From ziplining to natural hot springs, read on to discover why nowhere does winter like Canada.
Glide into winter
Canada’s turquoise lakes and natural waterways serve up adventures of a different kind during winter. Lace up your ice-skates and take your pick from hundreds of natural and man-made rinks across the country. There’s nothing more quintessentially Canadian than tracing figure eights across the frozen expanse of Lake Louise, Alberta, framed by the majestic Rocky Mountains. In central British Columbia, the festive village atmosphere of Sun Peaks Resort makes its open-air ice rink the perfect way to engage in this much-loved Canadian pastime.
Sashay across Beaver Lake at the base of Mont Royal in Montreal or head to the man-made rink in the Old Port. At Village Vacances Valcartier, half an hour from Quebec City, explore the forest skating trail meandering more than a kilometre through the largest winter playground in North America, complete with lighting and sound systems.
For a skating experience that comes with bragging rights back home, Canada’s capital city of Ottawa, Ontario, boasts the longest natural trail in the world. Extending more than 7.8 kilometres, the frozen Rideau Canal draws thousands of visitors every year. Grab a fresh BeaverTail (think giant cinnamon donut without a hole in the centre) and a hot chocolate and shimmy your way from downtown to Dow’s Lake.
A howling good time
From dog-sledding to ziplining, Canada’s high-octane winter excursions are the stuff of bucket-list dreams.
After an exhilarating day on the slopes at world-renowned Whistler and Blackcomb, maintain your excitement levels with an evening zipline escapade through the old growth forest. There’s nothing quite like zipping through the pristine tranquility of a snow fall on Whistler’s iconic mountains. Soft twinkling lights line the course, revealing themselves as dusk and evening set-in, creating an enchanting atmosphere. With each leap into the sky, you’re suspended between dense snow-capped trees, like a snowflake taking flight, floating through one of the most popular winter playgrounds on the planet.
For an unforgettable off-grid excursion, head to Sky High Wilderness Ranch, owned by the Kwanlin Dün First Nation, in north-western Yukon Territory, where you’ll learn to mush your own team of excited huskies. Breathe the crisp mountain air and take off across frozen Fish Lake, framed by the snow-drenched trees of the Coastal Mountains, with only the rhythmic panting of the huskies breaking the exquisite silence.
It’s impossible not to feel a deep connection to the land, cared for by the Kwanlin Dün First Nation for generations. It’s more than just a thrilling ride, it’s a journey through a timeless wilderness, guided by the strength and spirit of the dogs and the stories of the land itself.
Maligne Canyon, Jasper
Rocking the rails
Romance the rails through the snow-drenched Canadian Rockies on the VIA Rail Snow Train from Vancouver to Jasper. Roll along the banks of the North Thompson River through the Cariboo Mountains, a veritable winter snow dome. Keep the camera poised for 360-degree views of the crystalline landscape from the dome-roofed panorama car. Sip on award-winning Okanagan wine, listen to live music and get to know your fellow passengers as you watch the sun set over the towering mountains.
Tucked into your snug sleeper cabin, the gentle rocking of the train and the quiet hum of the rails become your lullaby as snowflakes swirl past the window. Awaken in Jasper and alight to explore this story-book-perfect Rocky Mountain town. Hit the slopes in Jasper National Park or join the Maligne Canyon Ice walk, where you’ll stroll directly along the frozen floor of the deepest canyon in Jasper National Park.
Niagara: A frozen wonder-fall
Visiting Niagara Falls during winter is nothing short of a frozen fairytale. Picture the world-famous falls tumbling, and the rising mist transforming into sparkling ice formations. The crowds of summer give way to serene, snow-covered paths and at night the falls are illuminated, with colourful lights and glowing ice shimmering together like magic.
Running from mid-November to January, the annual Winter Festival of Lights is Canada’s largest free outdoor light festival, transforming the Niagara region into a dazzling display of more than three million lights. Take a stroll along the Hot Chocolate Trail, steaming mug in hand, and explore the sparkling self-guided trail that takes in delicious stops of chocolatey concoctions created by chocolatiers, chefs and mixologists across Niagara Falls. With more than 20 stops and over 30 delicious flavours to sip and savour, winter never tasted so good.
Discover more: www.keepexploring.com.au
