For some, winter in Canada means staying inside and wishing for warmer months. But some of the country’s best locations come to life during the coldest part of the year.
CTVNews.ca asked travel expert Loren Christie for his advice on locations that come alive when the temperature drops.A participant in the Island Lake Lodge ski program is seen near Fernie, B.C. .“The design of the Hôtel de Glace has changed over the years, but it is always breathtaking,” Christie said of the ice hotel located about 20 minutes north of Quebec City.
“I stayed overnight a few years ago and it was -32 C!” A post about the hotel from Quebec City staff describes the accommodation as the only ice hotel in North America. As it is made entirely of snow and ice, the city says, it is typically open from January to mid-March.For those hesitant to spend the night, the hotel is still worth the trip, Christie said. “Just grab a drink in the bar and, this season, you can actually dine at the hotel thanks to a catering partnership with Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac.” There is also a winter playground equipped with snow slides.Described by Parks Canada as a combination of tent and A-frame cabin, oTENTik accommodations exist in federal parks in 10 provinces and one territory. Christie says the “cozy” camping accommodations are available at 30 Parks Canada locations across the country. He offered the following tip, for those looking for a deal: “With the Canada Strong pass, you receive free park entry and a 25 per cent discount on camping and overnight stays until Jan. 15.”Christie recommends those looking for more of an adventure head west for ideal conditions for outdoor sports. “I am a fan of skiing the B.C. Interior, where I have been lucky to always have great ski conditions,” he said. “My personal favourite – as a novice skier married to a great skier – is SilverStar Resort, outside Vernon. It’s literally perfect for all skill levels.” SilverStar is one of several ski resorts in the area, with 133 marked runs and a total vertical drop of 760 kilometres, according to its website.Also in the mountains is Skoki Lodge, which Christie recommends for those considering a Rocky Mountain getaway. He said it’s approximately an 11-kilometre cross-country ski trip from Lake Louise, Alta. The exterior of Skoki Lodge is seen in an image provided by Lake Louise Ski Resort captured by Sarah Magyar.Describing it as “a gorgeous, cozy backcountry lodge with no running water or electricity,” Christie noted the Prince and Princess of Wales honeymooned at the location.A skier takes in the views during a visit to Skoki Lodge in an image provided by Lake Louise Ski Resort.“The Niagara-on-the-Lake Icewine Village turns the main street of this charming Ontario town into a winter wonderland for the weekends of Jan. 17-18 and 24-25,” Christie said.General admission is free, according to Niagara Grape and Wine, a group that describes the two-weekend event as a chance to “experience the magic of icewine.” The site notes icewine tastings and food pairings, cozy fire pits, live ice carving demonstrations and a general festive atmosphere. The Niagara-on-the-Lake Icewine Village is seen in an image from 2025. “It may sound cliché, but there is nothing more quintessentially Canadian than skating along the world’s longest ice rink through the heart of our beautiful nation’s capital,” Christie told CTVNews.ca. Located in Ottawa, the Rideau Canal transforms every year into a 7.8-kilometre skating path. It is also a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. The National Capital Commission says the skating season runs from January to March, but it is weather-dependent. It’s free to access, and when it is open, the Skateway can be used 24 hours a day. Skaters skate along the Rideau Canal Skateway during the first official day of public skating on New Year’s Eve on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025. One of the best ways to embrace winter is in nature, and Christie recommends checking out the aurora borealis.“There are so many options to check out. Word is Yellowknife is one of the best destinations for people hoping to catch a glimpse of this incredible natural phenomenon.”Aurora borealis The City of Yellowknife describes itself as the best place in the world to view the aurora borealis, and says clear nights between November and April are often the best time of year for viewing.World’s largest log cabin “The Fairmont Le Château Montebello is the world’s largest log cabin, and hands down the coziest spot in Canada for a family winter getaway,” Christie said. “My favourite spots are on the curling ice or in the lobby, curled up next to the incredible circular fireplace.”World’s largest log cabin Located in Montebello, Que. – about 80 kilometres from Ottawa, or 135 kilometres from Montreal – the hotel has been around for 95 years and boasts “more than 40 unique activities and experiences available on-site,” according to Fairmont.For the adventurous, Christie again recommends heading to B.C., and specifically Fernie. “Island Lake Lodge is a gorgeous lodge just outside of town, and it’s where I tried catskiing for the first time. Staff, food and experience were wonderful,” he said. The lodge says it runs one of the best catskiing operations in the world, also noting its fine dining and spa experiences available to guests. Nestled in the Rockies, Fernie is a mix of small-town charm and stunning scenery, according to Tourism Fernie.Thermal spas“Sit and soak in one of the country’s thermal spas,” he said. “There has been huge growth in the last few years of spas that know how to embrace winter – thermal pools, saunas, saltwater floating baths, outdoor fire pits, you name it!” Christie recommended Le Scandinave Spa Blue Mountain in Blue Mountains, Ont., and Nordik Spa Village in Chelsea, Que., as two he has visited, describing both as “amazing.”ADVERTISEMENT
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