Top places to visit in Canada during Winter

Canada, home of Mounties, Ice Hockey, Maple Sirup, lush green forest, wide prairies and Great Lakes. Second largest country in the World is one of the most beautiful one out there. Canada has four seasons, but one season especially, Canada is famous for: Winter! When it comes to winter, Canada is probably number one country in the world associated with cold and snowy weather. Canada might not be the top Summer Olympic medalist but Winter Olympics is Canada’s safe zone for sure! Ice hockey, skiing, snowboarding, figure skating, sledding and curling is where Canadians get the precious medals during World Championships. Now that pandemic is breathing its last breath, many tourists could not wait to visit this breathtakingly beautiful country.

So, what are the top destinations in Canada during Winter Months anyway? We have created a list here of some unforgettable destinations Canada has to offer, off-course the list can go on and on forever, but the most visited and picturesque destinations are listed here for you to see.

Top Canadian Winter Destinations

Niagara falls, Ontario

Niagara Falls is not just a Canadian cliché, a place almost every tourist thinks about when mentioning Canada, Niagara Falls is the place to be and visit especially during winter. Ye, it will be cold, wet and windy but the experience will me unforgettable one for sure. Iced over Niagara River, frozen trees and objects surrounding the falls might be a scene from an enchanted Hollywood movie. Water mist rising above the falls creates tiny ice droplets that turn Niagara Falls into natural ice sculpture, a landscape that needs to be seen with naked eye. If we add winter Festival of Lights, top hotels and restaurants overlooking the falls, this Canadian destination deserves to be on the top of the list of Canadian winter destinations for sure.

2. Whistler, Britisch Columbia

Lovers of Winter will be blown away by this top destination. Whistler is Canadian winter gem, even more famous after its starring role in the 2010 Winter Olympics, the town is like a never-ending festival throughout the winter. Even though Whistler is a four season resort, we still believe, winter season is where this amazing place truly shines. From top skiing slopes to ice skating, bobsled track, snow tubing….. Whistler will satisfy the thoughts winter activities critique! Actually, what can’t you do at Whistler during winter? If we include Ski and snow board festival where winter activities are combined with top concerts, great food and fun, Whistler is the top destination in Canada for sure.

3. Jasper National Park, Alberta

Jasper is one of the most beautiful national parks, located in the Canadian Rockies. Part of UNESCO’s Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage Site, Jasper is world’s second largest dark sky preserve. Visitors from all over the World come to visit this unique combination of wildlife, extreme winter trails and unforgettable views of lakes and mountain views. From snowshoeing to cross-country skiing to fat biking, the park offers trails for all levels of ability. Must visit landmarks are: Maligne Canyon, Maligne Lake, Pyramid Island, Athabasca Falls and Sunwapta Falls. If you are winter wonderland enthusiast, nature lover and quiet place seeker where you can daydream or meditate for hours, Jasper is the top winter destination for sure.

4. Banff, Alberta

The Rockies in winter are a dreamland! Banff is conveniently located close to one of Canada’s major cities. At just about 1.5 hours’ drive away, Banff is very accessible from Calgary. Mount Sulphur, located in the Bow Valley in the Banff region, is a real jewel whose summit calls out to hikers. An other Banff location is Lake Louise, lake world known for its turquoise colour, comes alive in the winter time. Banff National Park might not be the largest park in Canada, but Banff town, Mount Sulpur, Lake Louise and easy access to major city makes this destination top on our list for places to visit during winter.

5. Iqaluit, Nunavut

Iqaluit is located on Baffin Island at the northern end of Frobisher Bay near the mouth of the Sylvia Grinnell River. ‘Iqaluit’ means ‘place of many fish’ in Inuktitut. Winter in Iqaluit means surreal landscapes and a sky filled with more stars then you’ve ever seen before. Formerly known as Frobisher Bay, the modern city of Iqaluit is rich with traditional Inuit culture. Dog sledding, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling are very popular activities in Iqaluit. Arctic hares, lemmings, arctic foxes and even Caribou are often found nearby. Winter landscapes, wild life, stargazing and Winter lights (Aurora borealis) combined makes Iqaluit top Canadian destination list.

6. Quebec City, Quebec

Quebec City becomes truly majestic in the wintertime! Located in the Province of Quebec, Quebec City is one of the most beautiful cities in Canada. The Château Frontenac and the streets of the old city exude charm and romance under the snow. Beside the unforgettable looks, Quebec City has plenty of activities, including the ice hotel, dog sleds and the frozen-over Montmorency Falls. 19th century feeling, combined with winter activities and top restaurants make Quebec City one of the top Canadian destinations to visit during winter time.

7. Cape Spear, Newfoundland and Labrador

Jutting out into the Atlantic ocean from the Avalon Peninsula, Cape Spear, Newfoundland and Labrador isn’t just the most-easterly point in the province, it’s the most-easterly point in all of North America. It’s here where the sun rises first every day and New Year’s Eve is celebrated before the rest of Canada. Winter also means iceberg sightings! For many, a visit to North America’s easternmost point is a bucket-list destination. Cape Spear is an easy 25-minute drive from St. John’s, the province’s capital. Once you arrive, you’ll be astounded by the cape’s wild beauty. An favourite Cape Spear destination is it’s historical lighthouse, it has stood for more than 187 years overlooking many icebergs floating by. Built in 1835, it began operating in 1836 and is the oldest surviving lighthouse in Newfoundland and Labrador. It was designated a National Historic Site in 1975 by Parks Canada. The most easter point in North America, magnificent landscapes, floating icebergs and the first rising Sun makes this destination top Canadian winter destination.

8. Valcartier, Quebec

Valcartier has become one of the top Canadian touristic destinations in recent years. Valcartier is home of The Quebec Ice Hotel, spectacular building to behold and is one of the most unique visitor experiences in the world. The cathedral-like hotel is carved entirely of ice, including the furniture and icy candelabras hanging from the 18-foot ceilings. The Hôtel de Glace (ice hotel) offers its guests a one-of-a-kind winter experience. Unique in North America, the hotel transforms itself year after year to charm its visitors. Immerse yourself in the hotel’s magical atmosphere and enjoy a luxurious Nordic getaway within this winter masterpiece! Valcartier offers luxury spa’s, skiing, snow tubing, ice skating and many other winter activities that will make your trip to this location an unforgettable one.

Other honourable mentions

Rideou Canal, Ottawa

Niagara On the Lake, Ontario

The Chic Choc Mountains, Quebec

Cow Bay, Nova Scotia

Vancouver, Britisch Columbia

READ MORE: Best National Parks in Canada