Canada · WINTER ACTIVITIES
43 reviewed
Canadian seasons are short and the good winter activities fill up inside them. Here are the 15 best, with current prices and what makes each different, so you can book before the window shuts.
Banff to Athabasca Glacier by Ice Explorer and Glacier Skywalk, with lunch and big Icefields Parkway views, from $291.17.
“It was pretty awesome being up on a glacier. We hit it on a warm day; hat, gloves, and warm coat were not necessary. I highly recommend this experience. We were able to FaceTime our grandson from the glacier and he was thrilled to see it.”
Go snowshoeing on Whistler’s Medicine Trail through the Callaghan Valley, with medicinal herb tea, snacks, and a small group tour.
“It was an absolutely beautiful experience! Highly recommend for someone new to town and want to explore! Our tour guide was amazing and super knowledgeable as well!”
Walk Victoria’s Chinatown and harbour, then add snack and drink stops plus a short ferry ride, for an easy winter half day.
“Dave was our tour guide. We had an amazing time. He was knowledgeable and engaging. The food and beer was good too.”
Winter Victoria whale-watching by Zodiac, with certified marine naturalist, whale-call hydrophone, and full warm cruiser suits for a 3-hour adventure.
“This tour was fun and enjoyable, even in the rain! We walked around town, taste tested a range of food and, learnt so much about the history of the area. It felt good to support local businesses.”
Winter Express is a 90-minute small-group Old Montreal walk with a licensed guide, designed to help you learn the essentials fast in winter.
“Dress warmly! Our guide was very knowledgeable and happy to spend time answering questions. We were really pleased.”
Mont-Tremblant snow tubing near Tremblant Resort: 8 downhill runs with a mechanical lift, warm-up space, and flexible 2 to 4 hour slots.
Jasper winter wildlife bus tour with hotel pickup, scenic stops in the Athabasca Valley, and an expert guide for 3+ hours.
“The tour was very informative and interactive. Despite not seeing a huge amount of wildlife, time of year, weather, etc,( not the companies fault), this was a very good time and would do again, summer or fall.”
Small-group winter day in Banff with guided ice time at Lake Louise, crampon hikes at Johnston Canyon, plus Bow Valley Parkway views.
“Our tour happened to be on Banff’s coldest day of the year, and I’m honestly really glad it wasn’t canceled. IMO, it’s a tour best for international visitors or those who want to sight see without a rental car. Some details; Tour guide: Michael was great! Easy going, good driver. Pick up: you can ask for your hotel pick up, which I hadn’t known about. Pros: group tour, good guide, safe, a lot to see in one day Cons: van could use some improvements. Very cold, struggled to heat up. Also would be nice to include hand warmers on days that crazy cold for the cost of the tour.”
Banff winter day trip to Lake Louise and Yoho with hotel pickup, guided walks, Emerald Lake Lodge lunch, and s’mores.
“Linda was very helpful, friendly and very Informative. She made sure we were all enjoying our tour. Highly recommended!”
Winter wildlife spotting from Jasper with a SunDog guide, Maligne Valley and Lake views, hotel pickup, and live stories in about 3.5 hours.
“Lutz was a fantastic guide! He kept things interesting and was knowledgeable. I enjoyed his sense of humor too. The animals and scenery were what I came for. I highly recommend this tour. It was well worth the price.”
Winter small-group Niagara Falls tour with tunnels behind the falls, Skylon Tower views, Niagara Whirlpool, and maple syrup chocolate tasting.
“We were tourists in Niagara Falls for a day in January- NO CROWDS- so very easy to book and enjoy the sights with no waiting”
Private winter safari from Ottawa to Parc Omega: feed deer with carrots, spot elk, bison, wolves and more from a luxury SUV.
“This was by far the best day ever. Vivi is a lovely person and a brilliant guide. She clearly loves and respects the animals she takes you to see and is extremely knowledgeable about them. Vivi knew where to find all the animals and we saw moose, bears, wild pigs chipmunks and even a baby beaver. The wolf talk and feeding is a must see and feeding the deer was both delightful and hilarious in equal measure. Nothing was too much trouble for her and we felt like we were out enjoying a fabulous experience with a great friend. We would also highly recommend the picnic which was freshly prepared…”
6-hour winter Niagara wine tour with transport, free tastings at 3 Niagara-on-the-Lake wineries, optional lunch, and shopping.
“The lunch stop was perfect! Pick up was confusing because pick up was on other side of road so it should indicate in front of hotel not cafe! The air didn’t work so was uncomfortable! The wineries were good!”
Late afternoon Whistler winter zipline with four illuminated runs, harness and helmet, and round-trip transfers. Small groups, about 2 hours.
“All of it. From start to finish. Our guides were super friendly & knowledgeable. Felt safe at all times.”
Winter Niagara Falls day trip from Toronto with Journey Behind the Falls, maple syrup tastings, and 3 hours to explore Clifton Hill.
“Our guide Paulie was extremely helpful. We couldn’t have asked for a better experience”
