During the summer, Canada becomes a hotspot for tourists, with many flocking to check out its huge world-class cities, serene hikes, and lovely beaches. However, the country really shines once the cold weather sets in. Each year, Canada’s vast landscape transforms into a winter wonderland, with the Great White North offering a plethora of destinations for snow enthusiasts and cold-weather adventurers.
From the powdery slopes of Whistler, British Columbia to the frost-kissed, Europe-like streets of Old Quebec City, the beautiful, diverse country boasts an array of experiences that celebrate the magic of winter. Read on to learn more about the best winter destinations in Canada.
Whistler, British Columbia
Nestled in the Coast Mountains, Whistler is a world-renowned winter sports paradise. In fact, it could be argued that Whistler is one of the world’s most popular ski destinations, with hundreds of thousands flocking to the hotspot to enjoy the British Columbia city’s chill. Home to Whistler Blackcomb, one of North America’s largest and most renowned ski resorts, it offers over 8,000 acres of snow-covered slopes. Beyond skiing and snowboarding, travelers can enjoy dog sledding, snowshoeing, and more.
Don’t care about skiing or snowboarding? Whistler is more than just a sports mecca. It boasts one of the most charming pedestrian ski villages in the country. From world-class shopping to quirky boutiques, Whistler is the perfect place to window shop. Of course, the food is great as well. Be sure to visit The PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola, which provides breathtaking views of the surrounding winter landscape. For a unique cultural experience, check out the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre to learn about the local Indigenous culture.
Quebec City, Quebec
In the winter, Quebec City is a sight unlike anything you’ve ever seen, becoming a true winter wonderland out of a fairy tale. Witness its cobblestone streets and European architecture dusted with snow for an experience unlike any other. The historic Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, hosts the Quebec Winter Carnival, one of the world’s largest winter festivals. It takes place every year in early February and is one of the most popular events in the province. This vibrant celebration features parades, ice sculptures, and the beloved mascot Bonhomme Carnaval (a quirky snowman). Visitors can explore the Hôtel de Glace (Ice Hotel), marveling at intricate ice carvings and designs.
Of course, no visit to Quebec is worth it without a visit to the iconic and historic Château Frontenac, where you can slide down the toboggan on its property. If you end up visiting the Canadian winter destination in December, then check out the city’s German-style Christmas markets which create a cozy atmosphere for sipping mulled wine. Be sure to try hearty Quebecois cuisine, like classic poutine to indulgent maple taffy on snow.
Banff National Park, Alberta
Banff National Park, located in Alberta, is one of Canada’s most breathtaking winter destinations. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is renowned for its stunning mountain scenery, vibrant blue lakes, and diverse wildlife. When it’s winter, Banff is a sight worth beholding. One of the most visited parks in Canada during the winter, Banff has everything you’d want and need from a place where you can party hard. Like Whistler, this Canadian winter destination offers plenty of opportunities to ski and snowboard at resorts like Sunshine Village and Lake Louise.
The ski season typically runs from November to May, providing plenty of opportunities for winter sports enthusiasts. Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are also popular activities, with numerous trails available for all skill levels, making this a family-friendly park for those who have novice snow champions at home. The town also offers access to the Banff Upper Hot Springs, perfect for relaxation after a day on the slopes.
Niagara Falls, Ontario
Arguably the most recognized waterfall in the world, Niagara Falls in the province of Ontario is a truly jaw-dropping sight in winter. While often associated with summer tourism, Niagara Falls becomes an enchanting and whimsical area when it starts snowing — and it snows a lot. The mist from the falls creates intricate ice formations, transforming the landscape into a crystalline sculpture garden. All of this makes it an underrated winter destination in Canada that most seem to ignore.
Be sure to come to town for the Winter Festival of Lights, which illuminates the area with millions of twinkling bulbs, creating a magical, enchanting atmosphere. There’s more to Niagara Falls than just the water, however. Be sure to indulge in some wine tasting in the nearby Niagara-on-the-Lake. And, if you indulge, be sure to your luck at the area’s various casinos, or take in panoramic views from the Skylon Tower, all while enjoying the partially frozen falls.
Churchill, Manitoba
Now, we’re getting into the more underrated winter destinations in Canada. Dubbed the “Polar Bear Capital of the World,” Churchill offers a truly unique winter experience that you can only get in the Great White North. During the summer, this port town is relatively quiet, but in the winter it becomes an absolute gem for locals and international tourists.
In Churchill, visitors can embark on tundra buggy tours to safely observe polar bears in their natural, untouched habitat. Just imagine how breathtaking it would be to see a polar bear in life! If that wasn’t enough, the town becomes one of the best places on Earth to witness the Northern Lights dancing across the sky. Be sure to time your visit right to see the lights. Some other fun adventures in the Manitoban area include dog sledding and the opportunity to snorkel or dive with beluga whales. If you’ve got some extra time, be sure to check out the Itsanitaq Museum, which provides insights into local Inuit culture and history.
Mont Tremblant, Québec
If you find yourself in Quebec City, you might as well spend a day or two at Mont Tremblant. Though it’s closer to Montreal, Mont Tremblant is a popular weekend getaway for most folks in Quebec. This picturesque resort town in the Laurentian Mountains is a winter sports haven with that classic infectious European flair that the province is known for.
If you’re a ski lover, then this picturesque locale is going to be heaven. Mont Tremblant Ski Resort boasts 102 trails across a number of distinct slopes, catering to all skill levels. The colorful, pedestrian village at the base of the mountain offers boutique shopping, gourmet dining, and lovely views for those who don’t want to dabble in sports. And if you don’t care for downhill skiing, Mont Tremblant provides opportunities for dog sledding, snowmobiling, ice climbing, and even winter dune buggy tours.
Yellowknife, Northwest Territories
The capital of the Northwest Territories, Yellowknife is an ideal destination for those chasing the Northern Lights. Here, you’ll get some of the best views in the world — something your followers on social media will be jealous of when you post your pics. Located directly under the aurora oval, Yellowknife offers some of the best aurora viewing opportunities in the world.
In Yellowknife, you can expect Canadian hospitality wherever you go. We encourage visitors to stay in the area’s rustic, family-owned lodges that have been operating for decades. Consider asking the employees at your lodge to recommend tours. Be sure to also try ice fishing on Great Slave Lake, or explore the unique culture of the North through festivals, like the beloved Long John Jamboree. Unfortunately, it was canceled in 2023 but here’s hoping it takes place in 2024!
Ottawa, Ontario
As one would expect for a country that’s doused in snow for half the year, Canada’s capital city embraces winter with enthusiasm. You’ll find most of the festivities centered around the Rideau Canal Skateway, which is one of the world’s largest naturally frozen skating rinks.
If you can, try to head to the city in early February for The Winterlude festival, which is put on by the Department of Canadian Heritage every year. The festival features ice sculptures, snow playgrounds, and the famous bed races on ice. While you’re in one of the best winter destinations in Canada, be sure to explore the beloved national museums, and enjoy outdoor fires and hot chocolate at Lansdowne Park’s Winter Garden. If you’ve got the time, head over to Quebec and visit the very close by Gatineau Park for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Jasper National Park, Alberta
Jasper offers a more serene, tranquil, and less hectic winter experience compared to its bustling neighbor, Banff. While we love Banff, it does tend to get crowded, which is why Jasper is the best place to be if you want a winter destination that’s a lot more quiet. If you do want something that’s a bit more loud and lively, then it’s best to get to this Canadian winter destination after the New Year.
The Jasper in January festival kicks off the winter season with activities, culinary events, and live music, turning into a major party that you won’t want to escape. Marmot Basin provides excellent skiing and snowboarding, while the town serves as a base for ice climbing, fat biking, and wildlife watching. There’s something for everyone in Jasper. Of course, no trip to this Canadian gem is worth it without a ride on the Jasper Skytram, which serves up breathtaking views of the snow-covered Rockies. That view alone makes Jasper one of the best winter destinations in Canada.
Toronto, Ontario
Who doesn’t love visiting a metropolis in the winter? Canada’s biggest, most diverse, and bustling city, Toronto becomes a firecracker of a town when the snow hits the ground. The city boasts stunning ice skating rinks, especially at the iconic Nathan Phillips Square, where visitors can glide under twinkling lights and some of the city’s biggest skyscrapers.
Head over to the Distillery District to visit one of the country’s most fascinating and quirky Christmas markets, where you can indulge in local treats and enough hot chocolate to spike up your blood sugar. There are tons of other Christmas markets as well, all offering unique photo ops. And when it gets super cold, head over to the Royal Ontario Museum or the Art Gallery of Ontario to enjoy the country’s finest art and artifacts. After you’re done indulging in the best winter destinations Canada has to offer, check out the 10 best Greek Islands to visit during the summer.
