The Best Winter Festivals in Canada
As Canadians it only make sense for us to embrace the winter with open arms and in some cases even throw a party in it’s honour. So if you find yourself getting cabin fever this winter, these are some of the best winter festivals in Canada for you to get out and enjoy.
Quebec City
Via Carnaval de Quebec Facebook
In the late 1800’s Quebec’s Winter Carnival ran intermittently until the mid 1950’s at which point it became a yearly event. As it’s found a home in the streets of Old Quebec City, the festival has seen yearly attendance numbers as high as one million visitors, making it one of the largest winter festivals in the world. Stroll through the cobblestone streets and stop at one of the many heated outdoor patios to enjoy a warm beverage. This is a great place to meet people from all around the world. Be sure to get your picture taken with the resident mascot Bonnehomme.
Montreal
Via This festival is made for music lovers! For four weekends a winter Montreal’s Old Port comes alive with dances as some of the best DJ’s on the planet come to drop a beat at Igloofest. Although aimed more towards the young adult crowd there is still plenty to experience for everyone, like grabbing a warm beverage and exploring the ice village.
Ottawa
Via Known as Winterlude, the national capital’s main winter festival has everything you could ever want. With live entertainment, ice carving demonstrations, winter triathlon and children’s entertainment like the snowflake Kingdom, it is sure to keep even the busiest family occupied. If you still have some energy at the end of the day take a skate down the world’s longest outdoor rink, the Rideau Canal, and enjoy a delicious beavertail while doing it.
Lake Louise
Via With the picturesque rocky mountains in the background, the streets of Lake Louise swell with joy and laughter each January as the Ice Magic Festival comes to town. Head over to the Fairmont hotel to take a tour of the ice castle and skate with the Ice Queen. The event culminates in a 36 hour ice carving competition in which talented artists from around the world compete.
Whistler
Via World Ski And Snowboard Festival
This festival is tailor-made for the adrenaline junkies and action sport enthusiasts, Whistler’s towering mountain plays host to one of the finest ski and snowboard festivals in the world. As it takes place in early April, the 10 day event’s motto is “Party in April, sleep in May” and that pretty much tells you everything you need to know. Obviously the main attraction is the ski and snowboard competitions, but there are also fashion shows, live concerts, parades and even a silent disco making it one of the best winter festivals in Canada.
What are some of your favourite festivals in Canada? Let us know so that we can check them out for ourselves!
