When winter blankets Canada in snow, many travelers immediately think of skiing and snowboarding. While Canada's mountain resorts are indeed world-class, focusing solely on downhill sports means missing out on a diverse range of winter experiences that showcase the country's spectacular cold-weather landscape and culture. From tranquil forest snowshoe treks to the adrenaline rush of climbing frozen waterfalls, winter in Canada offers adventures for every interest and ability level. This guide explores the exciting winter activities beyond the ski slopes that will help you make the most of Canada's longest season.
Ice Climbing: Scaling Frozen Waterfalls
For thrill-seekers looking for a vertical adventure, ice climbing transforms winter's freezing temperatures into an exhilarating opportunity. Canada's cold climate creates perfect conditions for this challenging sport, with frozen waterfalls and ice formations offering climbs for beginners and experts alike.
Where to Experience It
Canadian Rockies, Alberta: The epicenter of North American ice climbing, with hundreds of routes ranging from gentle beginner slopes to multi-pitch expert challenges.
- Johnston Canyon in Banff National Park offers accessible climbs along a scenic canyon walkway, with some routes suitable for first-timers.
- Ghost River Valley near Canmore features over 150 routes in a remote setting, attracting experienced climbers from around the world.
Québec: Eastern Canada's ice climbing hub, with reliable conditions from December through March.
- Montmorency Falls near Québec City stands taller than Niagara Falls and freezes into an imposing 83-meter ice wall.
- Val-David in the Laurentians offers numerous moderate routes perfect for building skills.
Getting Started
Ice climbing requires specialized equipment and expertise, making guided experiences the best introduction for beginners. Companies like Yamnuska Mountain Adventures in Canmore and Aventures Plein Air in Québec offer single-day introductory courses that provide all necessary equipment and safety instruction.
A typical beginner course covers:
- Equipment familiarization (ice axes, crampons, harnesses)
- Basic climbing techniques
- Safety protocols and belaying
- Supervised climbing on beginner-friendly routes
Most newcomers find they can successfully climb simple routes on their first day, making this adventure more accessible than many expect.
Snowshoeing: Peaceful Forest Exploration
For those seeking a quieter connection with winter landscapes, snowshoeing offers an accessible way to explore snow-covered forests, meadows, and mountains. This traditional mode of winter travel has evolved from practical transportation to a popular recreational activity that combines exercise, nature appreciation, and tranquility.
Why Choose Snowshoeing?
- Minimal learning curve—if you can walk, you can snowshoe
- Inexpensive compared to many winter activities
- Access to peaceful, pristine winter environments away from crowds
- Excellent full-body workout that can be adjusted to any fitness level
Top Snowshoeing Destinations
Gatineau Park, Québec: Just minutes from Ottawa, this vast park offers over 60 km of marked snowshoe trails through scenic forests and rolling hills, with routes for all abilities. The park also offers evening snowshoe excursions under the stars.
Cypress Provincial Park, British Columbia: Overlooks Vancouver with spectacular views of the city and ocean. Its 11 km of snowshoe trails include both gentle terrain for beginners and more challenging alpine routes.
Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario: Experience the peaceful winter woods that inspired the Group of Seven painters. The park maintains several dedicated snowshoe trails, and visitors often spot moose, deer, and other wildlife.
Kananaskis Country, Alberta: Less crowded than nearby Banff, this mountain paradise offers dozens of snowshoe routes through pristine wilderness, from easy loops to full-day expeditions.
Tips for First-Time Snowshoers
- Rent equipment before buying to determine what style suits you
- Dress in layers that can be adjusted as you warm up
- Bring poles for additional stability, especially on hilly terrain
- Start with shorter trails and build up distance gradually
- Join a guided tour for your first experience to learn proper technique and trail etiquette
Dog Sledding: Travel Like a Northern Explorer
Few winter experiences capture the essence of Canada's northern heritage like gliding across a snow-covered landscape behind a team of eager sled dogs. This traditional mode of Arctic transportation offers a unique combination of adventure, connection with animals, and access to remote winter scenery.
The Dog Sledding Experience
Most tourism operations offer a range of experiences, from short rides where you're a passenger to hands-on adventures where you learn to drive ("mush") your own team. Full-day and multi-day expeditions allow you to experience the rhythm of travel that shaped northern life for centuries.
What makes dog sledding special is the connection with the dogs themselves—typically Alaskan or Siberian Huskies, Malamutes, or mixed northern breeds. These working dogs are typically friendly and visibly excited about pulling the sleds, creating a joyful atmosphere that enhances the adventure.
Where to Try Dog Sledding
Yukon: Experience dog sledding where it remains part of the cultural fabric.
- Muktuk Adventures near Whitehorse offers everything from two-hour tasters to multi-day wilderness expeditions.
- Visit during the Yukon Quest international sled dog race (February) to see the sport at its most competitive level.
Québec: Combines dog sledding with French-Canadian cultural experiences.
- Aventure Inukshuk in Mont-Tremblant offers trails through the picturesque Laurentian wilderness.
- Aventure Plein Air Inukshuk in Charlevoix runs tours with spectacular views of the St. Lawrence River.
Ontario: Accessible options close to major population centers.
- North Ridge Ranch near Huntsville offers trails through classic Canadian Shield country.
- Winterdance Dogsled Tours in Haliburton provides experiences in the forests that inspired early Canadian artists.
Alberta: Dog sledding with Rocky Mountain backdrops.
- Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours in Canmore allows you to drive your own team through spectacular mountain scenery.
- Mad Dogs & Englishmen Expeditions offers unique overnight experiences in wood-stove heated tents.
Ice Fishing: The Meditative Winter Catch
Ice fishing transforms Canada's frozen lakes into a playground for anglers seeking a unique winter experience. This activity combines outdoor adventure, social camaraderie, and the thrill of the catch in a distinctly Canadian setting.
The Modern Ice Fishing Experience
While traditional ice fishing might conjure images of braving harsh elements on an exposed lake, today's ice fishing often involves comfortable heated shelters, modern fishing equipment, and amenities that make it accessible to newcomers. Many outfitters offer fully guided experiences that include:
- Transportation to premier fishing spots
- Heated fishing huts (often called ice shacks or ice shanties)
- All necessary equipment and licenses
- Expert guidance on fishing techniques
- Some even offer fish preparation and cooking services
Prime Ice Fishing Destinations
Lake Simcoe, Ontario: Often called the "Ice Fishing Capital of North America," Lake Simcoe hosts thousands of ice fishing huts each winter, creating temporary villages on the ice. The lake is known for excellent perch, whitefish, and lake trout fishing.
Lac Saint-Jean, Québec: Famous for its abundant "tommycod" (small cod) that can be caught in large numbers during winter. The region celebrates this tradition with the Sainte-Anne-de-la-Pérade Fishing Village, where over 500 fishing cabins create a festive winter community.
Great Slave Lake, Northwest Territories: For a true northern experience, ice fishing on this massive lake offers the chance to catch trophy-sized lake trout, northern pike, and Arctic grayling while witnessing the spectacular northern lights.
Lesser Slave Lake, Alberta: Known for its walleye and northern pike fishing, this lake offers reliable ice conditions from December through March.
Tips for First-Time Ice Anglers
- Book with an established outfitter for your first experience
- Dress in layers—fishing huts can get surprisingly warm
- Bring sunglasses to combat glare from the snow
- Pack high-energy snacks and warm beverages
- Consider catch-and-release to support sustainable fishing
Winter Festivals: Celebrating the Snow
Canadians have mastered the art of embracing winter through vibrant festivals that transform the coldest months into a time of celebration. These events showcase ice sculptures, snow constructions, unique traditions, and cultural performances that make winter a season to anticipate rather than endure.
Iconic Winter Celebrations
Québec Winter Carnival (Carnaval de Québec): The world's largest winter carnival transforms Québec City into a magical winter playground for 17 days, typically spanning late January to mid-February. Highlights include:
- The impressive Ice Palace constructed annually
- The International Snow Sculpture Competition
- Traditional canoe races across the icy St. Lawrence River
- Night parades featuring the festival's mascot, Bonhomme
- Outdoor dance parties and warming stations serving "caribou," a fortified wine drink
Winterlude: Ottawa's celebration spans three weekends in February, centering around the Rideau Canal Skateway—the world's largest naturally frozen skating rink. Key attractions include:
- Crystal Garden in Confederation Park, showcasing international ice carving competitions
- The Snowflake Kingdom in Jacques-Cartier Park, featuring enormous snow slides
- Skating events and hockey tournaments on the canal
- Cultural performances and culinary events
Festival du Voyageur: Western Canada's largest winter festival celebrates the fur-trading era and French-Canadian culture in Winnipeg's Saint-Boniface district. Held in February, highlights include:
- Historic recreations of voyageur camps
- International snow sculpting competition
- Traditional music and dance performances
- Heritage and cultural activities
- Maple taffy stations and hearty traditional foods
Montréal en Lumière: This sophisticated winter festival combines gastronomy, arts, and light displays across downtown Montréal in late February. The festival includes:
- Fine dining events featuring international guest chefs
- Free outdoor site with ice slides, ziplines, and live performances
- Nuit Blanche, an all-night arts celebration across the city
- Illumination installations and interactive light experiences
Ice On Whyte Festival: Edmonton's celebration showcases intricate ice sculptures in the historic Old Strathcona district. The late January event features:
- International ice carving competition
- Interactive ice playground and slides
- Ice bars serving specialty winter cocktails
- Live music and cultural performances
More Winter Adventures to Consider
The Canadian winter offers even more activities for those looking to diversify their cold-weather experiences:
Fat Biking
Specially designed mountain bikes with oversized tires that allow riders to traverse snowy terrain. Popular locations include Kananaskis Country in Alberta, Gatineau Park in Québec, and the Nordic trails around Whitehorse, Yukon.
Ice Skating Trails
Beyond urban rinks, Canada offers scenic skating paths through forests and across frozen lakes. Notable examples include the 14 km Lake Windermere Whiteway in BC, Arrowhead Provincial Park's 1.3 km torch-lit forest trail in Ontario, and The Forks River Trail in Winnipeg.
Snowmobiling
Access remote winter landscapes via guided snowmobile tours. Québec's Laurentian Mountains offer an extensive network of over 30,000 km of trails, while BC's powder-filled bowls and Alberta's mountain terrain provide varied adventures for all skill levels.
Winter Wildlife Viewing
Many Canadian animals remain active through winter, offering unique viewing opportunities. Join guided excursions to spot wolves in Algonquin Park, Ontario; elk in Jasper National Park, Alberta; or polar bears in Churchill, Manitoba (early winter).
Aurora Viewing
Winter's long, dark nights create perfect conditions for northern lights viewing. Prime locations include Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories, Whitehorse in the Yukon, and northern regions of Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Québec.
Embracing the Canadian Winter
The secret to enjoying a Canadian winter lies in the perspective exemplified by Nordic cultures: there's no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing. With the right gear and attitude, winter transforms from an obstacle into an opportunity for unique adventures.
For visitors planning a winter trip to Canada, consider these practical tips:
- Dress in layers, starting with moisture-wicking base layers, followed by insulating mid-layers, and topped with a waterproof, breathable outer shell
- Don't forget extremities—quality waterproof boots, insulated gloves, and a warm hat are essential
- Book winter activities in advance, especially during holiday periods and festival dates
- Build flexibility into your itinerary to accommodate possible weather delays
- Embrace the unique winter culture—try traditional winter foods, visit snow bars, and participate in local traditions
Canada's winter offers a different but equally compelling experience compared to its summer months. By venturing beyond ski resorts to try these diverse winter activities, you'll discover the unique joy and serenity of the Canadian winter landscape—and might just find yourself planning your next cold-weather adventure before the snow melts.