A Big Country With Bigger Winters
In a world with so many tourist spots, it’s impossible to figure out which place is best in the wintertime. However, if we could suggest the little Northern country right under your nose—that’s right, it’s Canada! No place offers winter wonderlands better and we’re here to break down which places you have to visit.
1. Iqaluit, Nunavut
It’s hard to convince people to scoot up to Nunavut in the wintertime, but we promise it’s worth it. Tourists can go dogsledding, chow down in the city’s finest restaurants, and catch nature’s greatest show: the Northern Lights!
2. Banff National Park, Alberta
Banff is beautiful any time of year but it’s especially stunning in the snow. You can do everything from ski tours and snowmobiling to ice skating and sipping champagne in a cottage hot tub. There’s no shortage of wildlife and mountain views either, so everyone can indulge in something.
3. Kelowna, British Columbia
Make the most of your winter vacation in Kelowna, BC—tourists can ski down freshly powdered slopes or make their way through world-class wine tours. Adventurous travelers can also snowshoe to the best sites or go for a nice, albeit chilly, winter hike.
4. Rideau Canal, Ontario
There’s plenty in Ottawa all year round, but tourists can’t resist ice skating along the Rideau Canal come wintertime. This historic waterway cuts straight through Canada’s capital, transforming into a five-mile-long ice rink in the chilly months. The city’s famous fried pastries alone make the journey worthwhile.
Caroline en voyage on Wikimedia
5. Charlottetown, PEI
If you’ve ever wanted to live in an idyllic winter wonderland, PEI’s the place to be. With all the Christmas celebrations and magical sleigh rides, tourists can soak in the best parts of the season. Dozens of restaurants and winter festivals make it even better.
No machine-readable author provided. Atilin assumed (based on copyright claims). on Wikimedia
6. Niagara Falls, Ontario
Niagara Falls is pretty in the summer, but she sparkles in the winter! Head to Ontario for a breathtaking view of the frozen falls. You’ll snap a couple of pictures and lose yourself in the Winter Festival of Lights or the city’s stunning skyline.
7. Jasper National Park, British Columbia
It’s hard to capture Jasper’s beauty in text—wildlife, incredible mountain peaks, and snowshoeing through the Rockies await any wintertime tourist. Skiing and ice climbing are also for the especially daring traveler.
8. Quebec City, Quebec
Okay, maybe ice climbing isn’t your speed. Don’t worry because Quebec City has plenty of nightlife for anyone more lowkey. Home to the only ice hotel in North America, tourists can also spend the night in an ultimate winter hideaway.
Wilfredo Rafael Rodriguez Hernandez on Wikimedia
9. Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia
Don’t be fooled by this little island’s size—Cape Breton is still the best place to escape for cozy ski resorts and snowshoe adventures through the mountains. It’s a quaint spot for cultural tours, handmade crafts, and galleries as well.
Nicolas Raymond from Bethesda, Maryland, USA on Wikimedia
10. Dawson City, Yukon
The Yukon seems like a world all its own, a tiny place hardly anyone visits in the summertime let alone the winter. But anyone in Dawson City will tell you all about the Northern Lights, the Midnight Dome vantage point, or the city’s ice bridge! You’ll just have to see it for yourself.
Susan Drury from Watson Lake, Canada on Wikimedia
11. Lunenburg, Nova Scotia
Lunenburg’s the place for friendly faces and colorful homes, a splendid winter getaway for any tourist. It may not have those big city sights, but it’s a smaller town filled with adorable cafes and winter festivals. It’s also a great spot to shop local.
CP Hoffman from Washington, DC, United States on Wikimedia
12. Vancouver, British Columbia
On the other hand, big cities call our name and tourists can’t resist popular areas like Vancouver. From the historic Steam Clock to the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, Frosty’s nose kissed every corner of this city—talk about a winter wonderland!
13. Parc National des Monts-Valin, Quebec
We know outdoor winter travel isn’t for everyone—and yes, we know we’ve included another national park. But there’s a reason! Brave the cold and venture into Mother Nature’s Quebecois sight this season. You can ski, spot wildlife, or hike along the Vallée des Fantômes (the Valley of Ghosts).
14. Winnipeg, Manitoba
We promise your trip to Winnipeg will be better than Michael Scott’s. Treat yourself to the Nutcracker or sit in on an impressive orchestra. Pop into museums or get lost in an art gallery. If you want to take things outside, go hiking through a park or browse the sculptures at the Festival du Voyageur.
15. Whistler, British Columbia
We bet you’ve never ziplined in the winter—in Whistler, you can! Guided sightseeing tours let you take in all those stunning views, though you can also catch a ride on a Snowcat. After a fun day of ice climbing or peaceful skating, you can wind down at the Vallea Lumina Whistler, the town’s latest light show.
16. Toronto, Ontario
Wherever you go, whenever you go, there’s always something to do in Toronto. Whether you dine in a popular restaurant or pop over to the Winter Market, you and your loved ones can take in all the city has to offer. Don’t forget to visit the historic Distillery District (just brace yourself for crowds).
17. Cow Bay, Nova Scotia
With a name that cute how could we say no? Nestled in Halifax (more on that later), travelers have lots of exciting events on the horizon. Sit in on live music, support small artisan businesses, or take in all the sights of this quaint town.
18. Cape Spear, Newfoundland
Sure, the bitter wind’s nipping at your nose, but that’s no excuse to turn your back on a good hike. One hike in particular—the trek to the most easterly point of North America where you’ll see the province's oldest standing lighthouse! It’s also a great place to spot the Northern Lights.
19. Tobermory, Ontario
Tobermory really is an icy wonderland. Tourists can soak in the sights from the comfort of a cabin or embrace the cold on a guided hike. They can also explore the Grotto at Bruce Peninsula National Park, which is open all year round.
20. Halifax, Nova Scotia
Now that you’ve explored Cow Bay, you can peruse the rest of Halifax. It’s a big city in its own right, filled with comedy shows, terrific restaurants, and breathtaking winter views. Just make sure you pack the big scarf before you go out there!
