For some, Christmas is about getting together with friends and family over the holidays in front of a beautiful tree and a warm fire and enjoying each others company with a delicious meal surely to put you in a food coma for at least a day or two. But for others, Christmas can mean extended holiday and would rather put that time towards a trip, while maybe still wanting to keep up with a Christmas theme.
Here are some of the best places to go for a Christmas Vacation in Canada.
For the romantics
Quebec City:
Quebec City is home to beautiful architecture, old cobblestone roads and small streets filled with shops, shops and more shops. Now, picture it lit up, with snow gently falling and coating everything white while you sip cozily on your freshly brewed coffee. It doesn’t get much more romantic than that.
Notable things to do during the holidays in Quebec:
Spend a night at the only Ice Hotel in North America
http://www.hoteldeglace-canada.com/
Open from January 4th, to March 26th 2017. This enchanting ice hotel is a one of a kind experience. There are themed suites, a guided tour, an ice bar and of course an outdoor hot tub and sauna to heat up in.
Visit the German Christmas Market
http://www.noelallemandquebec.com
From November 23rd to December 23rd the German Christmas Market comes alive, with gorgeous decorations, German treats, an incredible assortment of products to shop from, live performances such as a choir and much more.
For the adventurers
Banff and Lake Louise
Banff has the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure. You can find yourself in a small cabin, lit only by firelight, overlooking a mountain and moments later you can be snowboarding full speed down that very same mountain, drifting in soft, fluffy powder. If snowboarding isn’t so much your thing, there are plenty of other winter activities, hiking, snowshoeing, ice skating, ice fishing and more.
Notable things to do during the holidays in Banff & Lake Louise
Christmas at the Castle
https://www.christmasatthecastle.ca/
If you’ve had the opportunity to stay at the Fairmont Banff springs you’d know how absolutely magical it is. It’s almost a real life castle, and just imagine it in the winter! Activities at the Castle during the Christmas Holidays include Campfire and Marshmallow roasting, Wilderness Walks, Ice skating, a Tree Lighting Ceremony and so much more!
Ski and Snowboard in Banff and Lake Louise
There is no shortage of hills to snowboard or ski on in Banff and Lake Louise, but the top choices are Banff Sunshine, The Lake Louise Ski Resort and Mt. Norquay. Any one of these resorts would be able to take care of all your snow needs. They’ve got rentals on site, so you don’t have to haul all your own gear, making it an already less stressful start to your holiday.
For Everyone
Christmas in Toronto
In a city of over 2 million, they’re bound to have one of the biggest and best Christmas celebrations in all of Canada. Toronto is essentially the New York of Canada, it’s a popular and happening city with a true sense of a melting pot, sharing cultures and traditions from all over the world, you’re sure to have whatever holiday experience you’re looking for. Whether you’re flying Air Canada from Vancouver, or ANA from Tokyo, Toronto is a fantastic choice for winter vacations, it has the perfect mix of just a little too cold, and more often than not just enough snow to make it feel like Christmas, but not so much so that it feels like you’re up North.
Notable things to do during the holidays in Toronto
The Toronto Christmas Market
http://www.torontochristmasmarket.com/
The Toronto Christmas Market takes place from November 16th to December 23rd at the busy Distillery Historic District. From carolling, walking tours, live performances, shopping and beer gardens, there is something at this market for everyone!
The Cavalcade of Lights Festival
Saturday, November 25, 2017 in Nathan Phillips Square is an annual tradition where they light Torontos official Christmas Tree. There are fireworks, live performances and ice skating to top it all off. It’s one of the most popular Christmas traditions and sure to be a night to remember and spend with loved ones.
Although these 3 options are my top picks for the best places to spend Christmas in Canada, there are many traditions and celebrations in every province, so be sure to check out what your city offers and have an enjoyable holiday!