

6 wonderful winter experiences in Canada
Think the snowy season is just about skiing? Think again. It’s the perfect time to explore Canada, as travel photographer and writer Angela Liguori tells us
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Winter in Canada? Surely there’s just one option: hibernate. “I don’t blame anybody for thinking that way,” says Canadian travel content creator Angela Liguori, “but it’s actually a great time to visit. Many places in Canada are so special in winter, not least because there are fewer visitors here so it has a calmer vibe.”
All it requires is some know-how and prep—and the right gear: “Layers, gloves and merino wool,” she advises. “I’ve been out in minus 40F with people who hate the cold, but if they’re dressed appropriately they enjoy themselves.”


And getting people to enjoy themselves—come snow or shine—is Liguori’s purpose in life. “I’ve been a creator and photographer for almost seven years now, and it all started from my love of the outdoors.” Born and raised in Vancouver, British Columbia, she’s passionate about what Canada has to offer. “I live in such a beautiful place. I’m in Downtown Vancouver, but I could drive for half an hour and be on top of a mountain looking at the ocean. My main goal is trying to get people outside and get all the benefits of that.” And that includes in winter? “Absolutely. The winters here are long, don’t waste them!”
Scroll down for Liguori’s pick of unmissable experiences…
Your winter to-do list in Canada
Take the plunge in Fraser Valley
The benefits of cold-water immersion are well known, and easy to access in a Canadian winter. “But we also have a lot of hot springs in British Columbia, so we can go into the cold and then come back into the hot spring,” says Liguori. “It’s just easier to know that you’re going to be nice and toasty after the cold plunge.” Sloquet Hot Springs in Fraser Valley operates all year round and is in a wooded wilderness that looks perfect under snowfall.
Where to stay: Coast Chilliwack Hotel by APAGet your skates on in Alberta
One of Liguori’s favorite parts of the winter is “seeing the lakes freeze over and people hopping on for wild ice skating. You have to know what you’re doing—but even the managed rinks on the lakes in the Rockies are just so beautiful.” In Edmonton, Alberta, you can skate through the forest on the Victoria Park IceWay. “And at night it’s so gorgeous. They put all these twinkly lights on and you’re just skating through this magical forest.”
Where to stay: JW Marriott Edmonton ICE DistrictHop on a heli in British Columbia
“I always thought, ‘I don’t need to take a helicopter somewhere to snowboard.’ But then I went and, oh my gosh, it was incredible.” Heli-skiing is what it sounds like: taking a helicopter to seek out the freshest snow and most remote runs. Liguori explains: “It was started in British Columbia by the company I went with, CMH, and they know the mountains well. You’re in the coolest places, and it’s so beautiful, it’s almost overwhelming.”
Find out more: Browse ski packagesKeep it sweet in Québec
“Québec really does winter right. They lean into being cozy, there are twinkly lights everywhere, it’s gorgeous.” It’s a feast not only for the eyes, but the taste buds too, thanks to the famous sugar shacks of the region. “On one trip, we got maple syrup, freshly tapped from the tree, and they pour a line of it on a table covered in snow,” she says, recalling a stop at Érablière du Lac-Beauport. “Once it’s cooled and hardened, they take a wooden stick and roll it up, and it’s like a lollipop with Canadian maple syrup. Delicious.”
Where to stay: Auberge Saint-AntoineSee the light in Yellowknife
Canada has some of the best spots in the world to see the northern lights. “The place I really want to visit is the Indigenous-owned Aurora Village near Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories,” says Liguori. “They have a clearer sky there, and it’s more accessible than other areas of Northern Canada.”
Where to stay: The Explorer HotelHit the slopes in Whistler
“I love snowboarding. Without it, winter would be long and hard. But with snowboarding or skiing, there’s always another mountain you can go to or another run you haven’t tried.” And luckily for Liguori, her “home mountain” is one of the best in the world, and the biggest ski resort in North America. “I am lucky enough to wake up at 6 a.m. and an hour and a half later I’m in Whistler Blackcomb.”
Where to stay: Summit Lodge Boutique Hotel

Alice Wignall
Writer
Alice Wignall is a writer and journalist based in London. She was formerly executive editor of British ELLE and has written for everyone from The Guardian to The Telegraph, and Cosmopolitan to Red.

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