What are your plans this coming Winter?
Do you prefer conventional snowy activities, or do you prefer a unique Winter escapade, such as visiting and staying at the only ice hotel in Northern America, the Hôtel de Glace, in Quebec City?
Regardless of your plans and preferences, we got you covered.
Join us on a snowy fun adventure as we explore some of the best ways to enjoy the Winter season in Canada in this article.
Family Recreation & Adrenaline — Visit A Ski Resort
The ski resort is the quintessential destination for all-encompassing Winter fun. Different resorts offer exciting snowy activities for all ages alongside exquisite mountain-top scenery and powdery treks.
When it comes to skiing, each resort offers different slopes and trails for different difficulty levels (beginners, intermediate, advanced, and expert).
You can refer to the following symbols indicating the difficulty levels before deciding which trail to take at the respective resort.
- 🟢 - Beginner
- 🟦 - Intermediate
- ◆ - Advanced
- ♦️♦️ - Expert
That said, those who love the adrenaline rush of speed and adventure can also try their hands at cross-country skiing, snow tubing, and dog sledding.
For families with little ones, they can also send their kids to daycare and the snowy playground to keep them occupied.
As the day's adventure comes to a close, you can then settle down at a cabin or the resort's lodge as you cozy up by the fire. Feel free to indulge in après-ski treats at various restaurants too.
A French term that means after skiing, which typically refers to the recreational activities that one does after the activity such as having a meal, drinking wine, enjoying live performances etc.
Ski resorts are not only a huge attraction among Canadians during Winter, but also international travellers too. Here are some of the top ski resorts in the country that are worth visiting:
Balancing Poised Movements — Ice Skating
Thinking of a common activity where everyone can be in one place without minding speed and pace? Combining elements of fun and challenge, ice skating is the perfect Winter adventure, whether enjoyed solo or with a group.
While there are many indoor ice rinks that you can visit all year round, nothing beats the thrill and excitement of an outdoor ice skating experience at the iconic Rideau Canal in Ottawa — which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Known as the world's largest outdoor skating rink, the Rideau Canal is open 7 days a week, and 24 hours a day during the Winter season from January to early Match.
Visitors can enter the skateway through various universal access points depending on their preferred public transportation route, and rent the necessary types of equipment on-site.
Additionally, this location is also home to the Winterlude Festival, one of the major attractions of Ottawa. Some of the highlights of the festival include live music performances, ice sculpture exhibitions and fun games. Feel free to grab your favourite pastries and warm hearty chocolate from the Beavertails.
That said, outdoor skating at the canal is an experience that one shouldn't take for granted. It is open to the public only under strict monitoring of ice conditions, temperature, and overall maintenance.
Gear up with a pair of comfortable skates, and equip yourself with the necessary protective gear and layer up with warm apparel while you skate at the area. Be sure to keep warm and avoid areas with cracks.
To have a safe and enjoyable experience, we highly recommend beginners to pick up the basics of skating with an experienced skating tutor before you head to the skateway.
You can find a reliable tutor via Superprof Canada, where you will be connected to a wide selection of passionate and dedicated tutors.
Once you have reviewed the basic information (experience, tutoring methodology, hourly rates) via their adverts, you can proceed to book your first lesson with them, often free of charge!
Winter Wilderness — Snowshoeing & Winter Hiking
Do you love exploring new trails and inaccessible pathways that are surrounded by stunning snow-covered trees and terrains? Welcome to the world of snowshoeing and Winter hiking.
Snowshoeing is a form of aerobic exercise that is similar to walking but with added resistance (the snowshoe), as you move through trails with varying elevations and deep snow so that you won't sink during the process.
Winter hiking is more focused towards hiking in cold conditions and designated snowy terrain.
Many locations in Canada, especially national parks offer a variety of Winter programs ranging from dog sledding, Winter camping, snowmobiling, and of course, different snowshoe and Winter hiking packages according to trailing distances, and hiking durations.
Since these activities are weather-dependent and vary in difficulty, it’s important to check the official website of the location you plan to visit to monitor trail conditions. If it’s your first time, it's best to join a group or guided tour to gradually build your confidence.
For those of you who are confident enough to do it alone, you can purchase a daily admission pass and begin your journey at your preferred time and pace.
Here's a list of places to check out as you plan your next snowshoe/winter hiking travel.
Indulge In Speed and Dog Bonding — Dog Sledding
Canine lovers should put dog sledding at the top of their list of activities to do during the snowy season.
You are bound to have an equally exhilarating and therapeutic experience as you bond with the huskies before they whisk you off on a speedy adventure.
There are many dog sledding tours and packages that cater to different ages, numbers of participants, and ride intensities.
Some offer a short round-trip through the valley, while others cover longer expeditions with a full itinerary.
It's important to choose one that fits your budget and group dynamics. Also, it's best to hire a private guide to help you navigate the trails if it's your first time unless you are well-versed in giving precise commands to the dogs during the mushing process.
Here are some of the best dog sledding tours that you can explore in the country:
A Variety of Winter Entertainment — Other Seasonal Activities
There are many ways to make the most of the cold season — we're truly spoiled for choice.
One way to pick is to go back to your interests and choose activities that align with what you enjoy most, whether it’s outdoor adventures, cozy indoor pursuits, or something new to try.
Here are three more things to do throughout the Canadian Winter months.
Encounter Nature & Frozen Tranquility — Ice Fishing
With an abundance of lakes in the country, you can immerse yourself in the beautiful nature while dropping a line through the ice to see what you can catch.
Whether you're fishing solo or with friends, it can be an enjoyable experience. It's best to rent a hut to brace for the cold weather as there's no definite way of knowing when you'll catch your first fish.
Some places that are great ice fishing spots include:
- Lake Superior, Ontario
- Lake Winnipeg, Manitoba
- Lake Diefenbaker, Saskatchewan
- Kathleen Lake, Yukon
- Lake of the Woods (parts of Manitoba and Ontario)
Boost Relaxation & Wellness — Soaking in Hot Springs
For those looking for a perfect way of relaxation and rejuvenation after a day of Winter adrenaline, you have to soak yourself in a good hot spring session.
Imagine being refreshed by the mineral-rich waters while you are surrounded by snowy scenery.
Some of the places that you can visit include the Banff Upper Hot Springs in Alberta and Harrison Hot Springs in British Columbia.
Community Celebration Cheer — Visit A Canadian Winter Festival
Remember when we mentioned the Winterlude festival in Ottawa earlier?
There are many Winter festivals and carnivals throughout the season at different locations in Canada.
For example, there's the Winter Festival of Lights at Niagara Falls in Ontario, the Quebec Winter Carnival (Carnaval de Québec) in Quebec City, and also the Cavalcade of Lights which is held in Nathan Phillips Square in Toronto.
We hope this article has enlightened you on the top things to do during Winter in Canada.
Are you ready for a one-of-a-kind frozen adventure? You can't go wrong with any one of them!
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