Canada is a country so vast and yet so beautiful than any trip here barely scratches the surface of what can be enjoyed in this Northern American utopia.
From lively cities offering any kind of entertainment you could hope for – great concerts, comedy shows, grand theatre performances, nightclubs, live dealer casinos, bars and more – to the tranquillity and awe to be found among the varying stunning natural wonders – Niagara Falls, Great Bear Rainforest, Columbia Icefields, Banff National Park and Aurora Borealis to name but a few – and the adventures to be had from mountain to forest to lake, it’s safe to say that Canada will surprise and delight in equal measure.
A country that provides a warm welcome to visitors at any time of year, we take a look at what makes it especially good for a winning winter trip and where to head to for the best experiences.
Ottawa
The capital city of Canada and the perfect place to enjoy a range of attractions, Ottawa boasts winter festivals and activities galore. Sitting at the confluence of the Ottawa River and the Rideau River, the city is not far from Montreal and the U.S border but experiences cold winters, cold enough for the Rideau Canal to freeze over and offer five miles of skating, making it the world’s largest skating rink.
In addition to this, there’s the Winterlude festival, which takes place in February and sees ice sculptures, a snow playground, concerts and a horse race on the frozen canal. For those who like to stay indoors, the city is peppered with a range of fantastic museums to experience including the National Gallery of Canada, Canadian Museum of History, Canadian War Museum, Canadian Aviation and Space Museum, Canada Science and Technology Museum and so much more.
Banff National Park
Canada’s first national park, and the world’s third, Banff National Park really is a showpiece, and this majestic mountainous destination boasts endless outdoor activities and wildlife, especially coming alive in winter.
The best time to visit is between December and March if you’re looking for the peak time to ski and the resort town of Banff is a great place to locate yourself. Dominating the skyline are the peaks of Mt. Rundle and Mt. Cascade, which form part of the Rocky Mountains, and the restaurants, boutiques, and chateau style hotels of the town along with January’s SnowDays Festival and Ice Magic Festival make for a versatile experience.
Toronto
A superb destination along Lake Ontario’s north-western shore, Toronto is a wonderfully diverse city with a cutting-edge fashion scene, interesting neighbourhoods, and top-notch culinary scene, among so much more. The iconic, freestanding CN tower dominates the skyline and, come winter, it feels as though you’re wandering around a picturesque snow globe with the glittering lights surrounding you. Check out the Royal Ontario Museum, the Art Gallery of Ontario, Casa Lomo, St. Lawrence Market, Toronto Zoo, High Park, Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, Canada’s Wonderland and the Hockey Hall of Fame on your travels here.
Whistler
The ski resort of Whistler Blackcomb, which is open for an impressive six months of the year, is often cited as one of the best in North America and having been host to many events during the 2010 Winter Olympics, that’s understandable. Skiers and snowboarders will be in heaven here, and if you prefer something a little different, then you’re in luck as you can try your hand at tobogganing, ski jumping and snowshoeing at the Olympic Park.
Vancouver
When the cold weather gets a little too much, heading to Vancouver could be a great option for you as this west coast city boasts more moderate temperatures than the rest of Canada. Not just this, but the lively and diverse city provides an array of fantastic restaurants (Japanese, seafood and steak lovers will be in heaven), luxurious hotels such as Fairmont Pacific Rim and The Rosewood Hotel Georgia, high-end shopping around Alberni Street, and many ways to get active including a visit to Grouse Mountain for skiing, snowboarding and helicopter sightseeing.
Add to this the variety of bars and clubs for evening entertainment, galleries and museums for culture immersion and gardens and parks for peaceful respite in the city and you have yourself an all-round destination to add to your list.
