Canadian winters are famous for slush, ice, snowstorms, etc. Here’s your guide regarding festivals & fun to help you get through Canada’s first winter. 

Well, Canadian winters can be daunting for prospective newcomers. While there’s no escaping that the weather is harsh for several months, some Canadians & newcomers have found ways to embrace the chill & enjoy the season. 

Getting Outside 

It might seem counterintuitive, but unless Environment Canada issues a special cold weather advisory, there’s no reason not to go out & participate in outdoor activities. The only necessary precaution is to ensure you wear enough layers to stay warm. A toque, thick socks, thermal leggings, coat, & a long pair of boots go a long way.     

In addition, if you have never tried skating, this could be an excellent time to learn. Many communities have outdoor skating areas. Also, Skate Canada offers lessons for children & adults throughout the nation at local indoor arenas. For this, you’ll be required to wear a helmet. 

If you prefer to learn on your own, some public skating arenas/ areas have skating support frames that can help you keep your balance while you learn. 

Moreover, skiing/ snowboarding is one of the common festivals & fun to help you get through Canada’s first winter. BC & Alberta have numerous ski resorts in the rocky mountains with instructors who can help you get started. In Ontario, Blue Mountain Lodge in Collingwood is a favorite alternative for b for residents of GTA. Mont-Tremblant is a popular choice for those in Montreal. 

Tobogganing is often seen as something for children, but people of any age can do it & enjoy coasting down snowy hills at high speeds. Some use traditional wooden/ plastic sleds for this. However, be careful not to hit anyone on the way down the hill & be prepared for the walk back up to the top. Kits more exercise than one would expect & a good way to spend a few hours outside on a snowy day. 

Festivals 

There are many festivals to enjoy throughout Canada in the winter months to make the most of the season.   

  • Carnaval de Quebec

This event will take place in Quebec City from January 25 to February 11, 2024. It is a snow festival which features ice & snow sculptures, live musical acts, parades, etc. It is also when Bonhomme, the festival mascot & one of Canada’s most recognizable symbols, comes out to greet festival attendees. 

  • Mount Pearl Frosty Festival 

The Mount Pearl Frosty Festival occurs in St. John’s & is touted as the largest winter festival in Atlantic Canada. It runs from February 9 – 17, 2024. It features over 40 indoor & outdoors activities like skating, theater, dart tournaments, live musical performances, etc. 

  • Festival du Voyageur 

Festival du Voyageur occurs every year in Winnipeg, Manitoba. It celebrates the city’s French-Canadian routes. 

This year, it takes place from February 16 until February 25 & has around 150 groups performing for all audiences, including children. Daytime entertainment includes French-Canadian fiddle music & local singer-songwriters. Evening performances feature local & national rock, indie pop, & rap. 

  • Winterlude 

Winterlude is an annual festival in Ottawa that happens during the first three weeks of February. 

Events include light displays, music, sculptures, etc., to showcase the season & help festival goers connect with Canada’s indigenous culture. It is also an excellent time to go skating on the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which offers 7.8 km of skating.