Escape The Cold
By the time February rolls around, many Canadians are tired of the cold. While it's freezing outside, there are many cozy joints you can escape to to beat the winter blues. From snowy train rides to indoor markets, find places to warm up in Canada this winter.
1. Scandinave Spas
Scandinavian spas are built for winter getaways. Bathe in the warm water as the snow falls, or relax in a steamy sauna. There are several of these winter spas in the Great White North, including the renowned Blue Mountain Resort, Nordik Spa-Nature, and Kananaskis Nordic Spa.
2. Snow Trains
Take a scenic journey in the comforts of a cozy coach. You'll stay warm as you look out your window at the winter wonderland outside. Consider a winter train trip this year on the luxurious Rocky Mountaineer or on one of VIA Rail's snow train journeys.
3. Indoor Markets
Escape the chill outside with a visit to an indoor market. You can still get your farmers' market fix in the winter with many indoor facilities. St. Lawrence Market in Toronto takes you off its cold streets and Granville Island Market is full of delicious treats and local produce.
4. Winter Cabins
Renting a cabin in the woods is the quintessential winter getaway. Cozy up by the fireplace with a book or sip tea as you look out at the falling snow after a snow shoe hike. You can book many cozy cabins online on sites like Parks Canada, Glamping Hub, and AirBnb.
5. Pottery & Painting Classes
Escape the winter blues with some art therapy! Pottery and painting classes have grown in popularity in many Canadian cities. You'll stumble across painting nights at bars and cafes or art classes at workshops and art galleries. Look for art nights in your area or sign up for a series of classes at a studio.
6. Indoor Skating
Canada is renowned for its ice rinks and luckily, many are indoors. When temperatures become too frigid to bare the outdoor rinks, you can still glide on the ice in the warmth. Look for local arenas with drop-in hours and family skate nights.
7. Museums
Museums are the best way to spend a day indoors. You'll stay warm as you soak in new knowledge and fascinating artifacts. From coast to coast, you'll find incredible museums like the ROM in Toronto, Science World in Vancouver, or Museum of Natural History in Halifax.
8. Board Game Bars
Board game bars and cafes are the perfect spots for socializing on a chilly evening. Gather a group of friends or enjoy a date night with nostalgic games, tasty snacks, and hot bevies. Look for Snakes & Lattes across the country or a local joint in your city.
9. Ice Hotel
An ice hotel doesn't sound very warm but you'll be pleasantly surprised. A night at an ice hotel is a novelty winter experience where you can embrace the season at its finest. You can relax in a palace of ice and snow at Hotel de Glace in Quebec, North America's famous hotel.
bjaglin from Lund, Sweden on Wikimedia
10. Cozy Cafes
Cafes are the easiest places to escape the chilly streets. Plonk yourself in an armchair to read or catch up with a friend over lattes and scones. The coziest Canadian chains worth mentioning are Balzac's, B Espresso Bar, and Second Cup.
11. Indoor Water Parks
You don't have to wait for summer to have an adventure at a water park. Indoor water parks are paradise for kids and families. Places making a splash across Canada are Great Wolf Lodge, Fallsview Waterpark, and World Waterpark at the famous West Edmonton Mall.
12. Breweries
Soothe your winter blues with brews! Breweries that are open all year round are great spots to stay warm and entertained. Take an educational tour or grab a tasting flight with your friends at one of the many craft breweries across the nation.
13. Wineries
Replace your bicycle with a shuttle and take a winery tour in the winter! You can still visit wine country in many parts of Canada during the winter months. Immerse yourself in the full winter experience by tasting Canadian ice wine or visit Niagara on the Lake for several wineries in close proximity.
14. Cozy Bookstores
A bookstore is a dream for bookworms in the winter. You can spend a whole afternoon browsing the shelves and discovering new reads in a little snug. A bookshop takes you away from the cold outdoors and reality.
15. Old Cinemas
Going to the movies is a perfect indoor activity during the winter. Any movie theater will due but if you want a nostalgic experience, watch a film in an old cinema. There are many revival theaters and house cinemas around the country.
Kilyan Sockalingum on Unsplash
16. Ski Resorts
Whether you ski or not, a ski resort is the best winter getaway for anyone. After day of venturing the slopes or soaking in the spa you can cozy up in your room or have a bite to eat at a restaurant. Everything is at your doorstep so you don't have to brave the cold for long if you don't want to. Blue Mountain Resort, Whistler Blackcomb, and Mont Tremblent are the most well-known.
17. Indoor Gardens
Enjoy a summery experience in winter with a trip to an indoor garden. Leave the snow outside and transport into a garden paradise of tropical plants and exotic flowers. There are many gardens from coast to coast including but the Royal Botanical Gardens in Ontario is one of Canada's best.
18. Theater Shows
Winter is a good excuse to head to the theater. Enjoy a Shakespeare play in Stratford, Ontario or see Broadway on a stage in a major city. Canada has many gorgeous theaters with world-class shows to escape the cold for an evening.
19. Indoor Aquariums
Take a dry plunge under the sea from the safety of an indoor aquarium like Ripley's in Toronto or the Vancouver Aquarium. A winter afternoon is well spent at one of Canada's incredible aquariums where you'll see electrifying jellyfish and all kinds of sea creatures.
20. Escape Rooms
You'll warm up from the adrenaline and the indoor heat at an escape room complex. Enjoy friendly competition at an escape room with friends and family on a brisk afternoon. There are numerous escape room venues with various themes to choose from.
