Canada is renowned for its winter weather, but when the temperatures drop, a whole new world opens up that summer can’t compete with. Think frozen waterfalls, mountainous landscapes thick with snow, and a whole range of sports and activities that are best done in the winter months.

But it’s not just the parks and ski resorts that thrive at this time of year. Cities across Canada don their best decor and get into the Christmas spirit, with markets and festivals running throughout the holiday season.

If a wintry escape to Canada sounds enticing to your customers, we’ve rounded up some of the best ways to enjoy the colder months, from city breaks and cultural trips to winter sports and wildlife viewing. And with the borders open to fully vaccinated travellers, Canada’s winter wonderland is ready and waiting.

Best for… winter sports

There are few places in North America that do skiing and snowboarding as well as Whistler. With more than 200 trails here, it’s the perfect place for clients who want to add some adrenaline to their snowy escape.

The famous Peak2Peak gondola takes skiers between Whistler and Blackcomb mountains, while the town is home to a fantastic selection of bars for memorable après-ski.

And staying just two minutes’ walk from the mountains’ lifts means you can make the most of the time on the slopes.

Best for… wildlife spotting

It’s true that many animals hibernate for the winter, but that doesn’t mean wildlife viewing opportunities are hard to come by. Alberta is home to some of Canada’s most famous national parks, and when winter rolls around and tourist numbers dwindle, many animals venture out through the beautiful snowy landscapes.

“Canadian favourites moose and elk can be spotted in winter, often much more easily without the summer foliage to hide behind,” says Tim Greathead, product manager at Premier Holidays. “The lucky few will also have the chance to spot coyotes and wolves throughout Banff and Jasper national parks.”

Best for… Christmas spirit

Cities across Canada pull out all the stops when it comes to celebrating the festive season. Montreal and Quebec, located around three hours apart, are perfect to pair as a twin-centre break thanks to their seasonal settings. The cities are ornamented with decorations, lights and Christmas markets.

Jacques-Cartier Square is the heart of Montreal’s winter festivities, while several of the cobbled streets in Quebec City’s old town look like they’re plucked straight from the front of a Christmas card.

Best for… wine and waterfalls

While some of Niagara Falls’ attractions haven’t yet reopened, winter is still a great time to visit. Outside peak season and without tourist crowds, visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of the impressive falls, before heading to Niagara-on-the-Lake to taste some of the region’s world-class wine. Combine this with a city stay in Toronto, also in Ontario, just over an hour away, which is well set up for the colder months.

The city’s network of underground walkways allows visitors to cross the downtown area without stepping outside if the temperatures are low. And you can even catch a basketball or ice hockey game while you’re in town.

Best for… adventure

You don’t have to put on a pair of skis for a sense of adventure in Canada. The Rockies, popular in the summer months, turn into an adventure playground in winter. Lake Louise freezes over when the temperatures drop, turning it into a picture-perfect ice-skating rink, while nearby, frozen waterfalls can be seen on an ice walk in Johnston Canyon. There are also horsedrawn sleigh rides and the chance to go snowshoeing to discover Banff National Park’s forest of pine trees.

Best for… Indigenous culture

The west of Canada is a great place to learn about First Nations cultures, with significant sites including totem poles in Vancouver’s Stanley Park and the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre in Whistler. There’s also a rich Indigenous culture to discover farther north in Whitehorse, Yukon, as well as the chance to see the northern lights dance around the sky.