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Ten “Must Visit” Canadian Hidden Winter Gems

January 1, 2016 By Lena

NOTE: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

Happy New Year! It’s the very first day of a brand new year, and as I look outside at the winter wonderland before me, I couldn’t be more excited! Snow! Beautiful snow.

Canadians are mostly familiar with the popular winter attractions and activities.  After all, our nation is a well-known destination for winter travel; from skating on Ottawa’s Rideau Canal to hitting the slopes at Mont Tremblant, our country is rich with opportunities for outdoor fun.
12317584_1790330217860828_1353648844_nHowever, beyond these well-known destinations are a number of places just waiting to be discovered. Celebrate the spirit of winter in Canada and explore your own backyard by planning a trip to one of these soon-to-be favourite hidden winter gems. Plus, read on for your chance to win 50,000 IHG Rewards Club Points! That’s enough for a one, two – or even three! – nights stay at one of their 4,900+ properties worldwide. (Or, redeem your points for gift cards or incredible swag! 50,000 IHG Reward Club Points = approximately $500!) 

1. The town of St. Jacob’s Ontario is a popular summer destination, but the winter themed activities that take place as part of St. Jacob’s Sparkles are not to be missed. The entire town is decorated for the season, and visitors can sip apple cider or enjoy sleigh rides pulled by either deer or horses. Stay at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Waterloo-St. Jacobs when you visit.

2. Shake off the snow and get an up close look at Canadian wildlife including polar bears, muskoxen, Arctic fox, wolves and other northern species at the Assiniboine Park Zoo in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Stay at the nearby Holiday Inn Winnipeg – Airport West.

3. When the snow falls, Quebec City is transformed into a winter paradise with Carnaval de Quebec activities for everyone to enjoy. Or, take a winter stroll past the beautiful Palace Royale in Old Quebec. Did you know you can also have a truly unique and authentic Canadian experience while visiting Quebec City this winter? Adventurous winter travellers can enjoy a dog sled ride through forest trails with an option to stay overnight in the forest, or you can rest and rejuvenate at the Holiday Inn Express Quebec City (Sainte-Foy).
4.  Our great lakes are just as great in the winter! Visit Sudbury, Ontario to ice skate around the perimeter of Ramsey Lake, or give ice fishing a try at one of the 330 freshwater lakes in the Greater Sudbury area. Warm up and get cozy while staying at the Holiday Inn Sudbury.

5. Explore the natural scenery and abundance of trails on Vancouver Island this winter by ski, snowboard or snowshoe. For the thrill seeker, heli-skiing is also available! Book your vacation today and stay at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Courtenay Comox Valley SW.

6. The Niagara region of Ontario is well known for its wine tours, but wine appreciation doesn’t stop when the flurries arrive. The Niagara Icewine Festival is an exciting celebration of food and flavours not to be missed. After a fun night of food and wine, enjoy a relaxing stay at the Holiday Inn St. Catharines.
7. When the temperature drops, the Maritimes become a winter wonderland. Visit The Grand Falls in New Brunswick to see the falls transformed into awe-inspiring columns of ice, or add Fredericton’s annual FROSTival to your winter travel checklist. Stay at the Crowne Plaza Fredericton-Lord Beaverbrook.

8. Another popular summertime destination in the Maritimes, Peggy’s Cove in Nova Scotia is breathtaking when blanketed in a thin layer of snow. Pull on your warm winter clothes and watch the sun set against a backdrop of crashing waves and ice. Stay at the Holiday Inn Halifax Harbourview.
9. There are eleven Provincial Parks in Northern Saskatchewan, including Saskatchewan Landing Provincial Park. Plan a visit to take in the winter scenery and get a glimpse of the dazzling Northern Lights visible in the sky over the park. Stay at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Swift Current.

10. ‘Tis the season to go dashing through the snow, on a one horse open sleigh! Spend some time this winter in our nation’s capital and enjoy an old fashioned sleigh ride through Ottawa’s Greenbelt, or enjoy the festivities during Ottawa’s Winterlude festival. Stay at Hotel Indigo Ottawa Downtown City Centre.

Wherever you choose to travel this season, InterContinental Hotels Group properties including Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express are everywhere you want to be and available to help make your Canadian travel dreams a reality. To get the most out of your travel budget, sign up for IHG Rewards Club and start earning points towards future stays.

Inspired to travel? One lucky Canadian reader will WIN 50,000 IHG Rewards Club Points! That’s enough for a one, two – or even three! – nights stay at one of their 4,900+ properties worldwide.

Did you know? You can also redeem IHG Rewards Club Points for everything from brand name products, jewelry and electronics to rental cars. Or, turn your points into instant entertainment – redeem and download eBooks, games, software, and more! Remember, 50,000 IHG Reward Club Points = approximately $500!

To enter, simply fill the form below with your qualifying entries. And, follow me on Instagram this year as I showcase some of my favourite family travel destinations – winter-themed, winter getaways, you name it! Good luck everyone!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Filed Under: Travel Tagged With: family travel, IHG Rewards Club, InterContinental Hotels Group, winter travel

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kerry Warnaar

    January 1, 2016 at 11:10 am

    My favorite is Blue Mountain. It is so pretty and so many things to do. Plus it’s close to home so not expensive in travel costs.

  2. ivy pluchinsky

    January 1, 2016 at 11:20 am

    I really like Vancouver, i have family there, and it doesn’t get too cold, not like Manitoba!

  3. Brenda Lacourciere

    January 1, 2016 at 11:26 am

    I like Blue Mountain because it is close enough for us to drive and is quite beautiful.

  4. Florence C

    January 1, 2016 at 11:46 am

    I like Marble Mountain in Newfoundland. I like the cold crisp air in winter.

  5. Kim K

    January 1, 2016 at 11:51 am

    I like Blue Mountain because it is close enough to home, we enjoy the beautiful drive and it’s lots of fun there!

  6. Johanne Laurin-Castonguay

    January 1, 2016 at 12:28 pm

    I like Mont-Tremblant becaause it is beautiful and I really appreciate the diversity of the place!

  7. tracy k

    January 1, 2016 at 12:31 pm

    i love banff and lake louise in the winter, it’s absolutely magical!

  8. Pat Drouillard

    January 1, 2016 at 12:38 pm

    Collingwood Ontario sking

  9. Hope D

    January 1, 2016 at 12:49 pm

    Love Marble Mountain in Newfoundland!

  10. gayle bellemare

    January 1, 2016 at 1:06 pm

    I love travelling to the Ottawa area in the winter months. Skating on the Rideau, attending the fabulous Winterlude, and visiting friends and family who live in Ottawa & area is such a wonderful getaway for us! Leaving the car at home and travelling on Via Rail just adds to the fun!

  11. caryn salageanu

    January 1, 2016 at 1:06 pm

    I love the Holiday Inn in Canmore as its close to majestic Banff!

  12. lynn clayton

    January 1, 2016 at 2:00 pm

    whistler besy ski hills and wonderfull views

  13. BlessedTA

    January 1, 2016 at 2:19 pm

    Blue Mountain

  14. Jo-Anne Pfoh

    January 1, 2016 at 2:20 pm

    Ottawa and Bells Corners Ontario. I used to live in Hull PQ and loved skating on the Rideau every year

  15. Glogirl

    January 1, 2016 at 2:45 pm

    My favourite winter destination would be the Collingwood and Blue Mountains area because it is so breathtaking this time of year. It shows the beauty of winter!

  16. Greg Orszulak

    January 1, 2016 at 2:45 pm

    We go ever February to the Eastern Townships in Quebec to watch the Ski-Doo grand prix! So cold but so much fun!

  17. Cheryl

    January 1, 2016 at 3:04 pm

    I love Ottawa in the winter! I never got to skate the Rideau canal though and would love to try it

  18. mrdisco

    January 1, 2016 at 3:30 pm

    Banff. They have hot springs.

  19. Zoey Jiru

    January 1, 2016 at 3:33 pm

    I love Ottawa and Gatineau in the winter because of Winterlude!

  20. Amy Heffernan

    January 1, 2016 at 3:44 pm

    I have to say ONTARIO! I live and am from Newfoundland so it was amazing last year to be able to go there and see everything. HUGE buildings, zoos, water parks. It was FANTASTIC!! I would so love to be able to go back and bring the kids this time!

  21. Tracy D

    January 1, 2016 at 4:28 pm

    We love to skate at The Oval in Halifax!

  22. Michelle E

    January 1, 2016 at 4:28 pm

    I’ve always wanted to visit Quebec in the winter. It looks beautiful there!

  23. Lisa A.

    January 1, 2016 at 4:36 pm

    Ottawa! I’d love to skate on the Rideau Canal! However, I am a bit partial to Peggy’s Cove, Nova Scotia. ;)

  24. Lisa Neutel

    January 1, 2016 at 5:09 pm

    i love Niagara falls in the winter so beautiful

  25. Lisa H

    January 1, 2016 at 5:27 pm

    My favourite is Banff. Skiing and hotsprings, can’t go wrong.

  26. Judy Cowan

    January 1, 2016 at 5:29 pm

    I love Niagara Falls in the winter, it is a close getaway and can be so beautiful.

  27. Carey Hurst

    January 1, 2016 at 5:30 pm

    The only place I know is up towards Collingwood Area and Devils Glen

  28. Shelley N

    January 1, 2016 at 5:43 pm

    I like Niagara Falls in the winter since they have a spectacular light and laser display near Christmas and it looks so lovely there in the winter.

  29. Jolie

    January 1, 2016 at 6:51 pm

    I love Montréal, my family is there.

  30. jan

    January 1, 2016 at 7:04 pm

    a tie between Quebec City and Banff

  31. SeanM

    January 1, 2016 at 8:49 pm

    Ottawa. Winterlude is so much fun

  32. Bailey Dexter

    January 1, 2016 at 9:13 pm

    I love going up the highway to Searchmount, great shoe-shoeing and skiing there!

  33. Rosanne Robinson

    January 1, 2016 at 10:29 pm

    I love Niagara on the Lake & Niagara Falls in the winter, they both look magical with snow.

  34. josephine evans

    January 1, 2016 at 10:56 pm

    I would love to go to Quebec. Visit Mont Tremblant and hit the slopes.

  35. Dana Calder

    January 2, 2016 at 12:00 am

    Good old home Nova Scotia

  36. Jonnie

    January 2, 2016 at 1:27 am

    Banff because it’s breath taking and there’s so much to do

  37. Amber Y

    January 2, 2016 at 4:54 am

    I don’t have a favourite destination yet! We always stay close to home in the winter, but I would love to go to some of the winter festivals up north one year.

  38. Chandra O'Connor

    January 2, 2016 at 6:00 am

    Niagara Falls is beautiful I’d chose that

  39. DebH

    January 2, 2016 at 8:07 am

    I really love visiting Peggy’s Cove in all seasons. Although you really have to bundle up if you go in winter, it’s much quieter. In fact I went last winter with my hubby and we were the only ones there. You get a different feeling of Peggy when you visit in different seasons.

  40. Danielle

    January 2, 2016 at 9:35 am

    Montreal is my favourite winter destination

  41. BobbiJo Pentney

    January 2, 2016 at 12:02 pm

    We love going to Ottawa during winterfest

  42. Jeannie Lam

    January 2, 2016 at 12:48 pm

    I have always loved Banff, AB because of their beautiful mountains and snow. It’s such a great place to just relax and enjoy the great outdoors with the family.

  43. Robyn Bellefleur

    January 2, 2016 at 2:51 pm

    I love Montreal as a winter destination.

  44. andrea amy

    January 2, 2016 at 3:24 pm

    Victoria BC because its like spring compared to calgary

  45. Brenda Penton

    January 2, 2016 at 4:36 pm

    I’ve never visited any place in the winter but I’d love to go to Whistler, BC to go skiing.

  46. Yashy

    January 2, 2016 at 6:34 pm

    Quebec City is so sparkly and gorgeous in the winter!

  47. Erin McSweeney

    January 2, 2016 at 9:34 pm

    Blue Mountain, great snow, good food and funtimes for the whole family

  48. Josie Tusa

    January 2, 2016 at 10:46 pm

    My favourite winter destination is Whistler, BC because the skiing is great and it’s absolutely gorgeous!

  49. JaimeeM

    January 2, 2016 at 11:09 pm

    Holiday inn in niagara falls

  50. Jackie M

    January 3, 2016 at 12:25 am

    I love Vancouver and Montreal! Both cities have amazing scenery and food.

  51. Kristy M.

    January 3, 2016 at 9:32 am

    Montreal, because it is beautiful

  52. Angela Massis

    January 3, 2016 at 11:04 am

    I have always wanted to skate Ottawa’s Rideau Canal. It looks so beautiful and fun!

  53. Jennifer Beckett (@jennpup)

    January 3, 2016 at 12:14 pm

    Ottawa and the Rideau Canal – it’s on my bucket list!

  54. Lindsay T

    January 3, 2016 at 6:12 pm

    I love heading up to the cottage (just outside of Peterborough, ON) it’s beautiful up there!

  55. michelle

    January 3, 2016 at 7:43 pm

    Montreal

  56. Holly MacRitchie

    January 3, 2016 at 7:58 pm

    My ultimate holiday winter vacation spot is Collingwood Ontario! Its so much fun to ski and the nightlife is great!

  57. DeeDee

    January 4, 2016 at 12:28 am

    I like Whistler because there is so much to do there and it is easy for us to get there.

  58. heidi c.

    January 4, 2016 at 12:47 am

    Montreal, as my family is all there.

  59. Melinda Jana

    January 4, 2016 at 11:49 am

    Niagara Falls. I love seeing the falls partially frozen and the lighting up of the falls

  60. Catherine Robichaud

    January 4, 2016 at 6:19 pm

    I love Mont Tremblant it so beautiful in the winter and so many things to do there.

  61. Melanie Barclay

    January 5, 2016 at 10:06 am

    We love Going to Barrie, Ontario For Ice fishing, and we love taking the kids for a weekend getaway to Ottawa its just so pretty there in winter!

  62. Maria

    January 5, 2016 at 5:02 pm

    So far I have only been to Blue Mountain during the winter but Mont Tremblant looks absolutely breath taking. Hope one day to visit. Thank you for this awesome giveaway !

  63. Mark V

    January 6, 2016 at 10:19 am

    I love Quebec City in Winter, its just so pretty and quant and at the same time full of excitement.

  64. Crystal Porter

    January 6, 2016 at 8:16 pm

    I hear banff is absolutely stunning.

  65. Tara Gauthie

    January 7, 2016 at 2:59 am

    We actually don’t usually travel in the winter, but I have heard that Banff or Jasper are amazing places to visit in Winter!

  66. Tara Gauthier

    January 7, 2016 at 3:00 am

    Banff or Jasper would definitely be places that I would want to visit in the winter. A trip to the hot springs would be a must!

  67. zahra p

    January 7, 2016 at 3:10 am

    Canmore, Alberta because it is in the mountains, is gorgeous and makes me feel one with nature

  68. angela marriott

    January 7, 2016 at 1:40 pm

    I love Banff because it is a beautiful place.

  69. heather sibley

    January 7, 2016 at 7:48 pm

    Definitely Mt Tremblant. So many things to do on and off the slopes.

  70. Maria McLachlan

    January 7, 2016 at 10:13 pm

    I haven’t gone very far in the winter. I really want to go to Ottawa for ice skating one year soon or Quebec for winter carnival!

  71. Athena

    January 7, 2016 at 11:10 pm

    Blue Mountain since it’s the closest spot to us.

  72. Debbie Sherrer

    January 8, 2016 at 12:04 am

    My favorite is Banff, just so beautiful. I love the hot springs and walking down the streets and browsing the stores. The best fudge ever made right in store and I really love the Christmas store too.

  73. Carol Denny

    January 8, 2016 at 7:36 am

    Love skating on the canal in Ottawa!

  74. nicolthepickle

    January 8, 2016 at 8:14 am

    My favourite would be Old Quebec. It’s beautiful there although very cold.

  75. Erinn Lishman

    January 8, 2016 at 9:25 am

    I really love Algonquin in the winter! Beautiful, peaceful, and I always see a few moose in the colder months!

  76. Darrah Bailey

    January 8, 2016 at 11:23 am

    Banff, Its SO beautiful and a must see in the winter!

  77. Wendy hutton

    January 8, 2016 at 1:14 pm

    I love going to Lake Louise Alberta and there are so many things to do and the scenery is breath taking

  78. ginette4

    January 8, 2016 at 2:54 pm

    We don’t go far in the winter but Niagara Region is amazing in the winter..so many winter activities like the Niagara Ice Wine Festival in January

  79. Suzie M

    January 8, 2016 at 4:44 pm

    We love going to Lake Louise in Albert, it is so beautiful

  80. Dana Miller

    January 9, 2016 at 2:11 am

    My favourite Canadian winter destination is Whistler. It is so beautiful and breathtaking. We love playing in the snow and all the activities that are offered for families. The bonus is that it is only a 3-4 hour drive.

  81. Carole Dube

    January 9, 2016 at 6:36 pm

    I love Banff, Lac Louise and Jasper in the winter. It’s magical!

  82. Lee-Ann

    January 9, 2016 at 10:06 pm

    I love the Canadian Rockies…they are close, and offer some fabulous winter activities and it’s breath takingly beautiful!

  83. Nicky

    January 10, 2016 at 2:22 pm

    I love Banff – so beautiful!

  84. Sunshine G

    January 10, 2016 at 5:06 pm

    I love Whistler – it’s close by and so lovely!

  85. Krista M

    January 10, 2016 at 5:29 pm

    I really enjoy Banff, Alberta with it’s quaint shops, restaurants, a ride up the gondola, wildlife & picturesque mountains!

  86. Brenda Witherspoon-Bedard

    January 10, 2016 at 9:26 pm

    ours is Lake Loise, Ab – our son lives there so it is our go to winter destination

  87. Joan G.

    January 11, 2016 at 6:34 am

    Montreal for me – such a vibrant city.

  88. lori b

    January 11, 2016 at 12:08 pm

    i would love to go to banff

  89. Sarah

    January 11, 2016 at 1:13 pm

    West Edmonton Mall!

  90. YASMIN HALL

    January 12, 2016 at 7:16 pm

    We love going to Whistler, B.C. for winter getaways. All of the accommodations are beautiful and the scenery there is absolutely breathtaking!

  91. Valerie Mallette

    January 12, 2016 at 11:12 pm

    My favourite Canadian winter destination is Ottawa. I love skating on the Rideau Canal and Winterlude is always fun.

  92. Stephanie LaPlante

    January 13, 2016 at 3:20 pm

    Niagara Falls because of the Festival of Lights. Gorgeous in winter.

  93. Angela Mitchell

    January 13, 2016 at 5:57 pm

    I love going storm watching in Tofino.

  94. angela september

    January 14, 2016 at 1:35 pm

    hmmm that’s a tough one bc i don’t particularly love winter lol … i’d say Toronto

  95. Ei Leen

    January 16, 2016 at 12:34 am

    Banff…it’s SO beautiful in the winter! I love Moraine Lake!

  96. Tara Lynch

    January 17, 2016 at 11:19 am

    My favourite destination would be Quebec City because of how the celebrate and embrace winter

  97. SweetPanda

    January 18, 2016 at 11:02 am

    My favourite is the Ottawa’s Rideau Canal because it’s so cool to be able to skate on the Canal

  98. sarah sar

    January 20, 2016 at 6:21 am

    My fave is Mont Tremblant! We go there every year for skiing/snowboarding with the family and look forward to it every year :)

  99. Holly O'Gorman

    January 21, 2016 at 8:36 pm

    Winterlude in Ottawa, love the ice sculpture.

  100. Katharine Wong

    January 25, 2016 at 5:54 am

    I love Ottawa because you can skate the Rideau Canal and spend time indoors exploring the arts at the Natonal Gallery.

  101. Tara Jeles

    January 26, 2016 at 11:04 am

    Ours is Quebec city, it’s beautiful in the winter and there is so much to do. Then my husband and son can go skiing as well.

  102. Maryanne

    January 27, 2016 at 2:06 pm

    I would love to go to Carnaval de Quebec!

  103. Cathy C

    January 28, 2016 at 7:18 pm

    I love Mont Tremblant but not just for winter. It is great in the summer and fall too! Also fan of Montebello.

  104. Debbie White Beattie

    May 23, 2017 at 4:51 am

    You’ve got a great list of things to do and I’ve never heard of a couple. Your pictures are great but my favorite is ice skating on the canal

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Lena Almeida

Toronto Blogger, Social Media Strategist for Listen to Lena Inc. Television & Radio Personality, Columnist and Speaker. Family Travel Expert. Star Wars Fanatic. Perfecting the Art of Conversuasion. Read More…

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