As the temperature goes down, Canada with its great territory andriendly people turn into a country of astonishing snow. It is characterized by snow-covered landscapes and warm hospitality, which creates perfect conditions for spending one’s vacation in winter. Be it an adrenaline junkie, history lover or gourmand, winter in Canada has what anyone can have fun exploring. The graphic featuring the main cities along with the beautiful natural parks depict the beauty of the Canada during the winter time. Seven reasons this can make be the Centre of your attraction to visit Canada during this beautiful season are as follows:
1. Ottawa, Skate Along the Rideau Canal
It was a historic and a very unique skating session.
Canada’s capital, Ottawa has a history and is filled with numerous attractions and entertainments. Some of the picturesque activities that you can engage in during wintertime are ice-skating on the rideau canal which is the UNESCO world heritage site. The current canal was built in the beginning of the 19th century for military purposes although currently it is a popular recreational area. When the weather is cold, it becomes the largest naturally freezing skating rink which is over 8 km long.
Skating in the Rideau Canal is also a nice way of having an adventure over the outdoors plus getting to have a site seeing of the old world architecture. While on ice-skating, the tourist is able to enjoy sights of important structures within Ottawa such as the Parliament, National Arts Center, and the Chateau Laurier. The canal is also embellished with some picturesque cafés commonly referred to as warming stations so that the skaters can relax a bit and taste delicious Canadian delicacies, for instance, the BeaverTails – deep fried dough which various toothsome toppings are put on.
For those who are new to skate, this canal is fine because the encircling area is cleared with snow and ice very often. During my tour, I discovered that skate rentals can be hired in various places around the canal hence the activity is inclusive to everyone. It is not just the act of skate but the entire journey and especially the feeling of being Canadian. The Rideau Canal Skateway is available from the morning till late at night during the months of January, February, and March and since the activity is free, this should be one visit you should not miss while in Ottawa.
Unique Epoch in Cultural Relations and Community Spirit
The Rideau Canal is not a mere stretch of ice that people can skate on; it is heritage and vision and people’s moment in Ottawa. The canal welcomes more than a million of visitors, permanent residents of the city and tourists, who come to the canal wearing skates, to spend time outdoors in friendly company, watch fireworks, in order to enjoy winter. Winterlude event which is in February is one of the famous activities that can be done during the winter season. Besides the sculpture carving events, the participants engage in singing and dancing competitions as well as food festivals to enhance Malawi celebrations.
It also plays a major social purpose as far as the identity and history of the city is concerned. ‘They link different neighborhoods and it remains a living archive of the history of the growing of Ottawa.’ The best feature of this canal is in swiftly gliding on the path while observing the city’s landmarks and history as one exercise both their muscles and brains. That is a perfect example how Canadians celebrate the winter, how they convert the freezing weather into something attractive.
2. Slide into Some of the Esteemed Ski Resorts
Canada’s Premier Ski Destinations
Canada is particularly famous of having most of the best skiing and snowboarding destinations in the world through the various ski resorts it has. The terrain varies from flat lands to the Rockies and the Laurentian mountains thus catering for all the lever of expertise. Skiing in Canada is not only an activity, which one can enjoy in the Canadian mountains but also rushes to capture the scenic beauty, liveliness of the resorts and the hospitality offered in the après ski.
The one that has gained the greatest popularity among maple is Whistler-Blackcomb resort, situated in the territory of the province of British Columbia. This resort which is rated as one of the premier ski destinations is actually one of the largest ski resorts anywhere in North America with over 8,000 acres of ski domain. There are over 200 marked trails which include 16 alpine bowls and 3 glaciers, and the skiing difficulty varies from easy to intermediate and advanced. The resort village is filled with stores, restaurants, and other forms of entertainment this makes the place a perfect winter holiday destination.
Another popular tourist attraction is Banff Sunshine Village that is situated in the premises of Banff National Park in Alberta. This resort is well known for its scenic mountain vistas and consistently good snow. It has long ski season ranging from November to May of the following year With this, it as the resort has slopes varying from gentle to steep suitable for all ski enthusiasts. The town of Banff can also be visited for other attractions such as hot springs, cultural center, and some mouthwatering foods.
Preparations for Your Ski Trip and Informations & Tips
When organizing a skiing trip to Canada, one must take into account conditions such as when is the best time to travel, where to stay, what equipment is important. The ski season normally extends from December to early-April but the best skiing months are around January and February. Nevertheless, there are such recreational areas as Whistler-Blackcomb that provides skiing in spring.
Thus it is very advisable to book in advance especially during the busy season. The type of accommodations that are provided at most resorts includes fine hotels, cabins, motels, villas and the like. Think about where you would like to be accommodations such as ski in and ski out private homes or condominiums. Also, advance purchase of lift tickets and equipment rentals is possible on the Internet and it will cost you even less than booking in-resort.
In addition to the great skiing conditions, all the establishments of skiing in the Canadian region are associated with various facilities that are ideal for families. Resorts have ski schools, baby sitting services, and zones well suited to beginners; thus, many are family-oriented. Many resorts have activities suitable for the non-skier, for example: snow shoeing, ice-skating, and gondola and cable car rides.
Après-Ski Culture and Community
After-skiing is just as important a part of skiing in Canada as the skiing itself. In the course of the day, after the skiing and snowboarding, people prefer to get warmed in pubs and restaurants. This practice of having good food, drinks and company after skiing enhances a warm and cheerful aspect to the resorting areas.
Some of the typical events that take place in CAN ski resorts during the winter season include music, fireworks, and special celebrations. Such events make the place rather friendly and receptive to new visitors and make it simple for people to share their story. Although sitting in front of a fireplace with a cup of hot cocoa is lovely, après-ski fun in Canada captures the exact balance of fun and restfulness.
3. Explore Toronto’s Underground City
The PATH: Toronto’s little known secret
Toronto is one of the largest cities in Canada, it has a booming economy, magnificent skyline, and a blend of diverse cultural quarters. There are a lot of things to do in this city, though one has to notice that there is another world beneath the city called the PATH. This subterranean city is believed to cover 30 km of tunnel structure and was recorded to be the largest subterranean mall worldwide. PATH links many business complexes, hotels, subway stations, and entertainment areas which make it convenient for the users and allow them to avoid the drastic changes in weather conditions.The idea behind PATH was designed following Toronto’s tedious winters, where it has become more like a warm indoor city in contrast to the outdoor one.
It is established with over 1200 shops, services and restaurants ranging from luxury store to the casual dining eateries. It is the consumers’ haven that offers everything from apparels and accessories to gadgets, souvenirs, and much more. Besides, commercial spaces and infrastructure, the PATH also comes with arts and places of interest or public domains giving it a cultural aspect of the city maze.Getting Around the PATH and Top Attraction
Manoeuvring through PATH can easily be described as half the fun. The network is properly signed and the maps are well colored in this case therefore it can be considered easy to navigate around. They are Union Station, Toronto Eaton Centre, and Royal Bank Plaza as key entry points to the building. Every area within the PATH has its character and as such some areas tend to be filled with office workers making their deserved lunches while other areas are a little bit more laid back.
Path also connects to one of the most popular site attractions; the CN Tower, which is the symbol of Toronto city. Tourists might easily get to the tower using the underground hence they can easily add the tower to their sightseeing tour. The tower has jaw-dropping views of Toronto and lake Ontario, other activities that can be undertaken in the tower include the EdgeWalk, whereby you are to walk around the outer circumference of the main pod of the tower.
There are also several cultural centres within the PATH such as the Art Gallery of Ontario, and the Hockey Hall of Fame. These locations give people an opportunity to acquaint themselves with Canada’s art and sports history; for this reason they are perfect for cultural tourists. The network is also well linked to some of the leading theaters in Toronto such as the Princess of Wales Theatre; therefore, one can watch a performance without even going out.
PATH in the Urban Fabric of Toronto
Thus, PATH is not only shopping centers but also an essential element of the infrastructure of Toronto as a modern megacity. It plays the role of connectivity and as a pedestrian tunnel, people can move in and around the downtown from one building to another without exposure to the weather. Especially during the winter it is a great advantage and asset for the residents and tourists since it provides a warm means of transportation in the given city.
The network’s layout and structure is an approximation of the Torontonian condition: multicultural and progressive. The PATH is characterized with constructively diverse regions that exhibit the different styles of architecture. It equally serves as a venue for markets, exhibitions, staged, productions and other events that frequently transpire along the alleys of the structure. Hence, the PATH’s environment can be characterized as dynamic, which makes it not only inextricable from Toronto’s identity but also important.
4. Accommodation is in a Grand Railway Hotel
The Splendour and the Past of the Canadian Railway Hotels
Canadian grand railway hotels are not just places to rest your tired head; they are grand monuments of architecture that tell the story of a great nation. These grand hotels were established in the last quarter- the 19th and the early twentieth century by railway companies in Canada in an effort to lure the upper crust of the society and encourage the culture of tourism. The hotels are architecturally distinct with Châteauesque that is unique like the Loire Valley châteaux in France. This particular style has steep roof lines, round towers, and other highly complex surfaces that produce a very grand and a bit ‘fairy-tale’ look.
Among the famous railway hotels, there is the Fairmont Banff Springs which is also known as the “Castle in the Rockies”. It is situated in Banff National Park, and the hotel has amazing views of the mountains; moreover, it is considered to be the UNESCO World Heritage site. Every room and corridor traditionally and royally decorated, with vast halls for banquets and dining rooms to take the guest to the 18th century.
Another interesting similar structure can be named an example of the Château Frontenac in Quebec City. Overlooking the St Lawrence River and sitting majestically on a cliff top this hotel is one of the most photographed in Canada. This change was the history of the Château Frontenac, which served as the representation of the cultural value of Quebec City and its French background. The hotel itself was always a witness to different historical events in Canada and could host intelligence persons of the United States and the United Kingdom during WWII, including Winston Churchill and Franklin D. Roosevelt during the Quebec conferences.
Traveling and the Grand Railway Hotels
Accommodation in any of the railway hotels is an exciting way of experiencing the Canadian hospitality within historical buildings. The available features in such hotels range from well-established restaurants, spas, and fitness facilities among others. People are provided with a number of conveniences of present days, but at the same time the atmosphere and numerous details in every particular hotel are traditionally American and traditionally built and designed. The reception areas of the hotels like the lobbies and living areas are generally decorated with exquisite artwork and furniture.
Still, even if one cannot afford to take an overnight stay at these places, a visit to these hotels goes a long way. Most provide commentaries that include information as to the hotel’s history and architectural background and famous scenes. For example in Ottawa, the Fairmont Château Laurier conducts tours that dig into the hotel’s link to the Canadian history and politics. The afternoon tea can also be taken, or one can choose to spoil oneself with food from one of the hotel’s restaurants, all in which are characterized by their vintage and elegant services.
Preserving Canada’s Railway Heritage
Train stations and their related facilities are not only comfortable and sumptuous living spaces, but they are also valued historical and cultural buildings. Most of such hotels are considered as National Historic Sites as they reflect the history of Canada. As mentioned above, some of the mentioned hotels are undergoing constant restoration in order to allow future generation to be able to marvel at the work that architects of the bygone eras had produced.
The hotels also have a significant impact on the development of the tourism and local economy. Usually, they are situated in central areas, which make it convenient to get to other sites and natural beauties. For example the Fairmont Le Château Montebello situated between Montreal and Ottawa offers a good opportunity for hiking, fishing and watching wildlife. The hotel has a number of log cabins which give it a natural feeling and it is surrounded by beautiful scenery thus being an attractive place for those who love the natural environment, the games’ enthusiasts and those who love adventure.
5. Go and Travel to the Actual UFO Landing Strip
A Quite Peculiar Tourist Destination in St. Paul
Canada is famous for such unusual landmarks and the world’s only UFO Landing Pad in St. Paul, Alberta. The common Canadian’s ‘non site’ was established as part of the celebratory building for the Canadian one hundred in 1967. The locals in the town of St. Paul wanted to build a monument which would express the friendly attitude towards the residents of the planet and the galaxy. The big flat space for the landing is a concrete floor with the map of Canada and the world and the welcome word – oboe – which is translated into a few languages, including even the extraterrestrial language.
As far as extraterrestrial beings are concerned, the dedicated landing pad remains unvisited; however, the site attracts many tourists and serves as a representation of the people’s unity within St. Paul. There is a UFO information center on the site, to which a small museum of UFO and alien manifestations is attached. It brings the stories of famous UFO cases, extraterrestrial artifacts and local legends and as such it is highly recommended for lovers of all things paranormal.
Culture Significance of the UFO Landing Pad
The flying saucer community landmark in St. Paul is so much more than a funny landmark it is a sign of Canadian openness and acceptance. Using the space to construct a landing strip for interstellar tourists was based on the principle of learning and curiosity, which are country’s defining principles. The landing pad has evolved into a symbol of the town’s desire for something new and of greetings for this different type of people.
The attraction also gives an insight into the entertaining aspect of canadians’ traditions and customs. It is quite silly and self-ironic, which is the best proof of how the townsfolk are ready to joke about themselves and offer tourists something new and interesting for the country’s tourism. The UFO landing is among the most popular among mediach and UFO aficionados all over the globe, making St. Paul famous among people, who are looking for an unusual vacation spot.
Exploring at the UFO Landing Pad and Other Recommendations
Currently, people can walk around the UFO landing pad and the small museum all year round. It can be said that the museum has the presentations, which are connected with the flying saucers, alien contacts, and space travel. It is a highly entertaining and informative event for all people, combining such genres as sci-fi with mysteries occurring in the real world.
Indeed, St. Paul as a town is home to welcoming locals and additional tourist points of interest. There is always something to do within the location, especially in areas around lakes and parks within the region with the activities offered including the fishing, hiking and bird watching. Tourists can also be sightseeing by visiting the historical buildings, shopping malls, and eating in the available restaurants within the town with the friendly people of the town welcoming them.
6. Savor a Meal of Canadian Winter Comfort Food
An Overview of the Canadan Food and Its Ethnicity
Choice of some cuisine in Canada can be explained by the fact that its population is quite diverse and there are dishes that are prepared based on the recipes of different countries. Calgary cuisine particularly changes during winter, and most of the meals released to the market are nutritious meals suitable for cold season. Many ethnic cuisines are find in this country for creating flavorful and exciting delicacies which are familiar but at the same time exotic.
Poutine is another popular dish and could be considered one of the symbols of Canadian cuisine because it is made of fries, cheese curds and gravy. This meal is known as lasagna, and while it was adopted as a specialty in the province of Quebec, it is now sold all over Canada. This is usually taken as a snack or even as a meal comes in various styles comprising of meats such as; pork, bacon and some parts such as lobsters. Being a chicken dish it gairs the attention of every other visitor who is an eager to taste a pure Canadan flavoure.
Food that signify winter and dishes.
Apart from poutine, it is possible to try such winter foods in Canada that will surely warm you up in the chilly winter. Tourtière is a special type of meat pie native to Quebec and is generally consumed around the Christmas season. A lot like a meat pie, tourtière is baked with a flaky crust and stuffed with seasoned meat, typically pork and or beef, all the way up to the holidays especially Christmas and New Year. It is made from each family’s secret recipe that is normally preserved across generations to become a culturally important meal.
Another popular winter beverage is caribou, which is created using red wine, brandy or whiskey which is spiced using cloves and cinnamon. It is a beloved warm beverage that is consumed during winter celebrations and New Year parties and it makes people feel warm inside. For a drink that doe not include liquor, people opt for hot chocolate with a touch of maple syrup for that sweet feeling.
Thus, Canada’s indigenous cuisine has its interesting and tasty proposals for winter time. Bannock is a type of large flat bread which may be unleaved and can be eaten alone or with garnishing like berries or smoked fish. Filled with selections of organic meat like venison or those wild rice dishes and quite historic, the stews and soups originate from the native Canadians’ roots.
Exploring Canada’s Culinary Landscape
This is not to mention that winter food across Canada has more to do with the country’s multicultural diet than simply indulgence. It is moving from French cuisine in Quebec to the British taste of meat pies in Ontario and so on. Dishes in various regions reflect the specific products and the peculiarities of the food that are known for in Canada, making the experience of having a meal here one of its kinds.
Winter is also a good time for ‘foodies’ to go out and discover the food that Canada has to offer. Most cities have winter food events and fest to promote institutional chefs, artisans, and producers. Such occasions enable one to try many types of food, including the usual meals and new recipes in a single place. From the fancy restaurant to the street food being sold at Winter Market, one can be sure that Canadian cuisine will not only fill their bellies, but their hearts as well.
7.A great place to celebrate at is the Quebec Winter Carnival.
Fun and festivities of a wonderland during the winter holiday.
Thus, the Quebec Winter Carnival , called locally “Carnaval de Québec”, is one of the largest and the most famous winter celebration in the world. Feeling the chill of winter this is a two week event that starts end of January through to February held in the city of Quebec. The history of the carnival begins with 1894, and now it is one of the world-known carnivals attracting millions of tourists.
Thus, the Quebec Winter Carnival provides numerous activities and events for people of all ages. One of them is the night parade where people in beautifully designed costumes, music and even stilt walkers form part of the parade and there floats. These parades illuminate the streets of Quebec City and it becomes a cheerful and joyful experience. One of the most known events is ice canoe where teams compete in traditional canoes across the ice of St Lawrence River; it is rather exciting race and is very representative of the region.
It also has the snow sculpture performances where sculptors from across the globe actually carve art pieces out of snow. The result is the beautiful snow sculptures that are scattered all over the city contributing to the beauty that the carnival brings. Guests can also go through the gargantuan Ice Palace which is constructed from ice and snow. In what concerns accommodation, the palace also functions as one of the main venues where various activities related to the carnival are performed.
Bonhomme and Acceptance of the Carnival Culture
A visit at the Quebec Winter Carnival cannot be complete without a meeting with Bonhomme, the queen’s personality. Bonhomme is a happy snowman having a red hat and sash, which is associated with the Carnival’s friendly atmosphere. He is active during the holidays and seen visiting different places, promoting the holiday mood and joy. Bonhomme represents carnival, winter, and fun that opposes the strict instructions given at the end of the film.
The Quebec Winter Carnival is loaded for the family since children can also participate in the exercises performed there. Outdoor games and rides together with traditional music and dance will be performed for the guests to make them happy. Culinary attractions are also a part of the carnival; thus, there are stalls with food, including maple taffy and delicious hot plates. For some it even means a way to enjoy the local cuisine, and temptations for desserts and seasonal products.
Best regarded advices regarding the Quebec Winter Carnival
Consequently, in order to get the best out of your visit to the Quebec Winter Carnival, one must remain well informed by planning adequately. Significant people attend the carnival, and therefore, getting accommodation before going can be advisable. Accommodation is the variety of ways including five-star hotels and bed and breakfast inns within Quebec City. Old Quebec is the area where the carnival activities take place, and this would afford an opportunity to tour the area and have a feel of the history of the city.
Being appropriately dressed is especially important as in winter it can be extremely cold in Quebec. Putting on layers of clothes, wearing insulated boots while participating in outdoor activities and having hand warmers can assist in keeping warm. Most of carnival activities happen in outdoors, so do expect the weather and tried to take advantage of Indoor activities to take rest in between.
People can utilise their money in the purchase of such a carnival effigy as it will help them support the event most importantly being provided with access to some activities and even get some discounts. The effigy is a toy of Bonhomme which is used as a warrant to the carnival celebration. One can find it in different shops around the city and it is rather interesting to bring it home.
Conclusion: Cherish the Winter that Canada has to Offer
Canadian winter is something that is rich in terms of natural beauty, and cultural appeal and is heart-warmingly friendly. It can be as simple as gliding by the Rideau Canal, shopping the toronto underground path, staying at a great railway hotel, or attending the Quebec winter carnival. That is the great thing about the winter in Canada, the cold is ironically an occasion for celebration.
Before you decide on the Canadian winter, you must have an eTA or Electronic Travel Authorization also ensure that you carry the proper clothing and gears. Perfect preparation and willingness to embrace what will happen will let you enjoy true beauty and notably winter in Canada. Therefore close your jacket, unlock your camera, and prepare yourself to view the beauty of Canada during the winter time. If you are planning to travel to Canada and you have never been there before then you are in for a treat as winter is not something you would want to miss.