There’s no shortage of reasons to stay and celebrate the beauty of snow-covered mountains and serene frozen lakes. For those who love the crisp, invigorating air of winter, Canada offers some of the most stunning snowy landscapes in the world. Here are the top ten destinations to experience the breathtaking charm of a Canadian winter:
1. Cape Breton, Nova Scotia
Cape Breton offers a unique blend of maritime culture and snowy highland landscapes. The frozen waterfalls and snow-covered cliffs along the coastline present a dramatic and picturesque setting, perfect for photography enthusiasts.
2. Quebec City, Quebec
While many travelers flock to Quebec City during the fall, the winter is just as charming. The historic architecture, cobblestone streets, and European charm are all further accentuated in winter. The city hosts a winter carnival every year where you can watch ice canoeing, enjoy a parade, and try some caribou liquor.
3. Riding Mountain National Park, Manitoba
Riding Mountain National Park, located in the heart of Manitoba, is a captivating destination during the winter months. This park, known for its diverse landscapes including forests, grasslands, and rugged hills, becomes a snowy paradise in winter. The extensive network of trails becomes a haven for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, while the park’s many lakes, frozen over in the winter, provide excellent opportunities for ice fishing.
4. Grouse Mountain, British Columbia
Just outside Vancouver, Grouse Mountain offers excellent skiing and snowboarding, along with panoramic views of the city and the Pacific Ocean. The mountain is also home to the famous Grouse Mountain Skyride, a gondola that provides spectacular views of the snow-covered landscape.
5. Muskoka Lakes, Ontario
Often known as “cottage country,” Muskoka transforms into a quiet winter haven. The snow-laden forests, frozen lakes, and quaint towns offer a peaceful retreat from the hustle of city life. From snowshoeing on a Muskoka Lakes Trail to snowmobiling around the lake, there are plenty of winter activities to take part in.
6. Mont-Tremblant, Quebec
Mont-Tremblant is renowned as a top destination for skiing and snowboarding, but its charm extends beyond the slopes. The area also invites visitors to enjoy serene snowshoeing, peaceful cross-country skiing, and the ultimate relaxation at its luxurious spas. No matter the activity, the snow-covered mountains and evergreen forests will create a picturesque backdrop for all activities.
7. Kootenay National Park, British Columbia
Kootenay National Park showcases the beauty of the Canadian Rockies in winter. It’s a less crowded alternative to Banff or Whistler and offers serene snowshoeing and cross-country skiing experiences.
8. Banff National Park, Alberta
Nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rocky Mountains, Banff National Park comes alive in the winter. The snow-covered mountains, frozen lakes, and picturesque town of Banff provide a postcard-perfect setting for a winter hike. You can also enjoy skiing and snowboarding here, and for a more leisurely escape, you can simply enjoy a hot chocolate by the fire while taking in Banff’s unmatched winter scenery.
9. Churchill, Manitoba
Known as the polar bear capital of the world, Churchill offers a snowy tundra landscape, and it’s one of the best places to witness the Northern Lights. The town is located on the shores of Hudson Bay in the far north of Manitoba, offering a distinct winter experience due to its remoteness and Arctic landscapes.
10. Whistler, British Columbia
Famed for hosting the 2010 Winter Olympics, Whistler is a haven for winter sports enthusiasts. Beyond its world-class ski slopes, the village offers stunning snowy views that can be enjoyed by non-skiers as well.
Source: https://www.zoocasa.com/blog/top-10-canadian-winter-destinations-for-seeing-snowy-landscapes/