{"id":29128,"date":"2019-11-12T19:52:15","date_gmt":"2019-11-12T19:52:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.expedia.com\/stories\/?p=29128"},"modified":"2021-10-28T17:24:47","modified_gmt":"2021-10-28T17:24:47","slug":"8-things-to-do-in-the-canadian-prairies-this-winter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.expedia.com\/stories\/8-things-to-do-in-the-canadian-prairies-this-winter\/","title":{"rendered":"8 Things to Do in the Canadian Prairies this Winter"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Canadian Prairies are exploding in popularity as travel destinations<\/a> and it’s not hard to see why. What was derided as fly-over country in the past is now being recognized for its small-town charm, unique cultural offerings and beautiful outdoor scenery. While winter in the prairies can be fierce, with cold temperatures and frequent snow; these 8 activities show that winter doesn’t have to ruin your trip. Take advantage of lower rates, smaller crowds and fantastic winter activities to have a great adventure to cap off your holidays or start your new year.<\/p>\n

\"winter
Winter in the Prairies<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Visit Lake Abraham<\/h2>\n

Abraham Lake in Alberta<\/a> is a popular destination year-round, but it really takes on a different life in winter. Each year dying plants at the lake\u2019s floor decompose and release methane gas into the lake. During Alberta\u2019s freezing winters, these bubbles are frozen and suspended in the lake\u2019s ice. The frozen stacks of bubbles along with the clear blue water make for a unique sight popular with photographers and tourists.<\/p>\n

\"lake
Trover Photo by Spirit Images, Lake Abraham, Alberta<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

See the Northern Lights<\/h2>\n

The aurora borealis are one of the most awe-inspiring sights anywhere on the planet. While fickle and notoriously difficult to plan for, the Northern Lights are most easily seen in the upper reaches of the Northern Hemisphere. Some of the best places to catch them in Canada are in the prairies. La Ronge<\/a> in Saskatchewan, Fort McMurray<\/a> in Alberta, and Churchill<\/a>, Manitoba have everything you need for an aurora showing. Low light pollution, high latitudes and clear winter skies. If you’re willing to brave the cold temperatures, winter is great for aurora viewing because of the long nighttime hours.<\/p>\n

\"northern
Northern Lights<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Dog Sledding<\/h2>\n

Want to take part in an ancient Inuit tradition with some of man’s best friends? Dog sledding is one of the most fun and unique activities of a Canadian winter on the prairies. There’s nothing quite like speeding down the frozen tundra at the head of a packing of pulling huskies. If that sounds like a tad bit too much adrenaline, there are smaller tours available too. Anything from full sleds to leisurely rides around the kennels are easy to find in Churchill, Manitoba, a city where dog city is embedded in the local culture.<\/p>\n

\"dog
Trover Photo by Free Your Mind Travel, Dog Sledding in Alberta<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Cross-Country Skiing<\/h2>\n

While it has a reputation as an exhausting endurance sport, cross-country skiing can also be a graceful and leisurely winter activity. Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba have plenty of meadows and fields where you can effortlessly glide on skis. The Prince Albert National Park<\/a> in northern Saskatchewan has some of the best skiing in the country. And is a great place to strap on skiis for the first time, or to test your skills as an expert.<\/p>\n

\"cross
Trover Photo by Hecktik Travels, Cross-Country Skiing in Alberta<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Ice Fishing<\/h2>\n

For the uninitiated ice fishing can seem a cold, lonely way to spend a winter day. But for ice fishing enthusiasts, few experiences can compare to a day out on the lake. Ice fishing is a time to sip hot drinks, relax with friends, and spend the day pulling lunch through a hole in the ice. When done safely, ice fishing is a great activity that often ends with a freshly grilled meal on the lake shore. For some of the best ice fishing in the prairies, stop by Lake Winnipeg<\/a> in Manitoba or Cold Lake<\/a>, Alberta. Both spots have produced record breaking fish that you’ll have a chance to catch.<\/p>\n

\"ice
Ice Fishing in Alberta<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Sleigh Rides<\/h2>\n

For a quaint entry into Christmas’ past, take a ride on a sleigh ride. Immortalized in the sing “Jingle Bells” and the story of Santa Claus, sleigh rides are still a winter transportation option in some parts of the Canadian prairies. Brewster Adventures<\/a> in Alberta offer three different kinds of sleigh rides, from the classic one-horse open sleigh to an open community sleigh more akin to a public hay ride. To top off the night, they offer a country Christmas dinner after their chartered sleigh rides.<\/p>\n

\"horse
Horse Drawn-Sleigh in Alberta<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Curling<\/h2>\n

There might not be a more quintessentially Canadian winter activity than curling. This quirky sport, which jumps in popularity each Winter Olympics, is incredibly popular in Canada and is a fun way to spend a winter evening. Curling, which is played with sliding polished stones across ice, is found in rinks across Canada. The Granite Curling Club in Saskatoon is a popular place to stop by for a game, as is the Garrison Curling Club in Calgary.<\/p>\n

\"curling\"
Curling Rink<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Wildlife Viewing<\/h2>\n

Canada has some of the largest tracts of untouched wilderness in the world. The pristine woods and forests of northern Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba contain flora and fauna found nowhere else in the world. While many wildlife reserves are rightfully isolated and far away from major cities, the wildlife viewing is incredible. One particularly popular spot is Churchill, Manitoba. This polar bear capital of the world is great for viewing these majestic creatures. Every winter the ice refreezes on the Hudson Bay and polar bears return to the ice in pursuit of seals and walruses. Belugas, black bears, moose and migratory caribou are also plentiful at Churchill.<\/p>\n

\"polar
Polar Bear<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Whether it’s glimpsing endangered polar bears, riding across a snowy meadow on horse-driven sleigh or sipping hot chocolate with your friends, the Canadian prairies have more than enough winter activities to keep you satisfied. Book your next trip through Expedia<\/a> to take advantage of the lowest rates available.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

While winter in the prairies can be fierce, with cold temperatures and frequent snow; these 8 activities show that winter doesn’t have to ruin your trip.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":29138,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1867,1782,1774,1807],"tags":[],"authors":[2264],"class_list":["post-29128","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-canada","category-destinations","category-occasions-and-seasons","category-winter","authors-expedia","entry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n8 Things to Do in the Canadian Prairies this Winter | Expedia<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"While winter in the prairies can be fierce, with cold temperatures and frequent snow; these 8 activities show that winter doesn't have to ruin your trip.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com\/stories\/8-things-to-do-in-the-canadian-prairies-this-winter\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"8 Things to Do in the Canadian Prairies this Winter | Expedia\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"While winter in the prairies can be fierce, with cold temperatures and frequent snow; 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