15 Reasons Why Canada Is the Best Place in the Wintertime

There’s no shortage of winter festivals across Canada each year, with tourists and locals coming together to celebrate all things cold-weather-cool. One of our favourite annual celebrations is Winterlude. Held in the nation’s capital of Ottawa, attendees are able to check out snow sculptures, compete in fun events, chow down on great food and do their best at a triple axle on the world’s largest skating rink.

Looking to get away from the cold? Here are 20 of the cheapest destinations for Canadians this winter.

Tourism in Canada is at an all-time high during the spring and summer months, but starts to wind down during the fall, typically dropping to its lowest point during the post-holiday winter months. Seize the opportunity to play tourist at home and check out all the local spots you’ve been dying to visit, like these hidden gems across Canada – minus the lines and peak-season ticket prices. For attractions like local museums and galleries, you’ll feel like a VIP as you stroll from one exhibit to the next, uninterrupted by any buzzing tour groups and free to really soak in the experience.

If your need for pampering doesn’t subside once temperatures take a dip, find your seasonal happy place at one of the many Nordic spas across the country. A spa circuit designed for relaxation by alternating between hot and cold elements, this is the kind of unique relaxation you never knew you needed. Hot tub by a snow-capped mountain, anyone?

Not able to get away? Check out our tips on how to turn your bathroom into your own personal spa.

Winterlicious, a 2-week culinary event that takes place in Toronto each year, is the foodie event you never knew you needed during the winter season. With hundreds of restaurants participating each year, guests are able to enjoy a three-course prix fixe menu for lunch or dinner. Satisfy your inner foodie and get on board with one of the tastier perks of winter in the city!

So shopping may not sound like all that unique an experience when you think about winter in Canada, but consider the fact that as one of the undisputed authorities on cold-season attire, we have some of the best gear around. Couple our top-shelf winter wardrobe options with our many shopping destinations and you’ve got yourself a seasonal splurge like no other. If you’re looking to get lost and break the bank in the process, check out the sprawling Eaton Centre mall. If smaller-scale hunting grounds are more your thing, see the sights and enjoy the luxury of the newly-renovated Sherway Gardens mall in Etobicoke, where you can get your photo taken with Santa and enjoy the very best of luxury winter fashion from Saks to HM.

To get into the true Canadiana spirit, check out these 10 Canadian brands you should be shopping!

Sightseeing doesn’t get any less impressive in Canada during the winter months. In fact, most Canadians would argue it only gets better. Topping our seasonal sightseeing list is always a stop in Old Montreal, where you’ll find shopping, food and seasonal entertainment set to a stunning snowy backdrop you just can’t beat!

You might also like: 20 of the most beautiful Canadian cities to live in.

Hockey night in Canada is not just a thing; it’s a way of life. And it goes far beyond the pro teams. Getting together for a quick game at an outdoor rink, or signing up for a seasonal league is about as true to the spirit of the season as you can get. If you enjoy the sport but are less than thrilled to lace up yourself, bundle up and settle in at the stands. Whether cheering on your home team at the big arenas, or catching a game at the local community center, there’s just something about the good old hockey game.

See more pics: 20 painfully funny tweets about being Canadian.

If you’ve done the summer road trip thing to death, try taking in some new views in familiar places with a winter drive up north. Take in the crisp air and snowy scenes across picturesque cottage country, and before you go, catch a glimpse of the night sky, where you’re guaranteed to see a dazzling display of stars as far as the eye can see.

Satisfy your inner adrenaline junkie on some of the best slopes in the world this winter. From Collingwood’s Blue Mountain to the infamous primo powder in Whistler, BC; Canadian skiing ranks as some of the best on the map for good reason. Whether you’re looking for the rush of skiing and snowboarding or the low-key but challenging cross-country style, there’s something for everyone. And if you’re into the scene but not quite the sports, hole up in the chalet and indulge in the sweets and sights of hot chocolate with a mountain view. For more ideas on how to enjoy the slopes minus skis, check out 10 things for non-skiers to do on a ski trip.

If you find yourself longing for those summer days out on the boat with your rod, consider the winter alternative. Ice fishing in Canada has become a common social activity in places like Lake Simcoe, where some inns offer seasonal fishing huts for rent, with some of the higher-end venues even offering operators to guide you through the basics. You might be surprised to discover just easily you’ll get hooked on the experience – see what we did there?

Day-date anyone? You can’t go far in a Canadian winter without stumbling upon an ice rink. Give in to the cheesy charms of this classic pastime and lace up with your sweety for an afternoon that’s sure to add a little warmth to even the coldest of days.

You might also like: date ideas that will keep you warm all winter long.

Where else to put those fine-tuned layering skills to use than winter in the great north? With no shortage of days below freezing, you’ll have ample time to showcase each and every cozy ensemble in your wardrobe. Nothing is cozier – or more stylish – than winter fashion. Luxurious knits, buttery leathers and softer-than-soft shearling details make this our favourite season to dress for!

For some style inspiration to get you started, check out winter guide on what you need to build the ultimate winter wardrobe.

Our starry night skies are something to see, but if it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience you’re after, you can’t miss the chance to check out the northern lights. From September to April, the bulk of our fall and winter months, the spectacular northern lights can be seen in Alberta, where Jasper National Park has become a popular spot for setting up camp to watch the show. Trust us, this is one bucket-list experience you won’t soon forget. Check out our list of the 20 best places to see the northern/southern lights!

Making the most of our long winters, Canadians have gotten very good at creating the best in unique experiences for those looking to do more than just hibernate for the season. The Ice Hotel near Quebec City, for example, takes the concept of “cool accommodations” to new heights with their icy digs. Credited on Wikipedia as “the first and only true ice hotel in North America” the hotel boasts wall to wall ice architecture, decorated with ice furniture – but don’t worry, the bathrooms are heated! To see more jaw-dropping hotels, check out our list of some of the coolest hotels in the entire world!

If the outdoors aren’t your thing, then staying indoors, blazing fireplace and hot chocolate in hand, is the very best alternative for making it through those freezing winter nights. There’s just something about a crackling fire and snowflakes whipping past the windows that’s oh-so-cozy and oh-so-Canadian.

For some ideas on how to cozy up with your SO this winter, check out some of our best winter date ideas!