |
Québec City
Old Québec City turns into a beguiling winter wonderland as the snowflakes settle in its cobbled streets. Think Narnia meets Harry Potter, but the magic is real, and you’re in the starring role.
Traverse the city’s enchanting alleyways, like Petit Champlain—vibrantly bedecked and straight off a Christmas postcard. Feast your eyes on the star of the city—the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, its grandeur transforming from breathtaking to postcard-perfect in the winter.
How about being part of the annual Québec Winter Carnival (Carnaval de Québec) and getting enchanted by Bonhomme, the dazzling snowman mascot?
You may not know this, but Québec City unveils a ‘cool’ chillout spot every year—the Ice Hotel (Hôtel de Glace), where you can raise your glass in a sparkle-encrusted ice bar.
| Local Tip: Dive into the local scene with poutine at Chez Ashton, a belly-warming classic that has been delighting Quebecers for decades. |
Ottawa
Swaggering as Canada’s capital, Ottawa twirls into a fantastical winter destination when Jack Frost pays a visit. Lace your skates and glide along the historic Rideau Canal Skateway—the world’s largest naturally frozen skating rink.
Twisting through downtown, it’s surreal yet thrilling. In February, the city embraces Winterlude—an epic festival showcasing ice sculpture competitions, snow playgrounds, and a flurry of awe-inspiring events.
Get the royal taste of winter by exploring the snow-covered Regal Gardens at Rideau Hall, the residence of the Governor General of Canada.
Or why not appreciate indigenous and Canadian art at the National Gallery of Canada in warm and well-lit halls?
| Local Tip: Experience a beavertail—a must-try pastry that’s been warming Ottawa’s locals since time immemorial. |
Mont-Tremblant
Dubbed Québec’s winter sports utopia, Mont-Tremblant is a white-capped kingdom where curling up with coffee is replaced by scaling ice-clad peaks. Strap your skis or snowboards for a thrilling descent down the slopes of Mont Tremblant Ski Resort.
There’s a run for everyone, from newbie snow bunnies to hardened adrenaline junkies. For a fantastic winter hike, gear up with crampons and trek through Mont-Tremblant National Park’s stunning valleys, where nature’s tranquillity is your only company.
If you’re not done yet with adventure, how about a dog sledding endeavour in this winter wonderland? For relaxation, retreat to Scandinave Spa Mont-Tremblant and soak in outdoor hot baths amid the snowflakes.
| Local Tip: When in town, tuck into tartiflette at La Savoie, a traditional and cheesy-licious dish that might just become your ‘Snow Comfort Food’. |
Winnipeg
Welcome to Winnipeg, the Prairie City that turns into a wonderland with sub-zero romance. Start at The Forks, a melting pot locale where you can ice skate on frozen rivers under light installations twinkling like stars.
Visit the Arctic Glacier Winter Park for sizzling cultural performances, horse-drawn wagon rides, and indigenous storytelling around the fire—throwing warm light on the native folklore.
Witness the capricious spirit of winter at the Festival du Voyageur. Experience truly Canadian moments—think carving and curling—enlivened by lively music.
Don’t forget to stop by the Manitoba Museum, where you can brush up on local history indoors.
| Local Tip: Pair your winter escapade with a hot and hearty ‘Tourtière’, a meat pie treat from The Frenchway Café. |
