6 ways you can enjoy winter in Canada

life • December 1, 2023

While winter in Canada can be chilly, it's also a time of breathtaking beauty and fun experiences. If you're wondering how to make the most of your winter in Canada, we've got you covered! Here are 6 ways to ensure that your winter in Canada is as exceptional as it can be.

Bundle up

The Norwegians say: “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes”. The saying applies to Canada as well! It’s time to bundle up, so put on your warmest and most stylish winter gear.

To ensure that you stay warm and cozy this winter, we recommend you invest in the following:

• a warm winter coat;
• sturdy, waterproof winter boots;
• sweaters to layer underneath your coat; and
• accessories, such as a hat, a scarf and gloves.

Enjoy the snow

Don’t be shy; jump into the snow! There are so many fun things you can do in the snow, like building a snowman with a carrot nose and button eyes. If you're feeling competitive, join some friends and build a snow fort for a snowball fight. You can also find a snowy hill near you and slide it down on a sledge. Finally, nothing is more calming than a long walk in a snow-covered forest or park.

Practice winter sports

For winter sports enthusiasts, there’s nothing quite like Canada! The country transforms into a playground for winter sports. Whether you’re a pro or a beginner, you get to break a sweat AND enjoy wonderful landscapes! The possibilities are endless:

• snow shoeing;
• ice skating;
• cross-country skiing;
• and many more!

And you know what the best thing is? Anyone can enjoy winter sports in Canada because they are super accessible! There are plenty of places where you can rent all the equipment you need, making it easy for everyone to have fun in the snow!

Keep warm with comfort food and hot beverages

Hot chocolate has never been more comforting or satisfying than after a winter day outdoors. Cozy up indoors and enjoy classic Canadian dishes or a nice warm soup. It’s the perfect pick-me-up after a day of playing in the snow!

Take part in winter-themed celebrations

Canada’s cultural scene doesn’t take a break when winter comes around; it’s quite the opposite! It’s the time of year where Canadians get to showcase their love for the season. Check out our many winter festivals, including:

• Quebec Winter Carnival, Quebec City, Quebec
• Inuvik Sunrise Festival, Inuvik, Northwest Territories
• Ice Magic Festival, Lake Louise, Banff, Alberta
• Winterlude, Ottawa, Ontario
• Edmonton Ice Castles, Edmonton, Alberta
• Niagara Falls Winter Festival of Lights, Niagara Falls, Ontario

These are just a few examples of the many celebrations taking place across the country! Research what your city is doing to celebrate winter.

Celebrate indoor hobbies

While we encourage you to spend time outside, we all need a break from winter from time to time! There is no better feeling than cozying up inside on a cold day. It’s time to grab a blanket and lay on the couch as you watch your comfort movie, catch up on your next binge-worthy TV show, or read your favorite book. To make the experience even more luxurious, make sure to have a snack and a warm drink! If you feel like socializing, enjoy some time with friends at a coffee shop, or learn about our culture in one of our many museums!