Have you ever wondered what a Canadian Winter would be like? You will just have to visit in the wintertime to discover why Canada’s Winters are the best! I can tell you that there are plenty of reasons why you should visit Canada in the Winter. Canada is a vast Country with many areas to explore depending on your interests. In this post, you will fine a comprehensive guide for visiting Canada in the Winter.
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Winter in Canada is the perfect destination for the outdoor enthusiast and adventure seeker. If you are planning a visit to Canada, this is your complete guide to visiting Canada in the Winter which will help you prepare for your visit. In this post, you will learn everything you will need to know about driving in Canada during the Winter, as well as what to pack, where to go, and adventures Canada has to offer by region.
Winter Weather in Canada
Winter in Canada is in itself a site that must be seen. Around November Canada will turn into a Winter Wonderland and it will last until at least the end of March and possibly into April.
Is it cold in Canada? Hell ya it is! Warm clothing is mandatory, especially if you have never experienced the snow before.
Unlike our Summer months, Winter can dip to well below 0 degrees making it necessary to dress appropriately. I recommend dressing in layers so that you can shed your clothes when you start warming up…and you will warm up.
You can expect the weather to be all over the place from snow to rain to ice to sleet, to complete white outs at times which can make for treacherous driving (more on that later). Daytime temperatures typically range from -5 to -15 Celsius (23 to 5 F) and night temperatures can drop as low as -30 to -14 Celsius (-20 to -40 F). It does get chilly and I don’t think that you ever get use to it, but this is half the fun when visiting Canada during the Winter months.
Driving in Canada in the Winter
As mentioned above, driving in Canada during the Winter can be extremely treacherous at times. Take solace in knowing that it is possible and a little bit of snow and ice doesn’t stop us Canadians from exploring often. Just make sure that you have your road trip essentials packed and ready to go.
Most Canadians will have snow tires installed on their vehicles early in October to be ready for that first snow fall. The snow tires definitely help to navigate the snowy, slippery roads. Insurance companies are also required to discount insurance policies when vehicles have snow tires installed.
If you will be travelling to Canada during the Winter, it is important to note that each individual Province has laws regarding snow tires:
Canadian Provinces Where Snow Tires Are Mandatory
- British Columbia (between October 1st and April 30th)
- Quebec (December 1st to March 15th, inclusive)
What Canadian Provinces Recommend Snow Tires
- Alberta
- Manitoba
- New Brunswick
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- Northwest Territories
- Nova Scotia
- Nunavut
- Ontario
- Prince Edward Island
- Saskachewan
- Yukon
Even though these Provinces haven’t mandated snow tires, the majority of drivers have opted to have them installed for easier and safer driving.
What to Pack for Winter in Canada
Packing for a visit to Canada during the Winter can be quite difficult, but it is always better to have too much than not enough.
Remember…..layers!
To make packing easier, I always begin my packing from the inside out whenever I am travelling during the Winter. Start with the base layer and work your way to your outer layer.
Base Layer
- Long Johns: I recommend Kombi. The products are designed for Canadian Winters and are made with fabric which will absorb your sweat
- Undershirt: Again I recommend Kombi.
- Socks: Wool socks are the best for a Canadian Winter as they also absorb your sweat
It is my personal opinion that these items are the most important items to remember to pack when visiting Canada during the Winter months. These are the items that will keep you dry, therefore help to keep you warm.
Mid Layer
- Sweaters and/or Hoodies: Wool is the best fabric to keep you warm. It is a natural insulating product. Avoid cotton as it holds onto the cold and moisture.
- Pants: Leggings alone aren’t usually warm enough during the Canadian Winter, but you can wear them as a base layer as long as they aren’t cotton. The best fabric for pants is wool, spandex or cotton. Winter in Canada is not the time for jeans as they retain the moisture and they do freeze.
Outer Layer
The outer layer is almost as important as the base layer and proper outer layer clothing is expensive.
- Coat: When looking for a Winter coat for your trip to Canada, it is important to look for a coat that is windproof. I also prefer outer clothing that is water resistant. North Face is a great product to fight the Canadian cold.
- Boots: For the outdoor enthusiast, I would look for .water resistant boots (especially for all of you hikers).
- Snow Pants: the majority of snow pants are made of polyester and nylon. For the avid outdoor person, you might want to consider spending extra (okay a lot of extra) money for Gore Tex snow pants. Unless I am skiing or playing in the snow, I prefer to wear wind pants. NOTE: Snow pants are not needed for just wandering around, shopping, driving, etc. They are recommended for outdoor Winter activities.
- Hat: Most Canadians wear tuques in the Winter. Just make sure your hat is made of wool or goose. Both will keep you warm.
- Mittens/Gloves: Gloves made from leather, cotton, are the best. When choosing your mittens or gloves, check to see if they have three layers. The outer layer should be waterproof. The middle layer acts as the insulator, and the inner layer is the liner that will keep the moisture away.
- Scarf: Scarves are an optional clothing item, but they do help to protect you neck and face during extreme cold and winds. Wool is the best material to keep you warm and keep the moisture away from you skin.
JUST ONE TIP: If you have never visited Canada during the Winter, I recommend checking out the Canadian clothing sites. The clothes are manufactured in Canada taking into account all of Canada’s crazy
🛫 When booking flights, you can contact the airlines directly or visiting a company that will find the cheapest rates 💰
🌆 Do you need to book accommodations? Canada offers chain hotels, boutique hotels, Airbnb’s and rentals.
🚗 Canada is a large Country and a vehicle is necessary. Car rentals are available at all major airports, however, they must be booked in advance.
Winter Activities in Canada
Now for the difficult stuff. Deciding which part of Canada is the best part to visit during the Winter? I personally recommend either British Columbia, Alberta, or Quebec, but that’s just me. Your choice will depend on how much of the Canadian Winter activities you want to participate in and how much you love being in the cold outdoors.
The entire Country offers a plethora of Winter activities from Winter hiking, snow-shoeing, ice climbing, skating, snow-mobiling, skiing, cross-country skiing, dog sledding, tobogganing, winter campfires, winter camping, ice-fishing, and northern lights.
For those of you who only want to experience a bit of the Canadian Winter, not to worry, there are plenty of indoor activities as well.
To help you make your decision on what part of Canada best suits your interests, I have provided this guide to visiting Canada in the Winter to help you decide which part of Canada you want to visit.
Newfoundland and Labrador
Newfoundland and Labrador are located in the eastern part of Canada and I have to warn you that this part of Canada is colder than most areas and it can be difficult to get to. Many parts of Newfoundland and Labrador are accessible only by ferry, which does run throughout the Winter.
This part of Canada is extremely snowy, so if you want a remote area with a tonne of activities, this Province is for you, and offers:
- skiing
- snow-mobiling
- winter ziplining
- ice fishing (this is a big past-time in this part of Canada)
- a tonne of Winter hiking areas
Prince Edward Island
Prince Edward Island is a small Province accessible by ferry or road. Because of its location it is prone to get more blizzardy weather than most of Canada, which creates the Winter Wonderland atmosphere throughout most of the Winter.
When visiting Prince Edward Island, immerse yourself in Winter activities such as:
- winter hiking
- skiing
- fat tire biking
- horse drawn sleigh rides
Halifax
Halifax is a fairly flat Province located in eastern Canada which offers many Winter sites for the more passive visitor:
- walk the harbourfront
- downtown star gazing
- take a bus tour to Peggy’s Cove (but dress really warm)
- tour the wineries. Yes they are open throughout the Winter
New Brunswick
New Brunswick is what is considered the last of Canada’s eastern Provinces. Being so close to the French speaking Province of Quebec, it is important to note that there is a fair bit of French spoken in New Brunswick as well.
New Brunswick is another Provin6C849Ece suitable for the more passive outdoor person, offering leisurely activities such as:
- downhill and cross country skiing
- outdoor skating
- snowshoeing
- hockey
- sugar shack tours
- hiking the Midland Ice Caves trail
- Frederickton FROSTfestival
Quebec
Ahhhh, Quebec. One of my favourite Provinces to visit in Canada during the Winter months. The entire Province turns into a complete winter wonderland with so many outdoor winter activities to choose from:
- skiing, skiing, and more skiing
- Quebec City Winter Carnival (a must to put on the list)
- dog sledding
- ice skating
- ice fishing
- snow kiting
- ice climbing
- snow mobiling
- hiking
- spend the night at the Ice Hotel, America’s only ice hotel
- Scandinavian spa
Ontario
Ontario is a fairly flat Province and while it does have some ski slopes, the avid skier will be disappointed if they visit Ontario for the sole purpose of skiing. However, while Ontario doesn’t have the greatest skiing in the world, it does offer many other amazing Winter activities:
- skiing, snowboarding
- snow shoeing
- cross-country skiing
- toboganning
- hockey, hockey and more hockey
- outdoor and trail skating rinks
- dog sledding
- millions of Winter hiking trails
- ice fishing
Just One Passport Tip: For the avid hiker and waterfall chaser, a day trip to Hamilton is recommended. There are enough trails and frozen waterfalls to keep you exploring for days.
Manitoba
Manitoba is not hugely known as a Winter destination when visiting Canada. The weather gets very cold and it is prone to a lot of wind/snow storms. But for those of you who do choose to visit Manitoba, you will still have no trouble finding Winter activities such as:
- ice skating
- ice fishing
- search for polar bears (for real! Manitoba isn’t called the Polar Bear Capital of the World for nothing)
- hiking
- cross country skiing and snow shoeing
Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan is another Province in Canada that isn’t a popular Winter destination. That’s not to say that if you happen to be visiting or passing through this Province that you won’t be able to experience a Canadian Winter by:
- skiing
- skating
- snow mobiling
- hiking, cross country skiing, snow shoeing
- dog sledding
Alberta
This now brings us to Alberta, one of Canada’s premier Winter destinations. You are now entering Canada’s Rocky Mountain region and there are nothing but mountains as far as the eye can see, and with mountains comes a plethora of Winter activities:
- skiing and snowboarding
- outdoor skating
- winter hiking, snow shoeing
- ice-climbing
- winter camping
- ice fishing
- fat tire biking
- tubing
- Lake Louise ice castle, ice bar and skating
- cross country skiing
- snow mobiling
- dog sledding
- star gazing
British Columbia
British Columbia is a Province that boasts some of Canada’s warmer weather, but don’t let that fool you. There is still plenty of snow and with snow comes Winter fun, such as:
- skiing, tubing, snow boarding
- hiking, snow shoeing, cross country skiing
- vineyards (open throughout the Winter)
- ice climbing
- storm watching
Yukon
The Yukon shares a boarder with Alaska, so you know that you better bundle up when visiting this Canadian Province during the Winter months. It is COLD and drops to -40 degrees during the evenings. For those of you brave enough to venture out into the Yukon’s freezing temperatures, you will be lucky enough to experience a Canadian Winter at its finest by:
- dog sledding
- fat tire biking
- Winter hiking
- ice fishing
- ski through a wildlife preserve
- Yukon Sourdough Rendezvous
- Dawson Creek’s Thaw di Gras Festival
- Northern lights
Northwest Territories
Canada’s Northwest Territories is known as the world mecca for the Northern Lights, which are on display up to 200 times a year, making the Northwest Territories the perfect Canadian Winter destination. When the lights aren’t shining, you will find plenty of other Winter options:
- Northern lights
- snow shoeing
- snow mobiling
- dog sledding
- hiking
- cross country skiing
Nunavat
Last but not least, a visit to the Canadian Province of Nunavat will leave you frigid. If you insist on experiencing the true cold, then Nunavat is where you want to be. However, with the cold, there comes very few Winter activities to partake in, but there are a few Winter activities which will keep you occupied:
- dog sledding
- dog sled races
- ice fishing
- snow mobiling
Just One Tip: During the Winter months, transportation is only by way of snow mobile
Top Choices For Visiting Canada in the Winter
Where in Canada to visit throughout the Winter months is completely a personal preference, but my top destinations to recommend would be (in no particular order)
- Quebec City, Quebec
- Banff, Alberta
- Jasper, Alberta
- Lake Louise, Alberta
- Niagara Falls, Ontario
For travellers preparing to visit Canada, these articles will assist you with your travels:
Visiting Canada In The Winter In Conclusion …
I know wherever you choose to visit in Canada during the Winter, you won’t be disappointed. You will find plenty of Winter activities which will help you to experience a true Canadian Winter.
Stay Warm 🙂
Travel Solo Like a Pro!
AIRFARE:
♥ CheapOair and WayAway offer flights at a resonable rate. Let CheapOair or WayAway find the cheapest and best flight for your destination
HOTELS & ACCOMMODATION:
♥ I use Booking.com to book all of my accommodations, both domestically and internationally. When booking in the United States, I use Trivago US
ACTIVITIES:
♥ Get Your Guide and Viator are the absolute best sites to plan and book any adventures, activities, and all things fun
BIKE AND MOTORCYCLE RENTALS:
♥ BikesBooking.com will find the best prices for bicycles, motocyles, and scooter rentals any place in the world.
CAR RENTAL:
♥ Economy Bookings will provide rental prices worldwide, which making it a one stop shop for the most reasonable car rentals
AIRPORT TRANSFER AND PRIVATE TOURS:
♥ Kiwitaxi is who you want to contact for transportation from the airport or train station. Why not arrange for a PRIVATE CITY TOUR with Kiwitaxi at the same time.
CRUISES:
♥ Cruise Critic not only provides reviews and answers questions, it also offers great cruise deals. If your a cruise lover (like me), I highly recommend that you check it out!
TRAVEL INSURANCE:
♥ Travel insurance these times of natural disasters, travel interruption and baggage loss is no longer a place where you can cut costs. essentials. It has become an essential part of travel. Visitors Coverage will take care of all of your insurance needs.
PIN YOUR GUIDE FOR WHEN YOU VISIT CANADA IN THE WINTER
In the winter of 2020, I embraced the call of adventure and joined friends on the Kuari Pass trek in the Himalayas. This trek, starting in Kharchi village, was relatively straightforward under normal circumstances, but the winter landscape transformed it into a breathtaking experience. We journeyed to the Akrotghetta campsite, named after a magnificent lone Walnut tree, and then continued to Khullara. Mornings were chilly, and the sun set early, but daytime was pleasantly sunny. Layering kept us warm, and the trek organizers provided cozy sleeping bags for the nights. On the third day, despite icy conditions, 12 out of 18 of us conquered the Kuari Pass summit, offering awe-inspiring 360-degree views of snow-clad peaks like Chaukhamba, Kamet, Haathi Parvat, and Dunagiri. This winter trek was a visual feast for the soul. ❄️🏔️🌄 #KuariPassTrek #WinterAdventure
What a great in-depth guide for visiting Canada in the winter! I’ve always wanted to visit in the summer but after reading your recommendations I might consider visiting in the colder months. Thanks for sharinga ll your helpful tips!
For over 60 years I hated our Winters, but since COVID hit, I now prefer Winter over our summer
I love this guide! How often I hear of travelers coming to Canada in the winter months only to be shocked with how cold it can get! I am from BC and people always think it is “warm” in the winters… that is until they get here! Great read.
Either that or they all think we live in igloos lol. I will admit that BC is a “bit” warmer than here in Ontario, but I certainly wouldn’t call it warm out there.
Lots of great advice for people who don’t know what to expect from Canadian winters. Even a remind to some Canadians who may not have as brutal winters as the rest!
It definitely does get cold but with the right clothing we can still carry on with our activities.
You know, Canada made me actually love winter (I have always avoided the cold before we moved here!) I know BC isn’t quite as epically cold as the rest of the country, but I have learned to appreciate the snow/skiing/snowshoeing etc. It all makes the cold so, sooo much more fun.
I completely agree! I’ve lived in Canada my entire life and I HATED Winter until the pandemic hit. I took up winter hiking and I’m hooked! I admit though that I still don’t like to drive in the snow lol
No way! I love that the pandemic got you to appreciate it.
For me, it was learning that when it’s rainy, if you drive up to the mountains it’ll be a winter wonderland!
But yeah, I am still a bit nervous about driving in the snow.
Unfortunately, we don’t have the mountains here in Ontario 🙁
I completely agree with you about Quebec City being #1! It’s so charming, there’s good skiing nearby and delicious food to warm your belly!
It really does have everything! A little piece of Europe in North America 🙂
I must say that Canadian winter to me is intimidating. But the range of activities in each province has got me excited and in the planning mode. I live in Boston and we have driven to Quebec a couple of times, once in winter. This a very unique and inspiring blog. Thank you for sharing.
The weather in Canada isn’t all that different from Boston (Boston is on my weekend road trip bucket list! )
Would love to visit Quebec in Winter! Great tips and suggestions for getting the proper clothing to be dressed to enjoy~!
February is the best time to visit Quebec for the Winter Carnival. It’s amazing!
Canada is a winter wonderland. I’ve been to Montreal and Toronto many times, but would love to do some hiking in other areas.
Western Canada is the best spot for Winter hiking (or any hiking for that matter). It’s very mountainess with the Canadian Rockies out there.
A very comprehensive list. Enjoyed it very much, and some pins were made 🙂 I look forward to visiting Canada, hopefully in 2022. I’m just waiting on my visa
I’m glad you enjoyed it! Do you know what part of canada you will be bisiting?
I have relatives living in Winnipeg and Toronto, so likely one of these two cities. I’d love to visit BC though
I havent been to Winnipeg. B.C. and Alberta are my favs. I LOVE the mountains!
I have visited Canada in summer and fall for the foliage. It is stunning, but I have never dared to come in winter. I guess it is likely the same as with Alaska, you fly to where you plan to stay and drive your rental car only in inhabited areas in case there are problems with your car. Or you join a guided tour.
I had no idea the Aurora is visible on 200 nights per year in the NW Territories. That sounds fantastic.
You definitely need a car to get around in Canada!
I can’t say I like winter right now since the west is in a deep freeze 🙂
I heard! Ontario just has rain! It’s +1
Jealous!
hahah. I would rather have the snow. The rain makes for some pretty muddy hiking lol.
Canada looks so incredible in the winter. I honestly don’t know if this Texas girl could take the cold though. I shivered just reading the section on the weather. LOL!
Haha…you can do it! There’s always coffee and bailey’s to warm up with.
We’ve been to all except the Northern Territories. Manitoba. And Saskatchewan. But never in winter except for Alberta once and we said we will never do it again. We do not like the cold. A pity because it os so pretty@
The cold definitely takes getting use to but Alberta is gorgeous in the winter with so much to do
What a great comprehensive guide for non-Canadians to give them some idea of what to expect. There is no doubting Canada is such a vast and beautiful country and winter would be such a wonderful time to see much of it. The advice on layering for clothing is so important to ensure you don’t freeze and can really enjoy the experience.
Yes. The proper clothing is a must!
I’m not sure I’m brave enough to visit Canada in the winter. I can barely survive visiting our family in Montana in the winter. LOL!
Haha. You just have to dress properly
After spending many winters in Canada, wealthy retired Canadians go to Florida during the winter. A sign? The winter is cold and long, but there is also the right equipment to deal with it.
They do! At one point I also considered doing this, but then I discovered how much I loved Winter hiking so I am staying home Winters now 🙂