The 10 Best Canadian Cities To Visit In The Winter

It's not called the Great White North for nothing. When it comes to wintertime, there's no better place to visit than Canada, eh?

Canada becomes a genuine winter wonderland when the temperature drops below zero. Sure, it's chilly AF, but because there are a ton of fun activities to enjoy and beautiful places to see, you won't even notice. (Well, almost...)

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With so many beautiful cities across the country offering up the goods on their snowy status, it's a little tricky to decide which one to visit first. We made it a little easier on you by selecting the best Canadian cities to visit in the winter because, yes, even snow can be enjoyable.

1. Niagara Falls, aka Mother Nature's most famous ice sculpture

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Sure, many people know Niagara Falls as a popular summer or honeymoon destination, but it's in the wintertime when the falls really become something spectacular. In addition to viewing the magical main attraction (which lights up at night along with fireworks), there are various festivals to attend during the season, including the Winter Festival of Lights and Niagara Icewine Festival. Adrenaline junkies will love the zip line over the falls, and a visit behind the falls is always a must.

2. Quebec City, Canada's little Europe

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With its cobblestone lanes and European-like aesthetic, Quebec City is like visiting another time or even a different continent. It also comes alive in the wintertime, thanks in part to the wildly popular Le Carnaval de Québec (the Quebec Festival). Filled with massive snow sculptures, family-friendly rides and activities, and très fun street parties, it's a definite must. You'll also want to check out Hôtel de Glace, one of the few ice hotels in the world, even just for a quick visit if not for a stay. And no Canadian winter is complete without tobogganing (or sledding), which you can do at Au 1884, a century-year-old-plus slide overlooking the city with speeds of up to 43 miles (70 kilometers) per hour.

3. Banff, the Rocky Mountain beauty

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B.C. isn't the only skiing destination in Canada. Banff, located in Alberta, is dominated by the peaks of Mount Rundle and Cascade Mountain, part of the Rocky Mountains. While skiing and snowboarding are popular winter activities here (for obvious reasons), there's more to see and do in this stunning resort town during the colder months. Renting a pair of skates and gliding across the picturesque Lake Louise is definitely bucket list material. If you're not busy snowshoeing or relaxing at the Upper Hot Springs, you can always visit Ice Magic, a world-class ice carving event.

4. Winnipeg, where they embrace winter (because it gets soooo cold)

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Winnipeg, located in the Canadian prairies and the province of Manitoba, is a winter lover's paradise. The first stop has to be the Forks, a riverside attraction in the heart of downtown that freezes over once the temps drop and becomes one of the world's longest skating rinks. Afterward, you can dine at one of the many restaurants and cafés at the Forks Market before venturing outside again to tackle the Arctic Glacier Winter Park, where you can enjoy tobogganing or try your hand at Crokicurl, a popular Canadian hybrid sport that blends curling with the board game Crokinole. Need some extra warmth and relief from your tired muscles? Duck out from the city to Thermëa, a Nordic spa, just a few minutes outside of the city.

5. Ottawa, the country's capital of winterness

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Canada's capital city of Ottawa is definitely a winter city. For starters, it boasts the largest skating rink in the world along the Rideau Canal (which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site), where you can literally skate around the historic city and pick up hot chocolate and BeaverTails (a Canadian deep-fried pastry in the shape of — you guessed it — a beaver tail) along the way. Afterward, you can check out the city's free Winterlude festival, where you can check out live performances and gorgeous ice sculptures as well as indulge in some kid-like fun with tube sliding, and skiing and snowboarding lessons. Later, visit the ByWard Market, one of Canada's most famous markets, with tons of shops, bars, and eateries. If nature and wildlife is your jam, you should definitely head to Omega Park, a 2,200-acre (890-hectare) park and natural habitat for Canadian and arctic wildlife located an hour outside of the city, and observe beautiful winter animals, such as wolves, arctic foxes, and bison.

6. Montreal, a snowy city paradise

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If you're looking for some culture with your chill factor, look no further than Montreal. From skating and snowshoeing across its famous Mount Royal Park to taking in its "Fête des neiges" (snow festival), where you can tube slide down an epic 16-lane hill with beautiful views, among other fun winter activities, the second-largest city in the country is mesmerizing in the winter months. You must take a tour of a Cabane à Sucre (sugar shack) to learn about — and taste — the city's delicacy: hot maple syrup poured over fresh snow. Later, stop by Old Montreal's gorgeous Notre-Dame Basilica, which was completed in 1829, before warming up with the city's foodie staple, poutine, at La Banquise.

7. Edmonton: fun and freezing in the city

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So, here's the thing: It gets pretty cold in Edmonton. Temps usually range from 41ºF to -31ºF (5ºC to -35ºC). But the capital of Alberta has plenty to offer in the winter besides its chilly air. It's enjoyed a wintry reinvention as of late, offering up a slew of winter festivals, including the family-friendly Deep Freeze: A Byzantine Winter Festival and Ice on Whyte, the city's ice carving competition. You can also strap on a pair of snowshoes or cross-country skis and hike across Elk Island National Park, cheer on the NHL's Edmonton Oilers, where Wayne Gretzky became "the Great One," or rent a fat bike or segway and hit the trails across Edmonton's River Valley. Another winter treat? The Ice Castles, an acre-sized icy wonderland that's been handcrafted to resemble frozen waterfalls, glaciers, and ice caves.

8. Saskatoon, so very cold yet so very charming

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We're not going to lie: It gets pretty cold in Saskatoon. But winter is what makes this city, located in the heart of Canada's prairies, so special. Nicknamed "the City of Bridges," Saskatoon offers an array of outdoor activities, including cross-country skiing on the Meewasin Trail in the city and kick-sledding, which is a fun mix of skateboarding and sledding. You can rent a kick-sled at Escape Sports for $15. You can also take a spin on the Cameco Meewasin skating rink at Nutrien Plaza, which was once voted the best outdoor skating rink in Canada. Later, warm up and take a free tour around Lucky Bastard Distillers and sample some of their award-winning spirits.

9. Halifax, the city that'll make you fall in love with winter

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The largest city in Atlantic Canada, Halifax offers a fun blend of urban and outdoor activities. Skate for free at the Emera Oval, a large outdoor skating rink that's equivalent in size to three NHL hockey rinks. Afterward, head to Citadel Hill for some epic sledding as well as a little history lesson. A National Historic Site in Halifax, it was originally built as a military fortification to protect the British North American empire from enemies and is considered by many to be the reason why Halifax exists today. Speaking of must-see stops, you must travel to Peggy's Cove and her iconic lighthouse, which is located about 25 miles (40 kilometers) southwest of downtown Halifax. Bonus: There are fewer tourists in the wintertime. Later, warm up and get nice and lubricated at the Savour Food and Wine Festival or the Festival of Whisky. Before you go, don't forget to sample one of the best lobster rolls in town at Evan's Fresh Seafoods.

10. Victoria, a milder, mesmerizing winter

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If you're looking for a milder winter experience in Canada, then Victoria is your city. Translation: You'll get more rain here than snow. Located on Vancouver Island (yes, where Harry and Meghan vacationed), the capital city of British Columbia is home to urban charms while also being surrounded by the lush beauty of the province. A stroll through the Butchart Gardens is a must. Built more than 100 years ago, the outdoor oasis is a National Historic Site of Canada and home to 900 botanical varietals spread over 55 acres (22 hectares). Afterward, warm up by the fire at the landmark hotel, the Fairmont Empress, and treat yourself to afternoon tea, where it's been a staple for over a century. With similar growing conditions as the northern regions of Germany and France, Vancouver Island is home to some amazing wineries, which you can discover — and, of course, sample — just outside of the city. Grab a bite at the Victoria Public Market located in the historic Hudson building, where you can dine on gourmet foods from local artisans.

CORRECTION

Jan. 27, 2020, at 14:39 PM

An earlier version of this post misstated the size of Montreal.

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