With unseasonably cold weather across Canada and much of the country blanketed in a thick layer of snow, it is easy to be tempted into spending the days inside curled up on the couch where it is warm. This being said, there are only so many shows you can binge on Netflix before lounging inside starts to get boring. Luckily, Canada has countless winter recreation opportunities to enjoy. From skating or ice fishing on frozen lakes surrounded by mountains to snowmobiling through dense forest or along deactivated roads, Canada is a true winter wonderland waiting to be explored. Below, we highlight some of the best and most popular winter activities across this beautiful country.
1. Skate Surrounded by Snow Covered Mountains in Whistler and Pemberton
When the weather gets cold, the high elevation alpine lakes in Whistler and Pemberton often freeze into a perfectly smooth outdoor rink. Popular lakes for skating include Green Lake, Alta Lake, and One Mile Lake. Surrounded by dense forest and beautiful mountain peaks, the scenery at these mountain lakes simply can’t be beat. Dress warm, bring a shovel to plow snow off the ice, bring your skates and even your hockey gear to enjoy this fantastic winter experience. Be sure to check the ice thickness before skating on any of the lakes in Whistler or Pemberton.
2. Explore the Winter Wonderland of Banff & Jasper National Parks
The extensive network of hiking trails in Banff National Park are even more magical when covered in a blanket of soft snow. Grab a pair of warm winter boots or snowshoes, and it is possible to enjoy most of the hiking trails during the winter. A popular winter hiking trail is the Surprise Corner to Banff Hoodoos Trail, which includes two scenic viewpoints. From Lake Louise, it is also possible to take a horse-drawn sleigh ride through stunning snow capped mountains and through the charming village which becomes a true winter wonderland.
Jasper National Park is home to one of the most beautiful drives in North America, the Icefields Parkway. In the winter, this drive takes you through spectacular mountains, stunning glaciers, frozen waterfalls, and ice-covered lakes. If you prefer to get out of the car and stretch your legs, be sure to check out the Maligne Canyon hike, where you can explore frozen waterfalls, ice caves, and fascinating ice formations. Be sure to wear warm winter hiking boots to explore this slippery terrain.
3. Strap on Snowshoes or Skis in Saskatchewan
When snow falls in Saskatchewan, be sure to strap on a pair of snowshoes to explore some of the many beautiful trails that lead through parks, plains, and valleys. There is usually enough snowfall that it is possible to snowshoe through virtually any regional or municipal park, and most of the popular hiking trails become a true winter paradise. Be sure to check out the Beaver Creek Conservation Area or Cranberry Flats near Saskatoon.
For those who prefer cross-country skiing, there are countless ski-friendly trails throughout this province. Many of the trails are groomed and have warming huts or lodges, and some popular ski areas include Duck Mountain Provincial Park which offers 60 kilometres of groomed trails, the Anglin Lake Trails which are over 25 kilometres of groomed trails, and the Blue Mountain Adventure Park which offers over 35 kilometres of trails groomed for skate, classic, and biathlon.
4. Ice Fish on the Red River in Manitoba
A Manitoba fishing hotspot, the Red River produces monster walleye during the winter months. Measuring up to 76 cm (30 in) or more, these walleye put up a great fight and it can be a challenge to get them through the ice. Some good river access points include near the southern end of Lake Winnipeg, from C.I.L. Road near the Highway 204 bridge, and in front of the town dock in Selkirk. Be sure to check the ice thickness and quality before venturing out and bring all the necessary safety equipment including ice picks, ice cleats, a float suit, and a radio or GPS.
5. View the Northern Lights in Ontario
Ontario is home to several designated places and parks that offer a great opportunity to view the famous Northern Lights, especially during the winter months. The natural phenomenon of the Northern Lights is caused as a result of electrical, solar particles colliding with gaseous properties in the atmosphere, making a stunning display of multi-coloured rays and curtains of different colours that appear to move and dance across the sky.
Some of the best places to view these lights in Ontario are Point Pelee National Park, Point Farms Provincial Park, Bruce Peninsula National Park, Manitoulin Eco Park, North Frontenac Township Dark-Sky Preserve, Torrance Barrens Dark-Sky Preserve, Killarney Provincial Park, Lake Superior Provincial Park, and the Quetico Provincial Park.
6. Hit the Slopes at Mont Tremblant
Sitting at 875 metres (2,870 ft), Mont Tremblant offers an impressive 102 ski trails on 4 different slopes, with expansive views of the Laurentians in Quebec. There are also designated cross-country ski trails, biking trails, ice climbing opportunities, and dog-sled and dune buggy tours. With a lively resort village with lodging and great dining options, Mont Tremblant is a winter wonderland for the whole family.
7. Catch a Wave in Nova Scotia
While maybe not your typical winter activity, the beaches of Nova Scotia provide some great surfing opportunities when the weather is cold. Lawrencetown and Martinique Beach provide some of the best winter waves in the country, providing a stunning contrast to the snow-covered rocks and boulders on shore. Be sure to wear a 6mm wetsuit with booties, mitts, and a hood to prepare for the frigid water temperatures.
8. Snowmobile Across Newfoundland
One of the best places to snowmobile in Atlantic Canada, many of the trails and deactivated logging roads across Newfoundland are maintained by the Newfoundland and Labrador Snowmobile Federation in the winter months. There is a groomed snowmobile trail that runs along Newfoundland’s west coast, and other great snowmobiling destinations include Mount Peyton, the Sabena Airlines 1946 crash site south of Gander Lake, the Lomond Sinkhole trail off Whitewash Road, and Western Brook Pond in Gros Morne National Park.
9. Go Fat Biking on the Trails of New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island
Across New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island, thousands of kilometres of scenic mountain bike trails are transformed into a winter wonderland when covered under a blanket of soft snow. Fat biking is becoming increasingly popular during the winter months, as the chubby tires are designed to grip snow and ice. Popular groomed trails in New Brunswick include the Chaleur Green Trails in Bathurst, Club plein air in Caraquet, Fundy National Park, Kouchibouguac National Park, Sugarloaf Provincial Park, and White Rock Recreational Area in Hillsborough.
Prince Edward Island also features several winter trails that are great for fat biking including the groomed trails at the Brookvale Nordic Centre and Strathgartney Provincial Park. Just because there is snow on the ground doesn’t mean you can’t get out for a fun pedal!
10. Drive the Dettah Ice Road in Yellowknife
During the winter months, the temperature in Yellowknife reaches negative double-digits, with an average winter temperature of -25 degrees Celsius. This cold weather guarantees that the lakes in Yellowknife freeze over, and also makes outdoor activities very frigid. A fun and unique experience is driving the Dettah Ice Road, which is a “road” plowed directly across a large lake that gained popularity from the show Ice Road Truckers. The ice roads in Yellowknife also provide access to neighbourhoods and recreation opportunities normally only accessed by floatplane or boat.
Now that you are ready to get out and explore all that Canada has to offer during winter, be sure to pick up a copy of the Backroad Mapbook or GPS Maps of your choice, download the BRMB smartphone App, or check out the BRMB Web Map to start planning your next winter adventure.