When winter blankets Canada in snow, the country doesn't hibernate—it celebrates. From coast to coast, Canadians embrace the cold season with enthusiasm, turning frozen landscapes into playgrounds and creating some of the world's most iconic winter experiences. In this guide, we'll explore the best winter activities across the Great White North.
Skiing and Snowboarding in the Canadian Rockies
Canada's reputation for world-class skiing and snowboarding is well-deserved. The Rocky Mountains provide exceptional terrain for winter sports enthusiasts of all levels.
Whistler Blackcomb
As North America's largest ski resort, Whistler Blackcomb offers over 8,100 acres of skiable terrain across two mountains. With more than 200 marked runs, 16 alpine bowls, and three glaciers, it's a winter sports paradise that hosted events during the 2010 Winter Olympics. The resort typically receives an impressive annual snowfall of around 12 meters (39 feet), ensuring excellent conditions throughout the season.
Banff and Lake Louise
The trio of ski resorts in Banff National Park—Mt. Norquay, Sunshine Village, and Lake Louise—provide stunning Rocky Mountain scenery along with varied terrain. Lake Louise is particularly famous for its spectacular views and diverse runs that cater to all skill levels. Don't miss the iconic ice castle built on the frozen lake each winter.
Pro Tip
Consider the SkiBig3 pass if you're planning to ski multiple days in Banff National Park, as it provides access to all three resorts at a discounted rate.
Ice Skating on Natural and Historic Surfaces
Skating outdoors is a quintessential Canadian winter activity, with opportunities ranging from urban rinks to frozen wilderness.
Rideau Canal Skateway
Ottawa's Rideau Canal transforms into the world's largest naturally frozen skating rink each winter. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers 7.8 kilometers of maintained ice surface, stretching from downtown Ottawa to Dow's Lake. Locals and visitors alike enjoy gliding along the canal, stopping at warming huts and food stands for hot chocolate and iconic Canadian BeaverTails pastries.
Lake Louise
The skating rink on Lake Louise in Banff National Park is perhaps the most scenic in the world, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and the majestic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. The ice is cleared and maintained daily, and at night, the rink is illuminated for magical evening skating.
Dog Sledding Adventures
Experience winter travel the way it was done for centuries in northern Canada. Dog sledding offers an authentic connection to Canadian heritage and an exhilarating way to explore snow-covered landscapes.
Yukon
The Yukon Territory provides some of the most authentic dog sledding experiences, with many operators run by mushers who compete in renowned races like the Yukon Quest. Multi-day expeditions allow you to develop mushing skills while traveling through pristine wilderness and possibly witnessing the Northern Lights.
Quebec
In Quebec, particularly in the Laurentians and Charlevoix regions, dog sledding excursions range from short introductory rides to full-day adventures. Many tours include traditional meals and stories about the history of dog sledding in Canada's development.
Photo Opportunity
Most dog sledding tours include a stop for photos with your team. Ask your guide about the best angles to capture the dogs and the winter landscape.
Ice Fishing
Ice fishing combines outdoor winter enjoyment with the possibility of catching your dinner. This traditional activity has evolved to include comfortable ice huts equipped with heaters, making it accessible to everyone.
Lake Simcoe, Ontario
Just 90 minutes from Toronto, Lake Simcoe hosts one of the largest ice fishing communities in Canada. The lake's "ice hut villages" create temporary winter communities with thousands of ice huts dotting the frozen surface. Yellow perch, lake trout, and whitefish are common catches.
Great Slave Lake, Northwest Territories
For a truly northern experience, head to Yellowknife and fish on Great Slave Lake, the deepest lake in North America. Here, you can catch massive northern pike and lake trout while potentially viewing the Northern Lights from your ice fishing spot.
Winter Festivals
Canadians combat winter blues by celebrating the season with vibrant festivals throughout the country.
Quebec Winter Carnival
The world's largest winter carnival takes place in Quebec City each February. Dating back to 1894, the carnival features ice sculptures, night parades, snow baths, canoe races across the partially frozen St. Lawrence River, and appearances by the mascot Bonhomme—a jovial snowman ambassador.
Winterlude in Ottawa
This February festival centers around the Rideau Canal Skateway and features impressive ice sculpture competitions, snow playgrounds, and various winter sports demonstrations. Don't miss the Ice Dragon Boat Festival, where teams race modified dragon boats across the ice.
Northern Lights Viewing
Winter provides the best opportunity to witness the aurora borealis, with long nights and often clear skies in Canada's northern regions.
Yellowknife, Northwest Territories
Located directly under the aurora oval, Yellowknife offers a 90% chance of seeing the Northern Lights if you stay for three nights during winter. Specialized tours take visitors to heated viewing locations away from city lights for optimal viewing.
Churchill, Manitoba
Famous for polar bears in the fall, Churchill is also an excellent Northern Lights destination in winter. The remote location ensures minimal light pollution, while purpose-built observation domes provide comfort in the extreme cold.
Tech Tip
To photograph the Northern Lights, bring a tripod and a camera with manual settings. Use a wide aperture, ISO 800-1600, and an exposure of 5-15 seconds for the best results.
Ice Hotels and Winter Architecture
For a truly unique winter experience, spend a night surrounded by ice and snow in one of Canada's ice hotels.
Hôtel de Glace, Quebec
The only ice hotel in North America, Hôtel de Glace is rebuilt each winter with a new theme and design. The structure features ice beds covered with insulating materials and sleeping bags rated for extreme temperatures, ice bars serving drinks in ice glasses, and intricate snow sculptures throughout. Even if you don't stay overnight, day tours are available.
Snow King Festival, Yellowknife
This annual festival features an impressive snow castle built on the frozen Great Slave Lake. The castle hosts concerts, art displays, and community events throughout March.
Winter Wildlife Viewing
Winter offers unique opportunities to observe Canadian wildlife against snowy backdrops.
Polar Bears in Churchill
While the prime polar bear viewing season is in October-November, some specialized tours operate in winter, when you might spot mothers with cubs emerging from their dens.
Elk and Bighorn Sheep in the Rockies
Winter drives through Banff and Jasper National Parks often provide excellent wildlife viewing, as animals descend to lower elevations. Look for elk and bighorn sheep along the Bow Valley Parkway and the Icefields Parkway.
Planning Your Canadian Winter Adventure
Canada's winter temperatures can be extreme, particularly in northern regions. Prepare for your winter activities with these essential tips:
- Dress in layers, starting with moisture-wicking base layers, followed by insulating mid-layers and windproof, waterproof outer shells
- Protect extremities with quality gloves, warm socks, insulated boots, and a hat that covers your ears
- Don't forget sunglasses and sunscreen—snow reflection can cause sunburn even in winter
- Check weather conditions and avalanche risks before heading into mountainous areas
- Book accommodations and specialized tours well in advance, as winter is high season in many Canadian destinations
Winter in Canada offers experiences you can't find anywhere else in the world. Whether you're carving through powder snow, gliding across a frozen canal, or watching the northern skies dance with color, Canadian winter activities create memories that will last long after the snow has melted.
