place to visit in canada

The 10 best places to visit in Canada during the winter

Places to visit in Canada during the winter can be found in national parks, forests and lakes that transform into a wonderland this time of the year. It may be cold, but your explorations will be rewarded with breathtaking views and the most incredible photo-ops. 

Here's a list of some of the best places to visit in Canada during the winter.

Abraham Lake, Alberta 

Something spectacular happens to Abraham Lake when it freezes over in the winter. Methane gases from the lake bed below create the beautiful sight of these trapped bubbles, suspended under ice. Combined with the lake's clear blue water, this view is hard to beat. 

Niagara Falls, Ontario

These famous falls are remarkable this time of year. Despite freezing temperatures, the powerful rushing water of the falls never fully freeze over. The nearby trees and rock face however are fully-blanketed in sparkling snow and ice from the spray of the water. 

Town of Banff, Alberta

This resort town is just like something you'd see on a postcard. Located within Banff National Park, the snow-covered peaks of the Rocky Mountains act as the backsplash to Banff Avenue's many boutiques and chateau-inspired hotels. The views on the nearby Sulphur Mountain boardwalk also can't be beat.

Mont Tremblant National Park, Quebec

This is the oldest and largest park in Quebec. Anywhere throughout Mont-Tremblant's 1,510 kilometres of protected lakes, rivers and forests are sure to be undeniably picturesque in the wintertime. 

Edmonton Ice Castles, Alberta

These giant ice castles are as enchanting as a fairytale. The acre-sized ice village features frozen castles, breathtaking sculptures, thrones, tunnels, slides, and fountains, and is entirely hand-crafted. There's even a variety of different rooms for photo shoots. 

Rideau canal, Ontario

This UNESCO World Heritage Site freezes over every winter and becomes the largest naturally frozen skating rink in the world. The scenic nearly eight-kilometre skate passes by downtown Ottawa, as well as its vibrant neighbourhoods.

Lake Louise, Alberta

Found in the heart of Banff National Park, this glacier-fed lake is known for its crystal clear turquoise waters. Surrounded by towering peaks and a charming snow-covered chateau, the scenery is at its best in the winter. Whether you skate on the frozen lake or check out the view from a look-out off one of the hiking trails, you'll certainly be impressed. 

Capilano Suspension Bridge, B.C.

This picturesque treetop bridge with sweeping forest views gets covered with hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights every winter. Canyon Lights only runs from November until January, so if you missed it this year, be sure to add it to next year's bucket list. 

Maligne Canyon, Alberta

Don't miss out on experiencing the magical winter wonderland that’s found inside the deepest accessible canyon in the Canadian Rockies. The flowing waterfalls inside the canyon walls look even more beautiful when they freeze in motion down the nearly 100-foot chasm. 

Bruce Peninsula National Park, Ontario 

Though a popular spot in the summertime, this national park also offers incredible scenery in the colder months. The frosty snow-covered forest combined with the crystal clear waters along the icy Georgian Bay shoreline makes it worth a visit, even in the cold. 

Lead photo by

Olichel in Lake Louise


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