Top 10 Winter Getaways in Canada for Snow Lovers

Canada is a wonderland in winter. The snowy peaks stand majestically amidst the winter sky in the background. There is no place that looks more beautiful than Canada in winter. You can experience everything from northern lights to dog-sledding and many more in this beautiful region. People from all over the world come to Canada to experience its winter wonderland. Here are the best winter getaways in Canada for snow lovers.

Best Winter Getaways in Canada for Snow Lovers

1. Whistler, British Columbia

Whistler is truly a winter wonderland in Canada. When travelers rank the best winter getaways in Canada, Whistler often tops the list. Whistler is Canada’s most popular winter destination. It offers a plethora of fun activities for adults and kids of all ages. Activities in Whistler include skiing, snowboarding, sledding, ice skating, snowshoeing, and night skiing. Whistler also hosts several events in winter. Some of the popular winter events at Whistler include festive light displays, carol shows, and seasonal popups.

2. Bow Valley, Banff, Alberta

Bow Valley is a picturesque mountain road in Alberta. It extends from Canmore, which is towards east of Banff National Park, to Lake Louise. This road is the perfect winter getaway with its scenic drive surrounding lakes, mountains, and forests. Bow Valley is also a protected area as it is home to several endangered species, including grizzly bears and wolves. Bow Valley is open year-round. Visitors can access it via the Trans-Canada Highway. You need to check the road conditions and status as road closures may occur during winter.

3. Jasper National park, Alberta: Winter Getaways in Canada

Winter is a good time to explore one of Canada’s most popular national parks, Jasper National Park in Alberta. Winter gives the park a unique look that travelers must experience at least once in their lifetime. The park provides many opportunities for winter activities, including winter walking and snowshoeing trips along the trails. There also other special winter activities and programs that local rangers organize in this season. Travelers must have a valid National Park Pass to enter to the trails of Jasper National Park, Alberta.

4. Niagara Falls, Niagara, Ontario: Winter Getaways in Canada

Although many people visit Niagara Falls in summer, it is also a good place to go in winter. Locals organize several activities during this season. Some of these activities are skiing, snow tubing, going on wine-tasting tours, going to winter festivals.

One of the main seasonal events surrounding Niagara Falls is the Winter Festival of Lights. Another one not to miss is the Lake Ice Wine Festival, featuring ice wine tasting and speaking to local winemakers. The advantage of exploring Niagara Falls in winter is that many of the hotels surrounding the area provide great offers and unbelievable deals during this season.

5. Iqaluit, Nunavut

Iqaluit, Nunavut, is one of the coldest cities not only in Canada, but in the world. It is in the Canadian Artic, has around 8000 residents. It is one of the northernmost settlements in the world. The city is a picturesque sight depicting the Arctic landscape. Iqaluit is the only way to get to other towns and villages of Nunavut.

The Nunatta Sunakkutaangit Museum is a must-visit site exhibiting the arts and culture of the Inuit people. You can also go hiking, dog sledding, fishing, and chasing the Northern Lights, in this winter wonderland. It’s also a perfect spot to catch a glimpse of Arctic wildlife, like narwhals and beluga whales.

6. Quebec City, Quebec

Quebec City is another winter wonderland and top winter getaways in Canada. The Quebec Winter Carnival and Bonhomme, the carnival’s official representative, are highlights of winter in Quebec. Quebec is also a historic city with a 400-year old history behind it. You can also witness, Old Quebec City, in its own charm in winter. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site with the only fortified city north of Mexico. An experience not to miss is to stay a night at the ice hotel – Hotel de Glace.

7. Edmonton, Alberta

Edmonton, in Alberta, is famous for having the top snow tubing parks in Canada. You can try snow tubing down the excellent slopes in Edmonton, this winter. These places offer snack bars to keep you energized and fire pits to help warm you up. Some of the other winter activities you can do are snowshoeing, ice skating, cross country skiing. Edmonton’s official winter event, the Silver Skate Festival, is an event you should not miss when you are in the city in winter.

8. Monts-Valin National Park, Saguenay, Quebec

Monts-Valin National Park, Saguenay, Quebec, is the best place for adventure-lovers to spend their winter getaways in Canada. The stunning landscape is worth exploring via a hike through the lush forests. You can also catch a glimpse of wildlife in the area or experience spectacular views from the top of the mountain. Some of the winter activities to do in the area are sledding, snowshoeing, and cross country skiing.

9. Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island

Charlottetown, in Canada’s smallest province, Prince Edward Island, is a place that you should be in winter. There is so much to do in this region with its historic culture and background, and friendly locals. Some of the more popular things you can do here include marching with the Charlottetown Santa Claus Parade and skating at Victoria Park Arena.

10. Halifax, Nova Scotia

It is going to be a maritime winter experience in this maritime city of Halifax in Nova Scotia. Most like to go tobogganing on Citadel Hill or discover iconic lighthouses in the area. The Festival of Whisky is a must-visit event in you are in Halifax in this season. You can also visit Sugar Moon Farm to taste the unique Canadian maple syrup.

Other Winter Getaways in Canada for Snow Lovers

Apart from the above getaways there are many other places that are ideal for winter vacations in Canada.

• Vancouver, British Columbia: If you want a break away from the snow, Vancouver is the place to be as it has mild weather in winter.
• Churchill, Manitoba: Churchill is the “Polar Bear Capital of the World”. You can spot polar bears, beluga whales, and different species of birds here.
• Ottawa, Ontario: The capital city, Ottawa, is the perfect place for ice skating when the Rideau Canal freezes over.
• Cold Lake, Alberta-Saskatchewan: Cold Lake in the border of Alberta and Saskatchewan is the ideal place if you want to go ice fishing.

Conclusion

Canada is truly a winter wonderland. From seeing the northern lights to dog sledding and cross country skiing, there is so much to do in Canada in winter. These top 10 winter getaways in Canada are bound to keep all snow lovers on their toes.