Things to Do in Canada in Winter

• Canada in the WintertimeWinter Wonderland image by Stuart Vine from Fotolia.com
  
  When the air gets frigid and the hours of daylight grow few, Canada transforms into a winter wonderland. Nature lovers and winter sports enthusiasts head outdoors for everything from festivals to snowshoeing, in a celebration of all that winter has to offer.
  
  

Winterlude

• Snowy treesnow 2 image by Omely from Fotolia.com
  
  Winterlude is, as its name implies, a celebration of winter that takes place every year in Ottawa. There is fun for all ages, with many free activities and shows. Visitors can watch an ice-carving competition or the interactive demonstrations at the Loggers' Camp Life. They can learn about native Inuit traditions or watch traditional maple syrup making. Family activities include horse-drawn sleigh rides and visiting the Snowbowl Lounge for warm beverages.
  
  

Skiing and Snowboarding

• snowboarding halfpipe image by Brett Bouwer from Fotolia.com
  
  There are many world-class locations for skiing and snowboarding throughout Canada. If you are feeling a little more adventurous, though, you can try heli-skiing. For example, Whistler Blackcomb offers helicopter rides to pristine mountain runs, and provides a guide to help you get down safely.
  
  

Horseback Riding

• Horseshorses image by Earl Robbins from Fotolia.com
  
  Seeing the winter landscape from horseback is a unique experience, and some stables in Canada provide winter rides. For example, Niagara Riding Stables, in Niagara on the Lake, Ontario, takes riders through forests where deer, foxes, and coyotes roam on the Niagara Escarpment. The rides last about 45 minutes, and are suitable for riders of all skill levels.
  
  

Snowshoeing

• Snowshoe Trackssnowshoe traces image by Guy Verville from Fotolia.com
  
  Many people find snowshoeing both relaxing and invigorating, as they travel on top of the snow in the modern versions of footwear that has been used to navigate winter for centuries. You can snowshoe almost anywhere, including on hiking trails such as the Bruce Grey County Rail Trail, near Lake Huron.