Popular as the Great White North, Canada looks no less than a beautiful picture from a fairy tale book. And the country turns into a magical land when the snow settles down. There are fun festivals, world-class ski resorts, and beautiful snowy cities across this mesmerizing country. From ice hockey to skating on the frozen lakes, there is something for everyone on their winter vacation in Canada. If you love skiing, the winter slopes in Canada pose many excellent opportunities to dash through the snow and watch rare and exotic wildlife in winter. It is colder, cheaper, and prettier. Don’t believe us? Scroll through these best places to visit in Canada in winter, which will ultimately convince your heart!
15 Best Places To Visit In Canada In Winter 2024
Are you wondering about places to go in Canada in winter? Here is the perfectly curated list of the places one must explore in Canada for an amazing winter trip. Take a quick look and pick the best to have a memorable holiday!
- Rideau Canal: Skate Away
- Plaster Rock: Indulge In Ice Hockey
- Churchill: Enjoy The Beauty Of A Winter Wilderness
- Vancouver: Explore Local Seafood
- Ontario: The Dazzling Niagara Falls
- Charlottetown: The Winter Wonderland
- Halifax: For Maple Treats
- Newfoundland: Labrador For Unique Experiences
- Toronto: For One-Of-Its-Kind Experiences
- Grouse Mountain: For An Incredible Winter
- Calgary: To Experience The Mystical Winters
- Quebec City: Stay In An Igloo
- Winnipeg: Enjoy Skating At The Forks
- Ottawa: Indulge In Winter Camping
- Whistler: Go Ice Climbing And Skating
1. Rideau Canal: Skate Away
Canadian winter experience is incomplete if you haven’t skated on Ottawa’s Rideau Canal skateway, one of Canada’s best places to visit in winter. There are many places to visit in Ottawa, but this one is not be missed. Every year over 1 million people gather here during winter and skate away on this world’s largest skateway, equivalent to 90 Olympic skating rinks. This skateway stretches in front of the Parliament Building and Chateau Laurier Hotel. You can enjoy skating here from January to mid-March and enjoy hot, delicious food from the standing stalls nearby.
Tourist Attractions: Skating Experience
Best Place To Stay: Novotel Ottawa City Center Hotel
Things To Do:
- Enjoy skating
- Witness Winterlude: annual seasonal celebration
Also Read: Glacier Kayaking In Canada
2. Plaster Rock: Indulge In Ice Hockey
Winter and Ice Hockey are synonymous with Canada, and the small town of Plaster Rock is the perfect example of it. Plaster Rock hosts the World Pond Hockey Championship. People from Canada, the United States, and Great Britain come to this beautiful town and compete against each other amidst the beautiful backdrop of forests and snowfall. This is easily the best place to visit in Canada in winter if you are looking for some icy fun!
Best Place To Stay: Settler’s Inn & Motel
Things To Do:
- Witness the snowfall and beautiful forests
- Take part in Ice Hockey
3. Churchill: Enjoy The Beauty Of A Winter Wilderness
Churchill is one of the best places to visit in Canada during winter for those who enjoy the peace of winter. The highlight of this small town located on the shores of Hudson Bay is polar bears and the Northern Lights. You can see powerful polar bears in the wild.
Tourist Attractions: Polar bears, seasonal bird watching and a chance for wintertime Northern Lights visibility
Best Place To Stay: Iceberg Inn
Things To Do:
- Play with curious Beluga Whales
- Watch the Northern Lights dance
- View polar bears in the wild
Related Post: Vancouver Hotels
4. Vancouver: Explore Local Seafood
Popularly known for its physical beauty, Vancouver is one of Canada’s best winter places. The gorgeous city is famous for being one of the world’s most liveable. It is a great place to get away if you’re looking for a break from the snow in Canada. You can have the best shopping and dining experience and visit renowned museums.
Tourist Attractions: Local seafood, shopping experience, outdoor sport and adventure
Best Place To Stay: Fairmont Hotel Vancouver
Things To Do In Vancouver:
- Try local seafood
- Indulge in outdoor recreational sports
- Build an igloo
5. Ontario: The Dazzling Niagara Falls
Image Credit: 70154 by Pixabay
While the humongous falls are an absolute delight in summer, the frozen falls in Canada’s winter look equally bewitching. The sheer beauty of the frozen falls is difficult to express in words. A spectacular dazzler is as close as you can come to describing the mystical falls in the winter. You can see the chilling mist rising above the falls, which looks so magical. It is one of the best places to visit in Canada in winter. But, Niagara fall is not the only attraction that the city has to offer, you can explore one of the gorgeous places to visit in Ontario in winter at Algonquin Provincial Park, a sightseeing attraction of hazy mountains with a background of dense forest.
Tourist Attractions: Niagara town organizes an ice-wine festival every year, which you ought to attend if you like sweet dessert-style wine.
Best Places To Stay: The Inn At Cobble Beach
Related Post: Museums In Vancouver
6. Charlottetown: The Winter Wonderland
Despite being the country’s smallest province, this city in Prince Edward Island is one of the best places to visit in Canada in winter. From cosy places to stay to fun things to do, this place lets you make the most of the colder months.
Tourist Attractions: Enjoy tobogganing and snowshoeing in Brookvale Winter Activity Park, a fun family destination.
Best Place To Stay: The Holman Grand Hotel
Things To Do:
- Ice skating
- Snowshoeing
- Downhill skiing
- Sledding
- Building a snow fort
- Attending the music week
7. Halifax: For Maple Treats
Situated in Nova Scotia, this city is another top place to visit to enjoy the Canadian winter. Be it indulging in a sleigh ride at Hatfield Farm or tobogganing on the Citadel Hill, there’s a lot to do and see in the city irrespective of how low the temperature drops. Nova Scotia is also a place that offers mountaineering in Canada.
Tourist Attractions: Halifax is famous for maple syrup and other treats. After a delicious brunch made of sweet Maple syrup, you can hike in the woods.
Best Place To Stay: The Prince George Hotel
Things To Do:
- Eat at the Brooklyn Warehouse
- Indulge in downhill skiing at Ski Martock
- Explore the Point Pleasant Park
Related Post: Temples in Canada
8. Newfoundland: Labrador For Unique Experiences
The Marble Mountain makes Newfoundland a perfect place to visit for your winter vacation in Canada. From offering the best of Canadian winter sports in the eastern region to spectacular views, every day here is packed with unique experiences. This is amongst the best places to visit in Canada in winter.
Tourist Attractions: Spend a week at Gros Morne National Park, which has more than 50 km of skiing trails.
Best Place To Stay: Fogo Island Inn
Things To Do:
- Indulge in snowmobiling
- Skiing
- Cross country skiing
- Snowboarding
9. Toronto: For One-Of-Its-Kind Experiences
If you embrace the winter season as much as the country does, then Toronto is the best to visit in Canada in winter. The long, cold days and nights can be best enjoyed here by indulging in one-of-its-kind experiences like fat biking, taking a tour of the trails in the Don Valley, or witnessing the icebreaker installations at the waterfront. You can visit Casa Loma, one of the most famous places in Toronto during winter. It offers a castle-structured mansion in the heart of the city.
Tourist Attractions: Toronto hosts a food festival called Winterlicious, where you can treat yourself to winter gourmet delights. It’s one of the best things to do in Canada in winter.
Best Place To Stay: The Ritz Carlton
Things To Do In Toronto:
- Be a part of Winterlicious – the best food festival
- Attend a game of hockey
- Indulge in skiing and ice skating
Related Post: Festivals Of Canada
10. Grouse Mountain: For An Incredible Winter
Of all the places to visit in Canada in December, Grouse Mountain in British Columbia is absolutely worth visiting. Winter in Canada takes you away from the crowd and lets you have an incredible time in the snow with your loved ones!
Tourist Attractions: After experiencing the exhilarating winter activities, watch movies at Peak’s Chalet Theatre in the Sky.
Best Place To Stay: Grouse Mountain Lodge
Things To Do:
- Snowshoeing
- Mountain ziplining
- Mountain-top skating
- Sky riding
11. Calgary: To Experience The Mystical Winters
To see what magic looks like, visit Calgary in Alberta during winter. Being one of the best places to visit in Canada during winter, it makes your holiday a little less of a cliche by offering fun experiences like ice fishing and cross-country skiing. Irrespective of whom you visit here with, you’re sure in for a great time at one of the best places to visit in Canada in winter.
Tourist Attractions: Visit Fish Creek National Park, a free winter destination in Calgary, and track and guess the footprints in the snow.
Best Place To Stay: Hyatt Regency Calgary
Things To Do In Calgary:
- Dog sledging around the city
- Visit the Banff National Park
- Cross-country skiing
- Hiking
- Ice fishing
Related Post: Canada Travel Tips
12. Quebec City: Stay In An Igloo
Are you still confused about where to visit Canada during winter to enjoy snow activities? Then, visit Quebec City to participate in snow baths, ice canoe races, a luxurious stay in an igloo, and the famous Quebec Winter Festival. This city is a prime choice for experiencing Canada’s winter at its best. If not with family or friends, you must consider visiting here with your partner!
Tourist Attractions: Celebrate the ‘Quebec Winter Carnival’ and make massive snow sculptures. Also, check out the Ice Hotel, carved entirely out of ice and decorated with neon lights.
Best Place To Stay: Hotel de Glace
Things To Do:
- Attend the Quebec Winter Carnival
- Indulge in snow-sliding
- Ice fishing
- Stay in the ice hotel
13. Winnipeg: Enjoy Skating At The Forks
Image Credit: 12019 by Pixabay
From letting you party outside like a Voyageur, skating on the longest naturally frozen trail, and warming up indoors, Winnipeg is the best place to enjoy your Canada winter holidays. When here, make sure you also visit attractions like FortWhyte Alive and The Forks!
Tourist Attractions: Enjoy Thermea, an open-air Scandinavian spa in the forests of Fort Garry, just a 10-minute drive from the city.
Best Place To Stay: Delta Hotels by Marriott Winnipeg
Things To Do:
- Attend the Festival du Voyageur
- Go for skating at The Forks
- Enjoy a bonfire at FortWhyte Alive
- Visit the Assiniboine Park Zoo
Related Post: Hanging Hotel In Canada
14. Ottawa: Indulge In Winter Camping
Boasting the largest outdoor skating rink in the world, Ottawa is amongst the best places to visit in Canada in December and a paradise for people who love Canada’s winter. After skating for long hours on the Rideau Canal, you can explore the city and end the day warmly by dining at any of its gorgeous restaurants. There are a lot of guest houses in Ottawa wherein you can enjoy your stay comfortably and affordably.
Tourist Attractions: Enjoy gorging on ‘beavertails’, a local delectable treat that has become an addiction for Canadians. Even President Obama couldn’t resist.
Best Place To Stay: Fairmont Chateau Laurier
Things To Do In Ottawa:
- Go for skating on the Rideau Canal
- Visit Gatineau Park for cross-country skiing
- Indulge in winter camping
15. Whistler: Go Ice Climbing And Skating
Image Credit: ArtTower by Pixabay
This winter wonderland is the ideal place to visit, especially with your family, if you wish to experience the best winter vacations in Canada. Situated in British Columbia, this ski capital of the country offers more fun adventures than just skiing and cuts down the confusion of ‘where to go in Canada in December’.
Tourist Attractions: Embark on the Peak 2 Peak Experience, where you will witness numerous famous peaks from a prime spot.
Best Place To Stay: Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler
Things To Do:
- Dog sledding
- Ice-climbing and Ice-skating
- Snowmobiling and snowshoeing
- Sleigh rides and Ice fishing
Tips For Visiting Canada In Winter
- Pack a pair of gloves, jackets, a warm cap, a woollen scarf, and sturdy shoes.
- Remember to pack clothes, keeping your trip itinerary or activities in mind.
- Pack a good moisturizer, lip balm, and sunscreen to hydrate your skin.
- Check the weather forecast regularly before leaving for Canada and even when travelling within the country.
- Wear multiple layers of clothing so that it’s easy to adjust to the change in temperature.
- Make sure you don’t skip your meals, especially your breakfast
You May Also Like To Read : Honeymoon Places In December
Are you excited to have fun in the snow already? Unfortunately, you will have to wait for a few months more. Until then, look at the best places to visit in Canada in winter for a thrilling international holiday. Plan a trip to Canada and have the best time of your life.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Canada In Winter
How long are winters in Canada?
Usually winter weather in Canada begins from November and goes all the way through to late March or early April. Usually, winter seasons can last between 3-6 months with December and January being the coldest months.
Where should I go for a Christmas vacation in Canada?
Toronto, Quebec, Montreal, and Vancouver are some of the best places to spend Christmas in Canada.
Which cities in Canada are not too cold?
Victoria, Vancouver, Toronto, Abbotsford, and Halifax are some of the cities in Canada that have fewest frozen days and are relatively less cold than the other cities.
What you need to survive a winter in Canada?
Here are a few survival tips for winters in Canada:
1. Dress in layers- Start with a base layer like thermal leggings and wear snow pants on top of them
2. Cover your entire body including your face
3. Don’t stay outside for too long
4. Check the weather forecast
5. Make proper arrangements for staying warm indoors
Which city in Canada is the coldest?
Winnipeg is the coldest Canada’s city where most often temperature drops to -30 degrees Celsius (-22 degrees Fahrenheit) or below and it is least likely to have a day above freezing during winter.
What is the best time of year to go to Canada?
In many ways, the fall months, particularly September and October, are the best time to travel, as the weather is frequently very pleasant, the crowds have dispersed, and accommodation prices are lower than summer. If you are looking for value, spring is another good time to visit Canada.
Which are some fun places to visit near Toronto this winter?
Harrison Park for ice skating, Atelier Arboreal for winter camping in a tipi, and Georgian Hills Vineyards for a snowshoe tour are some of the fun places to visit in and around the city this winter.
Which are the best places to visit in Canada in winter with family?
Whistler and Quebec City are the best places to holiday in Canada in winter with family. Both these places offer adventure-packed experiences that are enough to make it the most memorable vacation.
Which Canadian cities worth visiting in winter?
In Canada, Victoria, British Columbia is the best city to explore during winters where the average temperature is around 10 degrees Celcius.
Which province is best to visit in Canada in winter?
Toronto is one of the best city to visit in Canada in winter that offers loads of snow activities along with prominent landmarks.
What is the warmest province in Canada in winter?
Victoria, British Columbia is the warmest city in Canada that usually have 10-degree celsius temperature on an average and goes lowest to 4-degree celsius.
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As a Travel Content Writer, I live to conquer the world of globetrotting with words. With my unquenchable thirst for storytelling, I believe that my words will inspire you to travel around the world’s breathtaking landscapes. As for me, I am an unapologetic selenophile, who loves to wander around in a starry night!
