Canadians make the most of their long, cold, snowy Northern winters by filling their time with fun outdoor winter activities. Some of these, like traditional dog sledding, snowshoeing, and ice fishing, have been practiced by Indigenous communities for thousands of years. Others, like downhill skiing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling, are more modern additions.
Use this guide to get on board with the best winter activities in Canada. They’re fun, accessible, and perfect for the whole season.
To say that Canadians are passionate about these activities is an understatement. Some winter sports are synonymous with Canadian culture. For example, hockey has become a Canadian symbol. Then there’s world-class skiing and snowboarding. Enthusiasts from around the world flock to Canada to hit the slopes in the winter months.
Iroquois and other Indigenous nations used sharpened animal bones as blades to skate on ice, long before the British officers brought steel-bladed skates to Canada in the 1840s. This then led to the development of commercial skating rinks in the 1850s. Today, Canadians enjoy ice skating on frozen lakes, backyard rinks, indoor arenas, and the iconic Ottawa Canal.
Hockey is Canada’s favourite winter pastime. Canadians of all ages flock to the ice when temperatures drop. Outdoor hockey is more than a sport. It's how communities come together to cope with the cold and stay active.
Skiing in Canada started with Norwegian and Scandinavian immigrants in the 19th century. Initially used for transport, it evolved into both recreation and competition.
Today, Canada boasts world-renowned ski resorts like Whistler, Banff, Lake Louise, and Mont Tremblant, plus countless smaller hills. Most resorts have terrain for every level, including bunny hills for kids and beginners.
These gentle winter activities focus on fun and pair nicely with a bonfire, roasted marshmallows and hot chocolate.
Tobogganing originated with First Nations peoples of Canada, who used these wooden sleds for survival and transport over snow. Today, sleds are used recreationally and come in all shapes, from plastic saucers, carpet, and "snow racer" sleds. Sledging is affordable and just as fun for adults as it is for children.
Snowshoeing in Canada dates back thousands of years, with the first written accounts appearing around 1608. Indigenous communities used them for hunting and transport. It is now a sport and recreational activity enjoyed by many, and a great way to explore areas of wilderness inaccessible by roads.
Snow forts, snowmen (and snowball fights) are classic forms of winter play in Canada. Easy to set up, they’re a fun way to keep active and spend more time outside in the winter.
There are always enthusiasts who take outdoor adventure to the next level. Here are a few of the more “extreme” winter activities enjoyed in rural and northern Canada.
Snowmobiling and “ski-dooing” are common winter activities in rural Canada and northern regions. It’s an exhilarating way to explore the wilderness through marked trails or even in backcountry terrain.
Organizations like the British Columbia Snowmobile Federation promote trail maintenance, public access and responsible use.
Dog sledding has been around for about 1,000 years, first developed by Indigenous peoples in northern Canada as a means of travel and hunting. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it was also used for mail delivery to remote communities.
Today, dog sledding is enjoyed as both a sport and a tourist activity. It’s a unique and history-laden way to explore the northern wilderness. Most sled teams are led by Alaskan Huskies, Siberian Huskies, or Alaskan Malamutes. These breeds are known for their love of running and resilience in cold weather. They are trained from a young age to work in teams, and reputable tour operators prioritize their health and well-being, ensuring humane treatment and proper rest.
You can either book a guided tour or enjoy it as part of a winter adventure package.
Adrenaline seekers take advantage of frozen waterfalls, icy cliffs, and rugged, frozen mountain terrain to practice ice climbing. World-renowned Rocky Mountain locations in BC and Alberta draw climbers from around the globe. There are also guided tours that make the activity accessible to newcomers.
Dating back over 2,000 years, ice fishing in Canada refers to the use of spears to catch fish through holes in the ice. Anglers drill holes through the ice and set up shelters or ice huts, waiting for fish such as trout, walleye, or pike.
Beyond a means to bring food to the table, ice fishing is enjoyed for its peaceful atmosphere. It’s a chance to unwind, socialize and enjoy the surrounding nature.
One of the largest winter festivals in the world, the Quebec Winter Carnival is famous for its beautiful displays of ice sculptures, parades, snow baths and outdoor concerts.
A sight to be seen, the Niagara Falls Winter Festival of Lights transforms the area with twinkling lights, animated displays, and seasonal installations.
Celebrating the best of winter, Winterlude has fun-filled activities like ice sculpture competitions, the Snowflake Kingdom snow playground, cultural performances, and skating on the Rideau Canal.
Canada is one of the best places in the world to see the northern lights, thanks to its northern latitude and wide stretches of dark skies.
The best provinces and territories to view the aurora borealis in Canada are:
Yukon: Whitehorse and Tombstone Territorial Park are popular viewing spots with easy access.
Northwest Territories: Yellowknife is considered one of the best places in the world to see the northern lights, with clear skies on over 200 nights each year.
Nunavut: Remote communities like Iqaluit have unforgettable views far away from any light pollution.
Manitoba: Churchill is renowned for its northern lights (as well as polar bear and beluga whale tours).
Northern Alberta and Saskatchewan: Jasper National Park (AB) and Athabasca Sand Dunes (SK) have excellent dark-sky preserves.
You'll be able to view the northern lights between August and April. You'll have the most luck in the depth of winter when skies are darkest and nights longest.
Hot tip! Alpaca wool is the warmest wool you can find, and alpaca socks are worth the investment to prevent frostbite on your toes.
To do so, use a chisel, auger, or cordless drill to measure near the shore and in different spots, since thickness can vary across a lake.
Winter in Canada is what you make of it. From hockey to ice climbing to viewing the northern lights, there’s something for any personality type. The best way to get through a Canadian winter is to embrace it, so gather your woolly layers and get out there!
Next up, read our guide on how to survive your first Canadian winter as a newcomer
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