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.


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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

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