Rebecca Mottram Travel Agent

The A-Z of a Canadian Winter…

A is for Adrenaline

Winter throws up a host of adrenaline-inducing activities, such as snowmobiling, fat biking and snowkiting. helicopter rides and zip lines over Niagara Falls, ice caving near Lake Superior and ice climbing in Bow Valley, Alberta are all really popular. Surfing is even possible in the waters of Nova Scotia and Vancouver!!

B is for Blue Skies

Not bears…. as most of them have settled down for their hibernation while polar bears are miles from view out hunting on the frozen seas. Instead, thing of Canada with its crisp blue skies and plenty of sunshine to embrace spending time outdoors.

C is for Cross-Country Skiing

The accessibility of cross-country skiing in Canada is often overlooked, but is an incredibly popular activity.

D is for Dog Sledding

A method used by Indigenous people to traverse snowy, icebound wintery landscapes and deliver mail to northern outposts. It’s well embedded in Canadian heritage. Today, visitors can experience what it’s like with a tour for a couple of hours or even multi-day!

E is for Eating Well

The food-to-fork movement is highly valued across Canada with plenty of culinary treats. Held in February is the Nova Scotia Lobster Crawl celebrating the fishing industry.

F is for Festive

Canada is an unbeatable destination for winter holidays. Winterlude, held in the Ottawa region, is held over three weekends.

G is for Glaciers

Canada is dotted with dozens of glaciers yet many are in locations reachable only by intrepid explorers. One of the most accessible is North America’s largest, the Columbia Icefield, which straddles the Banff and Jasper National parks. Driving the Icefields Parkway, which remains open throughout the winter, offers stupendous views of the region.

H is for Heli-skiing

Off-piste skiers may be temped with a thrilling way to experience the slopes.

I is for Ice

For genuine ice times, overnight at the Hotel de Glace, the ice hotel near Quebec city. There are ice carving competitions or you could strap campons to your boots and join a guide for a stunning walk.

J is for Jigging Rods

Ice fishing is a popular winter pastime and anglers frequently return home with a bountiful haul of trout among others. Guided fishing trips are a way for newcomers to learn what to do at an ideal location.

K is for Knitwear

Winter is the time for donning warm and comfortable, practical knitwear. A trip to Canada in winter may require some pre-trip planning (and shopping). “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing” and that well-known phrase is part of the Canadian national psyche.

L is for Lodges

Log cabins welcome shelter and warmth in the depth of winter. Sitting in front of a crackling fire after a day of activity in the fresh air is hard to beat.

M is for Mummering

The tradition of mummering, which has seen a resurgency of popularity recently, is associated with the province of Newfoundland and Labrador. It sees people dress up in colourful, whacky costumes going from house to house. Perhaps carrying a hobby horse or a noise-making ‘ugly stick’ fashioned from a broomstick, a mummer covers their face and maskss their voice and body shape. The idea is that they are greeted by hosts who try to guess their identify. The tradition is celebrated widely in St John’s in December, which culminates in a parade attracting hundreds of participants.

N is for Northern Lights

Canada is one of the most reliable places in the world for viewing the national phenomenon, which is visible in locations across the country. Much of the Yukon territory extends into the Arctic Circle, which, alongside its low population density and swathes of pristine wilderness, makes it one of the best places to see the aurora. The 11-year cycle of solar activity and this ‘solar maximum’ is the idea time to see the Northern Lights.

O is for Outdoor Recreation

Canada offers plenty of opportunities to appreciate the joys of the outdoors during winter. Beyond the skiing and snowboarding, snow tubing is an easy way to descend the slopes. Snowshoeing is also a popular way to explore, with guided tours giving you confidence.

P is for Powder

Experienced skiers and snowboarders will love the miles of powder white snow, classically known as “Champagne Powder”.

Q is for Quietude

We can all benefit from peace and quiet now and again and being in the calm of Canada’s outdoors can provide just that. Soothing experiences, cosy lodges and adventure can bring about those ‘me time’ moments.

R is for Road Trips

Road trips aren’t just for Summer in Canada as vast swathes of the country remain accessible. Driving offers opportunities to pause en route for sightseeing and winter activities in a variety of locations, while stops in towns and villages bring opportunities to engage with local residents and pick up regional treats, adding an element of authenticity that you will remember. The Irish Loop in Newfoundland and Labrador, the Badlands of Alberta and the Chemin du Roy between Montreal and Wuebec City are among the beautiful road trips on offer over winter.

S is for Snow

The Canadian Rockies are known for the powder snow that is light, dry and fluffy – winter sports enthusiasts can look forward to virtually guaranteed snow between late November and early May.

T is for Tobogganing

Popular across the country and providing entertainment for all for many hundreds of years.

U is for Unparalleled

Canada offers unparalleled winter scenery and hospitality. Frozen lakes set amid snow-strewn landscapes and mountains quilted with white present beautiful backdrops for holiday snaps. Many of the national and provincial parks remain accessible during winter, offering travellers unique adventures. Canada’s renowned hospitality also guarantees plenty of winter warmth, with locals usually willing to offer personal insights into local attractions. And, it’s often said “People make places”.

V is for Valentine’s Day

Consider a romantic break in Canada to celebrate. Hotel prices are typically at their lowest in February in Canada so why not take the opportunity to explore?

W is for Warming Up

That feeling of unfreezing in front of a fireplace after spending your day outdoors is one of the joys of winter in Canada. Visitors can also warm themselves on Banff and Lake Louise’s ‘Hot Chocolate Trail’, along which more than 20 cafes and restaurants serve warm drinks with a festive twist. Other hot chocolate trails exist in Niagara Falls and on Prince Edward Island.

X is for Xmas Markets

An alternative to the European Christmas markets, they are ideal for picking up artisanal gifts and sampling seasonal cuisine.

Y is for YYR, YYZ, YUL etc.

Major airports in Canada often begin with Y, which indicates whether or not there is a weather station close to the airport. Understandably, they need to be set up to cope with winter conditions, with excellent de-icing and snow-clearing equipment.

Z is for Zamboni

Zamboni is the name given to vehicles that resurface ice rinks. It’s used to clean, polish and wet the ice and can remove up to 2,500 pounds of snow. They are a common sight at ice hockey matches in Canada. The National Hockey League (NHL)’s regular season runs from October into April and Canada has seven NHL teams so you’re bound to find a fan. Attending a game at any level is a great way to experience Canada’s national winter sport and appreciate the passions it engenders.