The ultimate Canadian spots and activities to enjoy the colder months from coast-to-coast
The weather outside might be pretty frightful during the winter months, but Canadians are pros at taking the time to enjoy even the coldest of our four seasons. Instead of hibernating, why not enjoy the fun winter activities our country has to offer from coast-to-coast? Whether you’re an outdoor adventurer or prefer to cosy up next to the fire indoors, there’s a wintertime activity to suit everyone.
Here are a few of our favourite cold weather activities to indulge in all across Canada, from lacing up our skates at Lake Louise to treating ourselves to a posh afternoon tea in Toronto.
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The best ways to celebrate winter in Canada
1 Check-in at the Ice Hotel
One of Canada’s ultimate bucket list experiences, Quebec’s Ice Hotel attracts visitors from all over the world to stay in its cool but cosy quarters. Made entirely of snow and ice, this unique hotel is perfect for a romantic getaway or a girl’s weekend away, snuggling up under furry blankets or sipping cocktails out of an ice glass at the world famous bar. For more information visit quebecregion.com.
The best ways to celebrate winter in Canada
1 Check-in at the Ice Hotel
One of Canada’s ultimate bucket list experiences, Quebec’s Ice Hotel attracts visitors from all over the world to stay in its cool but cosy quarters. Made entirely of snow and ice, this unique hotel is perfect for a romantic getaway or a girl’s weekend away, snuggling up under furry blankets or sipping cocktails out of an ice glass at the world famous bar. For more information visit quebecregion.com.
The best ways to celebrate winter in Canada
2 Sample ice wines at Niagara-on-the-Lake
Following a quiet few months after the summer rush, Niagara-on-the-Lake comes to life again in the winter for the popular Niagara Icewine Festival. Taking place on the weekends throughout January 15th - 31st, the festival celebrates one of Canada's most cherished wine varieties, with everything from gala events to winery tours to ornate ice bars. For more information visit niagarawinefestival.com.
The best ways to celebrate winter in Canada
3 Hit the slopes at Mont Tremblant
Strap on those skis and hit the slopes of Mont Tremblant, one of Eastern Canada’s most beloved ski resorts. With 96 trails for beginners and intermediates alike, this Quebec winter wonderland has been voted one of the best in North America by Ski Magazine and National Geographic. And if après-ski is more of your thing, spend the day sipping spiked hot chocolate in the cosy village restaurants or by the fire at the Fairmont Mont Tremblant. For more information visit tremblant.ca.
The best ways to celebrate winter in Canada
4 Enjoy a wild, wonderful winter at Fogo Island Inn
Travel to one of the four corners of the earth (literally) and brace yourself against the biting winds and crashing coastlines of Newfoundland’s Fogo Island. Home to less than 3,000 residents, the small island is also home to the architecturally stunning Fogo Island Inn, a modern residence set against rocky Atlantic shores. From February through to the end of March, you can experience a wild, wonderful winter at the boutique inn, with snowshoeing, snowmobiling, ice fishing and pond hockey for the outdoor-adventurer; and a cosy library, rooftop sauna and hot tubs for the indoorsy crowd. For more information visit fogoislandinn.ca.
The best ways to celebrate winter in Canada
5 Indulge in a Hammam & Gommage treatment
Escape the frigid cold and enter a world of warmth and relaxation with a luxurious Hammam & Gommage treatment at the Miraj Spa at the Shangri-La Hotel in Toronto, Ontario. Unwind in the high-intensity heat chamber, breathing in eucalyptus steam and cleansing your body of toxins, before getting your dried-out winter skin scrubbed down as part of this ultra-luxe Middle Eastern treatment. For more information visit mirajcaudaliespa.com.
The best ways to celebrate winter in Canada
6 Tie up your skates at Lake Louise
Alberta’s most famous body of water is a sparkling turquoise beauty in the summer, but in the colder months, Lake Louise becomes the ultimate winter wonderland. Check-in to the spectacular Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise before grabbing a cup of hot chocolate and hitting the ice for a skating experience set against one of Canada’s most beautiful natural backdrops. For more information visit fairmont.com.
The best ways to celebrate winter in Canada
7 See the Aurora Borealis
There are some moments that everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime, and the Aurora Borealis comes in close to the top of the list. Head north to the Yukon and settle in at the Northern Lights Resort and Spa, where you can spend your days exploring the nearby wilderness parks before feasting your eyes on the spectacular Northern Lights at night. For more information visit northernlightsyukon.com.
The best ways to celebrate winter in Canada
8 Warm up with afternoon tea at the Ritz
Okay, so an outdoor adventure in the snow isn’t for everyone. If you prefer to experience a winter wonderland from indoors, perch by the window of the ultra-posh Ritz Carlton in Toronto and enjoy good food and good conversation at afternoon tea. Munch on scones and sweets and choose from a selection of teas from Toronto’s own Sloane Tea. Or, if it’s 5 o’clock somewhere, add a glass of champagne and toast to a successful day of avoiding the snow. For more information visit ritzcarlton.com.
The best ways to celebrate winter in Canada
9 Rest your limbs at Scandinave Spa
No need to head to Norway for an authentic outdoor spa experience – Whistler’s Scandinave Spa is a 20,000 sq. ft. steamy sanctuary just minutes from the village. Perfect after a day on the slopes, the spa features hot and cold pools to dip into, plus saunas, steam rooms and quiet rooms so you can totally relax and rejuvenate. For more information visit scandinave.com.
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