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Want to swap the sun hat for a beanie this year and head off for an epic northern hemisphere winter adventure? Canada is worth a visit any time of the year, but especially in winter the real Canadian spirits come to live! Beat the winter blues, embrace the cold and head up north. There are a ton of exciting places to suit your interests and budget from ski adventures to ice skating the frozen rivers, northern lights and snow art installations. So, bundle up, grab your snow boots and create some memories in a winter wonderland!

Before you fly off, remember to check current travel conditions for you dream destination.

Here are our 10 favourite canadian winter experiences to enjoy:

1. Skiing in Whistler

Whether you're an avid skier or a beginner, Canada's ski fields have something to offer for every winter enthusiast. Whistler is one of the most famous ski resorts in the world, and it consistently ranks high for its extensive terrain and excellent snow conditions. The resort offers a variety of activities, including skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and even zip-lining.

2. Snow Boarding in Banff National Park

The town of Banff is surrounded by stunning mountain scenery, and there are several ski resorts in the area, such as Banff Sunshine Village and Lake Louise Ski Resort. Banff offers a mix of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. Don't miss the opportunity to relax in the Upper Hot Springs after a day on the slopes and take the chair lift to enjoy some stunning views across town.

Banff Sunshine Village: Known for its stunning scenery, Sunshine Village provides diverse terrain suitable for all skill levels.

Lake Louise Ski Resort: Famous for its pristine surroundings and the iconic Lake Louise, this resort offers varied terrain and stunning views.

3. Snow Shoeing, Ontario

Snowshoeing in Ontario during the winter months can be a fantastic adventure, with the province offering a variety of picturesque landscapes and trails. Exploring Algonquin Provincial Park, known for its pristine wilderness and diverse trails with snowshoes is a great way to head out there and enjoy a slightly slower paced adventure for a day. There are various snowshoeing trails suitable for different skill levels, such as the Leaf Lake Trail or the Old Railway Bike Trail.

4. Ice Skating, Ottawa

Ice skating along the Rideau Canal is one of the most iconic canadian winter experiences. Every year the track distance and dates vary depending on the ice thickness and overall weather conditions, but ones it's deemed safe to go, Ottawa hosts the largest ice rink in the world. With skates to rent at every turn, warming huts, snack bars and fun art installations all placed on the river you can spent the day on skates exploring every bit of the canal.

5. Northern Lights, Churchill

Witnessing the green lights dancing across the dark sky is a natural phenomenon on most bucket lists and Churchill, located in Manitoba, is one of the best places in the world to observe the magical aurora. Known as the "Polar Bear Capital of the World," Churchill is hours away from the nearest city and therefore an excellent location for Northern Lights viewing. The best time to see the auroras is during the winter months, from late November to early March. Taking a guided Northern Lights tour can be beneficial to increase your chances of witnessing this spectacular light show since local guides are experienced in predicting the best viewing conditions and will take you to prime locations. However, during peak months of January and February it is not uncommon to see the lights from the center of town most nights.

6. Winter Carnival, Winnipeg

When the days grow shorter and colder, Canadians love to get outdoors to celebrate with lights, ice sculptures, and winter activities. Throughout the winter, you’ll find winter carnivals in every province. One of the most famous ones being Quebec City Winter Carnival and Winterlude in Ottawa. The Festival du Voyageur in Winnipeg is the largest winter carnival in western Canada and a great place to visit annually in February. With freezing temperatures lasting months in the province there's plenty of time for snow sculptures to be carved to perfection and drinks to be served in ice cups.

7. Hockey Games

Winter in Canada can be an exhilarating experience, especially if you're a fan of hockey. Cities like Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, and Calgary have professional NHL teams. Catching a live game in one of these cities is an absolute must for any hockey enthusiast. Left it too late to grab tickets? Check if there are any local amateur hockey tournaments happening during your visit. These tournaments often showcase the passion and skill of players from various age groups and are super fun to watch for an afternoon or the whole weekend. Skating outdoors, surrounded by snow-covered landscapes, provides a quintessential Canadian experience and a great spot to try your hand at pond hockey.

8. Ice Climbing in Canmore, Alberta

For an adrenaline-pumping adventure, try ice climbing. There are guided tours and courses available for various skill levels. There are tons of places to try it with most of Canadas waterfalls freezing over winter, but Canmore is a great starting point for climbing adventures year-round. Located in Alberta and surrounded by stunning mountain landscapes, it offers numerous opportunities for ice climbing enthusiasts with the season typically running from late November to early April, with the peak being in December and January. If you're new to ice climbing, consider taking a guided tour or a course from a local guiding company. They can provide you with essential skills, safety tips, and the necessary equipment.

9. Dog Sledding in the Yukon

Experience the thrill of dog sledding through the snow-covered landscapes. It's a unique way to appreciate the winter wilderness of the northern territories as professional mushers guide you through the stunning winter scenery, offering a unique and exhilarating adventure. Research and choose a well-established and reputable dog sledding tour operator and look for operators with experienced guides, well-cared-for dogs, and a commitment to responsible and sustainable tourism. Before your ride take some time to interact with the sled dogs. Learn about the breeds, their personalities, and the important role each dog plays in the team.

10. Frozen Waterfalls, Niagara Falls

While Niagara Falls is known for its vibrancy in the warmer months, witnessing them partially frozen is just as magical. Ice buildups create the illusion of frozen falls (while the actual falls keep flowing below the top layer of ice) with snow and icicles framing the bordering edges and a thin layer of frozen mist creating a stunning display of natural winter beauty. Bundle up and take a winter hike along the Niagara Gorge or nearby trails.

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