Winter Adventures: Beyond Skiing in Canada

Long before snowmobiles and SUVs, dog sleds were the primary mode of winter transportation across Canada's northern expanses. Today, this traditional method has evolved into one of the most exhilarating winter experiences available to visitors.

Where to Experience Dog Sledding

While dog sledding opportunities exist across Canada, some regions offer particularly memorable experiences:

• Yukon: The territory of the Yukon Quest, one of the world's toughest sled dog races, offers multi-day expeditions through pristine wilderness.
• Quebec: In the Laurentian Mountains north of Montreal, combine dog sledding with stays in traditional wood-heated cabins.
• Ontario: Algonquin Provincial Park provides the opportunity to sled through ancient forests with towering pines.
• Alberta: Navigate the stunning landscapes around Lake Louise, with Rocky Mountain panoramas at every turn.

What to Expect

Most operations offer experiences ranging from short 30-minute rides to multi-day expeditions. Beginners typically start as passengers, while more adventurous travelers can learn to drive their own team under guidance. The connection formed with these intelligent, hard-working dogs adds an emotional dimension that many find unexpectedly moving.

From Indigenous traditions to modern recreation, ice fishing has deep roots in Canadian culture. There's something profoundly peaceful about sitting above a hole in the ice, surrounded by a vast white landscape, waiting for the perfect catch.

Top Ice Fishing Destinations

• Lake Winnipeg, Manitoba: Known for trophy walleye, this massive lake offers some of the best ice fishing in North America.
• Great Slave Lake, Northwest Territories: Fish for massive lake trout in one of the deepest lakes in North America.
• Lake Simcoe, Ontario: Just north of Toronto, this accessible lake hosts thousands of ice fishing huts each winter, creating temporary "villages" on the ice.
• Eastern Townships, Quebec: Combine ice fishing with culinary experiences – many outfitters cook your catch on the spot.

Modern Comforts on the Ice

Modern ice fishing isn't necessarily about braving the elements. Many outfitters provide heated huts or tents equipped with holes pre-drilled in the ice. Some luxury experiences even include underwater cameras, satellite TV, comfortable seating, and gourmet meals delivered to your hut.

While indoor rinks are common worldwide, skating on frozen natural bodies of water or maintained outdoor paths provides a distinctly Canadian experience that connects recreation with nature.

Iconic Skating Experiences

• Rideau Canal Skateway, Ottawa: The world's largest naturally frozen skating rink stretches 7.8 kilometers through the heart of Canada's capital. Warm up with a BeaverTail pastry from vendors along the route.
• Lake Louise, Alberta: Skate surrounded by mountains on the meticulously maintained ice of this iconic lake, with the fairytale-like Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise as your backdrop.
• Arrowhead Provincial Park Ice Skating Trail, Ontario: Glide through a snowy forest on this 1.3-kilometer loop, particularly magical when lit by torches for evening Fire & Ice nights.
• Apex Mountain Resort Skating Loop, British Columbia: This 1-kilometer loop winds through forest and is maintained by a Zamboni for perfect skating conditions.

The aurora borealis (Northern Lights) dance across Canada's northern skies in vibrant displays of green, pink, purple, and blue. While visible year-round in the far north, the long, dark winter nights provide optimal viewing conditions.

Prime Viewing Locations

• Yellowknife, Northwest Territories: Considered one of the best aurora-viewing destinations in the world due to its position under the "aurora oval" and its high percentage of clear nights.
• Whitehorse, Yukon: Combine aurora viewing with soaking in natural hot springs for a magical winter experience.
• Churchill, Manitoba: Known for polar bears in fall, Churchill offers excellent Northern Lights viewing in winter, with the added possibility of seeing snowy owls and arctic foxes.
• Jasper National Park, Alberta: The world's second-largest dark sky preserve provides breathtaking backdrops for aurora photography.

Photography Tips

Capturing the Northern Lights requires some preparation:

• Bring a sturdy tripod and a camera with manual settings
• Use a wide-angle lens with a large aperture (f/2.8 or wider)
• Set your ISO between 800-3200 depending on conditions
• Use a long exposure (5-15 seconds) but not too long to avoid star trailing
• Pack extra batteries (cold temperatures drain them quickly)

If you can walk, you can snowshoe. This accessible winter activity has evolved from a necessary mode of winter transportation used by Indigenous peoples to a popular recreational pursuit that allows access to stunning snow-covered landscapes.

Memorable Snowshoeing Locations

• Gatineau Park, Quebec: Just minutes from Ottawa, this park offers 60 kilometers of marked snowshoe trails ranging from easy to challenging.
• E.C. Manning Provincial Park, British Columbia: Explore trails through snow-laden evergreen forests and around frozen alpine lakes.
• Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland: Snowshoe across the Mars-like Tablelands or through fjord valleys in this UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Kouchibouguac National Park, New Brunswick: Combine snowshoeing with wildlife tracking to spot signs of fox, coyote, rabbit, and deer in the snow.

Guided vs. Self-Guided

Many parks and resorts offer both options. Guided tours often include interpretation of winter ecology and wildlife tracking, while self-guided options allow you to set your own pace. Modern aluminum snowshoes are much lighter and more maneuverable than traditional wooden designs, making the learning curve gentle for beginners.

Canadians don't just endure winter—they celebrate it. Festivals across the country showcase winter activities, ice sculptures, cultural performances, and culinary delights.

Major Winter Celebrations

• Québec Winter Carnival, Quebec City: The world's largest winter carnival features an ice palace, snow sculptures, night parades, and the jovial Bonhomme mascot. Dating back to 1894, it embodies the Québécois spirit of embracing winter.
• Winterlude, Ottawa: This February festival centers around activities on the Rideau Canal Skateway and includes international ice carving competitions and snow playgrounds.
• Festival du Voyageur, Winnipeg: Celebrating the fur-trading voyageur era, this festival features historic reenactments, traditional French-Canadian and Métis cuisine, and energetic live music.
• Yukon Sourdough Rendezvous, Whitehorse: This quirky festival includes beard-growing competitions, chainsaw chucking, and the "Queen's Sourdough Flour Sack Race," celebrating the territory's Gold Rush history.

Winter transforms Canada's wildlife viewing opportunities, with some species more visible against the snow and others adapting fascinating behaviors to survive the cold.

Remarkable Winter Wildlife Experiences

• Polar Bears, Churchill, Manitoba: While fall is prime polar bear season, winter offers opportunities to see bears on specialized tundra vehicles, with the added bonus of possible Northern Lights.
• Snowy Owls, Southern Ontario and Quebec: These magnificent Arctic birds migrate south for winter and can often be spotted hunting in fields and along shorelines.
• Wolf Howling, Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario: Join naturalists for evening programs where they attempt to elicit howls from local wolf packs, an eerie and unforgettable experience.
• Elk Viewing, Banff National Park, Alberta: Winter concentrates elk herds in valleys, making them easier to spot against the snow.

For thrill-seekers, frozen waterfalls and ice-covered rock faces provide the ultimate winter challenge. From beginner-friendly frozen waterfalls to advanced multi-pitch climbs, Canada offers world-class ice climbing opportunities.

Top Ice Climbing Destinations

• Maligne Canyon, Jasper National Park, Alberta: This relatively accessible canyon offers routes suitable for beginners (with guides) to advanced climbers.
• Kootenay National Park, British Columbia: Home to "The Hose," a 445-foot frozen waterfall that attracts expert climbers from around the world.
• Mont-Tremblant, Quebec: Several guide services offer introductory courses using the region's reliable ice formations.
• Ouray Ice Park, Colorado, USA: While not in Canada, this man-made ice climbing venue just south of the border is worth mentioning for its controlled environment perfect for learning.

Getting Started

Ice climbing requires specialized equipment and technical knowledge. First-timers should always go with a certified guide who can provide equipment, instruction, and ensure safety. Many mountain towns offer one-day introductory courses that include all necessary gear.

Perhaps the perfect counterpoint to cold winter adventures is soaking in natural hot springs surrounded by snow-covered landscapes. The contrast between the steaming water and frigid air creates a sensory experience unique to winter.

Notable Canadian Hot Springs

• Banff Upper Hot Springs, Alberta: Soak in mineral-rich waters while gazing at spectacular mountain views in Canada's first national park.
• Miette Hot Springs, Jasper National Park, Alberta: The hottest springs in the Canadian Rockies, flowing from the mountain at 54°C (129°F) and cooled to a comfortable soaking temperature.
• Halcyon Hot Springs, Arrow Lakes, British Columbia: These lithium-rich waters are said to have healing properties, and the lakeside location offers stunning views.
• Takhini Hot Springs, Yukon: Home to the annual International Hair Freezing Contest, where soakers create elaborate frozen hairstyles in the -30°C air temperatures.

Winter transforms Canadian landscapes into photographic wonderlands, with snow simplifying compositions and creating natural contrasts. The quality of light—from the pink glow of alpenglow to the blue hues of twilight reflected on snow—offers unique photographic opportunities.

Photography Tips for Winter Conditions

• Protect Your Gear: Moving between cold exteriors and warm interiors can cause condensation. Use sealed camera bags and allow equipment to warm up gradually.
• Battery Management: Cold drastically reduces battery life. Keep spare batteries in an inside pocket close to your body heat.
• Exposure Compensation: Snow typically fools camera meters, resulting in underexposed (gray) snow. Adjust exposure compensation to +1 or +2 to maintain white snow.
• Blue Hour Magic: The hour after sunset (and before sunrise) creates a blue cast that's particularly magical on snow-covered landscapes.

Photogenic Winter Locations

• Abraham Lake, Alberta: Famous for its methane bubbles trapped in clear ice, this artificial reservoir creates otherworldly winter photos.
• Niagara Falls, Ontario: When partially frozen, the falls create spectacular ice formations alongside thundering water.
• Spirit Island, Maligne Lake, Jasper National Park: Accessible only by cross-country ski or snowshoe in winter, this iconic island offers photographers solitude and pristine winter scenes.

Dressing for Canadian Winters

The key to comfort is layering:

• Base Layer: Moisture-wicking materials like merino wool or synthetic fabrics that move sweat away from your skin.
• Mid Layer: Insulating materials like fleece or down that trap warm air.
• Outer Layer: Waterproof and windproof shell to protect from the elements.
• Extremities: Don't underestimate the importance of proper winter boots, insulated gloves, and a warm hat that covers your ears.

Winter Driving

If renting a car for winter exploration:

• Request a vehicle with winter tires (mandatory in some provinces)
• Carry an emergency kit with blankets, non-perishable food, and a shovel
• Keep your gas tank at least half full to prevent fuel line freezing
• Check road conditions before departing and be flexible with plans

Winter Accommodation Considerations

• Book accommodations with in-room fireplaces or hot tubs for the ultimate winter comfort
• Consider unique winter lodgings like ice hotels, heated yurts, or winter glamping
• Verify winter accessibility for remote lodges or cabins