Must-Try Winter Experiences and Activities in Canada 

Chapter 4 of 5

Winter-themed festivals and events

Don’t think for a minute that Canadians just stay home when it’s cold. Life goes on, which means you’re expected to show up at work (sorry, no hibernation benefits…) but also that you can enjoy many winter-themed festivals and events!

Just to start with a fun Canada-wide celebration, don’t miss La Poutine Week and enjoy this Quebec “delicacy” that really helps build fat reserves for winter! 

The world’s biggest winter carnival in Quebec City

Quebec City has been warming hearts with a fun festival since 1894. Every year, around February, the Quebec Winter Carnival is a chance to participate in dance parties, watch sports, enjoy free outdoor public banquets, admire snow sculptures and more. Dress warm and have a blast!

Lights and music in Montreal

If you love electro music, don’t miss the Igloofest in the Old Port—it even comes with an ice bar! Dress warmly for the hottest winter festival and party outdoors with other winter warriors.

Montréal en lumière offers plenty of free and paid activities, performances and a trail of light installations to brighten up cold winter nights for a couple of weeks in February.

And don’t miss the Fête des neiges de Montreal, a fun outdoor family event for four weekends at the parc Jean-Drapeau.

Music and food festivals in Toronto

Not only does Toronto remain quite warm by Canadian Winter standards, but you can also enjoy the Winter Solstice Festival at Kensington Market, a two-day electro dance festival, and a chance to discover affordable and delicious three-course meals in more than 200 restaurants during Winterdelicious.

A celebration of winter in Ottawa

Winterlude is Ottawa’s biggest winter festival. Check out the national capital in February for snow- and ice-themed activities around the Rideau Canal Skateway, including ice sculptures, performances, food trucks, slides and more. Grab a maple taffy and walk around the downtown area for tons of free events.

Christmas magic in Vancouver

Since Vancouver gets more rain than snow in winter, Vancouver focuses on Christmas with the Aurora Winter Festival and its themed village full of lights and fun surprises. 

For a snowy atmosphere, head to the Rossland Winter Carnival in the Rockies. 

Explore First Nations, Metis and French heritage in Winnipeg

The popular Festival du Voyageur is a fun and fascinating celebration of winter and cultures in Winnipeg. Head to the lovely historic Saint-Boniface neighbourhood to discover amazing snow sculptures, taste traditional cuisine and music, and historical interpretations where Voyageur, Métis and First Nations histories are brought back to life.

The Riding Mountain National Park hosts the Winter Adventure Weekend to celebrate the outdoors and the park with a scavenger hunt, Olympic games, hockey games, skiing lessons and more.

Winter festivals in Calgary

The GLOW Downtown Winter Light Festival lights up the season in this chilly city with light installations, ice sculpture competitions, concerts and more. 

Chinook Blast celebrates community and culture with the best of Calgary’s art, music, theatre, sports and recreation.

Celebrate winter in the Maritimes

Halifax hosts the In the Dead of Winter Music Festival and a Christmas-themed festival with lights and a market.

Winter festivals warm up New Brunswick in Moncton, Dieppe, Riverview and Fredericton (where the FROSTival has it all, from sled rides to a Christmas market!).  

The Ice City Festival offers ice sculptures, art installations, sugar shacks, skating, yoga events and more.