Must-Try Winter Experiences and Activities in Canada 

Chapter 3 of 5

Unique Canadian winter experiences

Winter camping 

Imagine the logistics of a regular camping trip. Now add snow, ice, wind, and subzero temperatures. Tempting? Okay, you may be ready for a winter camping experience.

First, you will need reliable gear and it’s pricey. Try to rent it from equipment stores or check out online marketplaces. Provincial, territorial and national parks usually welcome campers in winter, some of them even offer an easier “glamping” experience in heated yurts and tents, which can be a great option when you don’t have the warmest sleeping bag.

On the plus side, your s’mores will taste extra good and you will enjoy easy access to trails and winter magic, including aurora borealis if you’re far North.

Aurora viewing 

In itself, watching the mesmerizing display of lights is free—all you need is a bonfire and maybe a cup of chocolate. However, this unique show only takes place in Canada’s northernmost locations and getting there is expensive, not to mention there’s no guarantee you will actually be able to see auroras since they don’t exactly come when summoned. 

Here are a few tips if watching the northern lights is on your Canadian bucket list:

• The northern lights are most often seen north of the 50th parallel. Whitehorse, Dawson, Yellowknife or Churchill are among the most accessible northern cities for the average traveller. Nunavut is also an option, but it’s far and plane tickets are expensive. Aurora can occasionally be spotted in southern locations as well, but light pollution makes them hard to see.
• The prime aurora season is from December to March when nights are long and the sky is pretty clear.
• Read other aurora viewing tips to plan your trip and sign up for aurora notifications by email!