22 Adventurous and fun Things to do in Winter in Canada

Written By: The Planet D

Instead of dreading that first snowfall in Canada, get outside and embrace the winter season. During the winter months, Canada turns into a winter wonderland. Canadians know how to beat the winter blues. Once you learn how to dress for cold weather, you’ll find that there are plenty of things to do in winter in Canada that make it worth heading up North for the holidays. So instead of hibernating this winter get outside and start planning a winter trip to Canada. Don’t forget to bundle up!

Fun Things to do in Winter in Canada

1. Go Skiing and Snowboarding

Things to do in Winter Canada Skiing Whistler
Skiing the majestic Canadian Rockies

Canada is blessed with some of the best locations for downhill skiing and snowboarding in the world. In addition to the beautiful snow-capped mountains, visitors can also check illustrious ski resorts that offer excellent accommodation and facilities that complement the outdoor fun. Canada has some of the best ski resorts on earth from Whistler Blackcomb to Mont Tremblant, you can downhill ski in Canada from coast to coast!

Snowbarding in the Canadian Rockies Winter

You can have the best skiing and snowboarding experience between Alberta and British Columbia, on the west coast of Canada with the most popular being Whistler Blackcomb, Revelstoke, Sun Peaks, and Big White in BC. When skiing in Alberta, Lake Louise in Banff National Park is the premier ski resort but other great ski resorts include Sunshine Village and Marmot Basin.

In eastern Canada, Quebec is the place of choice with Mont-Tremblant, Mont Saint Anne, and Le Massif being favourites. And right here in Ontario, we love a weekend getaway to Blue Mountain too!

2. SkiJoring

Things to do in Winter in Canada Skijoring
And we’re off and running!

Cross country skiing is also very popular with Canadians. You can do this winter sport in Canada nearly anywhere and most ski resorts offer it as well. If you aren’t ready for downhill skiing, give X-country skiing a try. It’s fun for the whole family. For a truly unique Canadian winter adventure, try skijoring. It mixes skiing with dogsledding and is a rip-roaring good time. We went skijoring just outside of Canmore Alberta and it was incredible. Read more Alberta travels here: The 52 Best Things to do in Alberta, Canada – The Ultimate Guide

3. Watch the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights)

Things to do in Canada during Winter Northern Light Churchill Manitoba
Northern Lights in Manitoba

The Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights, is a natural display of light in the night sky. This phenomenon is only visible in the Northern Hemisphere. The native Cree People called the Auroras “The Dance of the Spirits”. It will cost you nothing to gaze at the beautiful Aurora Borealis and there are plenty of places to see the Northern Lights dance when you visit Canada in winter. We saw beautiful northern lights in Jasper and Churchill

Where to See Northern Lights in Canada

Things to do in Canada in Winter Aurora Borealis

Head to Yellowknife, Goose Bay in Labrador, the shores of Hudson Bay in Manitoba, and the prairie provinces of Canada to get the best view of the Aurora Borealis. We’ve also seen exceptional Northern Lights in Alberta around Jasper National Park and Banff National Park. And we watched the auroras every night while searching for polar bears with Churchill Wild.

4. Skate on the Rideau Canal

Things to do winter in Canada Skate on the Rideau Canal Ottawa
Ice Skating on the Rideau Canal

Ice skating on the Rideau Canal is one of the most iconic things you can do in winter in Canada. Usually, the skating season on the UNESCO World Heritage Site begins during Winterlude, Ottawa’s winter carnival. You can rent skates and hop on the world’s largest skating rink. It stretches for miles with warming stations, where you can sample frozen maple syrup and beavertails with plenty of fun adventures along the Rideau Canal that runs through the city of Ottawa.

5. Attend a Winterlude

Experience the Winter Carnival in Ottawa Canada
Ice Sculptures of Winterlude

Speaking of Winterlude, Canada has plenty of winter carnivals to attend. When the days grow shorter and colder, Canadians love to get outdoors to celebrate with lights, ice sculptures, and winter activities. Throughout the winter, you’ll find winter carnivals in every province. Our favorite is Winterlude in Ottawa.

6. Winter Carnivals

We’ve attended it several times taking advantage of all the winter fun including snow tubing, the ice bar at Andaz, the winter zipline network in Gatineau, and exploring all the ice formations and ice sculptures. Another great place to go ziplining in the winter is at the Marble Mountain Ski Resort in Newfoundland and Labrador. (We haven’t been there yet, but it’s on our list!)

7. Carnivale Quebec City

Ice Hotel in Quebec City
Quebec City Ice Hotel

Quebec City has the famous Carnivale winter carnival. This UNESCO World Heritage City truly comes alive in winter. The old city is transformed into a winter wonderland that feels frozen in time. You can visit the famous Ice Hotel and have a drink at the ice bar. Opening in 2001, it was North America’s first Ice Hotel and you can watch ice sculpture competitions. Make sure to visit North America’s most European City in the winter. We loved our The 27 Best Things to do in Quebec City

Other winter festivals in Canada are the Winter Festival of Lights in Niagara Falls, the Festival du Voyageur in Winnipeg, Jasper in January, and the Montreal Lumiere Festival. At the winter festivals, you can expect to see an ice sculpture competition, snow tubing, ice skating, and beautiful ice bars where you can wrap yourself in a blanket and enjoy the brisk air. Read more: Montreal Festivals – Celebrate Canada’s Coolest City

8. Ice Wine Festival

Top Things to do in Winter in Canada Ice Wine Festival Ontario
Ice Wine Festival in Niagara on the Lake

A winter festival that is unique to Canada is the Ice Wine Festival in Niagara Falls. We love heading outdoors to taste the delicious ice wines of the Niagara Region. The wineries of Niagara on the Lake open their doors to sample food and the region’s popular dessert wine made from their frozen grapes while showcasing ice sculptures and winter cheer. We have even gone snowshoeing and ice tasting at the ice bar, or simply enjoying the great outdoors during the Ice Wine Festival. If you are looking for unique winter things to do in Canada, this festival is a great start! Read more: Snowshoeing Wine Tour Niagara Falls

9. Frozen Niagara Falls

Best Things to do in Canada in winter Niagara Falls

Canada has beautiful waterfalls and when they are frozen, they are even more magical. You can find them anywhere in the winter but one of the most iconic things to see is a frozen Niagara Falls. Nothing compares to seeing the massive frozen horseshoe falls. Seeing Niagara Falls frozen is something that is truly unique. Read more: Where to Stay in Niagara Falls – Best Areas

10. Frozen Waterfalls

Winter in Canada Frozen Niagara Falls at Night

And besides, just because it is winter, it doesn’t mean the town of Niagara Falls closes down, in fact, it is a rip-roaring good time in this Canadian tourist destination. There are beautiful frozen waterfalls throughout Canada. Once the temperature drops the winter wonderland of frozen cascades takes over the landscape. Read more: Romance in Niagara Falls, Ontario’s Best Weekend Getaway

11. Dog Sledding Tours

Things to do in Canada Winter Dogsledding
Dave dog sledding in Haliburton

Dog sledding is a legendary Canadian winter adventure. It is so popular that you can go mushing in all thirteen Canadian provinces and territories. However, the sledding period is determined by the climatic variations across the country. For instance, Whitehorse in Yukon enjoys dog sledding from November to March, whereas Quebec’s mushing season runs from January to March. We have gone dogsledding from the Canadian Rockies in Alberta to Northern Ontario. Read: The Misconceptions of Dogsledding

Where to go Dogsledding in Canada

12. Ice Climbing

Things to do in winter in Canada Ice Climbing

Ice climbing is gaining increasing popularity as one of the best winter sports among winter thrill-seekers. It is a challenging and vigorous activity that demands sound physical fitness. If you feel the urge to scale new heights on frozen waterfalls and towering slopes of ice formations, head to the Rocky Mountains of Alberta.

Where to go Ice Climbing in Canada

  • Canmore Alberta is considered one of the best places in the world to go ice climbing with Yamnuska Outdoors
  • Quebec also has some of the best ice climbing in Canada with Parc de la Chute-Montmorency and Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaieb being the popular choices.
  • The Ghost River Valley, Bow Valley, Stanley Headwall and IceFields Parkway in the Rocky Mountains have attracted climbers from across the globe to scale the glittering ice in picturesque surroundings.

13. Snowmobiling

Top Winter Activities in Canada Snowmobiling

If your legs cannot take the strain of skiing, you can gear up for snowmobiling. From Newfoundland to Vancouver, there are numerous trails that offer the perfect snowmobiling experience. Canada has gone beyond short trails by constructing the Trans Canada Trail, which connects one part of the country to the other over a 21,500 kilometer long trail. There is an amazing snowmobile route in Quebec that leaves Quebec City and goes north to Hudson Bay. We’ve explored the trails of Haliburton in Ontario and the backcountry of Whistler in BC.

14. Canyoning

Things to do in Winter in Canada Canyoning Alberta
Johnston Canyon Ice Walk

There are so many ways to enjoy snow and ice. The sub-zero chill freezes the canyons, caves, and crevasses in the regions of Banff, Lake Louise, and Jasper National Park in Alberta. Winter transforms these resort towns into an icy winter wonderland. Climb the glistening canyon walls and take the ice walk to explore ice caves and the beauty of locations that are seemingly inaccessible during summer as you marvel at the frozen waterfalls. Read more: The Best Things to do in Banff, Alberta

Some of our favorite places to go on an ice walk in Canada are Johnston Canyon in Banff National Park, Maligne Canyon in Jasper National Park, and Grotto Canyon Canmore. That’s a lot of Alberta Places. The Ice Caves of Lake Superior can become spectacular when the winter conditions are right. Read more The Greatest Things to do in Winter in Ontario

15. Ice Fishing

Winter in Canada Ice Fishing
Catching our food for the night – Ice Fishing

As the temperature drops, the fishing action heats up across Canada. Ice fishing presents a unique fishing experience to locals and visitors alike. Stepping on a frozen lake, drilling a hole in the icy water, inserting a fishing line, and waiting in anticipation can be a rewarding experience. Most Canadians sit in warm fishing huts but we tried our hand in Northern Ontario during a winter expedition but there are plenty of places to go ice fishing in Canada. From Lake Simcoe (situated 60 miles north of Toronto) to Tobin Lake in Manitoba and Renforth New Brunswick. British Columbia and Quebec are also good for ice fishing.

16. Snowshoeing

Things to do in winter in Canada Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing is a popular winter activity in Canada as the technique of snowshoeing is easy to learn and it is an inexpensive activity. Plan a hike in the winter forest, snowshoe across frozen lakes, and ascend mountain slopes. As a bonus, it acts as a great workout too. As a matter of fact, many walkers, runners, and hikers are choosing snowshoeing as their preferred winter activity because it burns many calories.

Snowshoeing as a couple in Winter in Ontario

The most famous snowshoeing destinations are Callaghan County in Whistler, The Rocky Mountains in Alberta, and the parks of Northern Ontario We’ve gone snowshoeing in nearly every Canadian province and the great thing about this winter experience in Canada is that anyone can do it. Just strap on some snowshoes and hit the trail.

17. Pond Hockey

What to do in Winter in Canada Pond Hockey
Playing Ice Hockey on Lake Louise

By late December, most of the lakes and ponds in Canada are frozen. From frozen lakes to backyard ice rinks created by the locals’. There are plenty of places to enjoy skating on public skating rinks and frozen ponds in almost all Canadian cities. The best part is that ice skating on a frozen lake is that it is absolutely free. Whether you are gracefully sliding on the ice floor or playing a game of ice hockey, you are sure to have fun on the ice. Just watch out for the ‘Thin Ice’ signs.

18. World Pond Hockey Championships

Sunset pond Hockey in Northern Canada in Winter

Canadians love ice hockey so much that we host the World Pond Hockey Championship in Plaster Rock New Brunswick. 100 teams head to the East Coast from around the world to compete in this unique tournament. Hot tip: Don’t be afraid to join a pond hockey game taking place, Canadians are friendly and will let you in on the fun!

19. Where to go Ice Skating in Canada

Things to do in Winter in Canada Ice Skating

Besides ice skating on the Rideau Canal in Ottawa, Ontario, there are countless ice trails and skating rinks around the country. Winnipeg has the longest ice skating rink in the world on the Assiniboine River. If you want to play an iconic game of pond hockey, the best place to do that is on Lake Louise. It is one of the most beautiful outdoor skating rinks on earth with the Canadian Rockies surrounding the frozen lake.

20. Sleigh Rides

Take a Sleigh Ride In winter Canada
A Sleigh ride around Lake Louise.

One of the most romantic outdoor winter activities in Canada is to take a sleigh ride. We have hopped on sleigh rides from east to west across this great country, and each has been as magical as the other.

With hot chocolate in hand, a blanket on our laps, and incredible northern scenery, winter sleigh rides are some of the most romantic things to do in a Canadian winter. We’ve taken sleigh rides around Lake Louise in Banff National Park, from the Fairmont in Whistler British Columbia, in Mont Tremblant Quebec, and in Muskoka Ontario.

21. Hot Springs

Top Things to do in Winter in Canada Hot Springs

After all those winter adventures, warm up your bones at hot springs. Canadians love to sit in the outdoor hot tub. Nothing is quite as magical as having the snowfall all around you as the steam rises from the hot bath. Some of our favourite hot springs in Canada are the Banff Hot Springs in Alberta, Harrison Hot Springs in British Columbia, and Takhini Hot Pools in the Yukon.

22. Backcountry Lodges

Winter in Canada Activities

Get away from it all at a backcountry lodge. Dogsled, cross country ski, snowshoe or snowmobile into a backcountry lodge anywhere in Canada. Some of our favourite places are Winterdance in Haliburton, Ontario. Get completely off the grid and take horses to explore the Canadian Wilderness. Or ski into Sundance Lodge in Banff, Alberta for a truly off-the-grid experience. You can find backcountry lodges throughout Canada and they are truly extraordinary. Sit by the roaring fire, sip mulled wine and listen to stories by the local tour operators. They always have the most interesting lives.

And there you have it! All of the best things to do in the winter season in Canada. From the West Coast and the Canadian Rockies to our national parks and iconic cities, Canada is an amazing place to visit in Winter. If you are looking for a unique vacation destination, consider a trip to Canada during the winter months. It’s a trip you’ll never forget.

Travel Planning Resources

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About The Planet D

Dave Bouskill and Debra Corbeil are the owners and founders of The Planet D. After traveling to 115 countries, on all 7 continents over the past 13 years they have become one of the foremost experts in travel. Being recognized as top travel bloggers and influencers by the likes of Forbes Magazine, the Society of American Travel Writers and USA Today has allowed them to become leaders in their field.

Leave a Comment

32 thoughts on “22 Adventurous and fun Things to do in Winter in Canada”

  1. I have lived in Canada all my life, specifically in Southern Ontario, Greater Toronto Area. I am not a big fan of winter and really don’t like it very much but I might try snowmobiling. A local ski resort (Lakeridge) near where I live also has tubing which is a lot of fun.

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  2. Thanks for sharing such amazing experience and pics with us. You encourage me to travel the Canada and I am now start saving money for that.

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  3. Everyone should experience ice fishing at least once! Did you catch anything when you went? Be careful about the ice though, especially in the shoulder season. Safety first!

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  4. This is great and I am really excited about traveling to Canada this winter from Colorado, however it seems like the border is closed to nearly all foreigners, likely all winter while US COVID numbers soar. Is there actually a way in for us, without the 2-week quarantine?

    Thanks, Jeff

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    • Colorado is amazing too! Yes, sadly the border is still closed, even for us we have a 2-week quarantine when we return. Dave and I are in quarantine now because we travelled to the Caribbean. It’s tough, but it keeps people safe, but hopefully with news of the vaccine, we will be opening up soon and will be able to welcome you to Canada!

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  5. Though all this sounds amazing, I would personally be best tempted by the “build you own Igloo” activity. It might be a little time-consuming, sure, but once finished you have the best refuge that will protect you against the cold and snowballs!

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    • It is definitely an interesting experience to camp in the winter. You have to be prepared for bathroom outings in the cold for sure!

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  6. I could not make it in fall2010 but I have planned for this fall to open in Canada and do all these fall activities but I like skiing most.

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  7. Canada is definitely a great place to celebrate winter. You may want to add visiting an ice hotel and winter camping as one of the most popular outdoor activities in Canada every winter. Hope to read more from you travels!

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  8. Did some snowshoeing at Grouse Mountain today in Vancouver – perfect conditions and for December 5th that’s pretty sweet.

    Skating on the Rideau Canal is one of the activities I miss most in eastern Canada. Grew up in Ottawa when winter seemed to last longer than now and would sometimes skate 18 miles in a day.

    I hear there is a downhill skating (yes you read that correctly) race at the Quebec winter carnival in Quebec City sometime in March. Now that’s what I call crazy.
    .-= Leigh´s last blog ..Photos of the Week- South Winchelsea Island- BC =-.

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  9. Canada is a wonderful place to travel. Having live there my whole life, I know that it’s as filled with trees, mountains and beauty as you see in the pictures. I recommend taking a trip there! Thanks for sharing.
    .-= Mary Robson@ White Rock BC Hotels´s last blog ..22 Years of Travel Experiences Creates a Special Retreat for the Business Traveller! =-.

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  10. You really make me miss the snow, Ill I ever get is rain living in Seattle now. Banff is on my to visit list for sure. You might even inspire me to make the trip this winter. The view from the top of the ski hill is amazing. We might get some snow around here this winter is what I have been told so Im just crossing my fingers.
    .-= Michael´s last blog ..How To Create A Budget for Your Travel in Just 3 Steps =-.

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  11. Snow shoeing sounds like such hard work. I am moving to the snow in Japan soon for the season so I am hoping to improve my snowboard skills. Can’t wait to get to Canada though great photos!

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  12. Never even thought to go night skiing. Sounds lovely! Thanks for the suggestion, Davendeb!
    .-= Tran´s last blog ..Traveling Guyana on a Budget =-.

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  13. I’m a Canadian, but I will never be a poster child for winter. The one time I went skiing I ended up head first in a snow bank after getting hit with the chair lift……….(laugh…I am:):)
    Maybe that’s why I have spent the last ten winters in SEA.
    Nice post for those who like winter. Actually, I would like to go dog sledding sometime.
    .-= Nancie´s last blog ..Through the Sandbox Lens 18 &8212 The Raffles Hotel- Singapore =-.

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    • Haha Nancie. That is awesome. Getting off the chair lift causes people a lot of grief. We have seen many a pile up happening at the end of the chair lift. We haven’t spent many winters here in the past few years and we miss the fun in the snow. We actually enjoy winter activities, the best thing to do is get out of the house. We were part of an outdoors group lead by our good friend Nani. In the summers we cycled together in the winters we snowshoed. There is nothing better then getting out in the woods after a fresh snowfall. But I totally understand you spending winters in SEA, they can be brutal too. There is nothing worse than scraping the ice off the window at 6:00 in the morning when you have to go to work.

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  14. Can’t wait. Bring on the snow! Though I must confess I wouldn’t might a little scuba diving in Fiji! 😉
    .-= Cam´s last blog ..Photo of the Week- Split Harbour- Croatia =-.

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  15. What a fun list. One more thing we’d add is tobogganing – or as we say on Nova Scotia’s Authentic Seacoast, coasting. A perfect way to spend a glorious winter day. Afterwards there’s puzzles and board games, enjoying time with friends and families during the winter months. Here’s a list of our top winter activities from DesBarres Manor Inn http://www.desbarresmanor.com/packages/wintergetaway.html

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    • Great suggestion! We used to always toboggan. I like that you call it coasting. Puzzles and games with hot chocolate is an amazing way to spend a day. Aw, now I am sorry we are missing Winter!

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  16. I’m not a huge fan of winter but I do enjoy night skating with a mug of hot chocolate and Baileys.
    .-= ayngelina´s last blog ..Is Colombian El Corral better than McDonald’s =-.

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