In 2019, over 22 million international tourists visited Canada.

It’s no surprise thanks to its stunning landscape, a wealth of outdoor activities, and incredible wildlife. Perhaps you’re planning to visit this winter but you’re unsure what to try.

If that’s sounds familiar, you’ve come to the right place. Here are nine things to do in Canada.

1. Watch the Northern Lights

A Canadian winter isn’t complete without catching the Northern Lights, known as Aurora Borealis. You’ll become mesmerized by the pink, green, yellow, and violet hues filling the night sky, truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. 

The best place to see the Northern lights in Yellowknife in the Northern Territories where you can also visit the Aurora Village to enjoy roasted marshmallows and watch fireworks.

Another famous Canadian tourist spot is Niagra Falls, the world’s most iconic waterfall. If you’re interested, go on a six-hour-long tour walking group so you reach the top of the waterfalls and ride the renowned Maid of the Mist boat ride.

2. Visit a Giant Ice Skating Rink

One of the best cities in Canada is Ottawa especially when you visit Rideau Canal, a waterway that transforms into a skating rink during the winter. The rink is around 202 kilometers long but it’s divided into sections so the public can enjoy it. 

A bonus is that the rink is open 24 hours a day so you can enjoy an ice skating session whenever.

3. Try Ice Wine 

Not sure what to do in Canada?

Indulge in an afternoon sipping ice wine, a dessert variation made from frozen grapes. There are several ice wine festivals held across Canada including the Winter Okanagan Wine Festival and the Nova Scotia Winter Ice Wine festival. 

Apart from sampling this delicious beverage, you can also go on wine crawls and try wine pairing sessions.

4. Ride a Dog Sled

Dog sledding is the top of every Canadian travel guide as it’s a fantastic way to explore the scenery. This is where you’re pulled along by multiple dogs through the snow, anywhere in Canada’s thirteen territories. But note that you must consider the sledding periods because they vary depending on the region. 

If that’s not your thing, go Canadian canoeing as the country has countless lakes and rivers to explore. Ontario is popular because it’s filled with waterways so you can have a blast canoeing.

Or adrenaline junkies can go to “The Rock”, Canada’s most famous bungee jumping site. Looming at 200 feet tall, this spot is the highest jump in Northern America and jumpers will be spoiled by surrounding views of glistening livestock rock.

Those who aren’t keen can visit Morrison’s Quarry beach to cheer the jumpers on and enjoy a picnic.

5. Go Ice Fishing 

Ice fishing is a popular pastime in Canada but it’s slightly different from what we’re used to. You drill a hole in a frozen lake, hang the fishing line over it, and wait for a bite. Depending on where you are, you could catch northern pikes, trout, amongst other species. 

If you’re interested, head to Lake Diefenbaker in Saskatchewan and Cold Lake in Alberta. And to make sure you have a successful session, stock up on these ice fishing essentials.  

6. Attend a Hockey Game 

Tourists visiting Canada must visit a hockey game regardless of whether you’re a giant fan. You can find hockey games all over the country where you can root on the players, soak in the atmosphere, and enjoy a steaming dish of poutine afterward.

You can also attend the World Pond Hockey Championship in Plaster Rock where over 100 international teams play pond hockey over four days.

7. Go Snowshoeing 

Calling all hikers!

Snowshoeing is where you don special shoes to travel across the snowy landscape. You have to wear this special footwear to prevent slipping as it’s easier to tread on ice. Head to Kouchibouguac National Park to go snowshoeing and if you can’t splurge on a pair then consider renting them for the afternoon.  

And if you’re eager, why not climb a mountain in the Rockies? You can enjoy sparkling blue lakes, breath-taking wilderness, and spot Canada’s unique wildlife.

8. Walk Around an Ice Castle

Visit Hawrelak Park in Edmonton to experience a real-life fairytale. Here, you’ll find an ice castle with slides, secret rooms, and mazes you can get lost in.

At night, the ice castle lights up so it’s covered in blue, pink, and yellow lights that dance to music. Hawrelak Park is open from January to March so make sure you visit if you’re in Canada during that period.

9. Go on a Polar Bear Safari

You never get to see polar bears in the wild until now. 

Book a polar bear safari where you travel across the tundra and spot diverse wildlife like caribous, arctic foxes, and snowy owls. Churchill, in the Manitoba province, is the best place to do this as it’s known as the polar bear capital.

These Are the Best Things to Do in Canada 

Now you know the nine best things to do in Canada this winter. 

No trip is complete without watching the Northern Lights, attending a hockey game, and spending the afternoon ice fishing. Canada has plenty to offer whether you want to explore the scenery of visiting an ice castle so it’s perfect for families with or without little ones. Have fun!

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