Canada in Winter: 7 Best Places to Visit

Looking for the best places to visit in Canada in winter? Here’s a look at some of the coolest spots in Canada for all the winter feels – make sure to pack some warm clothes!

When it comes to choosing the best places to visit in Canada in winter, there are a few factors to consider. For one, the weather. Obviously, you want to visit a place that is going to be cold enough to get the full winter experience. But you also don’t want it to be so cold that you can’t enjoy yourself. 

Another factor to consider is what you want to do while you’re there. Do you want to spend your time outdoors, enjoying the winter activities like skiing and snowboarding? Or would you prefer to spend your time indoors, exploring the cities and museums? 

Finally, you’ll want to think about what kind of budget you have. Canada is a large country and there are many different places to visit, so you’ll want to make sure you choose a destination that fits your budget. 

To help you make your decision, here are some of the best places to visit in Canada in winter from my travels…

Where to Go in Canada in Winter

Fancy spending some of your winter in Canada? Here are the best places to visit!

1. Quebec City, Quebec, in winter

Quebec City is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Canada and for good reason. The city is absolutely beautiful, especially in the winter. It’s also a great place for winter activities like skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating. And if you’re looking for a place to enjoy some indoor activities, Quebec City has plenty to offer, from museums and art galleries to restaurants and cafes.

As the capital of the Canadian province of Quebec, Quebec City is the political centre of the province. The city is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, due to its well-preserved architecture and history.

In winter the city is covered in a blanket of snow and the streets are lined with Christmas lights. Visit Quebec City in the winter, especially if you enjoy winter activities like skiing and snowboarding. Sit in a bar and you can see frost on windows in winter as you look out to the beautiful Canadian scenes.

Here are some things to do in Quebec City, Canada, in winter: 

1. Visit the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac
2. Go ice skating at the Place d’Youville
3. Take a walk through the Quartier Petit Champlain
4. Visit the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec
5. Warm up with a cup of hot chocolate at Café du Monde
6. Explore the Citadelle of Quebec
7. Go downhill skiing or snowboarding at Stoneham Mountain Resort
8. Visit the Musée de la Civilisation
9. Take a horse-drawn carriage ride through Old Quebec
10. Go cross-country skiing in one of Quebec City’s many parks

2. Banff, Alberta, in winter

The little town of Banff is located in the Canadian Rockies. It’s a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, as there are plenty of opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, hiking, and camping. But even if you’re not the outdoorsy type, Banff is worth a visit. I went when I went camping in Canada a few years ago.

The charming town is home to some of the most stunning scenery in the country and is also a great place to find unique gifts and souvenirs. It’s surrounded by incredible mountain scenery that’s all the more impressive when covered in snow. This kind of scenery is what Canada is known for.

There are plenty of cute shops and restaurants here and if you’re looking for a unique Canadian souvenir, Banff is the place to find it. I bought a pair of hand-crafted moccasins made by a local First Nations artist.

Here are some things to do in Banff Canada during winter: 

1. Visit Banff National Park
2. Take a scenic drive
3. Explore the town 
4. Go skiing or snowboarding
5. Visit a museum

3. Montreal, Quebec, in winter 

Montreal is the second largest city in Canada and the cultural and commercial capital of the Quebec province. Founded in 1642 as Ville-Marie by French colonists, it has a rich colonial history.

Any visitor to Montreal loves Old Montreal. You can see the Notre Dame Basilica here, and its intricate interior design with colourful stained glass windows, grandiose alters and detailed carvings. The church also has a crypt underground which is open to the public, and it is the final resting place for many influential people in the city.

Montreal is a great place to enjoy the outdoors, with plenty of parks and green spaces to explore in Canada in winter. It’s also a food lover’s paradise, with a wide variety of restaurants and cafes to choose from. And if you’re looking for a little nightlife, Montreal has plenty of bars and clubs to keep you entertained. 

You can find out more about what to do on a weekend in Montreal here. It’s also a really beautiful place to visit in Canada in autumn if you don’t fancy the chill of winter.

Here are some great things to do in Montreal, Canada, in winter:

1. Montreal has many parks, including Mount Royal Park and Saint Louis Park, where you can go for a walk or snowshoeing.
2. Warm up with a bowl of Montreal’s famous poutine.
3. Explore the city’s museums and art galleries, such as the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts or the McCord Museum.
4. Do some shopping at one of Montreal’s many markets, such as the Atwater Market or Jean-Talon Market.
5. Take a tour of the Old Port of Montreal.
6. Enjoy a meal at one of Montreal’s many restaurants, such as La Banquise or Toque!.
7. Go ice skating at one of Montreal’s many outdoor rinks, such as Atwater Park or Beaver Lake.
8. Party at one of Montreal’s many clubs and bars, such as Club Soda or Stereo.

4. Ottawa, Ontario, in winter

Ottawa is the capital of the country and a great place to visit in Canada in winter. The city is home to many of the country’s most important political and historical landmarks, as well as a variety of museums and art galleries. Ottawa is also a great place to enjoy the outdoors, with a number of parks and trails to explore. 

Here are some things to do in Ottawa, Canada, in winter:

1. Visit the Parliament buildings
2. Explore the Byward Market
3. Skate on the Rideau Canal
4. Visit the Canadian Museum of Nature
5. Take a scenic drive
6. Explore Gatineau Park

5. Toronto, Ontario, in winter

Toronto is the largest city in Canada and is a great place to visit in winter. The city has a wide variety of things to do, from exploring the art and culture scene to enjoying the nightlife. Toronto is also a great place to shop, with many different shopping districts to choose from. 

In winter in Toronto you can walk around the city and see the beautiful Christmas lights, go ice skating at Nathan Phillips Square, and enjoy some shopping at the Eaton Centre – a huge mall in the city. There is a lot to do in Toronto in winter.

Here are some things to do in Toronto, Canada, this winter:

1. Visit the Art Gallery of Ontario
2. Go ice skating at Nathan Phillips Square
3. Visit the Royal Ontario Museum
4. Shop at the Eaton Centre
5. See a show at the Second City
6. Go for a walk in High Park
7. Visit the Distillery District
8. Shop at Kensington Market
9. Go skiing or snowboarding at Blue Mountain
10. Visit Niagara Falls for a day

READ MORE: How to Have the Best Weekend in Toronto

6. Vancouver, British Columbia, in winter

Canada’s west coast is home to beautiful Vancouver – a great place to visit all year round, but especially lovely in the winter. There are so many things to do in Vancouver, the city is home to many different parks and green spaces, as well as a variety of shops and restaurants.

If you’re looking for a little adventure, Vancouver is a great place to go skiing or snowboarding. The city is surrounded by mountains and the air is so fresh. You can walk around Stanley Park and see the Vancouver Aquarium. You could also go skiing at Cypress Mountain, and enjoy the spectacular views. If you don’t have long in the city, here are a few ideas of what to do in 24 hours in Vancouver.

Vancouver during winter has a number of fun things to do: 

1. Take a walk or snowshoe through Stanley Park
2. Visit the Vancouver Aquarium
3. Go skiing or snowboarding at Cypress Mountain
4. Explore the different shops and restaurants in the city
5. Take a ferry ride to Vancouver Island

READ MORE: How to Do a Road Trip from Vancouver to Banff

7. Niagara Falls, Ontario, in winter

Canada’s Niagara Falls is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the world. The falls are absolutely stunning and are a must-see for anyone visiting the country.

Niagara Falls are partially frozen in winter, and the mist from the falls creates a magical winter wonderland. There are also a variety of winter activities to enjoy in Niagara Falls, like ice skating, sledding, and snowshoeing. If you’re looking for a place to stay, there are many hotels and resorts located near the falls.

Niagara Falls has the following things to do during winter:

1. Ice skate at the Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort
2. Sled down the Niagara Glen
3. Snowshoe along the Niagara River
4. Visit the Niagara Falls Ice Museum
5. Take a tour of the Niagara Falls Illumination
6. Stay at a hotel or resort near the falls

Winter in Canada

When it comes to choosing the best places to visit in Canada during the winter, there are many factors to consider. The weather, what you want to do while you’re there, and your budget are all important factors but some of the best places to visit in Canada during winter include Quebec City, Banff, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver, and Niagara Falls.

Where will you choose?!

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