The Complete Guide to Traveling Canada in Winter

If winter wonderland could be put in the picture, it would most definitely be Canada in wintertime. Traveling Canada in winter is captivating and immensely rewarding. Canada is a North American country with ten provinces and three territories extending from the Atlantic to the Pacific and northward. It covers around 9.98 million square kilometers, making it the world’s second-largest country by area.

Some people take the opportunity to explore the maple country in snow and not leave behind any of the best Canadian places to visit. It is not as easy as it sounds because the temperature drops very generously and might not suit everyone’s taste, but it will be an exceptional experience for those who like the cold. It might take a little more preparation than any other location before you land in this winter wonderland. We’ve compiled a guide for your assistance on your Bon Voyage.

Why Visit the Great White North?

If you’re planning to visit the western part of Canada, you will most likely be welcomed by the beaming sunshine and clear, cool temperatures. Which can range from warm 10°C to spine chilling -35°C in a matter of hours. Here are a few reasons you should start packing soon because you won’t be able to resist visiting Canada.

• Activities and Sports

Canadians become very active around the winters when half of the world crawls under in hibernation like most of the animals in Canada.

– Ski- Skiing is a major leisure activity sport of Canadians during the winters. Several ski resorts are found across the country, but only the best ones in British Columbia and Alberta.

– Ice Hockey- Ice hockey is so popular in Canada that it is considered a major component of Canadian culture and nationality.

– Ice skating– Skating is a sport introduced to Canadians by British Garrison officials back in 1804, and it was initially a famous sport for girls and women. It became so popular that skating is a common skill among all citizens now. Canada is also home to the world’s largest natural ice rink, equivalent to 90 Olympic skating rinks.

– Hiking and snowshoeing-Hiking is another famous activity; more than 80% of Canadians participate in walking. One must hike in the Rockies when traveling to Canada in winter.

– Camping-Outdoor camping is the favourite pass time for nature enthusiasts, families and adventurers. Spending time in mother nature’s lap is one thing that will soothe your soul.

– Snow tubing-The snow tube park at Mt Norquay is the largest in Alberta, good to go for ages four and above.

– Snowmobiling– Canada is blessed with mesmerizing natural beauty and pinned with some of the best snow doing ranges on the planet. Some popular locations are Ontario to Quebec.

– Ice fishing– Ice fishing is not a very common trait of people worldwide. A spectacular multi-species ice fishing the best place is “walleye capital of the world”.

• Festivals and Events

The Canadians know how to make the most out of the winter season. It is full of fun festivities and events planned throughout the season around the maple country. Some of the famous events planned are the Snowking winter festival, Franofun Winter fest and Alberta winter festival

Quebec winter festival that started back in 1894stature for joyous time and celebrations place right up with Rio and New Orleans, along with its icy touch. 475 tons of water is used each year to create ice sculptures, including an incredible ice palace. This annual festival in Canada is a thing to attend for sure.

• Cheap and less crowded accommodation and travel

Compared to the tourist rush in summer, travelling to Canada in winter is cheaper because of the offseason. Many tourists don’t prefer visiting the country around the cold weather because many might not be very endurable. Low hotel demand makes it perfect if you are looking for a budget-friendly trip costing approximately $69 for a room in Niagra Falls in the off-season, which may cost $350 in summers.

You might not find a parking spot during the summer in Canada; the roads are very congested, renowned restaurants have queues, and the most famous lakes in the Canadian Rockies are full of tourist buses. The winter season offers the opportunity to see the sights without a queue and much more ease.

• Lookout for Wildlife

As most animals hibernate during the cold season, others don’t but get more active during this time. When in Canada, you can go out for iconic Moose sightings, look out for Cribon, Bison, Fallow Deer, Mountain Goats and the glorious lynx.

• Aurora Borealis

The northern light is unprecedented, and the night sky makes this dreamy setting visible. It is a dream come true for most people who wish to watch this colour marvel happen. Yellow knife and white horse, Yukon are Aurora zones in Canada; you just have to time it right to experience this.

Things to do

The following are some exciting and interesting winter activities when traveling to Canada in winter. There are many other attractions and locations for you to explore in winter all over the maple country.

• Apex ski resort is a must-visit if you love skiing or other outdoor activities. One can also try sledging, which is a great option if you don’t prefer much physical activity; it can be done alone and in pairs.
• Trying the spas after spending a long day at the ski resort is what you might want. The Thermea in Winnipeg and the Nordik spa are great to opt for.
• Attending Canadian festivals is a must when you visit the maple country in the winter season. Must watch the chainsaw and ice sculpting competitions.
• Experience the world’s largest skating rink.
• The thing that makes Banff National Park so special and a must-visit during the wintertime is not only the huge Banff Lake but the mesmerizing view of the frozen waterfalls. Hence it is one of the best Canadian places to visit.
• Get seated on a snowmobile and take it for a spin on the 1000 km confederation trail on Prince Edward Island.
• Experience speed in Whistler sliding centre, the fastest ice track globally, situated in British Columbia.
• Go snowshoeing in the Skyline trail, Nova Scotia and experience your feet plunge in the deep white powdery snow.
• Spend a night in the only ice hotel in North America at the Hotel De Glance in Quebec.
• Don’t forget to stop by New Brunswick to experience the unbelievable sight of the frozen ocean at the Bay of Chaleur.
• Enjoy your day at the natural hot spring spots that Canada has to offer. Some famous spots include– Radium hot springs, Liard River hot and Hot springs core.
• We don’t need to mention Niagra Falls, do we? It’s a must-go when traveling Canada in winter. Straddling the border between the United States of America and Canada, experience the major source of hydroelectric power and the thundering waters of the great Niagra falls.
• If you want to breathe the Pacific Ocean breeze or experience the winter storms hitting the coastline, spend a day at the British Columbian west coast. If sitting inside a dainty cabin is not fun anymore, you can always take your surfboard for a ride in the Pacific waters.

What all should you pack for your trip?

In this cold weather wearing one or two sweaters might not do the job. Layering is the key when planning to visit the cold states. Pack your warm tights and body warmers. Must keep these in handy because they play a key role in keeping the body warm when traveling Canada in winter.

Invest in good snow boots or mountain boots, making it easy for you to walk around in the snow on the Rockies. Make sure your boots are not too tight, which may obstruct blood circulation. Prefer wearing a beanie or head warmer at all times, so do not forget to hold on to your woolly fleece hat and a pair of mittens or gloves.

Avoid wearing too much jewelry in the snow; it may not be a smart accessory choice in the cold weather. Carry your sunnies with you at all times, and might come in handy when it is sunny outside. In the end, don’t forget to carry your cameras to capture all your shenanigans.

We hope this guide comes in handy if you plan to visit the maple country anytime. This collection of details will make you want to book your flight tickets soon to have this exceptional experience visiting the best Canadian places in the Wintertime.

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