The Best Things to Do in Winter in Canada
Winter in Canada isn’t about surviving the cold — it’s about showing it who’s boss. This is the season when frozen landscapes turn into epic playgrounds, cities lean into their coziest vibes, and Canadians collectively decide that “too cold” simply isn’t a thing. From skating iconic canals and snowshoeing through silent forests to soaking in steamy hot springs and chasing the Northern Lights under crystal-clear skies, winter is when Canada truly shows off.
So layer up, grab a hot chocolate (or something stronger), and let’s dive into the absolute best things to do in winter across the Great White North.
Table of Contents
1. See the Northern Lights in Canada (Aurora Borealis)
Seeing the Northern Lights in Canada isn’t just a winter activity — it’s a full-blown bucket-list moment. Winter brings longer nights, clearer skies, and better viewing conditions, especially in places like the Yukon, Northwest Territories, northern Manitoba, and parts of northern Alberta. Watching green, purple, and pink ribbons of light dance across the sky is one of those experiences that makes you stop scrolling, stop talking, and just stare. Add in cozy lodges, guided aurora tours, and the bragging rights that come with actually seeing them in person, and you’ve got one of the most magical winter experiences Canada has to offer.
If there’s one thing I miss about growing up in Fort.McMurray, it’s witnessing the Northern Lights hundreds of times, even while walking home in the evening. While those days are gone now that I live in Calgary, I still long to see them. That’s how special they really are.
2. Go Skiing in Canada’s World-Class Winter Destinations
Skiing is one of our favourite activities, especially since we live in Calgary and are so close to the Rocky Mountains. However, we didn’t start skiing until our mid-20s, as it always seemed quite scary, difficult, and expensive. Now that we’re into it, though, we look forward to it every single year. In fact, skiing is one of the top reasons we love the winter so much. Not only is it incredibly fun, but it’s so incredibly scenic.
However, it isn’t that fun when you’re a beginner. There’s certainly a learning curve, but if you can get past that, it really is one of the best ways to enjoy the winter in Canada. If you do want to learn, we recommend starting of on a small hill rather than a big mountain. If you live in Calgary and want to learn how to ski, we recommend WinSport Canada Olympic Park. These smaller ski resorts are often much cheaper than the mountains and much less nerve-racking. You can also learn in the mountains, such as with ski Banff, but there’s a good chance you’ll be spending most of your time on what’s called the bunny hill, which seems like a waste considering the high ticket costs. In addition, ski rentals can be between $50-100, so that also adds up. If you want to take it seriously, we recommend buying a cheap pair of beginner skis or even a pre-owned pair from a used sporting goods shop.
3. Ice Skating on Iconic Outdoor Rinks
Considering how famous Canada is for its hockey players, how could we not mention ice skating? This is another fairly cheap activity, as all you need is a pair of skates! If you have your own pair, there are all sorts of places to go, including outdoor community rinks, frozen lakes, or even frozen rivers. If you’re in a popular destination such as Banff or Ottawa, many places rent skates for as low as $10. Some of the best places we’ve skated include the community rink within the town of Banff and the world-famous Rideau Canal, which is the longest skating rink in the world! The only challenge with ice skating is that it takes a lot of practice to become good at it!
4. Relax at Nordic Spas & Hot Springs in Winter
Few things feel better in winter than stepping into steaming hot water while snow falls around you — and Canada does this exceptionally well. Nordic spas and thermal experiences combine hot pools, saunas, cold plunges, and relaxation areas set in beautiful natural surroundings. Whether tucked into forests, mountains, or riversides, these spas turn winter into a wellness experience. It’s the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation, and an ideal winter activity for couples, solo travellers, or anyone who wants to warm up in style. However, if you can’t find a Nordic Spa, the next best thing is a natural hot spring. There are many around the Canadian Rockies, including Banff Hot Springs, Radium Hot Springs, and so many more.
5. Experience Dog-Sledding in the Canadian Winter
Many people who watch winter movies, especially those from Disney, dream of being pulled through a snow-covered forest by a team of dogs. Well, Canada is a great place to try it out! This activity is offered in the most popular winter destinations across Canada, including places like Whitehorse, Banff, Jasper, and Waskesiu. If winter tourism exists in the place you’re going, they will probably have dog-sledding. Most tours are at least 1-hour long, but some also offer overnight experiences for those who want to go further into the wilderness and spend a night at a cabin. We’ve only done this once in Waskesiu, Saskatchewan, and it was pretty cool. However, one thing to keep in mind is the reviews, as you want to make sure the operator is kind to their animals.
6. Go Snowshoeing Through Snow-Covered Landscapes
Perhaps the easiest and most accessible winter activity of them all is snowshoeing. Aside from winter clothing, the only thing you need is a pair of snowshoes, which you can typically rent for $15-25 per day or buy for about $150 or less. This makes it a relatively cheap activity to enjoy, and it’s also quite easy for most people. Basically, it is no different than walking. The snowshoes strap onto the bottom of your winter boots, giving you the ability to walk in deep snow. So, whether you find a nice park in the city or go out into the wilderness, this can be a really fun winter activity for everyone and a great way to get outdoors!
Want to go on a popular snowshoeing tour? Here are some options:
7. Celebrate Winter at Canada’s Festivals and Events
If you can make it to one of Canada’s famous winter festivals, then you’re bound to have an awesome time. Most of them feature things like ice sculptures, live music, skating, maple syrup taffy, and lots of family-friendly activities. The most famous of them all is the Quebec Winter Carnival, which also happens to be the largest winter festival in the world! Plus, it’s located just outside the walled city of Old Quebec, which is one of the most beautiful cities in the entire country. Another famous festival is Ottawa Winterlude, which is more of a weekend festival spread out over three weeks. However, that’s just two winter festivals.
Some of the other popular festivals from coast to coast to coast include:
- Montréal en Lumière (Montreal, QC): Food, lights, music, and Nuit Blanche turn the whole city into one giant, sleepless art crawl.
- Festival du Voyageur (Winnipeg, MB): Fur-trade history, snow sculptures, music, and maple taffy on snow. Winnipeg goes full French-Canadian, and it’s fantastic.
- Winter Festival of Lights (Niagara Falls, ON): Millions of twinkling lights brightening up one of the world’s most famous natural wonders. Winter dates just got an upgrade.
- Chinook Blast (Calgary, AB): Calgary’s winter comeback story: glowing art installations, live performances, and city-wide celebrations powered by that warm Chinook magic that makes Calgarians forget it’s actually February.
- Silver Skate Festival (Edmonton, AB): A perfect mix of sport, culture, and art. Think ice carving, winter sports, fire sculptures, and a massive folk-tale-inspired snow garden that feels like stepping into a frosty storybook.
- SnowDays Festival (Banff, AB): Towering ice sculptures, mountain views, and winter activities that make you feel like you’re starring in a national park commercial.
- Ice Magic Festival (Lake Louise, AB): World-class carvers create frozen masterpieces beside one of the most photographed lakes on Earth. It’s icy. It’s epic. It’s peak Canada.
- Jasper in January (Jasper, AB): A beloved Rockies tradition featuring skiing, food events, nightlife, and stargazing in one of Canada’s best dark sky preserves.
- Rossland Winter Carnival (Rossland, BC): Western Canada’s oldest winter festival, complete with street skiing (yes, they build a rail park downtown), parades, and mountain-town revelry.
- Yukon Sourdough Rendezvous (Whitehorse, YT): A northern classic with quirky competitions, can-can dancers, and a whole lot of frontier fun.
- FROST (Regina, SK): Multiple festival zones across the city are packed with skating, sculptures, food, rides, and big community energy.
- Snowking Winter Festival (Yellowknife, NT): A giant snow castle built by hand, complete with slides, concerts, and events inside an ever-changing icy fortress. Truly one of the North’s coolest traditions.
- Frostival (Fredericton, NB): Atlantic Canada’s winter pride-fest: outdoor adventures, arts events, foodie fun, music, and a whole lot of cozy charm.
- Dartmouth Ice Festival (Dartmouth, NS): Ice carving, live entertainment, light installations, and waterfront winter vibes.
Want to read more about winter festivals in Canada? Check out these articles below:
8. Stay in an Ice Hotel or Visit an Ice Bar
Spending a night in a hotel made entirely of ice sounds wild — because it is. Ice hotels, like Québec’s famous Hôtel de Glace, are rebuilt every winter and feature intricately carved ice suites, frozen art installations, ice bars, and even ice chapels. Even if you don’t stay overnight, visiting one of these frozen masterpieces is a uniquely Canadian experience that perfectly blends creativity, architecture, and winter culture. It’s cold, it’s surreal, and it’s one of those “only in winter, only in Canada” moments that visitors never forget. While we haven’t spent the night in an ice hotel, we did a tour of the Hôtel de Glace, and it was absolutely stunning. However, if you’re not in Quebec and can’t find an ice hotel, you might find an Ice Bar. We experienced an Ice Bar at Fernie Ski Resort, and it really takes sipping vodka to the next level.
9. Go Cross-Country Skiing in a Winter Wonderland
Another fun way to get outdoors is to go cross-country skiing. Since most trails are either free or very cheap (for example, some trails in Alberta’s Kananaskis are just $10 per day or $50 for the season), the biggest expense you’ll have is the skis and boots, which can be bought or rented. We always recommend renting first, but if you plan on making it a regular activity, you’ll save much more money by buying your own pair, whether new or used. It’s also much more convenient. A decent pair of skis and boots will be $500 or less.
Another benefit of cross-country skiing is that the trails are relatively flat, which makes it far less scary than coming down a steep mountain. This also makes cross-country skiing a great way to get exercise, as you’ll be using your legs to push you forward rather than gravity. A full day of cross-country skiing can burn upwards of 2,000 calories, so you can feel good about splurging on a decadent hot chocolate or gorging on a nice meal at a nearby restaurant after a day out in the cold.
10. Explore Frozen Waterfalls, Ice Caves & Ice Tunnels
Winter transforms familiar landscapes into something almost otherworldly. Waterfalls freeze into towering ice sculptures, caves fill with glowing blue ice, and tunnels form beneath snow and ice. Exploring these frozen natural wonders feels like stepping into another world — one that only exists for a short season each year. Whether viewed from trails or explored with guides, these icy formations are some of the most visually striking winter experiences in Canada.
11. Try Snowmobiling and Motorized Winter Adventures
Another fun and thrilling winter activity is snowmobiling. This is perhaps the most expensive winter activity of them all, but some people love it so much that they end up buying their own machine. For most people, however, and especially tourists, renting a snowmobile or going on a snowmobile tour is the best way to enjoy the activity. After all, a snowmobile can cost anywhere from $15,000 and up. They also require a trailer to tow behind a vehicle, as well as storage and maintenance. However, to simply go out and enjoy the wintery destinations of Canada on a snowmobile, joining a tour or renting one starts at about $200. Depending on the trails, these machines can go very fast, making them quite the thrill for those new to the sport. This is another reason why going with a professional can be the wiser choice. While I actually grew up riding snowmobiles for multiple days to isolated cabins, I’ve also joined a snowmobiling tour at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, which was a great way to experience snowmobiling in the mountains. Now that I don’t own a snowmobile or live close to the forest, renting one or joining a tour makes much more sense.
Check out this guide to the best Whistler snowmobile tours!
Read: Visiting Calgary or BC during the winter? Check out our guide to the best things to do in Golden, BC!
12. Enjoy Scenic Winter Hiking & Snow Walks
Not every winter adventure needs to involve speed or adrenaline. Winter hiking offers a quieter, slower way to explore Canada’s landscapes. Snow-covered trails, frozen waterfalls, wildlife tracks, and peaceful forests make winter hikes incredibly rewarding. Many trails remain accessible without snowshoes, making this a great option for travellers who want an outdoor experience without committing to a full winter sport. It’s proof that winter walking can be just as magical as summer hiking — if not more.
13. Go Ice Fishing on a Frozen Lake
If you’re looking for a fun winter activity that includes the potential of a fresh lunch, consider ice fishing! For those of you who have no idea what this is, it’s basically a sport where you cut a hole through the frozen surface of a lake, drop in your fishing line, and wait for a bite! It can be a cold experience due to the fact that you’re in the middle of a lake, standing on ice, but many people turn it into a popular pastime with heated huts and tents. If you ever drive by a big lake such as Lake Invermere in British Columbia, you’ll see a bunch of wooden huts out on the ice. These are basically mini-cabins with holes cut through the floor. This allows the ice fishers to get nice and warm, drop their hooks in the water, and really relax while waiting for a catch. Some people even have TV’s!
Now, for those of you without ice fishing gear, you will definitely need to rent one of these huts or go on a tour. As a visitor or someone just looking to try it out, it would be a big hassle and expense to get all the necessary equipment. Although I used to go ice fishing with my dad all the time in my hometown of Fort.McMurray, the only time I’ve gone since moving to Calgary was with a local tour on Whiteswan Lake, BC and in Waskesiu, Saskatchewan. They started a fire, helped us clean the fish, and even cooked them for us afterwards, making it a much easier time out.
Ice Fishing Tour in Whistler starting at $170.
14. Go on an Ice Climbing Adventure
For thrill-seekers, ice climbing is one of the most intense and rewarding winter adventures in Canada. Frozen waterfalls, ice walls, and natural ice formations become vertical playgrounds for climbers, especially in Quebec, Alberta, Ontario and British Columbia. Guided experiences make it accessible even for beginners, and there’s nothing quite like the adrenaline rush of climbing a frozen cascade surrounded by snow-covered cliffs. It’s challenging, empowering, and a reminder that winter in Canada isn’t just beautiful — it’s bold. We’ve now experienced this twice in the Rocky Mountains of Alberta, and it truly is an unforgettable experience. It’s one of those sports we never imagined ourselves doing, but now it’s become something we love.
15. Enjoy Tubing, Tobogganing, and Sledding
The only thing that differentiates these three activities is the type of device you ride down the hill on. This is probably the most popular winter activity for kids during the winter, but it’s actually a lot of fun for all ages. The size of the hill will determine how scary it can be, but in general, it’s a fairly safe and fun way to enjoy the snow. All you do is grab a tube, toboggan, or sled, walk with it to the top of a hill, and then slide down! Most cities in Canada have hills that they maintain throughout the city, all of which are free to use! All you need is something to slide down on, which you can typically rent or buy. However, to make it even easier, many ski resorts now offer tubing as well. Some examples include tubing at the inner city ski resort of WinSport in Calgary or a true mountain experience at Mt.Norquay in Banff! This makes it a lot easier to enjoy, as they not only provide the tubes but they even provide a mechanical lift to get you up the hill.
16. Go Fat-tire Biking Through Snowy Landscapes
This is the newest trend in winter sports, and it basically combines a traditional mountain bike with big fat tires that help you push through the snow. If you like biking, this is an excellent activity as it’s not much different and provides wonderful exercise during the winter. We actually went fat-tire biking at Panorama Mountain Resort in British Columbia, and it was a great way to enjoy the trails that weave their way throughout the mountain valley.
17. Watch or Play Pond Hockey & Outdoor Winter Sports
If winter had a national sport, this would be it. Pond hockey and outdoor skating are deeply rooted in Canadian culture, and winter is the best time to experience them firsthand. Frozen lakes, community rinks, and outdoor arenas pop up across the country, turning everyday winter days into spontaneous games and social gatherings. Whether you’re playing, watching, or just skating around, this is one of the most authentic ways to experience winter like a local.
While outdoor rinks can be found in most towns and cities across the country, there are also some very special pond hockey tournaments you might want to check out, including:
- World Pond Hockey Championships (Plaster Rock, NB): The granddaddy of them all. We’re not sure if this is still the largest in the world, but it certainly held claim to that title for part of its 20-year history. We actually entered a team and experienced this tournament first-hand in 2020. More than 20 5-person teams come here from all over the world. Small-town vibes and lots of love for Canada’s sport.
- Banff Pond Hockey Tournament
- Rossland Pond Hockey Tournament
- Ottawa Ice Dragon Pond Hockey Tournament
- Quebec’s Festival de Hockey Pond
18. Admire the Views from a Winter Helicopter Ride
Helicopter rides are always a super fun activity, but they can be extra special in the winter. Just imagine flying over a winter wonderland of snow! We’ve only experienced two winter helicopter flights so far, and it was in the Canadian Rockies! We flew over glaciers, ice-covered lakes, mountain peaks, and frozen waterfalls, stopping at an isolated location to go snowshoeing. It was incredible!
Both of our winter helicopter flights were with Rockies Heli Canada, which operates next to the famous Abraham Lake ice bubbles, in David Thompson Country. If you do go, make sure you witness the ice bubbles if it’s the right time of year.
While the Canadian Rockies are obviously a stunning place for a winter helicopter adventure, there are many other places to do this around the country.
19. Attend Christmas Markets
Christmas markets in Canada turn winter into something genuinely magical. As temperatures drop, town squares and city streets light up with twinkling displays, wooden vendor stalls, and the smell of mulled drinks and fresh treats in the air. Inspired by European traditions but infused with local flavour, Canadian Christmas markets showcase handmade gifts, regional food, live entertainment, and festive cheer that make braving the cold completely worth it. Whether you’re wandering with a hot drink, shopping for unique holiday finds, or soaking up the atmosphere with family and friends, Christmas markets capture the cozy, community-driven side of winter that Canadians do best.
Some popular Christmas markets include:
- Vancouver Christmas Market
- Banff Christmas Market
- Glow Christmas Market Edmonton
- Christkindl Market in Winnipeg
- Toronto Christmas Market
- Ottawa Christmas Market
- Blue Mountain Village Christmas Market
- Quebec City German Christmas Market
- Halifax Seaport Christmas Market
20. Attend a Winter Light Experience
Winter light experiences in Canada transform long, dark nights into full-on spectacles worth bundling up for. From massive outdoor light festivals to immersive walking trails and glowing installations, these events turn parks, waterfalls, and city streets into illuminated wonderlands. They’re designed for all ages, easy to enjoy at your own pace, and often paired with music, food vendors, and festive atmosphere. Best of all, winter light displays give people a reason to get outside after dark, proving that Canada’s coldest months can also be its brightest and most joyful.
Some winter light experiences include:
- Zoolights in Calgary
- Winter Festival of Lights in Niagara Falls
- Casa Loma Holiday Lights in Toronto
- VanDusen Festival of Lights in Vancouver
- Glow Christmas Festival in Edmonton
21. Try Winter Ziplining & Adventure Parks
Yes — ziplining in winter is absolutely a thing, and it’s incredible. Snowy forests, frosted treetops, and crisp air add a whole new layer of excitement to an already thrilling activity. Winter ziplining proves that adventure doesn’t stop when the temperature drops. For travellers looking for something unique, unexpected, and adrenaline-fuelled, this is a standout winter experience that delivers big views and even bigger smiles.
22. Go on a Stargazing Adventure and Admire the Dark Sky
Winter skies in Canada are next-level. Cold air means clearer conditions, fewer clouds, and incredible visibility for stargazing. In designated dark sky preserves and remote regions, you’ll see stars, planets, constellations — and sometimes even the Milky Way — like never before. Add snow-covered landscapes, frozen lakes, and total silence, and stargazing becomes a deeply peaceful winter experience. It’s perfect for photographers, night owls, or anyone who wants a quieter, more awe-inspiring way to experience Canada’s winter wilderness.
23. Enjoy Maple Taffy & Sugar Shack Experiences
Winter in Canada eventually leads to one delicious reward: maple syrup season. As temperatures start to swing between freezing nights and mild days, sugar shacks come alive with one of the country’s sweetest traditions — maple taffy on snow. Watching hot maple syrup poured onto fresh snow, then rolled onto a stick, is simple, nostalgic, and wildly satisfying. Pair that with hearty sugar shack meals, sleigh rides, and centuries-old traditions, and you’ve got a winter experience that’s as cultural as it is tasty. This is Canada in its purest (and stickiest) form, but keep in mind that this mainly occurs in parts of Ontario and Quebec.
24. Try Winter Camping & Hut Trips
Winter camping in Canada isn’t about roughing it — it’s about experiencing the outdoors in its most peaceful, untouched state. Snow-covered forests, frozen lakes, and star-filled skies create a totally different vibe than summer camping. From heated backcountry huts to guided overnight snowshoe or ski trips, winter camping lets you slow down, unplug, and truly immerse yourself in nature. Crackling fires, warm sleeping bags, and absolute silence make this a must-do for anyone craving a deeper connection with Canada’s wild side.
As you can see, the winter in Canada can be a really fun time of year! All you need to do is buy the right clothes and get outdoors. After all, there’s an old saying that stands true to this day. There’s no such thing as bad weather – just bad clothes! We hope we inspired you to try out some of these winter activities. Please leave us a comment below with your favourite winter activity or an activity you’d like to experience!
Want more of Canada? Check out these articles below:
- Calgary to Jasper
- Calgary to Lake Louise
- Banff to Jasper
- Johnston Canyon in the Winter
- Canada for Christmas
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