Best of Winter in Canada

Naturally, locals have come to cope with this fate in two different ways: fight or flight. While some tend to hibernate with the bears or fly south with the birds, there are others who live for these conditions. These winter warriors have taken an otherwise grueling experience and turned it into a fun filled season of big air, cross-country treks and fantastic winter festivals.

So don't be intimidated by those sub-zero temperatures and massive snow drifts—that's half the fun—bundle up and jump into a Canadian winter. It may bring about something unexpected, especially for the adventurous.

The Incredible Ice Hotel in Quebec 2

From the customary pursuits, like downhill skiing and ice skating, to some more unusual activities, like dog-sledding and ice climbing, there's always plenty to do in the Great White North. Depending on province, territory, elevation and latitude, however, each brumal experience can be totally different from the next.

Canada's 9.9 million sq km (3.8 million sq mi) are divided into 10 provinces and three territories. Some, like Saskatchewan and Manitoba, are very flat and make ideal places for leisurely sleigh rides, snowmobiling and cross country skiing. Others, like B.C. and Alberta, have massive mountain ranges, presenting a paradise for downhill skiers and boarders. In some, people speak French, in others, they speak English. It's a lot to handle, the key is knowing where people are doing what and when.

THE WEST - ADVENTURE FROM SEA TO SKY

Thanks to a warm ocean current from the Pacific, southern British Columbia enjoys the mildest winter temperatures in all of Canada. And thanks to the Rocky Mountain and Coast Mountain ranges, the province is home to some of the finest skiing in North America and most of the world.

With upwards of 35 ski hills that range from small, family-run operations like Phoenix Ski Hill to mammoth mountains like Whistler-Blackcomb, fanatics and fledglings alike can find just the right conditions almost anywhere in the province.

There's the Rocky Mountain rides at Kicking Horse and Revelstoke Mountain Resort, the massive snow fall at Vancouver Island's Mount Washington and the steep vertical drops at Red Mountain in the Kootenays.

Backcountry adventures abound in national and provincial parks while the region's varied topography lends itself to some exceptional cross country ski terrain. Proof is found in the countless trails that cut through the woods, meadows and fields all across this province.

	A Canadian Heli Skiing Adventure 3

Heli-Skiing
Not only for the pros, heli-skiing is an adventure for anyone who can handle a “blue” run at the local hill. With the aid of a professional helicopter pilot and skilled guides, intermediate to advanced skiers and riders can experience the untouched, high alpine powder of B.C. This is the adventure of a lifetime and with a price tag to match, it's well worth the cost.

Surf Van Island
There's plenty more to B.C. than skis, boards and goggles. Recently on the west coast, surfing has burst onto the scene, placing Long Beach and Tofino on the map as one of Canada's hottest and most trendy surf spots. During the winter months especially, Vancouver Islands' west coast is pummeled by gnarly waves that break beautifully on Long Beach. Don't fear the chilly winter waters; a good wet suit will keep the cold at bay, leaving surfers of all skill levels ready to focus on the next set.

Ski Poles and Golf Clubs
Those who don't deal well with winter, or just need a break from the snow, will be pleased to know that B.C. is the only place in the country where golf can be played year round. In fact, on Vancouver Island and in Whistler, one can play a round of golf and hit the slopes in the same day.

Ice Climbing in the Rockies 4

ALBERTA'S ROCKY MOUNTAIN PLAYGROUND

Encompassing everything from vast hinterlands to expansive, treeless prairies and awe-inspiring Rocky Mountains, Alberta can experience every kind of condition during winter. The province has the lowest annual snowfall in Canada, except for in the mountainous areas, and it receives more sun during winter than any other province. Though these sunny days are great for the spirits, don't be fooled—it still gets extremely cold here.

Freezing temperatures aside, Alberta is one of the most popular Canadian winter tourism destinations—thanks to the resort towns of Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper that is. Tucked in amongst the towering Rocky Mountains, these villages act as gateways to a wonderland of world class ski hills, frozen canyon trails and massive ice fields that stretch out as far as the eye can see.

Best Winter Experiences

Caving and Canyon Walks
When the winter freeze sets in, the canyons, crags and crevasses of this region are transformed into enchanted kingdoms of ice. Inaccessible in the summer months, these alien worlds beckon winter enthusiasts from all over—lured by the irresistible challenge of those shimmering canyon walls, eerie chambers and vast fields of ice.

A Luxury Train Ride Through the Rockies
Perhaps the most inspiring and unique way to see a Canadian winter is aboard the famous Rocky Mountaineer. An experience like no other, these rail tours offer a warm, relaxing journey through the majestic Rocky Mountains. Passengers on the train can just sit back and watch as frozen waterfalls, snow filled valleys and Canadian wildlife soar past.

	The Ice Lounge at Quebec's Ice Hotel 5

Unique Winter Weather

Throughout the winter months, a peculiar weather phenomenon known as a Chinook sometimes sweeps through Southern Alberta, bathing the region in warm air and sunny skies. These events can raise the temperature by as much as 10°C in a matter of minutes and can last for days. They've even been known to open some Calgary-area golf courses in January.

CENTRAL CANADA' S SNOWY SIDE

Quebec and Ontario, the two largest and most populous places in Canada, are the provincial pair that form Central Canada—and to some, the center of the universe. Encompassing Toronto, the country's largest city and Ottawa, the nation's capital, plus Quebec City and Montreal, it's a hub of culture, politics and tourism. From the bitter cold up north to the grape vines of Pelee Island, nearly every winter activity is possible here and more than a political storm is weathered.

With thousands of interconnected snowmobile and cross-country skiing trails, teams of sled dogs mushing through the snow and frozen lakes-come-skating rinks, there is never a dull moment during an Ontario winter. Ottawa, is home to the province's most developed winter tourism industry and like its neighbour to the east, Ontario enjoys some of the country's most snowy winters.

The largely French-speaking province of Quebec pulls its own weight (not a simple task at 1.5 million sq km (600,000 sq mi)) as a major winter tourism destination in Canada. Apart from Newfoundland and Labrador, this region has the greatest snow depth in the country. It’s no surprise then that a number of good-sized ski hills are found here, while in the rural areas, snowmobiles are nearly as common as cars.

Ice Skating on Rideau Canal 6

Skate the Rideau Canal
Every winter, Ottawa's Rideau Canal—a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site—freezes over, becoming the world’s largest skating rink. This 7.8-km (4.8 mi) stretch of skateway winds through downtown Ottawa and handles an average of one million skaters per season. It's a great way to see some of Ottawa’s attractions and it makes for a quick commute or a romantic place to take a date.

Stay in Quebec's Ice Hotel
The only one of its kind in North America, Quebec's Ice Hotel is a totally unique winter experience. This magical fortress is formed entirely of ice, featuring snow archways towering over 5 meters tall, crystal ice sculptures, a lounge, chapel and 36 rooms and suites. The Ice Chapel makes this quirky hotel into a hot-spot for a cool wedding, the Ice Lounge serves up drinks in glasses made of ice (hot drinks are served in Styrofoam), and the rooms all have the intimacy of an isolated igloo.

The Festivities
Each year, when things get cold, Central Canada warms up with a variety of winter carnivals, cultural events, fun and games. In Ottawa, everyone is invited to strap on their skates and head down to the Rideau Canal for the Winterlude festival. In Toronto, they take the chill off with some warm winter comfort foods at Wintercity.

	Fireworks Over a Wintery Ottawa City 7

Montreal's culture alone is enough to make it through the winter, the culmination of which being the High Lights Festival. Over ten days in all, this festival offers three different themes that highlight the very best of this fine city.

Unique Winter Weather

Southwestern Ontario has the mildest winters in the province by far. Thanks to this unusual microclimate, the Niagara Peninsula, along Lake Ontario, has even become an important grape growing and wine producing region.

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