Things to Do in Canada 260

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Canada’s Coolest Cold Experiences

This week, we’re rounding up Canada’s coolest cold experiences — the ones that make winter feel bold, memorable, and oddly addictive.

Some of these embrace the elements. Others lean into intentional cold (followed by very warm rewards).

Either way, this is winter done properly.

Walk Through a Frozen World

Winter turns familiar places into something completely different.

Think frozen waterfalls, glowing blue ice, and landscapes that only exist when temperatures stay low.

Ice walks and frozen canyons in places like Banff and Jasper are short, accessible, and wildly photogenic — but only when winter fully commits.

👉 Explore some of the best below:

• Johnston Canyon, Banff National Park

• Maligne Canyon, Jasper National Park

• Ice Caves of Superior Lake, Ontario

• Helmcken Falls, British Columbia

• Montmorency Falls, Quebec

Skate Somewhere Ridiculous

Skating indoors is fine. Skating somewhere iconic is better.

Canada’s winter sweet spot is when lakes, canals, and rivers turn into full-blown skating routes — complete with scenery, snack stops, and bragging rights.

Some of the country’s best skating experiences only exist for a few weeks each year, depending on conditions.

👉 Where to skate outdoors in Canada this winter:

• Rideau Canal, Ottawa

• Nestaweya River Skating Trail, Winnipeg

• Lake Windermere Whiteway, BC
  

Take the Cold All the Way North

If you want to feel truly alive, go north.

Winter up north means darker skies, sharper air, and front-row seats to some of Canada’s most dramatic cold-weather moments.

Northern lights season quietly shines during peak winter — especially in the Yukon and Northwest Territories, where cold nights come with unforgettable payoffs.

👉 Where to see the northern lights in Canada:

Nordic Spas in Peak Winter

Cold air. Hot water. Steam rising into snowy trees.

Nordic spas hit differently when it’s genuinely cold — not during shoulder season. The contrast is the whole experience.

Canada is home to some world-class Nordic circuits designed specifically for winter conditions.

👉 The best spas and Nordic experiences in Canada:

Cold Experiences Canadians Do On Purpose

This one isn’t for everyone — but for some people, it’s magic. Now you can experience winter indoors!

While Canadians know all about the winter outdoors, we bet there are some indoor winter experiences you’ve never heard of.

👉 When you can’t get enough of the cold, try this:

• Cryo Cold Chamber at Sparkling Hill Resort, BC: Operating at –110°C, this is about as cold as it gets without leaving the planet. Designed to reduce inflammation and boost recovery, the cold is shocking — then weirdly energizing

• The Ice Bar at Hôtel de Glace, Quebec: The most iconic ice bar in Canada. located within the only ice hotel in Canada. Everything is made of ice — walls, seats, and glasses. It’s cold, theatrical, and completely unforgettable.

Why Scratch-Off Adventures Make Cold More Fun

Cold is easier to embrace when you don’t overthink it.

Scratch-off adventures work especially well in winter because they:
• Remove decision fatigue
• Nudge you out the door
• Turn “should we?” into “we’re going.”

One scratch.
One plan.
One reason to experience winter properly.

👉 See the winter adventure scratch-off cards
https://shop.mustdocanada.com/

So… Which Cold Are You Choosing?

Frozen landscapes?
Northern lights?
Hot-cold spa circuits?
A cold plunge you’ll brag about later?

Whatever you pick — do it while winter is still showing off.

Watch

Jasper is a magical place during the winter months, but for extra fun, time your trip with the Jasper in January Festival, which features live music, events, and so much more…

International Departures

With Canadians continuing to second-guess trips down south, some destinations are reaping the benefits. Take Berlin, for example, which is the top trending city for Canadian visitors this year, according to Kayak. We’ve been to Berlin and can attest to how cool the city is. From a wild history to modern-day fun, it’s one of our favourite places in Europe. Check out some of the top tours below:

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Beaver Bites

• With all this talk of winter and cold, did you know the human body can survive some pretty nasty temperatures? Just ask Canadians as they take their morning commute, or on a more extreme note, this Polish toddler who survived hours in the cold despite his body temperature dropping to just 12°C.
  
  

• Is nightlife changing? For those who don’t know, alcohol use among youth has dropped to all-time lows, but this doesn’t mean clubs can’t exist… they need to change. That’s why this new Toronto wellness lounge is ditching the loud music and alcohol in exchange for contrast therapy (a quick alternation between hot and cold temperatures) and a functional mocktail lounge.
  
  

• Native to only one small region in Mexico, which is quickly diminishing, axolotls are one of the world’s most unique (and cutest) amphibians. Now you can see them for yourself at the Vancouver Aquarium as they open a new permanent exhibit that features multiple habitats, interactive displays and educational content focused on biology, culture and conservation.
  
  

• Watching a Sumo match is often a bucket-list experience for many people visiting Japan… But now you can skip the flight across the Pacific and head to the prairies instead. Calgary will be hosting Canada’s first sumo festival in March, featuring live wrestling and a Japanese market.
  
  

• If you love photography as much as us, check out this article featuring 18 of the most stunning images from 2025.

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