Some people might be scared to experience winter in Canada, especially considering how famously snowy the country is. However, there are a lot of good reasons to travel to Canada in the winter, including the chance to check out some of the top ski resorts in the world and take in a true winter wonderland. Here are 10 arguments in favor of Canadian winters that may persuade you as well.
Winter weather in Canada
The majority of Canada experiences extremely cold winters through mid-March, with the exception of the coast of British Columbia, where winters are more tolerable.
The winter season in eastern Canada, which includes Toronto and Montreal, is shorter, colder, and features temperatures below zero from December through the end of February (and occasionally into early March if the weather is very unfavorable). Around the beginning of the year, at least one or two snowfalls of eight inches or more are likely to occur.
No matter where in Canada you want to spend the winter, make sure you have warm clothing and waterproof outer layers ready to pack in your suitcase.
10 Reasons Why Winter in Canada Is the Best Season
Hockey
Canada’s national winter sport is hockey. The Canadian and American teams compete in the National Hockey League, which runs from October to April. So choose to spend the afternoon or evening at a hockey game when you’re in one of Canada’s big cities during the winter. It’s an exciting game to watch, and the energy is high. If an NHL game isn’t taking place when you’re there, try to catch one of a team like the Vancouver Giants. That specific team is co-owned by Michael Buble!
Ice and snow make for endless outdoor delight.
When asked about winter in Canada, skiing and snowboarding are, of course, at the top of most people’s lists. However, there’s still more! Consider snow tubing, ice fishing, skating, and the less complicated winter activities of tobogganing and snowman-building.
Never undervalue the pleasure that can be had from a superbly created snow creature. Camping is a choice as long as your tent is good. No tent, Create your own igloo or snow cave!
The Northern Lights in winter in Canada
The Northern Lights are another wonderful reason to spend your next winter vacation in Canada. Every winter, the phenomena can be witnessed in the country’s northern regions. Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories, Whitehorse, Dawson City, Iqaluit in Nunavut, and Churchill in Manitoba (also known as the polar bear capital of the world) are some of the best locations to observe the Northern Lights. Another dark sky refuge, Jasper National Park is among the easiest places to see the Northern Lights.
The perfect homebody excuse
Winter in Canada is the ideal excuse for a homebody to remain inside, stay warm, and sip hot chocolate.
The nicest part is that you can partake in the wonderful winter custom of cheese fondue without feeling judged. There is no obligation to leave the house for anything not absolutely necessary.
Winter Festivals in Canada
Regardless of the season, Canadians enjoy having parties. From coast to coast, the nation presents a variety of wonderful and distinctive winter celebrations. For foodies, Dine Out and Winterlicious festivals are held in Vancouver and Toronto, respectively. Canada’s oldest winter carnival is the Quebec Winter Carnival. The Winterlude Festival in Ottawa, which is held on the Rideau Canal and draws close to 500,000 visitors annually, is one example. The Winter Festival of Lights in Niagara Falls, the Festival du Voyageur in Winnipeg, and the Toonik Tyme Festival in Iqaluit are all entertaining occasions.
Winter in the city may still be nice
In Canada, there are dozens of events taking place every month all around the nation. The Winter Carnival in Quebec City, Winterlude in Ottawa, and Winterfest in Calgary are a few instances.
The first ice hotel in North America is also located in Quebec City. The sizeable “subterranean city” in Montreal makes it unnecessary to stroll the city streets in the winter. The canal in Ottawa, the capital of Canada, freezes over for about a month and is used for both recreational purposes and transportation to work.
Niagara Falls in winter is an awesome spot
Although the enormous waterfalls are a spectacular sight to witness in the summer, the frozen waterfalls are just as stunning in the winter. It’s difficult to put into words the pristine splendor of the falls in the winter. During the cold season, you may watch the cool mist rise from the falls, lending it a mysterious air. Additionally, if you enjoy the delicious dessert-style ice wine, you must go to the annual ice wine festival in Niagara town.
Enjoy skiing and snowboarding
The top snowboarding and skiing spots in the world are in Canada. Visitors can explore a variety of ski resorts in addition to the stunning snow-covered mountains, which offer first-rate lodging and services that enhance outdoor recreation.
Toronto is amazing in the winter.
If you appreciate the winter season a lot, Toronto should be at the top of your list of places to visit. Long, chilly days and nights can be enjoyed by engaging in activities like trekking in Don Valley or viewing and admiring the icebreaker installations near the shore. You may treat yourself to gourmet treats and other delectable food items at the Winterlicious food festival in Toronto.
Ice fishing in winter in Canada
Consider switching to the ice if you enjoy fishing during your winter visits to the US. Although it’s not quite the same, you could find — or rediscover — that you like the challenge that ice fishing offers. Ontario is renowned as “Hardwater Heaven” due to its abundance of ice fishing locations and its more than 250,000 lakes. The rest of Canada has a wide range of possibilities, and it’s simple to discover rental shacks and outfitters who can provide your group with the necessary guides and equipment.
Tips for Winter Travel in
- Since it’s the peak of the winter sports season, popular ski locations like Banff and Lake Louise along the Rockies may end up being more pricey.
- However, winter may be a more affordable time to vacation in other parts of Canada due to decreased hotel and airfare rates.
- Check the weather as you pack so you can get a better idea of what to expect in terms of temperatures wherever you are traveling in Canada in the winter.
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