Do you want to visit Canada in the cold winter months? Check out this post to learn the top ten things and create a solid plan before coming to the country!
Things to Remember before Coming to Canada in winter
Canada is a beautiful country in North America, with diverse landscapes and unique geography. When people think of Canada, the first thing that comes to their minds is freezing cold weather and snow-covered land. Yes, this is true up to some extent! However, when you consider the following ten things, you can get the most out of your trip to Canada during the winter season. Read on!
1. Know the Weather Conditions
Knowing the weather conditions in different regions, cities, and towns is essential if you want to avoid the hassle during the winter season. For example, Vancouver, Surrey, Victoria, and other towns on the west coast are usually warmer than the rest of Canada.
On the other hand, the eastern coast with cities like Halifax, Moncton, and St. John’s has moderate cold winter. During winter, the coldest regions in Canada are Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, Winnipeg, Calgary, etc.
The winds are gushing and cold, with the lowest temperatures in these mid regions. Therefore, it is wise to read or know about Canada’s weather conditions before you leave. That way, you can prepare yourself better.
2. Pack Warm Clothes
Packing warm clothes is essential when visiting Canada during the winter season. Make sure you pack plenty of clothing and focus on layers. Keep in mind that layering is the best way to survive the coldest cities in Canada, including Montreal and Toronto.
Suppose you have plans to stay in locations with the highest snowfall. In that case, invest in a pair of snow pants and boots. At the same time, invest in waterproof clothing to protect yourself against heavy snowfall and avoid frostbite.
3. Having Shorter Outdoor Trips
Create a travel plan before visiting Canada in winter. If you are traveling with your family, educate your kids about the weather conditions. For example, you can plan shorter outdoor trips to avoid staying in extreme cold for a long time.
There are plenty of winter activities in Canada. These include cross-country skiing, skating, snow tubing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and ice fishing. Remember, shorter trips are always better.
4. Festivals and Events
People in Canada know how to celebrate winters. The winter schedule in Canada is full of events and festivals. However, winter festivals are more imaginative than summer events because the weather conditions usually do not people to celebrate. So, make sure you visit cities and towns with moderate temperatures to celebrate festivals.
5. Book Affordable Accommodation
In winter, accommodation rates in Canada are lower than in summer because fewer tourists visit the country. You can even stay in hotels near Niagara Falls at the most affordable prices. For example, some of the most luxurious hotels near Niagara Falls have an average rate between $70 and $100 per night. The hotel’s room price increased up to $350 during the summer.
6. Lack of Crowd
Summer is the busiest season in Canada, attracting millions of tourists. You will see parking lots are full, roads are busy, bus tours lining the famous lakes in the Rockies, and restaurants/bars have queues out of the door.
On the other hand, when you visit Canada in winter, you will find it quieter and more peaceful. Thus, it is an excellent opportunity to explore places and do things without the crowds. For example, Niagara Falls are more relaxed and serene during winter.
7. Stay in Big Cities
Although Canada is mesmerizing throughout the year, we recommend staying in big cities like Edmonton, Toronto, Calgary, Montreal, Vancouver, and Halifax in the cold winter months. All these cities have numerous outdoor attractions to explore. Similarly, these cities have a myriad of museums, festivals, and events. Don’t forget to enjoy the Winterlude in Ottawa and Winter Carnival in Quebec.
8. Check Winter Hours for Tourist Attractions
Unlike summer, winter hours for most popular places and attractions are limited in Canada. You will even find some attractions completely shut down during winter. So, before leaving for Canada, make sure you check winter hours for each tourist attraction you have included in the bucket list.
9. Drive Slowly
If you want to drive in Canada, make sure you do it carefully because ice and snow on roads make it challenging. Therefore, you must not take this lightly. Otherwise, you will put your life at risk. Avoid driving on snowy roads if you are an inexperienced driver.
10. Don’t Forget to Watch the Iconic Moose
If you are an animal lover, winter is the best time to see a wide range of species. Because the summer season has a lot of crowds, animals are difficult to see. Therefore, you can see a wide range of animal species during cold winter months, including the iconic moose, bison, caribou, lynx, and mountain goats.
Final Words
Canadian winters are mesmerizing, adventurous, and thrilling. However, they are also dreadful, especially if you lack knowledge and do not prepare yourself. Follow the tips and tricks above to streamline your trip to Canada.
- Article based on personal opinion, experience and research.
- Photos from Unsplash & canva.