St. John\u2019s, NL<\/a><\/h2>\n![\"St.](\"http:\/\/expedia.blog.ca.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/st-johns-newfoundland-labrador-best-winter-destination.jpg\")
<\/a>Via Carolyn Parsons-Janes\/Shutterstock.com<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\nWho needs Santa hats and elf shoes when you can wear 18th-century mime masks? Don\u2019t knock it until you\u2019ve tried it! The Mummers Festival<\/strong> is a beloved folk tradition in St. John\u2019s<\/a> that spans Nov. 24 to Dec. 13. Participants dress up in mummer masks and outfits and enjoy the silly, fun spirit of the holiday.<\/p>\nOther winter attractions:<\/p>\n
\n- Go for a romantic ice skating outing around the Loop at Bannerman Park.<\/li>\n
- When it\u2019s cold and windy, nothing beats a bowl of lobster bisque. For some of the best bisque and chowder in the city, pull up a chair at John\u2019s Fish Exchange<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/p>\n
London, ON<\/a><\/h2>\n![\"Mother](\"http:\/\/expedia.blog.ca.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/london-ontario-top-winter-destination.jpg\")
<\/a>Via Microgen\/Shutterstock.com<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\nNow that it\u2019s winter, it\u2019s time to officially crack those knuckles, tug up that ski suit, and tighten the ski boots: It\u2019s time to hit the mountains. Which mountain do you tackle first? That would be Boler Mountain<\/strong>, my friend. On top of your usual skiing and snowboarding runs, there are also three tubing runs at 10 stories high, where you can hit 70 km\/h. Your mama might have a heart attack watching you go so fast.<\/p>\nOther winter attractions:<\/p>\n
\n- If you want to spend winter with sweaty men boasting a few missing teeth, we have the sport for you. Make your way to a London Knights<\/strong> hockey game, which take place through March.<\/li>\n
- London<\/a> isn\u2019t just a great place for winter sports, it\u2019s also one of the coziest cities in Canada<\/a>. Check out Heroes Comics<\/strong> and Grooves<\/strong> records to escape the snowy days.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/p>\n
Cambridge Bay, NU<\/h2>\n![\"Artic](\"http:\/\/expedia.blog.ca.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/winter-destination-canada-cambridge-bay-nunavut.jpg\")
<\/a>Via IB Photography\/Shutterstock.com<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\nTiny but mighty is one way to describe Cambridge Bay. Despite a population size of fewer than 2,000 folks, this area still finds its way onto \u201cBest of\u201d lists for winter holidays in Canada. Why? Community. There\u2019s the annual Christmas Bazaar<\/strong>, hosted at the local high school, along with holiday games and treats put on and made by volunteers. And trust us, if you want one of those white Christmases, the fresh powder of Nunavut puts the rest to shame.<\/p>\nOther winter attractions:<\/p>\n
\n- Learn more about the Arctic Coast region and the history of the area when you slip inside the Arctic Coast Visitors Centre<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
- Experience local flavours when you stop into Kitikmeot Foods<\/strong> and buy everything from Arctic char to muskox.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/p>\n
Sun Peaks, BC<\/a><\/h2>\n![\"Skier](\"http:\/\/expedia.blog.ca.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/sun-peaks-british-columbia-best-places-to-experience-winter-canada.jpg\")
<\/a>Via Harry Beugelink\/Shutterstock.com<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\nIt\u2019s winter, baby! And the west coast is calling your name. Big mountains, powdery snow, and all the cheese fondue you want. Sound good to you? Then make your way to Sun Peaks<\/a><\/strong>. This town has the second-largest ski area in the country (4,270 acres). And after you\u2019ve conquered the mountain, make your tummy happy with a trip to Sunburst Bar + Eatery<\/strong>, which features a three-course fondue dinner with a soundtrack of Swiss music in the background.<\/p>\nOther winter attractions:<\/p>\n
\n- Reel in the big whopper with Elevated Fishing Adventures,<\/strong> a tour company that takes you out on the ice. Bring a thermos of cider with you.<\/li>\n
- Fill your belly with true Canadian comfort food like bison and bannock when you make reservations at Voyageur Bistro<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/p>\n
January<\/h1>\nQuebec City, QC<\/a><\/h2>\n![\"Snowy](\"http:\/\/expedia.blog.ca.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/quebec-city-top-winter-city-canada.jpg\")
<\/a>Via Albert Pego\/Shutterstock.com<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\nIf they handed out prizes for best winter activities, Quebec City<\/a> would have a stash of trophies crowding the attic of their parents\u2019 house. After all, this is the city with the world famous H\u00f4tel de Glace<\/strong>, a 45-room hotel made of ice. Even the beds are made of ice, with a wooden springboard topped with Arctic sleeping bags for warmth. Rooms open from the first week of January to the end of March.<\/p>\nOther winter attractions:<\/p>\n
\n- Quebec Winter Carnival<\/strong> is one of best things to do in Canada in winter, hands down. Activities include ice sculpture workshops, a night parade, and an icy canoe race. Festivities start Feb. 8 and run through Feb. 17.<\/li>\n
- Snowy days were meant for museums. Put on your cutest winter outfit and head to Musee national des beaux-arts du Quebec<\/strong>, where you can examine nearly 40,000 works of Quebec art.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/p>\n
Cold Lake, AB<\/h2>\n![\"Ice](\"http:\/\/expedia.blog.ca.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/top-winter-destination-cold-lake-alberta.jpg\")
<\/a>Via giedre vaitekune\/Shutterstock.com<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\nWith a name like Cold Lake<\/a>, you might as well put up a neon sign that reads: best ice fishing location in the country. Lake trout are teeming here, as are sights of coffee thermoses and knitted tuques. For the best bites, drop your line in the morning. Just give it a few minutes, and you\u2019ll have a 5-7 kg beauty in no time.<\/p>\nOther winter attractions:<\/p>\n
\n- When you\u2019re ready to escape the cold, all you have to do is lock yourself in a room\u2014and try to get out. Pandora\u2019s Locks Cold Lake Escape Rooms<\/strong> offers several challenging spaces, where you need your wits to make it out.<\/li>\n
- Reclaim nostalgia when you grab a tube and slide down the snowy hills of Kinosoo Ridge<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/p>\n
Banff, AB<\/a><\/h2>\n![\"Skiing](\"http:\/\/expedia.blog.ca.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/banff-alberta-best-winter-destination-canada.jpg\")
<\/a>Via Brie Robertson\/Shutterstock.com<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\nYou didn\u2019t think we\u2019d have a best of winter list without Banff<\/a>, did you? Absolutely not. This destination is winter at its finest. There is, of course, some of the very best skiing and snowboarding in the country at the \u201cBig 3\u201d: Banff Sunshine, Mt. Norquay, and Lake Louise. Plus, there\u2019s tubing, snowmobiling, heliskiing, and even a cave tour if you weren\u2019t too scarred from watching \u201cThe Descent.\u201d<\/p>\nOther winter attractions:<\/p>\n
\n- If Frosty the Snowman took an annual vacation, he\u2019d go to SnowDays<\/strong>, one of the top winter activities in Banff. This 11-day festival from Jan. 16-27 includes snow sculptures, curling lessons, skate parties, and a carnival.<\/li>\n
- Update your Instagram stories when you lace up your skates (rentals can be found through Banff Adventures<\/strong>) and glide around natural venues like Lake Louise and Two Jack Lake.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/p>\n
Rossland, BC<\/a><\/h2>\n![\"Skiing](\"http:\/\/expedia.blog.ca.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/rossland-british-columbia-top-winter-city-in-canada.jpg\")
<\/a>Via Murray Foubister\/Flickr<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\nWhat\u2019s old, cold, and likes to party? The Rossland<\/a> Winter Carnival<\/strong>! This event is the oldest winter festival in the country, so bow down to the champion of festivities. Started in 1898 by a Norwegian miner named Olaus Jeldness, this party has only gotten bigger through the decades. The lineup includes: a family-friendly variety show, snow statues, ice bar, live music, pancake breakfast, bobsled racing, and luge lessons. Festivities kick off Jan. 24 and conclude Jan. 27.<\/p>\nOther winter attractions:<\/p>\n
\n- Snag some ski passes and head up to RED Mountain Resort<\/strong>. There are 110 runs over three mountains to test your skills on.<\/li>\n
- It\u2019s always the right season for beer. Slip into Rossland Beer Co<\/strong>. and try their award-winning brews that incorporate mountain water and punchy flavours.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/p>\n
Toronto, ON<\/a><\/h2>\n![\"Toronto,](\"http:\/\/expedia.blog.ca.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/toronto-ontario-best-winter-cities-canada.jpg\")
<\/a>Via Canadapanda\/Shutterstock.com<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\nIf some new fad diet is on your New Year\u2019s resolutions list, it\u2019s getting chucked out of the window when you visit Toronto<\/a> in January. Why? A little something called Winterlicious Toronto<\/strong>. For two weeks, over 200 restaurants around the city offer prix fixe menus with everything from sushi to beef cheeks to albacore tuna\u2014making it one of the best winter activities in Toronto. Loosen your belt before you arrive. (The event spans Jan. 25-Feb. 7).<\/p>\nOther winter attractions:<\/p>\n
\n- Ice skating in Nathan Phillips Square<\/strong> is simply iconic. It doesn\u2019t matter if you\u2019re any good on the slippery surface as long as you\u2019re standing in at least one pic on SnapChat. (Ice rentals end March 19.)<\/li>\n
- Sweet Jesus, yessss. If you want to find the best hot chocolate in town, Sweet Jesus<\/strong> is where you need to be. Their soft serve cones are absolutely bonkers, and they dial it up to 11 for their hot drinks. Expect hot chocolate topped with dark chocolate whipped cream, cream cheese icing, or toasted marshmallows, with flavors like Oreo and Maldon salt around the rim of the cup.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/p>\n
February<\/h1>\nGuelph, ON<\/a><\/h2>\n![\"Ice](\"http:\/\/expedia.blog.ca.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/guelph-ontario-a-top-canadian-winter-destination.jpg\")
<\/a>Via My Good Images\/Shutterstock.com<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\nYou\u2019re either the bravest person in the world or downright crazy to look at a frozen waterfall and say, \u201cYup, I\u2019m climbing up that sucker.\u201d If this sounds like you, you\u2019ll find your brethren of adventure-seekers in Guelph<\/a>, especially in nearby Elora Gorge. Try it yourself (with caution!) or turn to groups like One Axe Pursuits<\/strong> that will give you the dagger-sharp tools to scale that frozen sheet like a Yeti.<\/p>\nOther winter attractions:<\/p>\n
\n- Go for a graceful (or not) loop around the ice rink at Market Square<\/strong>\u2014a tradition in town.<\/li>\n
- Light up some glowsticks and take in a show at the Guelph Concert Theatr<\/strong>e<\/strong> or enjoy some live music at Jimmy Jazz.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/p>\n
Earltown, NS<\/h2>\n![\"Maple](\"http:\/\/expedia.blog.ca.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/earltown-nova-scotia-a-top-winter-destination-canada.jpg\")
<\/a>Via Kaytoo\/Shutterstock.com<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\nSome of us are Julia Child in the kitchen. Some of us keep fire extinguishers as handy as the pizza delivery number. But one thing we can agree on is that there are few things that beat freshly made pancakes swimming in maple syrup. Follow the maple trees to the magical Sugar Moon Farm<\/strong>. This family-run farm offers tours, all-day maple brunch, and sweet gifts. You can also enjoy traditional syrup on snow if you get there before the last day of February.<\/p>\nOther winter attractions:<\/p>\n
\n- Go snowshoeing at the exquisite Gully Lake Wilderness Area<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
- Stop into Earltown General Store<\/strong>, which has a nostalgic feel straight out of a Bing Crosby movie.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/p>\n
Ajax, ON<\/a><\/h2>\n![\"Frozen](\"http:\/\/expedia.blog.ca.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/ajax-ontario-top-winter-city-canada.jpg\")
<\/a>Via Edson Inniss\/Shutterstock.com<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\nCanada in winter is made for those perfect Instagram pictures that\u2019ll make your co-workers jealous. And we know the perfect photo spot: Ajax<\/a>, Ontario. Located less than 50 km from downtown Toronto, it\u2019s home to the lovely Greenwood Conservation Area<\/strong>. And if you\u2019re looking for a gentle landscape for cross-country skiing and tobogganing after the photo shoot, that\u2019s available, too.<\/p>\nOther winter attractions:<\/p>\n
\n- Find some hidden treasures when you spend a snowy day inside Roadshow Antiques South <\/strong>in nearby Pickering.<\/li>\n
- When the weather outside is frightful, a sizzling steak is delightful. Head to Ajax Keg<\/strong> for juicy rib-eyes so big, they could make a vegetarian cry.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/p>\n
Algonquin Park, ON<\/a><\/h2>\n![\"Winter](\"http:\/\/expedia.blog.ca.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/algonquin-park-ontario-best-winter-cities-canada.jpg\")
<\/a>Via Algonquin Outfitters\/Flickr<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\nWhat do you picture when you think of winter? S\u2019mores? Snow shoes? Earmuffs? We know a place that can help you live your best winter life when you spend a weekend in Algonquin Park<\/a><\/strong>. The popular stretch of wilderness has 32 km of cross-country ski trails. You can also find trails along Minnesing Ski Trail and Old Railroad Trail for toboggans and sleighs. Keep your eye out for Winter in the Wild<\/strong> on Feb. 16. The family event includes ice skating, BBQ, and guest speakers.<\/p>\nOther winter attractions:<\/p>\n
\n- Learn more about the park\u2019s history and see the landscape from the observation deck when you make a stop at the Algonquin Park Visitors Centre<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
- If you\u2019ve never gone cross-country skiing, now\u2019s the time to mark it off your list! Algonquin Park Cross Country Ski Tours<\/strong> offers private tours through March 20.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/p>\n
Kouchibouguac, NB<\/h2>\n![\"Fat](\"http:\/\/expedia.blog.ca.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/kouchibouguac-new-brunswick-top-winter-destination-canada.jpg\")
<\/a>Via McKerrell Photography\/Shutterstock.com<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\nJust because it\u2019s snowing out doesn\u2019t mean you have to put your cycling helmet on a shelf like a sad relic until spring returns. Fat biking, which involves pedaling a bike with extra-large wheels to handle the icy conditions, is a growing sport. Make a trip to Kouchibouguac<\/a> National Park<\/strong> for optimal sights and trails (Pijeboogwek offers bike rentals through March).<\/p>\nOther winter attractions:<\/p>\n
\n- This area has a ton of other winter sports. There\u2019s tobogganing down Patterson Hill, cross-country skiing across 15 km-worth of trails, and winter walking along trails that lead you to the Kouchibouguac Resort and old covered bridge.<\/li>\n
- Pick up a sweet treat, like fresh cinnamon rolls and slices of pie, when you stop into Lafiouk Diner<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
The weather outside may be frightful, but these top winter getaways offer just enough spice, thrills, and festivities to make the season bright. Happy winter!<\/p>\n
Header image via Harry Beugelink\/Shutterstock.com<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
<\/a>Who needs Santa hats and elf shoes when you can wear 18th-century mime masks? Don\u2019t knock it until you\u2019ve tried it! The Mummers Festival<\/strong> is a beloved folk tradition in St. John\u2019s<\/a> that spans Nov. 24 to Dec. 13. Participants dress up in mummer masks and outfits and enjoy the silly, fun spirit of the holiday.<\/p>\n Other winter attractions:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Now that it\u2019s winter, it\u2019s time to officially crack those knuckles, tug up that ski suit, and tighten the ski boots: It\u2019s time to hit the mountains. Which mountain do you tackle first? That would be Boler Mountain<\/strong>, my friend. On top of your usual skiing and snowboarding runs, there are also three tubing runs at 10 stories high, where you can hit 70 km\/h. Your mama might have a heart attack watching you go so fast.<\/p>\n Other winter attractions:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Tiny but mighty is one way to describe Cambridge Bay. Despite a population size of fewer than 2,000 folks, this area still finds its way onto \u201cBest of\u201d lists for winter holidays in Canada. Why? Community. There\u2019s the annual Christmas Bazaar<\/strong>, hosted at the local high school, along with holiday games and treats put on and made by volunteers. And trust us, if you want one of those white Christmases, the fresh powder of Nunavut puts the rest to shame.<\/p>\n Other winter attractions:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n It\u2019s winter, baby! And the west coast is calling your name. Big mountains, powdery snow, and all the cheese fondue you want. Sound good to you? Then make your way to Sun Peaks<\/a><\/strong>. This town has the second-largest ski area in the country (4,270 acres). And after you\u2019ve conquered the mountain, make your tummy happy with a trip to Sunburst Bar + Eatery<\/strong>, which features a three-course fondue dinner with a soundtrack of Swiss music in the background.<\/p>\n Other winter attractions:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n If they handed out prizes for best winter activities, Quebec City<\/a> would have a stash of trophies crowding the attic of their parents\u2019 house. After all, this is the city with the world famous H\u00f4tel de Glace<\/strong>, a 45-room hotel made of ice. Even the beds are made of ice, with a wooden springboard topped with Arctic sleeping bags for warmth. Rooms open from the first week of January to the end of March.<\/p>\n Other winter attractions:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n With a name like Cold Lake<\/a>, you might as well put up a neon sign that reads: best ice fishing location in the country. Lake trout are teeming here, as are sights of coffee thermoses and knitted tuques. For the best bites, drop your line in the morning. Just give it a few minutes, and you\u2019ll have a 5-7 kg beauty in no time.<\/p>\n Other winter attractions:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n You didn\u2019t think we\u2019d have a best of winter list without Banff<\/a>, did you? Absolutely not. This destination is winter at its finest. There is, of course, some of the very best skiing and snowboarding in the country at the \u201cBig 3\u201d: Banff Sunshine, Mt. Norquay, and Lake Louise. Plus, there\u2019s tubing, snowmobiling, heliskiing, and even a cave tour if you weren\u2019t too scarred from watching \u201cThe Descent.\u201d<\/p>\n Other winter attractions:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n What\u2019s old, cold, and likes to party? The Rossland<\/a> Winter Carnival<\/strong>! This event is the oldest winter festival in the country, so bow down to the champion of festivities. Started in 1898 by a Norwegian miner named Olaus Jeldness, this party has only gotten bigger through the decades. The lineup includes: a family-friendly variety show, snow statues, ice bar, live music, pancake breakfast, bobsled racing, and luge lessons. Festivities kick off Jan. 24 and conclude Jan. 27.<\/p>\n Other winter attractions:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n If some new fad diet is on your New Year\u2019s resolutions list, it\u2019s getting chucked out of the window when you visit Toronto<\/a> in January. Why? A little something called Winterlicious Toronto<\/strong>. For two weeks, over 200 restaurants around the city offer prix fixe menus with everything from sushi to beef cheeks to albacore tuna\u2014making it one of the best winter activities in Toronto. Loosen your belt before you arrive. (The event spans Jan. 25-Feb. 7).<\/p>\n Other winter attractions:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n You\u2019re either the bravest person in the world or downright crazy to look at a frozen waterfall and say, \u201cYup, I\u2019m climbing up that sucker.\u201d If this sounds like you, you\u2019ll find your brethren of adventure-seekers in Guelph<\/a>, especially in nearby Elora Gorge. Try it yourself (with caution!) or turn to groups like One Axe Pursuits<\/strong> that will give you the dagger-sharp tools to scale that frozen sheet like a Yeti.<\/p>\n Other winter attractions:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Some of us are Julia Child in the kitchen. Some of us keep fire extinguishers as handy as the pizza delivery number. But one thing we can agree on is that there are few things that beat freshly made pancakes swimming in maple syrup. Follow the maple trees to the magical Sugar Moon Farm<\/strong>. This family-run farm offers tours, all-day maple brunch, and sweet gifts. You can also enjoy traditional syrup on snow if you get there before the last day of February.<\/p>\n Other winter attractions:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Canada in winter is made for those perfect Instagram pictures that\u2019ll make your co-workers jealous. And we know the perfect photo spot: Ajax<\/a>, Ontario. Located less than 50 km from downtown Toronto, it\u2019s home to the lovely Greenwood Conservation Area<\/strong>. And if you\u2019re looking for a gentle landscape for cross-country skiing and tobogganing after the photo shoot, that\u2019s available, too.<\/p>\n Other winter attractions:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n What do you picture when you think of winter? S\u2019mores? Snow shoes? Earmuffs? We know a place that can help you live your best winter life when you spend a weekend in Algonquin Park<\/a><\/strong>. The popular stretch of wilderness has 32 km of cross-country ski trails. You can also find trails along Minnesing Ski Trail and Old Railroad Trail for toboggans and sleighs. Keep your eye out for Winter in the Wild<\/strong> on Feb. 16. The family event includes ice skating, BBQ, and guest speakers.<\/p>\n Other winter attractions:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Just because it\u2019s snowing out doesn\u2019t mean you have to put your cycling helmet on a shelf like a sad relic until spring returns. Fat biking, which involves pedaling a bike with extra-large wheels to handle the icy conditions, is a growing sport. Make a trip to Kouchibouguac<\/a> National Park<\/strong> for optimal sights and trails (Pijeboogwek offers bike rentals through March).<\/p>\n Other winter attractions:<\/p>\n The weather outside may be frightful, but these top winter getaways offer just enough spice, thrills, and festivities to make the season bright. Happy winter!<\/p>\n Header image via Harry Beugelink\/Shutterstock.com<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"\n
London, ON<\/a><\/h2>\n
<\/a>\n
Cambridge Bay, NU<\/h2>\n
<\/a>\n
Sun Peaks, BC<\/a><\/h2>\n
<\/a>\n
January<\/h1>\n
Quebec City, QC<\/a><\/h2>\n
<\/a>\n
Cold Lake, AB<\/h2>\n
<\/a>\n
Banff, AB<\/a><\/h2>\n
<\/a>\n
Rossland, BC<\/a><\/h2>\n
<\/a>\n
Toronto, ON<\/a><\/h2>\n
<\/a>\n
February<\/h1>\n
Guelph, ON<\/a><\/h2>\n
<\/a>\n
Earltown, NS<\/h2>\n
<\/a>\n
Ajax, ON<\/a><\/h2>\n
<\/a>\n
Algonquin Park, ON<\/a><\/h2>\n
<\/a>\n
Kouchibouguac, NB<\/h2>\n
<\/a>\n