The weather in Canada can be cold and gloomy in the winter, but that shouldn’t stop you from visiting. With fewer tourists around, big cities like Toronto, Montreal, and Ottawa show their true charm. Winter is actually one of the best times to visit if you want to experience the real vibe of the country. A helpful tip: Be sure to apply for an ETA before you go. It’s cheaper than a visa, and most travelers from Britain and Europe can apply for it.
Locals in Canada host fun festivals, and there are plenty of activities to enjoy, like ice skating, Christmas markets, and more. Since it’s quieter, you won’t have to wait in long lines or fight for space at attractions and museums. Plus, hotel prices drop, so you can save money. Winter is one of the best times to visit Canada. Here’s why!
1. Save Money:
If you want a budget-friendly trip, visiting Canada in winter is a great way to save money. While prices go up during the holiday season, visiting in quieter months like November or January can help you save a lot. Flights to Montreal won’t be as crowded, so you can get cheaper tickets. Hotels are also quieter because fewer tourists are around, which means you can get a better room at a lower price. Many tourist attractions and activities may cost less too because of the lower demand.
2. Winterlude in Ottawa:
Canadians have a festival to celebrate the cold weather! Winterlude lasts for three weeks in January and February, featuring a global ice sculpting competition, with incredible sculptures displayed around Ottawa. All five miles of the Rideau Canal turn into the world’s largest outdoor skating rink, perfect for sports lovers. If you’re traveling with kids, don’t miss Snowflake Kingdom, the world’s largest snow playground.
3. Winter licious in Toronto:
Whether or not you think the name is cheesy, visitors to Toronto in winter won’t be disappointed with Winterlicious, the annual restaurant week. If you love food, it’s definitely worth planning a trip to Toronto just for this event. Winterlicious takes place from the end of January to early February, giving you the chance to enjoy delicious meals at great prices.
You can save money while eating at some of the city’s most popular restaurants, like Parts & Labor, known for its tasty scallion pancakes and pigtails. Mildred’s Temple Kitchen offers comforting food, perfect for warming up on cold days. Another great spot is La Société in Yorkville, a popular hangout for locals and visitors alike. It’s a fantastic opportunity to try amazing food without breaking the bank!
4. Toronto’s Underground PATH System:
Toronto’s underground PATH system is a great place to escape the freezing cold above ground. With nineteen miles of shops and restaurants, it’s the world’s largest underground shopping complex and a must-see if you want to stay warm. Inside, you’ll find popular high street brands and unique boutiques. There are also several top-rated restaurants, like Tundra, which serves Canadian-inspired dishes, and Blowfish, one of the city’s most loved sushi spots. It’s the perfect place to shop, eat, and stay cozy in the winter!
5. Igloo Fest in Montreal:
Only in Montreal can you dance to powerful techno music on a frozen waterfront, surrounded by 19th-century buildings. Igloo Fest takes over downtown Montreal’s Old Port for four weekends, from mid-January to early February. During this time, you can enjoy performances by some of the world’s top DJs. Big names like Girl Unit from Britain, Flosstradamus from the USA, and Gui Boratto from Brazil will be there, making it an unforgettable music event. It’s the perfect combination of cool beats, beautiful scenery, and exciting vibes!
6. Montreal and Lumiere:
For a more cultural experience in Montreal, check out the Montreal Lumière (Montreal in Lights) festival, which runs for two and a half weeks starting in mid-February. It’s one of the world’s largest winter festivals, bringing people downtown with amazing food and top performances. You can sample some of the best cheese from Quebec and enjoy all-night cultural and artistic events during Montreal’s Nuit Blanche. It’s a perfect chance to experience the city’s vibrant arts scene while enjoying delicious local treats.
7. Maple Farm Tours:
Sugar season in Canada happens between February and mid-April, making it the perfect time to visit if you want to see how maple syrup is made. At Sugar Moon maple farm in Tatamagouche, you can take a tour to learn about the maple syrup-making process. During the visit, you’ll also get to try maple taffy, a classic Canadian treat. To make it, hot syrup is poured onto fresh snow and rolled onto a stick.
8. Carnival de Quebec:
If you’re planning to visit Quebec in the winter, try to time your trip with the two-week carnival. The people of Quebec are famous for their love of life, and the carnival is one of the most exciting events of the year, with lots of indoor and outdoor activities. You can attend ceremonies at the huge Ice Palace or enjoy a masquerade ball at the famous Chateau Frontenac. Be sure to check out the fun parades, both day and night, led by the mascot Bonhomme Carnival. This event is definitely one to remember!
9. Winnipeg’s Festival du Voyageur:
The Festival du Voyageur is held in Saint Boniface, in Winnipeg’s French Quarter, for ten days. It celebrates Canada’s fur-trading history and French culture. Since it began in 1970, it has become one of the biggest festivals in the country. The festival includes live music, snow sculptures, and tasty traditional Canadian food. During the event, the River Walkway opens, and architects from all over the world submit designs for creative warming huts on the ice in the ‘Art and Architecture Competition on Ice’.
10. Whistler Blackcomb:
Undoubtedly, one of the main attractions for visiting Canada in the winter is skiing. Just to the north of Vancouver lies Whistler Blackcomb, which is among the largest ski resorts in North America and served as a venue for the 2010 Olympics. It is a highly sought-after destination for those eager to enjoy a genuine Canadian winter ski getaway. Additionally, if you’re looking for a respite from skiing, there are numerous other winter activities available, including ample opportunities for snowshoeing, hiking, and tobogganing in and around the area.
11. See Polar Bears:
Finally, experiencing Canada during winter can offer views that you might have only encountered on holiday cards. In Manitoba’s remote village of Churchill, many tourists flock each year to observe some of the local wildlife—polar bears! The ideal months for a visit are October and November, as this is when the ice starts to form on the bay and seals, which are the primary prey for polar bears, begin to appear in large quantities.
Conclusion
Experiencing winter in Canada is incredibly exciting! Whether you’re skiing at Whistler Blackcomb, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of events like Winterlude, or treating yourself to some delicious maple syrup, there’s a wealth of fun awaiting you. The cities exude charm, the snowy landscapes are stunning, and numerous activities will ensure your trip is memorable. So, put on your warm clothing, secure your tickets, and prepare to create fantastic winter memories in Canada.
Pingback: Great Smoky Mountains: Best Trails & Views in Tennessee & North Carolina