While Australians are famed for loving sun and surf, a growing number are discovering the unique appeal of a very different kind of holiday: a Canadian winter escape. It turns out the Great White North's frosty months are becoming a sought-after antidote to our scorching summers.
Embracing the Chill: Canada's Winter Philosophy
Canadians have a saying: there's no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing. This mindset transforms their long, subzero winters from a hardship into a playground. Rather than hiding indoors, they layer up in parkas and dive headfirst into the season with skiing, snowshoeing, fat biking, and ice fishing, often with a hot drink in hand. The result is a calendar packed with neon-lit night markets, historic carnivals, and breathtaking snow sculptures that turn entire neighbourhoods into winter wonderlands.
Six Frosty Destinations That Own the Season
For Aussies looking for an unforgettable cold-weather adventure, these six cities offer the perfect blend of frosty charm and warm hospitality.
Winnipeg, Manitoba: Affectionately nicknamed 'Winterpeg', this prairie city is often the coldest major centre in North America, with January nights regularly plunging below -21°C. Yet, Winnipeggers are masters of celebration. Their Nestaweya River Trail once held the Guinness World Record for the world's longest naturally frozen skating trail at 8.54km. Each February, the city hosts the vibrant Festival du Voyageur, a 10-day celebration of French-Canadian and Metis culture. For warmth, visitors can explore the world-class Canadian Museum for Human Rights or the spectacular indoor horticulture attraction, The Leaf.
Niagara Falls, Ontario: Overlooked by many as a winter spot, Niagara Falls becomes a surreal spectacle in the cold. Spray from the mighty Horseshoe Falls freezes, encasing trees and railings in a glittering shell of ice. The annual Winter Festival of Lights illuminates the parkway, while attractions like the Butterfly Conservatory offer a tropical respite. A major bonus? The oppressive summer crowds vanish, offering serene, crowd-free viewing.
Montreal, Quebec: Canada's second-largest city wears winter like a badge of honour. Its historic Old Montreal, with cobblestone lanes and cosy cafes, feels especially European under a dusting of snow. The city pulses with energy thanks to events like Montreal en Lumiere, a three-week festival of food, art, and light, and the famously frigid outdoor electronic music party, Igloofest. No visit is complete without a legendary smoked meat sandwich from Schwartz's.
Quebec City, Quebec: This UNESCO-listed old town, founded in 1608, transforms into a storybook scene in winter. The iconic Chateau Frontenac overlooks the frozen St. Lawrence River, creating a picture of old-world charm. February brings the colossal Carnaval de Quebec, one of the planet's biggest winter parties, featuring an ice palace, night parades, and snow sculptures. For a thrilling rush, the historic Dufferin Terrace toboggan run, built in 1884, sends riders downhill at speeds up to 70km/h.
Ottawa, Ontario: The nation's capital embraces the season with iconic grace. The Rideau Canal Skateway, a 7.8km skating route through the city's heart, is recognised as the world's largest naturally frozen ice rink. The city's Winterlude festival fills the downtown with ice sculptures and live music. Warming up with a hot, sugary BeaverTail pastry is a quintessential Ottawa winter ritual.
Calgary, Alberta: This city offers a uniquely bright winter, being ranked the sunniest in Canada with an average of 333 sunny days per year. Its proximity to the Rockies—less than an hour to Canmore and Banff National Park—makes it an ideal basecamp. The occasional 'Chinook' wind can dramatically raise temperatures overnight, making the cold feel more approachable. The city's own Chinook Blast festival celebrates midwinter with art, music, and sport.
A Winter Holiday Like No Other
For Australians weary of relentless summer heat, a Canadian winter offers a refreshing and exhilarating contrast. It's a chance to experience a culture that doesn't just endure the cold, but celebrates it with creativity, community spirit, and a stack of fun activities. From the frozen majesty of Niagara Falls to the pulsating beats of Montreal's Igloofest, these destinations prove that winter, when embraced, can be the coolest season of all.
