Canada is known around the world for its winter season. Some people love the idea of a Canadian winter and so much snow, while others hate the ice and the cold and would much rather escape to somewhere warmer. But whatever train of thought you fall into, you have to admit that Canada in the winter is incredibly beautiful, with stunning sights and attractions that are enticing enough to lure even. the most stubborn winter-haters out from under their cozy blankets. (Bonus: It’s easy to stay at a safe distance from people when you’re outside.)
Here are 6 beautiful Canadian destinations to visit in the winter:
1. Niagara Falls, Ontario
Canada’s most visited attraction is most commonly visited in the summer, when you can see the falls crashing in all their powerful glory. However, visiting during the winter season allows you to see a completely different version of these famous falls. Due to the extremely cold temperatures, there are a lot of ice buildups and giant icicles that give the illusion that the falls themselves are actually frozen.
2. Lake Louise, Alberta
Lake Louise is the iconic postcard image of the Canadian wilderness. In the summer, it’s best known for its stunning teal-blue colour and bright red canoes, but in the winter, the lake freezes over and it transforms into a giant skating rink set beneath the mountains. The bright blue sky contrasting against the sparkling white snow turn this scene into a winter wonderland – perfect for those who love to play outdoors.
3. Ottawa’s Rideau Canal, Ontario
While the Rideau Canal is man-made, not natural, it still deserves a spot on our list of beautiful destinations to visit during the winter. For a few weeks each year the Canal, which stretches through the heart of Canada’s capital, turns into the world’s longest outdoor skating rink. Families come to play, locals skate here for exercise, and a few people even use the Canal to skate to and from school or work.
4. Northern Lights in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories
There are several places where you can see the Northern Lights in Canada during the winter months, but Yellowknife is often considered to be ‘ground zero’ for this activity thanks to its normally clear skies, flat landscape, limited light pollution, longer nights, and of course the fact that it falls under the Aural Zone. Come from mid-November to early April for your best chance at seeing this stunning natural phenomenon.
5. Whistler, British Colombia
If you love winter sports, then Whistler, BC is a must-visit during winter. This mountainside town is best known for its ski hills, but there’s plenty of fun activities to do in the area. Try ice climbing, winter ziplining, ice fishing, dog sledding, snow tubing, snowshoeing, and even winter bungee jumping if you are brave enough. Whistler is the perfect place to play in the snow.
6. Churchill, Manitoba
Churchill is one of the trickier places to get to in Canada. However, as the polar bear capital of the world, it’s worth the visit. During the months of October and November, the polar bears trek through the tundra and close to Churchill on their way to Hudson’s Bay where they will hunt in the river. If you visit during this time, you can enjoy a once in a lifetime experience of seeing these incredible animals up close and in their natural habitat. Bonus: it’s also a good area to see the Northern Lights at this time of year too.
Canadian winters may be cold and filled with snow and ice, but that’s no excuse to hide indoors for the season. Winter turns much of Canada into a winter wonderland and offers some incredible experiences. So dress warmly, bundle up, and get exploring this winter!
Hannah Logan is a Canadian travel writer who dreams of being just like Indiana Jones. You can follow her travels on her personal travel blog
Eat Sleep Breathe Travel where she shares her travel tales and (mis)adventures around the world.