Winter is Canada Time

Image: PHOTO: Banff is particularly beautiful in the winter. (photo via Pixabay)
Image: PHOTO: Banff is particularly beautiful in the winter. (photo via Pixabay)
Scott Hartbeck
by Scott Hartbeck
Last updated: 7:00 PM ET, Wed December 13, 2017

While Canada is without a doubt a four-season destination, winter might just be the best time to visit.

During these special months, travelers are able to experience both the unmatched splendor of Canada's winter landscape and the many cultural attractions of its cities.

It's this magical combination of snowy pursuits and cosmopolitan delights that makes an Air Canada Vacations trip so special. The following are some of the most exciting things to do this year:

Explore Ottawa on Skates

Each winter, Ottawa's historic Rideau Canal becomes the world's largest naturally frozen skating rink. (While the dates can never be certain, it usually freezes in January and lasts until late February or March.)

The frozen path stretches nearly five miles from the city center to serene Dow's Lake. The best part? It's completely free to use the frozen canal.

Beautiful Banff

This spectacular ski resort in Alberta is always one of Canada's most popular, and that's for several good reasons.

In addition to its slopes being surrounded by some of Canada's most majestic mountains, the town of Banff is full of places to shop, dine and sip cocktails or hot chocolate by a roaring fire.

Montreal's Festival of Light

Let's face it: winter nights can be bleak.

Luckily for visitors, the Montreal Festival of Light comes around each year to brighten up the skies. This year the festival runs from February 22nd to March 4th, and its calendar is loaded with performing arts, outdoor family fun and foodie delights.

Dine under the Northern Lights

While rooftop restaurants and their skyline views are well and fine, they can't hold a candle to having a meal under the Aurora Borealis. With the Northern Lights & Winter Nights experience, travelers are treated to a gourmet meal in a gorgeous room with a glass roof-located under the Auroral Oval near Churchill, Manitoba.

Wonderful Whistler

Whistler is British Columbia's most iconic ski resort. Just one trip will have you wondering how you survived a winter without it. You will find slopes packed with powder and a bustling village for all your apres ski needs.

Take off in a Tundra Buggy

These utterly unique vehicles trek their way across the snow and ice of the tundra. Taking a trip in one is among the most thrilling ways to get up-close-and-personal with Canadian wildlife during winter.


For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore

More From TravelPulse

Scott Hartbeck

Scott Hartbeck

Editor true scotthartbeck 9309 14744 Born and raised in the USA but now based in the UK, Scott is a Europe travel expert who has been exploring the continent for over 20 years. He specializes in European rail and discovering underrated destinations & experiences

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Upcoming Webinar
Europe Made Easy: Sell with Confidence with Classic VacationsFriday, October 23, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
From iconic cities to hidden gems, discover how Classic Vacations helps travel advisors navigate the...
Upcoming Webinar
Japan Beyond the Golden Route: Luxury and Hidden GemsMonday, October 26, 2026
4:00pm Eastern
Turn over a new leaf in Japan during this webinar, where we'll look beyond the cherry blossoms and...
Upcoming Webinar
The Air France Dining ExperienceTuesday, October 27, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Discover why Air France is one of the world’s premier airlines for dining and beverages. In this...
Upcoming Webinar
Europe Made Easy: Sell with Confidence with Classic VacationsFriday, October 23, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
From iconic cities to hidden gems, discover how Classic Vacations helps travel advisors navigate the...
Upcoming Webinar
Japan Beyond the Golden Route: Luxury and Hidden GemsMonday, October 26, 2026
4:00pm Eastern
Turn over a new leaf in Japan during this webinar, where we'll look beyond the cherry blossoms and...
Upcoming Webinar
The Air France Dining ExperienceTuesday, October 27, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Discover why Air France is one of the world’s premier airlines for dining and beverages. In this...