10 Canadian winter experiences that should be on your bucket list
The best way to enjoy the Canadian winter is to find activities that make you look forward to when the weather drops below zero, instead of dreading it.
Winter in the True North offers some of the most awe-inspiring views and unique glimpses into nature and wildlife, from skiing to sledding to storm watching.
We’ve rounded up a list of Canadian winter experiences you have to do once in your life.
Storm watch on Vancouver Island in BC
The trend of winter storm watching debuted in the mid-’90s, and with more and more travellers sharing it on social media, it’s gone viral. Travel to Tofino on Vancouver Island for an otherworldly escape in the winter.
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This surfer’s paradise shifts in the winter when the weather bounces between sunny days, sideways rain, and dramatic skies. For the best views of the impressive swells on Chesterman Beach, book your stay at the Wickaninnish Inn.
See the polar bears in Churchill, Manitoba
Located on the western shores of Hudson’s Bay, this small Manitoba town is one of the only places to see polar bears out of captivity.
Churchill is known as the polar bear capital of the world, and visitors flock year-round to explore this piece of unspoiled nature.
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Ice Walk at Maligne Canyon in Jasper National Park in Alberta
Located within Jasper National Park, Maligne Canyon is the deepest accessible canyon within the park.
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During the winter months, explore the canyon on an ice walk tour that will take you to explore the frozen waterfalls and ice caves.
Visit Bonhomme’s Ice Palace at Carnival
For a family-friendly winter experience, travel to Quebec City to attend the Québec Winter Carnival. Each weekend, there are several activities like ice and snow sculpture carving, night parades, and an ice canoe race to embrace winter in style. Be sure not to miss Bonhomme’s Ice Palace, built yearly out of ice and snow and serves as the focal point.
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Go dog sledding in the winter in Saskatchewan
Prince Albert National Park’s glittering lakes and boreal forests make the perfect backdrop for dog sledding with Sundogs Sled Excursions.
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For a truly one-of-a-kind winter escape, staff will also arrange your room at Elk Ridge Lodge to spend a few days in the snow.
Icefish for oysters in Prince Edward Island
Try ice fishing for oysters with Tranquility Cove Adventures for a private wintertime experience on the Brudenell River.
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In the winter, oysters are often plumper and juicier as they fatten up to hibernate.
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Go heli-skiing in Golden, BC
If you’re an expert skier and a thrill-seeker, then heli-skiing might be the thing for you. CMH Heli-Skiing takes you to the top of untouched backcountry terrain near Golden in BC. This region boasts over 500,000 acres of mountain range, making it the perfect spot for a guided excursion with a small group.
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Stay up late to see the northern lights in the Yukon
If your bucket list includes seeing the northern lights, one of your best chances is in the Yukon. This northern territory has the longest season for aurora borealis, from mid-August to late April.
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To see them, join a tour group like the Klondike Experience, which travels to Dawson City on a guided trip and into nature. Or, book your stay at the Southern Lakes Resort on Tagish Lake to catch a glimpse from your cabin.
Be serenaded by seal pups in the Îles de la Madeleine, Quebec
For animal lovers, you’ll want to add the Îles de la Madeleine in Quebec to your list. Every winter, beginning in late February, tons of adorable harp seals make their way to ice floes surrounding the islands to give birth to their pups.
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Reserve your trip with Château Madelinot, which will transport you to the ice via helicopter.
Drink ice wine in Niagara-on-the-Lake in Ontario
While this bucket list adventure is reserved for those 19+, travel to Niagara-on-the-Lake in Ontario to see the snow-covered vineyards. The frost and snow freeze the grapes on the vine to create a syrupy, sweet dessert wine paired best with a bold cheese or sugary dessert.
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For some of the best ice wines, stop by Inniskillin Estate Winery to try its Chardonnay Icewine, Reif Estate Winery for its Grand Cabernet Franc Icewine, and Pillitteri Estate Winery for a glass of Gewürztraminer Icewine.
What are some of your favourite Canadian winter experiences? Share with other Daily Hive readers in the comments below.
This article was originally published on February 3, 2022.
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