10 Winter Activities for Families in Canada

Canada transforms into a winter wonderland from November through March, offering endless opportunities for family fun in the snow. Whether you're looking for adrenaline-pumping adventures or cozy cultural experiences, Canada's winter landscape has something for every family to enjoy.

1. Skiing and Snowboarding in Whistler, British Columbia

Whistler Blackcomb is consistently ranked among the top ski resorts in North America, and for good reason. With over 8,000 acres of skiable terrain, the resort offers runs for all skill levels, making it perfect for families with varying abilities.

Family-friendly features include:

• Children's learning areas with magic carpets and gentle slopes
• Family Adventure Zones with fun terrain features
• Excellent ski schools with programs specifically designed for kids
• Childcare services for little ones not yet ready for the slopes

After a day on the mountain, families can enjoy the charming Whistler Village, with its pedestrian-only streets, family restaurants, and festive winter atmosphere.

2. Ice Skating on the Rideau Canal, Ottawa

For a quintessential Canadian winter experience, nothing beats skating on the Rideau Canal Skateway in Ottawa. At 7.8 kilometers, it's the world's largest naturally frozen skating rink and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

What makes it perfect for families:

• Relatively flat ice that's perfect for beginners
• Rental skates available for all ages
• Warming huts along the way
• BeaverTails pastry stands (a must-try Canadian treat)
• Free admission - just bring your skates

Visit during Winterlude (usually held in February) for additional winter activities, ice sculpture competitions, and children's programming.

3. Dog Sledding in Quebec

For an unforgettable family adventure, try dog sledding through Quebec's winter landscape. Many outfitters in regions like Laurentides, Charlevoix, and Mont-Tremblant offer family-friendly dog sledding experiences.

What to expect:

• Meet the friendly husky teams and learn about dog sledding history
• Learn to drive your own sled or ride as a passenger
• Glide through snow-covered forests and open trails
• Options ranging from 1-hour introductory experiences to full-day adventures

This activity creates lasting memories and provides a special connection with these amazing working dogs. Many operators allow kids to help harness and pet the dogs, creating an educational opportunity as well.

4. Winter Festivals Across Canada

Canada embraces winter with numerous family-friendly festivals throughout the season:

• Quebec Winter Carnival (Quebec City) - The world's largest winter carnival features ice sculptures, night parades, snow slides, and the famous Bonhomme mascot.
• Winterlude (Ottawa) - Features ice carving competitions, snow playgrounds, and performances.
• Silver Skate Festival (Edmonton) - Combines art, culture, recreation, and food in a winter celebration.
• Montreal En Lumière - A festival of light, food, and culture with a free outdoor site full of family activities.

These festivals typically offer dedicated children's programming and activities designed for all ages.

5. Snow Tubing and Tobogganing

For a family activity that requires minimal skill but delivers maximum fun, try snow tubing or tobogganing. Many ski resorts and winter parks offer dedicated tubing hills with lift service.

Top spots include:

• Tube Park at Blue Mountain, Ontario
• Snow Tube Park at Mount St. Louis Moonstone, Ontario
• Valcartier Vacation Village, Quebec (the largest winter playground in North America)
• Tube Town at Big White Ski Resort, British Columbia

These venues provide the tubes, well-maintained runs, and often, mechanical lifts to get you back to the top - no trudging uphill required!

6. Ice Fishing in Manitoba

For a uniquely Canadian experience, try ice fishing on one of Manitoba's many lakes. This activity combines outdoor adventure with the cozy experience of warming up in ice fishing huts.

Family-friendly options include:

• Guided experiences on Lake Winnipeg with heated shelters
• All equipment provided (no need to invest in gear)
• Learn about local fish species and sustainable fishing practices
• Some outfitters offer fish cooking demonstrations for a complete experience

Children are often thrilled by the novelty of fishing through a hole in the ice, and the experience provides a unique perspective on Canadian winter traditions.

7. Snowshoeing in Banff National Park

Snowshoeing is an accessible winter activity perfect for families with children of various ages. Banff National Park offers some of the most scenic snowshoeing trails in the country, with mountain vistas and the possibility of spotting winter wildlife.

Why it's great for families:

• Easy to learn - if you can walk, you can snowshoe
• Equipment rentals widely available
• Various trail options ranging from easy 1-hour loops to longer excursions
• Guided tours available with interpretive information about winter ecology

The Cave and Basin National Historic Site, Marsh Loop, and Sundance Canyon are particularly good options for families with younger children.

8. Winter Wildlife Viewing in Yukon

The Yukon in winter offers unique opportunities to view northern wildlife and possibly even the spectacular Northern Lights. While it's a more remote destination, it provides an unforgettable family adventure for those with older children.

Experiences include:

• Wildlife preserves where you can see bison, elk, muskox, and more in their winter habitat
• Northern Lights viewing tours with heated viewing facilities
• Learning about northern ecology and indigenous cultures
• Hot springs visits to warm up after outdoor adventures

The Yukon Wildlife Preserve outside Whitehorse is particularly family-friendly, with well-maintained walking trails and guaranteed wildlife sightings.

9. Visit an Ice Hotel

For a truly magical winter experience, visit Quebec's Hôtel de Glace (Ice Hotel), the only ice hotel in North America. This architectural wonder is rebuilt each winter and features ice sculptures, ice furniture, and even an ice chapel.

Family options include:

• Day visits with guided tours
• Ice slide and snow playground for children
• Hot chocolate served in ice glasses
• For the adventurous, overnight stays are available (with proper arctic sleeping gear provided)

Even if you don't stay overnight, a visit to the Ice Hotel creates a sense of wonder for children and adults alike.

10. Winter Train Journeys

See Canada's winter landscape from the comfort of a train with panoramic views. VIA Rail offers several routes that showcase stunning winter scenery and allow families to relax together while watching the snow-covered landscape pass by.

Recommended routes:

• The Snow Train from Vancouver to Jasper, through the snow-capped Rocky Mountains
• The Corridor routes between Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, and Quebec City
• The Winnipeg to Churchill route for the adventurous (potential polar bear and Northern Lights sightings)

Trains offer the advantage of being able to move around, enjoy meals together, and avoid winter driving conditions while still immersing yourselves in Canada's winter beauty.

Planning Your Canadian Winter Family Adventure

When planning winter activities in Canada with kids, remember these important tips:

• Dress in layers - proper winter clothing is essential for enjoying outdoor activities
• Book accommodations and popular activities in advance, especially during peak periods like Christmas and Spring Break
• Build in downtime and indoor alternatives in case of extreme weather
• Consider accommodations with kitchen facilities and indoor pools for family-friendly downtime
• Check age restrictions for activities - some adventures may have minimum age or height requirements

With proper planning, a winter trip to Canada can provide your family with unique experiences and lasting memories that simply aren't possible in warmer climates.