While we are all excited about Thanksgiving, Black Friday & Cyber Monday deals all around are the holiday feeling. Canada has been a great place for shopping and spending those awesome holidays. Spending time away with family & loved ones is the best feeling. But how to make it all the more special & how do you choose your top favorite place for a getaway or staycation? Let’s make this a lot more simple for all you lovely travelers.
We all know it is going to to be freezing cold almost all around, but some places might just be a great escape while Christmas or any other special occasion making it just perfect. So be it cold or let it snow, holidays are on. So we have picked best places as per visitor’s choice so you can make the best of your holidays. So, just grab your jackets, gloves, scarf and boots and explore the best Canadian destinations.
1. Québec
Explore the mixed culture of Canadians and French while in Québec. The beautiful monuments and the cathedrals. While visiting in winter, the old Québec is transformed into real Christmas village, starting from early December. Explore the cobblestone lanes, fluffy white snow and some of the most beautiful and historic architecture of Canada. with an average over 400 cm snowfall each year, Québec is considered to be a perfect winter playground for all the snow activities & winter festival.
Also, don’t miss the chance of visiting the best winter carnival experience at Québec Winter Carnival (Jan 27 to Feb 12, 2017). It’s a must visit while winter in Canada. Enjoy lovely dance parties, snow sculpture competition, evening parades. Don’t forget to look out for Bonhomme Carnaval, Québec’s the only snowman & carnival ambassador.
2. Toronto
Being Canada’s largest city, Toronto holds one of the biggest Santa Claus parades in the world which attract almost half a million people. Toronto has always been the most happening city to be around while winter & of course while Christmas. Lots to shop and lots happening around throughout the winter. And also in the month of December, you can explore the Cavalcade of lights and the massive Christmas tree in Nathan Phillips Square, in front of the City Hall.
3. Niagara-on-the-Lake
Trying the figure out your favorite thing to do in Niagara, start with a weekend. As said by people all around, the Niagara Canada view is the best view of the falls as compared to the American falls. It gives you exposure to both, Canadian and American Falls. Seeing the serene waterfall along with snow on the borders is one of a kind experience. The walk on the street along the way to the falls, entering the upside-down house (entry fees), exploring the wineries (Niagara Icewine Festival), casinos & much more to do…
This place is fun for adults as well as kids. So be it any season of the year, Niagara has its own reasons to be visited.
4. Vancouver
While Quebec pays honor to Canada’s French roots, Vancouver pays tribute to the country’s British heritage. Vancouver has also been a popular location for filming. And while winter is almost here, Vancouver boasts not-so-freezing temperatures where January is the coldest month where the average temperature drops down to 4 -degree celsius. Enjoy the ice skating at Robson Square, or go skiing or snowboarding. Check out Chinatown district which is known as one of the best in the world and don’t miss the annual Chinese new year parade which is one of the biggest & the best parades of the year. Being British Columbia’s capital and distinctively following the British traditions, enjoy their afternoon tea at Fairmont Express and a pint at the pub. While the temperature doesn’t get that cold, try out even the outdoor activities from the world’s best ski resorts to romantic evenings ice skating under the bright stars.
5. Whistler
Located in the Coast Mountains of British Columbia, Whistler is a two-hour trip from Vancouver along Canada’s most scenic drive, the sea to sky Highway (If you love driving & enjoy long drives). Based on the two mountains are 3 whimsical villages, Whistler Village, Creekside, and Upper Village. The visitors transport themselves from villages to mountains with the Peak to Peak gondola.
Whistler & Blackcomb, the two majestic mountains are the most famous alpine ski destination in North America. But if you are not into skiing, there are also non-skiing things to do here in winter like Ziptrek, Snowshoeing, Tube park, Whistler Mountain Bike Park & much more… And while all this around, there are other things happening as well like Whistler Film Festival (30th Nov – 4th December 2016), watch the fire & ice show, Whistler Museum, etc.
6. Calgary
Calgary is situated between the Canadian Prairies & the foothills of the Canadian Rockies & also the largest metropolitan areas which attract thousands every year to its world famous rodeo event, the Calgary Stampede.
Calgary holds a lot of winter food events. One of the famous things to try out this month is as many hot chocolates as you can. Each restaurant & cafe in Calgary participates in Calgary’s Best Hot Chocolate and hence they try to create a signature hot chocolate to win the hearts of the people. Also, Calgary Christmas market is worth browsing around.
Unlike each other places in Canada, Calgary is no exception for outdoor adventures. So be with ski or snowshoeing, Ice climbing or Tubing, you can have all the fun. Also for the ones who want to stay indoors, there is plenty for you as well. You can visit Calgary Home & Garden Show, Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour, Shakers Fun Centre, Lake Louise’s Ice Magic Festival, Public skate at the Olympic Oval & much more…
7. Ottawa
As nation’s capital, Ottawa is a hub of many financial, commercial & federal establishments. Being Canada’s capital, Ottawa has its own charm of attracting thousands of tourists around the world in winter.
The capital enjoys Winterlude which an annual winter celebration. Also for children, is the Snowflake Kingdom – a children’s snow playground. Around 600,000 people take part in the Winterlude activities, most of which is free each year. Rideau Canal Ice Skateway is one of the largest naturally frozen skating rink in the world is a must-do while in Ottawa It’s open all the way from December to February. If the weather conditions don’t permit, then you can head to Ottawa City Hall where the Senators Rink of Dreams, a frozen outdoor skating rink is also open from November to March. This year: Don’t miss the Ice Dragon Boat Festival (17th – 18th February 2017) as for the first time ever in North America, dragon boats will race down the frozen Rideau Canal Skateway. Don’t miss out Gatineau Park, just across the Ottawa River from downtown, is a mecca for all the ski lovers with about 200kms trails & shelters which are heated. Don’t forget to check out the phenomenal ice carvings displayed at Confederation Park in downtown Ottawa by the artists from around the world.
8. Montreal
After Toronto, Montreal is the largest city in Canada. Like Quebec city & being a cultural & financial capital of the Quebec province, Montreal is also boasted French-speaking community. Not leaving the winter festivals & Christmas celebration behind, Montreal has its own way of enchanting the visitors from around the world.
So when it comes to winter, Ice Skating is a must and usually, it’s free of charge for those who bring their own skates. Talk a walk on the beautiful streets of Montreal and enjoy the beauty of the lights, snow-covered buildings and decorations all around. Montreal en Lumière Festival is known for the outdoor activities. Plenty of food is what you can try around while exploring the streets of the city along with bonfires, concerts and much more happening around in the city.
When it come to the Christmas time, it is said it is the great season to be living in this city. Be ready for a white Christmas. Not just Santa Claus Parade, but they also gave a nighttime parade held every year at Plaza St. Hubert which showcases the magical Christmas lights. And while you walk down the streets which are completely decked up with the lighting, you get totally into the holiday mood. From 22nd November to 20th December you can also take advantage of free Christmas concerts at the Museum of Fine Arts. Don’t miss out the fireworks in Old Port which is held every Saturday of December.
Are you ready to explore these scenic views of beautiful Canada?