6 reasons to visit Canada in the winter

The crisp air, frost covered trees and snow glistening in the sun, there’s no place like Canada during the winter. The winter months may come with their fair share of ice and snow but these destinations know how to make the most of it.

Bloor-Yorkville Icefest in Toronto, Ontario

During February, the neighbourhood of Bloor-Yorkville in Toronto transforms into a magical outdoor gallery of ice sculptures made from more than 9,000kg of crystal clear ice. See first-hand how they are created from blocks of ice at the ice carving competition. Once you’ve taken a look at the sculptures, stroll home to The InterContinental Toronto Yorkville, which is located on Bloor street across from the Royal Ontario Museum.

Sugar Moon maple farm in Tatamagouche, Nova Scotia

Sugar season is between February and mid-April, making it the perfect time to take a tour of Sugar Moon maple farm in Tatamagouche. In addition to learning how maple syrup is made, those who brave the cold will have the chance to try a true Canadian delicacy: maple taffy. Heated syrup is poured on fresh snow and rolled onto a stick to create this wintry treat.
Make sure you save room for a bite to eat at the farm’s restaurant. Their maple-inspired brunch comes with dishes including a sugar moon maple tonic, smoked bacon with maple mustard, and, of course, pancakes and maple syrup. Stay at Tata Suites, located in the heart of Tatamagouche.

Winterlude in Ottawa, Ontario & Gatineau, Quebec

Since 1979, the cities of Ottawa, Ontario and Gatineau in Quebec have celebrated winter with their annual ‘Winterlude’. Spanning across three weekends, the festivities centre around the Rideau Canal Skateway. At 7.8km in length, it is the largest skating rink in the world. There are also ice sculpture competitions, an ice lounge and a snow park with slides and sculptures.
Steps away from the popular Byward Market is Andaz Ottawa Byward Market’s.

Carnaval de Québec in Quebec City

The people of Quebec are known for their joie de vivre and there’s no better place to experience this than during the annual Carnaval de Québec. During this two-week festival, there are countless indoor and outdoor events to participate in, from a masquerade ball at the famous Château Frontenac to ceremonies at the life-sized Ice Palace. But what Quebec City’s Carnaval is really known for is its numerous day and nighttime parades led by the mascot Bonhomme Carnaval.

A stay in the historic Fairmont Le Château Frontenac will keep you close to all festival activities.

Festival du Voyageur in Winnipeg, Manitoba

This 10-day long festival, which takes places in Saint-Boniface, Winnipeg’s French Quarter, celebrates Canada’s fur-trading history and French heritage. Since its inception in 1970, Festival du Voyageur has grown to become the largest winter festival in Western Canada, with live music and shows, traditional French Canadian cuisine and massive snow sculptures.

Around the time of the festival, the city’s River Walkway opens up and ‘Warming Huts: An Art + Architecture Competition on Ice’ takes place. Architects from around the world submit their designs and build their unique warming huts right on top of the river for skaters to warm up in.

The Fort Garry Hotel is located in the historic city centre of Winnipeg, within easy reach of the city’s French Quarter.

Whistler Blackcomb in Whistler, British Columbia

Just north of Vancouver is the storybook town of Whistler. Home to Whistler-Blackcomb, one of North America’s largest ski resorts and a venue for the 2010 winter olympics, it’s a popular spot for those looking to experience a true Canadian ski holiday. If you want a break from the slopes, there are also plenty of snowshoeing, tobogganing and hiking opportunities in and around the town.

With an on-site spa, Nita Lake Lodge is the perfect place to unwind after a day on the slopes.