Unforgettable Winter Destinations in Canada

While many travelers visit Canada during the warmer months, those who venture north in winter are rewarded with magical landscapes, unique cultural experiences, and exhilarating outdoor adventures. As temperatures drop and snow blankets the country, Canada transforms into a pristine winter wonderland offering experiences you simply can't find elsewhere.

Having guided winter tours across Canada for the past 15 years, I've compiled this list of must-visit winter destinations that showcase the diverse beauty and adventure opportunities of the Canadian winter.

Iconic Skiing and Snowboarding Destinations

1. Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia

North America's largest ski resort needs little introduction. With over 8,100 acres of skiable terrain spread across two mountains, Whistler Blackcomb offers something for every skill level. The resort consistently ranks among the world's best for its reliable snowfall, varied terrain, modern infrastructure, and vibrant village atmosphere.

Don't Miss: The PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola, which holds world records for the longest and highest lift of its kind, offering breathtaking views as it connects Whistler and Blackcomb mountains.

2. Banff and Lake Louise, Alberta

Set within the stunning Canadian Rockies, the tri-area resorts of Mount Norquay, Sunshine Village, and Lake Louise offer some of the most scenic skiing in the world. With one lift ticket providing access to all three resorts, visitors can experience a remarkable variety of terrain against the backdrop of Banff National Park's spectacular mountains.

Don't Miss: The iconic view of Lake Louise frozen beneath snow-capped peaks, and an evening skate on this natural rink, often described as the most beautiful skating venue in the world.

3. Mont Tremblant, Quebec

Eastern Canada's premier ski destination combines European village charm with excellent skiing conditions. Located in Quebec's Laurentian Mountains, Mont Tremblant offers 102 trails across four distinct mountain faces, ensuring varied conditions and terrain options. The colorful pedestrian village at the base of the mountain creates a magical atmosphere with its cobblestone streets and French-inspired architecture.

Don't Miss: Après-ski in the village, where Québécois culture shines through in the cuisine, music, and overall ambiance.

Northern Lights Viewing

1. Yellowknife, Northwest Territories

Situated directly beneath the aurora oval, Yellowknife is considered one of the best places on Earth to view the northern lights. The city's location in the Northwest Territories provides ideal conditions: clear nights, low humidity, and minimal light pollution. With over 240 potential viewing nights annually, winter visitors have excellent chances of witnessing this natural phenomenon.

Don't Miss: Specialized aurora viewing tours that take you away from city lights to purpose-built viewing locations, often featuring heated teepees or cabins where you can warm up while waiting for the lights to appear.

2. Whitehorse, Yukon

The Yukon's capital offers another exceptional northern lights viewing destination. Surrounded by wilderness and with reliably clear winter skies, Whitehorse provides numerous options for aurora viewing, from guided tours to hot spring soaks under dancing lights. The city also offers a rich cultural experience, blending Gold Rush history with vibrant First Nations heritage.

Don't Miss: The Takhini Hot Springs, where you can soak in mineral-rich waters while watching for the aurora overhead—a truly magical experience.

Winter Festivals and Events

1. Quebec Winter Carnival, Quebec City

Dating back to 1894, the Quebec Winter Carnival is one of the world's largest winter festivals. Held annually in February, this 17-day celebration embraces winter with ice sculptures, night parades, snow baths, canoe races across the partially frozen St. Lawrence River, and appearances by the carnival's iconic ambassador, Bonhomme. The festival transforms the already charming UNESCO-listed Old Quebec into an enchanting winter playground.

Don't Miss: The impressive Ice Palace built for Bonhomme, and sampling traditional beverages like Caribou, a sweet alcoholic drink that helps keep carnival-goers warm.

2. Winterlude, Ottawa

Canada's capital celebrates winter each February with Winterlude, featuring activities centered around the Rideau Canal Skateway—the world's largest naturally frozen skating rink at 7.8 kilometers long. The festival includes international ice carving competitions, snow playgrounds, and cultural performances spanning both Ottawa, Ontario and Gatineau, Quebec.

Don't Miss: Skating the full length of the Rideau Canal Skateway, stopping at warming huts along the way for hot chocolate and BeaverTails, a local pastry treat.

3. Ice On Whyte Festival, Edmonton, Alberta

This annual ice carving festival transforms Edmonton's historic Old Strathcona neighborhood into an outdoor gallery of crystalline art. International carvers create elaborate sculptures from massive blocks of ice, while visitors enjoy ice slides, interactive ice games, and fire pits to warm up between activities.

Don't Miss: The Ice Carving Competition, where teams from around the world compete to create the most impressive sculptures within a strict time limit.

Unique Winter Experiences

1. Ice Hotel Experience, Quebec

The Hôtel de Glace near Quebec City is North America's only ice hotel, rebuilt each winter with a new architectural theme. This ephemeral marvel features rooms and suites carved from ice and snow, ice bars serving drinks in ice glasses, and even a chapel for winter weddings. Despite being constructed entirely of frozen water, the hotel offers comfortable overnight stays with specialized sleeping equipment designed for the environment.

Don't Miss: An overnight stay in one of the themed suites, complete with ice sculptures and fur-covered beds. If you're not staying overnight, day tours are available.

2. Niagara Falls in Winter, Ontario

While magnificent year-round, Niagara Falls takes on an otherworldly beauty in winter. The mist from the falls coats nearby trees, railings, and lamp posts in thick ice, creating a crystalline landscape. In particularly cold years, ice formations at the base of the falls and along the river create natural ice sculptures. The falls themselves never completely freeze but flow against a backdrop of ice and snow.

Don't Miss: The Winter Festival of Lights, when millions of lights illuminate the parkway along the falls from November through January.

3. Dogsledding in Algonquin Park, Ontario

Experience the traditional mode of winter transportation as you mush through the pristine wilderness of Algonquin Provincial Park. Various outfitters offer experiences ranging from hour-long introductions to multi-day expeditions where you learn to drive your own team of dogs through snowy forests and across frozen lakes.

Don't Miss: The special bond formed with your dog team as you work together to navigate the winter landscape—an experience that connects you to Canada's northern heritage.

Winter Wildlife Viewing

1. Polar Bear Viewing, Churchill, Manitoba

While peak polar bear viewing season in the "Polar Bear Capital of the World" is October-November (as bears gather waiting for Hudson Bay to freeze), winter visitors can experience specialized polar bear tours via tundra buggies. Winter also offers the advantage of combining bear viewing with northern lights and other arctic adventures.

Don't Miss: A night in a specialized aurora dome at Thanadelthur Lounge, where you can potentially see both northern lights and polar bears in one unforgettable experience.

2. Eagle Watching, Squamish, British Columbia

Each winter, thousands of bald eagles gather along the Squamish and Cheakamus Rivers to feed on salmon, creating one of North America's largest concentrations of these magnificent birds. The peak period runs from late November through February, with specialized viewing areas and guided tours available.

Don't Miss: The Eagle Viewing Dike and Eagle Run viewing shelter, which provide excellent opportunities to watch and photograph eagles without disturbing them.

Winter Travel Tips

• Pack Properly: Layering is key to winter comfort. Pack moisture-wicking base layers, insulating mid-layers, and waterproof outer shells.
• Winter Driving: If renting a car, request winter tires and familiarize yourself with winter driving techniques. Consider professional transportation in mountainous areas.
• Book Accommodations in Advance: Popular winter destinations, especially during festivals or prime skiing season, can fill up quickly.
• Be Flexible: Winter weather can affect travel plans. Build flexibility into your itinerary and consider travel insurance that covers weather disruptions.
• Embrace the Culture: Canadians have developed a unique approach to winter living. Participate in local traditions and you'll discover the joy of embracing rather than merely enduring the season.