For some people, winter means staying inside, keeping warm in front of the fire, and sipping hot cocoa. However, there’s plenty you can do to have some fun even when it’s cold. Whether you’re a visitor from abroad or a native Canadian, there is much to see in winter to have a good time.
Canada has a fun tourist season, with plenty of annual events to draw in local and overseas visitors. That said, there are still plenty of activities to see in winter to spice up the season. Most people live within driving distance of a dozen or so events, so you may just have your pick of places to see. However, you may want to try out some of the lesser-known events for a new kind of experience. Visit these hidden gems to get a glimpse of Canada you may not have seen before.
1. Lake Abraham – If you’re the type who likes taking striking pictures of landscapes, a visit to Lake Abraham might be right up your alley. The frozen landscape offers great shots you can take to immortalize your trip and show off once you get home. The real draw of Lake Abraham is the frozen bubbles trapped under the ice. Trapped methane in the lake forms the bubbles as the lake freezes, trapping the gas as they rise to the surface. Visit Preacher’s Point, the Belly of Abraham, or the stretch Hoodoo Creek and David Thompson Resort to get the clearest view of the bubbles you can find. Weather conditions can be tricky, so be prepared to hunt around for the perfect spot.
2. Sudbury – Winter means ice and snow, and that means fun outdoor activities like ice skating, ice fishing, and sleigh riding. You’ll find plenty of that in Sudbury, Ontario. Visit Wagonwheel Ranch for a scenic sleigh ride and enjoy the winter landscape while it lasts. If you want to enjoy the winter on your own two feet, strap on some snowshoes or skis. Sudbury features some of Ontario’s most striking cross-country ski trails. There are also plenty of indoor attractions to help you beat the cold. Head to Science North for some edutainment fun for the whole family. If you’re looking for more physical fare, visit ARC Climbing + Yoga; they offer 7000 sq. ft. of indoor rock climbing for all levels.
3. Carnaval de Quebec – Winter can turn a city into a winter wonderland. Take Quebec City; from February 7 – 16, the city features the Carnaval de Quebec, a giant winter festival to show off the city’s attractions in the middle of the season. If you’re in an adventurous mood, head on to the Christie North Slope, the city’s new snow sliding site, featuring a 300-foot long incline. For the more musically-inclined, check out the Sapporo Electro Frette, where you can catch the musical stylings of DJs from all over the world. And to top it all off, keep an eye out for the Hydro-Quebec Parade on the 8th and 15th of the month. It’ll be a smorgasbord of great music, colourful lights, dance numbers, and circus performances.
4. Saskatchewan Provincial Parks – Saskatchewan features plenty of parks to visit this holiday season. Saskatchewan has plenty of clean air and natural beauty, so you can enjoy a great winter landscape away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Go cross-country skiing on the park trails to get an intimate look at the wintry landscapes. One of the really big draws is seeing the northern lights. Check the weather forecasts for clear nights and keep an eye out for a dazzling natural light show.
5. Ottawa Winterlude Festival – It isn’t really winter without a winter festival. Head over to Ottawa to partake in the Winterlude Festival. There’s plenty to marvel at with this annual festival. Check out Jacques Cartier Park, which becomes an all-ages winter wonderland with tube sliding, skiing, and zip lining to get the blood pumping. You can also visit Rideau Canal Skateway, the world’s largest naturally ice skating rink for some great ice skating fun. Save the 7th and 8th of February for the BeaverTails Ottawa Ice Dragon Boat Festival and watch dragon boats specially-fitted ice blades skate down the frozen skateway! For your ease of access, Ottawa also offers free bus shuttles between sites to help you get around and enjoy yourself.
6. Grand Falls – You might have seen falls before, but have you seen them in winter? When winter comes, Grand Falls in New Brunswick freezes over, turning them into breathtaking columns of ice. Take some pictures to immortalize the moment and take something with you when you get back home. While you’re at it, take some time to visit the Frostival from January 16 to February 2. There’s a wide range of activities to enjoy, from cross-country trails to dance performances. Save the end of January to catch the Shivering Songs Homecoming and enjoy three days of live music.
7. Wavelength Winter Music Festival – Winter can be a fun time if you know how to do it right. You can find plenty of sights to see in the GTA, like enjoying some live music. Visit the Wavelength Winter Music Festival for four days of some of the best the independent music scene has to offer. This year is also Wavelength’s 20th anniversary, so they’re bringing in 20 bands to mark the occasion. You can also find plenty of visual art installations and immersive projections to give the eyes a feast in between groups.
8. Assiniboine Park Zoo – Canada boasts plenty of exotic wildlife, and where better to see them than in a zoo? Visit Assiniboine Park Zoo to get a glimpse of some northern wildlife like polar bears, wolves, muskoxen, and arctic foxes. The zoo offers guided tours with experienced tour guides who can help you see the animals in an all-new light. You can also take the experience to the next level on the weekends; that’s when the zoo offers weekend zoo chats to give you new insights on animals and get to know them a little better. And when it’s all over, swing by the gift shops to get some fun memorabilia.
Whether you’re a newcomer or you’ve seen Canada before, there’s plenty to see that can make each visit something new. The great thing about exploring is that you never know when you might find some new discovery. Even the places you’ve visited before can become something novel and magical if you keep your eyes open. Whether you’re on a hike or taking a bus tour, stay vigilant during your visit; you never know what might suddenly turn up from behind a corner.
When you need a safe and reliable charter bus service at a competitive price, look no further than Parkinson Coach Lines. We offer a wide range of services throughout the Greater Toronto Area so you can go anywhere and see everything our city has to offer.
Call us at (905) 451-4776 or visit our contact page to get in touch. Remember, you can always count on us to put your safety and comfort first.