By Misty Murray
Canada, our friendly neighbor to the north, is a land of diversity and home to a plethora of wintertime activities popular with visitors and residents alike. From one end of the country to the other, Canada presents no shortage of attractions during all four seasons, even winter. No matter what sort of vacation you seek, as a visitor to Canada you will surely find the sport or event that will make your winter holiday in Canada not only fun and memorable but "warm" as well.
Skiing at Whistler Blackcomb
One of the premier skiing destinations in the Western Hemisphere, Whistler Blackcomb gives you more than 8,000 acres to ski and explore. Activities include snowboarding, heli-skiing, snowmobiling, cross-country trails, snow tube rides and more. Whistler valley life is known for the ambiance of its aprés-ski atmosphere, where you can enjoy quaint shops, cafes, clubs, wine-tasting events and restaurants. Whistler sounds expensive but it does not have to be, as the resort offers plenty of packages for every budget.
Whistler Blackcomb Mountains
4545 Blackcomb Way
Whistler, British Columbia V0N 1B4
Canada
(604) 904-8134
www.whistlerblackcomb.com/index.htm
Quebec Winter Carnival
Visitors to Canada in the winter should consider putting the Quebec Winter Carnival on their itinerary. The largest winter carnival in the world, this event got its start from the original French settlers to the area. Québec City, often considered the snow capital of the world, plays host to a fun, rowdy, joyous celebration that includes events such as ice sculpture contests, dogsled races, canoe races, snow sculpture, night snow parades and parties that make even the coldest nights warm again. Try the famous Caribou--a alcoholic concoction containing brandy, vodka, sherry and port.
Quebec Winter Carnival
290 Rue Joly
Quebec City, Quebec G1L 1N8
Canada
(418) 626-3716
www.carnaval.qc.ca
Ottawa Winterlude
Ottawa, Canada's capital city, hosts Ottawa Winterlude every year. This fun festival (held every February) offers myriad things to see and experience such as precision ice carvings, skating on the world's largest ice rink, or fantastic light and laser shows.
National Capital Commission
202-40 Elgin St.
Ottawa, Ontario K1P 1C7
Canada
www.winterlude.ca
Resources
About the Author:
Misty Murray has been writing professionally since 1987. An award-winning, senior advertising copywriter, she's written for major clients in Southern California and Hawaii. As lead writer for a popular Big Island home magazine, she specializes in Hawaii homes and interior design. She has also written for national magazines. Murray holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of California, Los Angeles.
