Are you searching for one of the best family travel destinations for your next trip? Canada is an amazing country. And you can visit there during the spring, summer, fall, and winter. However, some of the best memories you will make will occur during the winter months in Canada. This is when you can take advantage of the plethora of Canada’s top winter adventures and destinations. Today, I am going to share some of these winter adventures with you. At least one of them should have you ready to plan a family travel itinerary in Canada.

Canada’s Top Winter Adventures and Destinations

Seeing Polar Bears is the Top Winter Adventure in Canada

Coca Cola has created a marketing genius out of the frosty white polar bears. They are found in the colder climates of the North. You will find polar bears in Canada, Russia, Greenland and Norway mostly. A few can even be found in Alaska.

While they appear white in color, it’s actually a reflection of their surroundings. Polar bear fur is actually more translucent, allowing them to blend in better. Polar bears, when all four paws are on the ground stand about 3.5 to 5 feet tall. However, if you ever meet one while it’s standing up on its back legs – look out. That polar bear can stand as high as 10 feet or taller.

Not quite as cozy and cuddly as Coca Cola makes them appear. In fact, they are one of the deadliest bears in the world.

If your children have got you curious about Polar Bears, or you’re looking for an adventure in the North, then you won’t want to miss out. Churchill Manitoba is Canada’s favorite place for this winter adventure. Plus, it is a great place to explore the open tundra from the back of a Tundra buggy. Head out on a ride in search of these majestic animals.

You will see them splashing in the water. Walking across the icy landscape. Or fishing for lunch. It is amazing to witness these spectacular creatures up close, in the wild. Free to roam in nature.

Experience the Northern Lights

Looking for another wonder to explore? How about the Northern lights? These dancing lights are considered Canada’s top winter adventure!

When I first heard about these, I had to ask if they truly were real. A friend of mine who lives in Canada has described them to me. And while my last visit to Canada failed to produce a viewing (I was a few weeks too early), she shared photos and stories.

Most often you will see shades of greens and yellows to white lights dancing across the skies. However, on the truly vibrant nights, you will even see blues, pinks, purples and reds.

The lights can dance slowly where you need to watch closely to see them move all the way through. Or they can dance with such intensity that they snap and crack like a flag in the wind.

She tells me there is nothing like parking on an old country road, in the quiet of the countryside, and listen to the northern lights dancing. You can actually hear the snap and crack. The lights can even fill the whole sky from one horizon to the next, or just a short window to the side.

Either way it is right up at the top of my bucket list during my next family vacation in Canada!

The Northwest Territories

I recently discovered the most amazing trip in Northern Canada is the Northwest Territories. You can take a dog sled ride out to the middle of nowhere to watch the northern lights in the wide-open sky. Not to worry – they have warm layers to keep you toasty warm.

Everyone wants to know what causes Northern Lights. The real answer is, when gaseous particles in the atmosphere collide, their atoms react creating a spectacular light show. I like to think that it is just an amazing magic show the universe creates just for us.

Don’t worry, you can see this winter adventure in Canada anywhere you visit. So, don’t think you need to stick to the northwest regions of the country.

The Canadian Rockies

Years ago, my family took a trip to the Rocky Mountains. My family and I made our way to Alberta to explore the Canadian Rockies. We spent time in Lake Louise, Banff and Jasper.

The crystal-clear water of Lake Louise had been calling my name for years. I’m so excited I finally got to see it up close and in person.

Hiking, exploring glaciers, watching for animals and so much more, was all on the agenda for our family. While this vacation was filled with lots of activity and adventure for us, the Canadian Rockies is also a great destination for a couple’s escape.

Imagine cozying up in front of a crackling fireplace while the snow gently and softly falls outside. This is one of Canada’s winter adventures I can easily do. Plus, I’m pretty sure this is where the heart of every Hallmark movie is dreamt up.

Spend your mornings out in the crisp fresh air hiking. Then take a gondola ride up the mountain for the afternoon.  Spend the evening cuddled up by the fire. Talk about an escape to reconnect with the one you love the most.

Check out these amazing activities in the Rocky Mountains during the winter. 

Canadian Culture

Want to experience some Canadian Culture? Then you will want to explore the events that this region has become famous for.

Grab your best western duds and favorite cowpoke for the Calgary Stampede. Get ready to witness the most spectacular coastline fireworks show at Vancouvers’ Celebration of Lights.

You definitely won’t want to miss the star-studded TIFF (Toronto International Film Festival). Toronto is also home to the biggest and best Caribbean Festival of Canada.

Montreal is home to Just for Laughs. A 10-day long comedy festival featuring some of the best up and comers alongside the most seasoned comedians. Then there is the Montreal Jazz Festival.

In the winter you can check out the Quebec Winter Carnival or the Winterlude in Ottawa. Winterlude even includes skating along the Rideau Canal. This creates the world’s longest skating rink. These are two of the best adventures to have during the winter in Canada.

For the truly brave, you may even want to consider the annual polar bear plunge. This is where brave (I have a different word, but I’ll stick with brave) Canadians and tourists alike, cut a hole into the ice, and plunge into the frigid waters in the middle of winter. They do this while only wearing a bathing suit. They say it’s absolutely invigorating, but it certainly isn’t for everyone. You’ll find Canadians doing this on New Years Day mostly and for many it’s tied to a charity event.

A polar plunge may not be the Canada winter adventure you are looking for. However, you must admit, it will get your heart racing!

Check out these other winter events around the world! 

So, are you ready to have me personalize a family vacation itinerary for you that includes these Canada top winter adventures?

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