Canadian winters have a lot more going for them than just great skiing opportunities. With hot springs, winter glamping, and ice caving on offer you certainly won’t struggle to find plenty of winter activities to keep you warm and entertained. Time to don your thermals, pop on a beanie and experience all the beauty of winter in Canada.
Hot Springs – Liard River Hot Springs Provincial Park and Vancouver Island
Love the outdoors but not keen on the cold? Canada has an abundance of natural hot springs ready to keep those winter chills at bay. Take a dip in a scenic hot spring while watching the snow fall softly around you. If you don’t believe in magic, this experience will certainly change your mind. There are plenty of hot springs to choose from. Our favourites are:
Liard River Hot Springs, which is one of the largest natural hot spring in Canada and it is simply stunning. There are eight pools, but only one is open to bathers. The pool is inside Liard River Hot Springs Provincial Park. With temperatures between 42 to 52°C, this hot spring is sure to fill you with warmth.
Hot Springs Cove, which is located on Vancouver Island at Maquinna Marine Provincial Park. It can only be accessed by air or sea, followed by a two kilometre hike, making this hot spring an adventure. The natural pools sit at around 47°C.
Ice Caving – Ontario near Lake Superior
Canada has some of the most picturesque and diverse landscapes in the world. Adding to its wild natural beauty, Canada is hope to stunning ice caves, hidden under glaciers. There are hundreds of ice caves that can be explored in Canada. Many of which display ice formations only during the winter. Some of the most spectacular are the ice caves of Ontario near Lake Superior and Booming Ice Chasm of the Canadian Rockies. Ice caving is not for amateurs. There are plenty of tour options with experienced guides who can show you the secrets of the ice caves. Be sure to dress warm, look where you step, and have a camera at the ready.
Ice Climbing in The Canadian Rockies
Let loose your inner adrenaline junkie with ice climbing. This winter activity is not for the faint of heart. It can be incredibly challenging and physically demanding. But for those who feel inspired to scale new heights, frozen waterfalls and towering ice walls, this is an incredibly rewarding winter adventure. The Canadian Rockies, with Ghost River Valley, Bow Valley, and Stanley Headwall, know how to draw a crowd (of ice climbers). There are options for climbers of all levels. And if you’re a beginner, it’s worth seeking out some guidance from an expert in the field.
Winter Glamping in Canadian winter
Why camp when you can glamp? Especially in winter. When it comes to glamping in Canadian winter, you know you’ll be able to enjoy comfort and luxury (and keep warm). Being outdoors with stunning scenery, fresh air and a toasty fire is the perfect remedy to the winter blues. Stay in specially designed yurts or cottages, cozy up by the fire and try your hand at counting the stars in the sky. With glamping on the rise, there is no shortage of options.
Some of our favourites are: Ridgeback Lodge (open year round), Outpost Co. (March to September), and Clayoquot Wilderness Resort (March to September).
Aurora Borealis – The Northern Lights
The Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights, has amazed people for thousands of years. It’s a phenomenal display of green and purple light dancing across the night sky. And quite possibly the most breathtaking display of mother nature in the world. Some of the best places to see the Aurora Borealis are: Yellowknife, Goose Bay, Manitoba’s Hudson Bay, and the prairie provinces of Canada. Be sure to escape artificial lights to experience the full majesty of the Aurora Borealis.
For more personalised information tips and advice, or to book this incredible holiday contact your local TravelManagers’ personal travel manager here.
