During winter in Canada, it doesn’t just snow — the entire country becomes blanketed in white as its cities and forests turn into shimmering wonderlands and snug hideaways.
From the Rockies to the Maritimes, it’s a destination that conjures its own kind of go-to adjective, be it swooshing on powdery snow or peeping the northern lights dancing.
This time of year Canadians take pride in — and travelers come to appreciate for its stunning landscapes, culture, and epic activities.
Want to get in on the action? Here are 25 awesome things to do in Canada this winter.
Winter Outdoor Adventures
1. Skiing and Snowboarding in Whistler, BC
Whistler, British Columbia, is all about the skiing and snowboarding.
The slopes are tremendous, the mountains look incredibly tall and majestic surrounding you, and it’s amazing for experts and novices alike.
The town is lively, with some of the best descents and après-ski you can find anywhere.
It’s not just skiing, it’s about getting out into that crisp mountain air and hanging in the village.
Safety Precautions: Always wear your helmet in case you fall and stay updated on weather conditions.
2. Dog Sledding in the Yukon or Alberta
Dog sledding in the Yukon or Alberta is a quintessentially Canadian activity.
Rushing through snow-coated tracks surrounded by giant pines, you’ll get the exhilarating experience of mushing your own team of husky dogs.
It just offers such a raw, awe-inspiring experience of the outdoors.
Safety Precautions: Listen to your guide to ensure a safe journey and keep warm—dress in layers to prevent hypothermia since temperatures can drop well below freezing.
3. Snowshoeing in Banff National Park, Alberta
Banff National Park turns into a winter playground and is ideal for snowshoeing.
You can just wander into the quiet woods and be greeted by a beautiful mountain view.
Snowshoeing is a really quiet way to enjoy the park and get away from the busy ski hills.
It’s also an easy activity that will take you to places in the park you wouldn’t see otherwise.
Safety Precautions: Stick to the marked route and the established area, be cautious of avalanche risk, and wear snowshoes as well as boots for a snowy terrain.
4. Ice Skating on Ottawa’s Rideau Canal (Ontario)
If you can visit Ottawa in the winter, skating on the Rideau Canal is a must-do activity.
Being the largest skating rink in the world, the canal essentially becomes the city’s social center in the winter.
You can skate while taking in views of the city and it’s quite magical.
Safety Precautions: Never skate on un-cleared or unofficially opened ice and don’t skate at night, as it can be dangerous due to poor visibility.
5. Winter Hiking in Quebec’s Jacques-Cartier National Park
There’ll be no crowds, just snow-covered trees, valleys of silence, and lots of wintry wonderland.
This is an opportunity to slow down, embrace the season, and enjoy some peace and quiet.
Safety Precautions: Bring appropriate gear for hiking, carry a map or GPS with you, wear layers for warmth and protection from the elements.
6. Snowmobiling in Northern Ontario or Newfoundland & Labrador
Experience the excitement of winter from the back of a snowmobile.
The wide-open spaces of Northern Ontario or Newfoundland & Labrador are ideal for this play.
It’s the fast-paced way to explore wide-open areas– liberation on the back of a machine, that is.
Safety Precautions: Helmets, suitable clothing, and proper gear are a must. Stick to marked trails and never alone and keep your eyes open for wildlife.
7. Ice Fishing on a Frozen Lake in Manitoba or Saskatchewan
Ice fishing is a winter tradition in Canada.
It’s more about the experience of being out in the middle of nowhere in winter than actually catching anything.
You get to sit back and relax and have some peace and quiet, with nothing but the sound of your breath and the wind.
Safety Precautions: Check ice thickness before walking on it (at least 4 inches thick for walking) and don’t wander too far out onto the less safe middle sections, and come prepared with safety ropes and ice picks.
8. Cross-Country Skiing in Gatineau Park (Quebec)
Gatineau Park is one of the best cross-country skiing locations in the country.
The undulating terrain and dense forest provide a refreshing way to take in the season.
And if you’re new to the sport, no worries, the park is home to plenty of trails for all levels, each of which boasts exceptional scenery.
Safety Precautions: Use cross-country skis and poles intended for backcountry terrain, always communicate your plans with someone local, must not go off the marked trail and should check the status of the trail.
Winter Cultural Experiences
9. Québec Winter Carnival (Carnaval de Québec)
Québec Winter Carnival is a fun-filled event that illuminates what would otherwise be the dreary winter months of this vibrant city.
It is one of the largest, oldest, and most famous events of its kind in the world, and they know how to really make the most of winter.
The festival features ice sculptures, festive parades, and the lively mascot Bonhomme Carnaval
It expertly mixes cultural heritage with fun for an entertaining visit that allows travelers to participate in local traditions.
Local Traditions: Travelers can immerse themselves in the culture with snow sculpture contests featuring artists from around the world.
Precautions: Get those layers on. Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking, and check the schedule ahead of time.
10. Winterlude in Ottawa
Ottawa’s Winterlude offers plenty of wintry fun amid the stunning setting of Canada’s capital.
During this yearly celebration, the city is decorated with ice sculptures and concerts, and the famous Rideau Canal Skate way is open.
There are also plenty of cultural demonstrations to keep you entertained.
Local Traditions: Experience the winter culture with ice carving demonstrations, the Snowflake Kingdom for children with snow slides, and live cultural shows including dancing, music, and theater.
Precautions: Get updates and weather information and keep an eye on the state of the ice if you’re going to give canal skating a go.
11. Festival du Voyageur in Winnipeg
Winnipeg’s Festival du Voyageur is a lively celebration of the voyageur, Métis, and First Nations heritage.
With lively music and tasty treats, it’s a very welcoming environment, and it takes place in Winnipeg’s French Quarter.
The festival is all about bringing the fur-trade era to life in a modern way and there are snow carvings, historic foods, and chances to try old methods of doing things.
Local Traditions: Try your hand at some of the old voyageur games, watch Métis and Indigenous entertainers, and savour the local cuisine, such as tourtière (meat pie) and maple taffy.
Precautions: Winnipeg can get very, very cold. Wrap up well, remember it’s still important to ensure you’re culturally sensitive and respectful.
12. Aurora Viewing in the Northwest Territories or Nunavut
Seeing the Northern Lights is one of the highlights of a Canadian winter.
The Northwest Territories and Nunavut are the best places in the country to experience the incredible light show.
The colors shimmer and sparkle as they move across the sky, creating a mesmerizing effect that both connects you to the planet’s mysteries.
Local Traditions: Combine with local culture through elders’ storytelling searching for Elders’ myths and lore about the Northern Lights and add on dog sledding or snowshoeing while you’re searching.
Precautions: Wear good gear, travel safely, and bring a decent camera or phone.
13. Ice Hotel (Hôtel de Glace) in Quebec City
One place you can’t miss in Québec City is the Ice Hotel, where visitors can spend the night in a building constructed entirely of ice and snow.
Rebuilt each winter, the Ice Hotel includes rooms decked out in elaborate sculptures made of ice.
Whether you’re enjoying a cocktail in an ice glass at the stunning Ice Bar or stopping by the ice chapel, it’s an experience like no other.
Local Traditions: Discover sculptures of ice with themed ice sculpture in each ice room, savor unique ice glass cocktails at the Ice Bar, and spend the night in a cold-only room with thermal sleeping bags and warm blankets.
Precautions: Expect freezing temperatures at night, come prepared with thermal pajamas, book well in advance, and follow Greenland Hotel’s rules for a wonderful and safe stay.
14. Holiday Markets in Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal
Holiday markets are held across Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal.
These markets showcase homegrown crafts, gourmet foods, and ornaments to fill the streets with holiday magic.
They’re a great place to enjoy local cuisine or holiday treats and partake in seasonal activities, spreading holiday cheer with twinkling lights and merrymaking.
Local Traditions: Find locally made gifts and goods by independent artisans and sample seasonal treats, including roasted chestnuts and mulled wine.
Precautions: Be aware of your belongings in crowded markets. Dress warmly for outdoor browsing, and double-check market hours and event listings.
15. Cabane à Sucre (Sugar Shack Experience) in Quebec
The Cabane à Sucre is a traditional Québécois feast.
These sugar shacks in maple forests were where maple syrup (and all its glorious by-products) was born.
Local Traditions: Sample classic maple taffy on snow, enjoy traditional dishes including pea soup, baked beans, and pancakes smothered in syrup, and be entertained with rousing folk music and dance.
Precautions: If you have allergies, be sure to keep that in mind in terms of dietary restrictions. Book ahead to ensure you won’t be left disappointed during the busy sugaring season.
Indoor Escapes
16. Stay in a Rustic Winter Cabin
Winter cabins in Canada are the perfect place to escape for a cozy retreat.
You can picture yourself warming up beside the fire with a book or enjoying a cup of hot chocolate while looking out the window at the snowy landscape.
Whether in the Rockies or the Laurentians, or somewhere in between, these cabins are a relaxing retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city, ideal for getting back to nature and relaxing in style.
Highlights: You can get away from it all in a snow-covered landscape, stay in a cozy cabin, take some snowshoeing lessons, try your hand at stargazing, and stay roasty toasty with a wood-burning stove.
Precautions: If you’re heading out to the wilderness, be sure to check weather forecasts for accessibility and make reservations well in advance since cabins can book up fast during high seasons.
17. Soak in Hot Springs in Banff or Harrison
Nowhere is it more inviting than to soak in hot springs with snow all around you.
You can have this experience in Banff or at Harrison Hot Springs, where the warm water create a perfect backdrop to stunningly beautiful views, while the steam caresses your skin and the stress just melts away.
Highlights: Experience the healing powers of mineral-rich hot springs, enjoy views of snow-capped peaks, and treat yourself to a luxurious soak in natural geothermal waters.
Precautions: Observe posted health and safety instructions at the hot springs, monitor the water temperature and drink plenty of water before and after you soak.
18. Relax at a Nordic Spa
Nordic spas provide a luxurious wellness escape based on the hot-cold-relax method.
Inside a Nordic spa, you move through hot saunas, cold plunge pools, and steam rooms, helping to promote blood flow while leaving you invigorated.
It’s a great way to relax and destress, incorporating a connection with nature and spa therapy.
Highlights: Cycle through warming saunas, refreshing cold plunges and lounges, and life-enhancing treatment experiences like massages and facials—in a natural setting.
Precautions: Be aware of the health restrictions, especially heart-related, enter the cold plunge slowly to avoid shock, and hydrate.
19. Visit Canadian Museums with Winter Exhibits
For a splash of culture during your winter vacation, head indoors to Canadian museums with winter-themed exhibits.
They have all kinds of objects, art, and animals native to the country and offer a respite from the cold nor an education on the past and the wonderful winter in Canada.
Highlights: You’ll see sections about the icy landscapes of Canada and its wildlife, there are interactive and hands-on activities for all ages, and you could learn about Canadian’s culture and history through some interesting artifacts.
Precautions: Always be sure to check the opening hours and any specific tickets or rules on the museum’s website.
20. Take a Food Tour in Montreal or Vancouver
A food tour is a great way to get warmed up and enjoy some of the wintertime flavors of the region.
Stroll through bustling neighborhoods and enjoy foods like hearty stews, pastries, and more in the company of locals experts who can show you all the best places while also sharing a bit of history and culture.
It’s a foodie’s playground and lets you sample the city’s wide array of culinary options in the warmth.
Highlights: Can also enjoy seasonal dishes and comfort food such as the famous poutine in Montreal or seafood chowder in Vancouver. Guides are highly enthusiastic and food-obsessed.
Precautions: Bundle up for the outdoor parts of the tour, be sure to communicate dietary restrictions in advance, and keep hydrated to get the best culinary experience.
21. Attend a Cozy Concert or Theatre Show
Experience the arts by going to a concert or the theater in Canada in the winter.
There are small venues with local bands and large-scale productions in theaters in the cities.
Nothing beats the heat and energy of a live performance which is just the thing to warm you and give you a little break from the cold and also to give you some cultural experience to feed your soul and your mind.
Highlights: Watch all kinds of performances, from classical to modern, take in a seasonal show or holiday concert during the winter, and marvel at the skill of local and global artists at intimate venues.
Precautions: Make sure to check ticket availability and buy in advance, allow extra time to find your way around unfamiliar venues, and don’t forget to dress for the weather at your destination as well.
22. Indulge in a Winter Wine Tasting in the Okanagan or Niagara
In the winter, there’s nothing like a tasting of local wines for a warm and cozy afternoon.
The two best wine regions in the country, the Okanagan and Niagara, both provide warmth to enjoy sinfully good Canadian wines.
You’ll try all sorts of varieties, from rich reds to frosty whites, and come away with a new appreciation for the flavors, all while warming yourself up on a cold day.
Highlights: Taste a variety of wines produced by Canadian winemakers, experience cool climate wines with a twist, and sample wines paired with cheeses and other local gourmet goods.
If you plan to drink more than a couple of glasses and you’re going in the winter, you’ll want to make reservations ahead of time.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Ideas
23. Stay in a Glass Dome or Geodesic Igloo in the Boreal Forest
These cozy accommodations provide just the right amount of warmth and isolation, letting you enjoy the gorgeous wintry view outside.
Wake up to the forest covered in snow and snuggle indoors. An overnight stay here mixes the natural beauty of the wilderness with a splash of contemporary décor.
Highlights: This is luxury and nature combined, in a secluded location. Stargaze and maybe spot the Northern Lights.
Precautions: It’s important to pack appropriately warm clothes for the outdoors, as well as to keep updated on the weather because snow can always alter travel plans.
24. Watch Ice Climbing in the Rockies or Try a Guided Lesson
The Rockies don’t just provide a backdrop for a splendid road trip.
One can also enjoy the exciting sport of ice climbing here, as expert climbers scale icy cliffs.
It looks insanely cool. And if you’re up for it and are really aggressive, you can take an intro class to see if it’s your thing.
It’s another bonus way to experience the Rockies, as frozen falls become vertical playgrounds.
Highlights: Watch people climb epic ice formations and take in the imposing mountain views all around you in a tranquil, snowy setting. If you want to try, you can get an introduction with a safe, guided lesson.
Precautions: It is crucial to wear helmets and harnesses, and you should always listen carefully to the instructions of guides to be sure that you are safe.
25. Join a Traditional Indigenous Storytelling Experience
Storytelling is a wonderful window into the millennia-old oral traditions of Indigenous communities and the spiritual connection Indigenous people have with the land.
These events are always enlightening as you listen to stories passed down through the generations.
It’s an opportunity to interact with and experience a rich culture and learn via storytelling.
Highlights: Delve into ancient storytelling traditions in a small group, interact with Indigenous communities and learn about their stories, and deepen your understanding of the region and its importance.
Precautions: Be culturally sensitive. Be aware and respectful of the customs and traditions of others.
Essential Tips for Enjoying Winter
Dress in Layers
When you’re outside in the Canadian winter, staying warm is all about layers.
Begin with a solid base layer that wicks moisture away from your skin. Over that, add insulating layers, such as a fleece or wool sweater.
Your outer layer should be waterproof so you stay dry in snow or rain.
When you dress like this, you can better control your body temperature when going from indoor to outdoor locations. And it’s easy to adjust, too.
Plan Around the Weather
Canadian winters are just as inconsistent as winter direct mail response rates in the month of December. That’s why it’s essential to remain flexible.
Be sure to keep an eye on the forecast, as the last thing you want is to be unprepared for that mighty snowstorm.
With all activities, you’ll have a blast as long as the weather isn’t poor. When it is, have an indoor alternative available.
That way, you do not miss a beat no matter how cold or warm it is outside!
Book Popular Activities Early
Canada is one of the most popular winter destinations in the world.
But things fill up quickly so if you want to do that can’t-miss activity in a specific destination or enjoy a specific winter adventure, then book early!
Watch for Road Closures and Ferry Cancellations
Winter conditions can cause roads to close unexpectedly or ferries to be canceled, particularly in rural and coastal regions.
It’s a good idea to have a Plan B for either another route or an alternate trip if needed.
By being aware of conditions in advance, you can prevent any surprises and make everything a little smoother and safer.
FAQ
1. Do I need to book winter activities in advance?
It’s always best to book the most popular activities in advance. In peak season they can sell out or you can get a discount for booking online.
2. Is it safe to travel during the Canadian winter?
Yes but always check weather reports for road closures and travel advisories. Plan in advance your travel routes and be prepared for unexpected climatic variations.
3. How can I save money on a winter trip to Canada?
Paying for activities and accommodation up front can help you save.
4. How do people in Canada celebrate the winter holidays?
Holiday markets are a huge hit in Canada, with local crafts, entertainment, and seasonal treats. Such a festive way to feel the community and culture.
Conclusion
Winter in Canada is an absolute marvel and there’s something for everyone here.
Whether you’re looking for adrenaline-pumping outdoor activities, a celebration of the arts, or simply a snug place to curl up and relax, Canada has got you covered.
Let Canada help you write your winter story—one that’s all about adventure and fun.
Pack your bags and get ready for an epic journey, because the Canadian winter wonderland is calling you.