Top winter vacation destinations in Canada

In winter, Canada turns into an enchanting wonderland of snow-capped peaks, sparkling waterways and sprawling valleys with rare wildlife. If you want to experience the Great White North over the winter season, here are the top winter destinations in Canada to plan your retreat.

1. Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is a popular destination in all seasons, but it has a unique beauty in winter. The trio of spectacular waterfalls are even more enchanting with ice and snow, which you can see at places like the Observation Tower and the Niagara Gorge Discovery Center. The city hosts the annual Niagara Icewine Festival in winter. The festival includes vineyard tastings of the sweet and unique dessert wine, along with food and wine pairings for a culinary adventure.

2. Halifax

Located in Nova Scotia, Halifax is one of the best winter destinations for a holiday experience. The city is famous for maple syrup and maple treats, which can be found at local restaurants and cafes. You could also enjoy a sleigh ride or tobogganing, or take to the slopes for excellent skiing and snowboarding experiences. Halifax has many museums and parklands, such as the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic and the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site, which you can visit in winter.

3. Prince Edward Island

While Prince Edward Island draws visitors with its red sand beaches in summer, it can be just as exciting in winter. The island is home to the Brookevale Winter Activity Park, a fun parkland with adventurous outdoor activities like snowboarding, cross-country skiing, alpine skiing and snowshoeing. You could also escape the cold with sightseeing in town, such as visiting the historic Government House mansion and St. Dunstan’s Basilica Cathedral. Another highlight of Prince Edward Island is the Anne of Green Gables Museum at Silver Bush, the historic author’s home and garden.

4. Toronto

If you want more of a city break with a wide range of things to see and do in winter, Toronto offers endless opportunities for fun. Toronto is home to many festivals and events, such as Winterlicious, a gourmet food festival, and you can see an exciting hockey game live in the city. There are plenty of indoor attractions as well, such as the iconic CN Tower, the fascinating Royal Ontario Museum and the interesting Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada for a well-rounded retreat.

5. Calgary

One of the best winter destinations for a city break is Calgary, the cosmopolitan city in Albert with an array of things to do and see. The city is not only home to the National Hockey League’s Calgary Flames, which play in the city, but you can also go dog sledding around the city. For more winter activities, you can try cross-country skiing, ice climbing and ice fishing in Banff National Park or Fish Creek National Park.

6. Newfoundland

There’s plenty to see and do in winter in Newfoundland. You can take part in thrilling winter sports like skiing, cross-country skiing, snowboarding and snowmobiling, to try some winter hiking and mountain biking in the wilderness of Marble Mountain. Newfoundland has many vast national parks as well, which have open trails and vista points in winter for spectacular views of snow-capped peaks and glistening waterways. In town, you can find cultural attractions like the Rooms, a cultural centre and art museum, or George Street, a vibrant street known for its restaurants and nightlife.

Plan your winter trip

Canada has an array of exciting destinations for a winter break. Visit Expedia to check out Prince Edward Island vacations and Calgary vacations to see what deals are available for your seasonal trip!