11 Best Things to Do in Canada in January From a Local

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Wondering if you should visit Canada in January? Let’s find out!

There’s no denying that January is cold. I was born and raised in Canada, so I know all about the freezing winter temperatures. I’ve walked my dog in -30°C when it was so cold my hair froze while dry!

But despite the cold weather, I actually really enjoy Canada in the winter.

And I’ve lived from Halifax to Toronto to Victoria, so I’ve experienced it across the whole country.

Canada becomes a winter wonderland in January, and there are so many things to do that you can’t find in any other season. It’s when it finally becomes the snowglobe that the rest of the world seems to think we are.

You can attend an ice wine festival, try some winter sports, and enjoy the gorgeous snowy scenery. Plus, you can find great deals on hotels and restaurants in January because it’s off-peak tourist season.

So, let’s dive into this guide and get you all set for an amazing trip to Canada!

Nina and her golden retriever with a sled standing in the snow in Muskoka in winter

Why Visit Canada In January?

Canada is absolutely breathtaking, and it’s a destination that should be on everyone’s winter travel list.

Believe it or not, Canada’s winter tourism is booming! The landscapes are transformed in the winter, with snow-capped mountains in the western provinces and bustling Christmas markets in the east. It feels like a fairy tale!

The ski slopes are world-class, the ice-skating rinks are plentiful, and you can even see the Northern Lights a short drive from the city.

Don’t let the cold deter you – January offers so much to do. Plus, you can save a lot of money, especially in popular summer destinations like Vancouver, Toronto, and Ottawa.

Nina smiling at the camera in a parka, scarf, toque and sunglasses on a sunny winter day in Canada with a snowy landscape in the back

Weather In Canada In January

Canada’s weather in January is, as you’d expect, cold.

The temperature in January typically ranges from -15°C to 5°C (5 – 41 °F) and can even drop to as low as -27°C (-16°F) in some areas of the country, depending on location and altitude.

In fact, the further inland you go, the colder Canada’s temperature gets! Winnipeg is often the coldest major city in Canada!

Snowfall is also quite common in January, especially in Canada’s northern and central regions.

Nina's golden retriever sitting in the snow smiling at the camera on a winter hike in Ottawa.

Seasons In Canada

Canada experiences four distinct seasons – winter, spring, summer, and fall. Winter in Canada is usually extremely cold and often snowy.

Winter begins in December and continues until March, with the coldest month typically being January. During this season, a blanket of snow covers most of the country, which is perfect for snow-related activities like skiing, ice skating, and sipping on ice wine.

Are you a Canuck or a Hoser? Test your Canadian knowledge now!

Graphic reading "the ultimate Canada Day Quiz" that you click to be taken to a quiz testing your Canadian knowledge.

11 Best Places To Visit In Canada In January

Niagara in winter with the waterfalls turned into giant icicles

1. Niagara Falls

One of the best places to visit is Niagara Falls in January. The scene is breathtaking and completely different than what you’d find in the summer!

Niagara Falls and American Falls both freeze over in the winter, and you can also experience the Winter Lights Festival at the Falls. There are even nighttime helicopter tours that allow you to see the light show from above!

While you should try to see the falls from both sides, the view from the Canadian side is what makes it one of the best places to visit in Canada during winter.

❄️ I love this Niagara Falls winter tour as it gives you a unique perspective of the Falls without all the usual tourist crowds!

2. Ottawa In January

If you want a more unique winter experience, consider visiting Canada’s capital, Ottawa.

Although Ottawa’s winter temperatures can reach as low as -21ºC (-5ºF), the extra snowy landscapes offer the perfect conditions for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and ice skating!

The highlight of the season is undoubtedly the world-renowned Rideau Canal. The UNESCO World Heritage Site morphs into the world’s largest naturally frozen skating rink, spanning a whopping 7.8 km.

This natural skating rink is a magnet for locals and tourists, drawing nearly a million visitors annually. It’s one of the best Canada attractions in winter!

You can skate day or night, seven days a week, at no extra cost. So, lace up your skates and glide along the Rideau Canal Skateway, a true Canadian winter experience and a must-do when visiting Canada in January.

🐶 For even more winter fun in Ottawa, try this dog sledding tour – I love that the tours include a meal and hot chocolate to keep you warm!

Lake Ontario with ice in winter looking at the Toronto skyline

3. Toronto In January

January in Toronto is one of the best times to visit the city. Toronto is usually expensive, but it’s much cheaper in the winter (off-peak season). This includes more affordable hotel rooms, discounted tours, and fewer waits at the city’s popular attractions.

Toronto is a great place to shop and take advantage of the post-holiday sales, too. Check out the PATH, Toronto’s underground walkway that hosts 30km of shops, cafes, and restaurants.

You’ll also find loads of world-class museums, theaters, art galleries, and entertainment complexes where you can escape the cold. Some of my favorite indoor activities in Toronto are The Royal Ontario Museum, The Art Gallery of Ontario, and Ripley’s Aquarium Of Canada.

🏫 If you need to warm up after wandering through the city in the snow, I recommend booking a hotel with a private hot tub!

Theo the golden retriever sitting in the snow in Vancouver on a hike

4. Vancouver In January

Compared to other parts of Canada, Vancouver in British Columbia experiences a milder climate, so it’s less cold and snowy than other spots on the list!

With fewer tourists in January, you can fully appreciate the city’s attractions without the usual crowds.

If you can only visit one spot in Vancouver in January, make it the Capilano Suspension Bridge. Here, the Canyon Lights show illuminates the surrounding forest and makes for an epic Instagram photo.

people on ice skating near Ferris wheel during day

5. Montreal In January

Montreal is Quebec’s largest city and home to a few of the best things to do in winter in Canada.

It’s actually one of the coldest cities in all of North America at this time, but surprisingly, most of the best things to do in January are outdoors.

One of the top things to do is spend a day at Cap-Saint-Jacques Nature Park, a large park just outside Montreal. There are a bunch of winter experiences at the park, like snow sports, sledding, and romantic carriage rides.

Also, the historic Old Town of Montreal is well worth exploring for an afternoon! It’s a charming neighborhood and looks even better in the snow. Trust me, it’s worth braving the cold!

6. Quebec City In January

If you’re heading to Canada in January, you will want to experience the heart of Eastern Canada, Quebec City.

Quebec weather in January is very snowy, making Old Town look like something straight out of a fairytale. The holiday lights are usually still up in January, adding to the city’s cozy winter vibe.

If you’re somewhat of an adventure enthusiast, you’ve got to check out Village Vacances Valcartier. They’ve got all sorts of exciting activities like dog sledding, tubing, and snowmobiling.

You can even turn your stay into an icy adventure by staying at the famous Hôtel de Glace, the coolest (literally!) ice hotel around.

Just outside the city, you’ll find the breathtaking Montmorency Falls. It’s well worth visiting by itself, but many people come in winter to watch daredevils climb up the frozen falls!

7. Banff In January

If you love the snow, then Banff in January is a dream! The region typically receives 8-12 cm (~3-5 inches) of fresh snow per week, transforming the landscape into a pristine, snow-blanketed paradise.

It’s one of the best places in Canada for winter sports, especially skiing and snowboarding, but you can find ice skating and snowshoeing opportunities, too.

You can even snowshoe across Lake Louise in January! The lake is frozen solid during this month. It’s also the site of the spectacular Ice Magic Festival, where renowned ice carvers from around the globe gather to craft intricate and stunning ice sculptures.

The sculptures are always super impressive and worth the trip from Banff to Lake Louise.

Once the cold becomes too much to bear, you can take a break and warm up with a hot chocolate at the beautiful Fairmont Château.

Towards the end of January, Banff also hosts SnowDays, a 12-day celebration of winter, where ice carvers create and display some cool works of art on Bear Street.

⛷️ For the most epic winter adventure, I recommend this 6-day Canadian Rockies tour, which includes stops in Banff National Park, Jasper National Park, and Lake Louise!

8. Whistler In January

January is a fantastic time to check out Whistler, one of the top ski resorts in Canada.

The snow is typically excellent around this time, so by mid-January, both mountains are fully open for skiing, along with all alpine lifts and backcountry access gates.

It’s not just for skiers or snowboarders, though. Whistler offers plenty of activities for non-skiers.

Take your pick from snowmobiling, dog sledding, tubing, or simply enjoy the winter scenery from the lodge with a cup of hot cocoa.

9. Winnipeg In January

Winnipeg is pretty awesome in January, especially if you’re into ice fishing.

Imagine chilling on Lake Winnipeg, ice fishing at one of the world’s largest freshwater lakes. You can catch perch, walleye, or even northern pike here!

The best part is that you can rent a hut so you won’t freeze!

Another super popular winter activity in Winnipeg is skating on the Nestaweya River Trail. It’s one of the longest naturally frozen trails and a great way to spend a sunny afternoon in Manitoba’s capital city! just perfect for some fun on the ice. Picture yourself gliding along while taking in all the gorgeous winter views.

10. Calgary In January

Have you considered visiting Calgary in January?

The weather in Calgary can be a bit of a mystery, as temperatures can swing from a frosty -30 degrees Celsius (-22 °F) to a more comfortable 10 degrees Celsius (50 °F). This variance in temperature is due to Chinooks, where warm ocean air comes over the mountains and can turn a snowy week into an Indian Summer overnight!

The best way to spend a day in Calgary is at the WinSport Canada Olympic Park, a world-class ski facility used in the 1988 Winter Olympics.

You can try your hand at a run down the bobsleigh track or get tickets for the 10-lane tube park (the largest in Western Canada). If that’s not exciting enough, some people even race down the giant luge track!

11. Halifax In January

If you find yourself in Canada in January, a stop-off in Halifax, Nova Scotia, can be an excellent addition to your itinerary.

Downtown Dartmouth, a vibrant neighborhood in Halifax, hosts the annual Ice Festival in January, where you can stroll through the streets enjoying live music, shopping, and admiring the beautiful ice sculptures and winter lights.

Halifax in January is also a culinary adventure. Everyone should try a bowl of the province’s best seafood chowder, but if you love seafood, you can complete the whole Nova Scotia Chowder Trail!

On this gastronomic trail, visitors collect stamps from participating restaurants to fill out a Chowder Trail passport, a fun souvenir to remember your adventure in Halifax!

Holidays And Festivals In Canada In January

There are some epic winter holidays, events, and festivals in Canada in the winter. Here are a few of my favorites that take place in January.

The Ice Wine Festival

Given Canada’s frigid temperatures, it’s no surprise that the country produces some of the best ice wine in the world.

The Ice Wine Festival is held every January in Niagara and celebrates this unique Canadian delicacy. Sample vintages from local wineries as you explore Canada’s winter wine country.

Igloofest Music Festival

Igloofest is a world-renowned event and is the coldest outdoor electronic music festival on the planet! It takes place in Montreal, bringing thousands of winter enthusiasts and electronic music fans together for an unforgettable show.

Montreal Snow Festival

The Montreal Snow Festival and Winter Carnival is an annual celebration of winter and snow.

As expected, the activities are all about snow and ice, from ice sculpting to ice skating and a giant snow slide. But there is also plenty of music, shopping, and entertainment for those looking to take a break from the freezing temperatures!

Winter Activities In Canada

From winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding to snowshoeing and ice fishing, there are tons of fun things to do in winter outdoors in Canada! Here are some of my favorites.

Ice skating is arguably the most popular winter activity in Canada. Many cities and towns have a public outdoor rink with skate rentals available!

Cross-country skiing is a great way to see Canada’s stunning backcountry, but it’s certainly a test of endurance. If you’ve never tried cross-country skiing, there’s no better place in the world!

Skiing and snowboarding are two major reasons people travel to Canada in winter. The Canadian Rocky Mountains offer some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the world. Many resorts also provide other activities, including tubing, snowmobiling, and dog sledding.

Dog sledding is an iconic Canadian activity that people enjoy throughout winter. It’s a great way to explore Canada’s frozen tundras and a unique experience for travelers!

Ice fishing is another popular winter activity in Canada, especially in some of the more rural areas. No matter which province you visit, a nearby lake/river is undoubtedly great for ice fishing.

Viewing the Northern Lights is only possible during winter in Canada. The natural light show of Aurora Borealis happens in many provinces, but Nunavut and Alberta are two of the best places to spot them.

⛷️ If you plan on doing any winter sports in Canada, then you’ll need insurance! I recommend World Nomads

How To Get Around Canada In January

The best way to get around Canada in January is by car.

Renting a car provides the freedom to explore destinations off the beaten path without worrying about weather conditions disrupting public transport schedules. However, in the winter weather, it’s important to come fully prepared for shorter driving days, road closures, and the chance of blizzards and high winds.

Challenges Of Traveling To Canada In January

Canada in January is cold, and the roads can sometimes be icy and dangerous. Therefore, it’s essential to check the weather and take extreme caution if driving after heavy snow.

It is also worth noting that many provincial and territorial parks will have limited access to visitors. Not all roads are open throughout the winter, and some roadside facilities, like visitor centers and rest stops, may be closed for the winter.

There is also a higher chance of flight delays or cancellations, so it’s always good to have a backup plan (or two!) when traveling around Canada in January.

What To Pack For Visiting Canada In January

Canada’s January weather is extreme, so you need to come prepared with winter clothes!

January is usually the coldest month of the year in Canada, so it’s important to be sure you bring along plenty of layers.

Pack a warm coat, gloves, and a hat (ideally one that covers your ears)! It’s also worth packing some waterproof boots and snow pants if you plan on doing any winter activities.

I also recommend getting some Hot Hands to put in your gloves or even tuck inside your boots to keep your feet toasty!

FAQs

Is January a good time to go to Canada?

Yes, January is a great time to visit Canada! Despite the cold weather, there are plenty of winter activities and festivals that make this month a great time to enjoy the country. Plus, you’ll find fewer crowds at famous attractions in winter!

How cold is it in Canada in January?

The temperatures in Canada vary depending on location and altitude, but generally, the average temperature range is from -15°C to 5°C (5 – 41°F). However, in some areas of the country, it can drop as low as -27°C (-16°F).

Is Toronto worth visiting in January?

Yes, Toronto is worth visiting in January! Although the temperatures can be pretty low, there are plenty of exciting winter events and activities to check out.

When can you see the northern lights in Canada?

The northern lights are most visible from October to April. The best place to see them is the Northwest Territories, where they’re generally visible 240 nights a year.

Is it snowing in Canada in January?

Yes, it’s very likely to snow in Canada during January. This is true for every province in Canada, but some cities will experience significantly more snowfall than others.

When does it snow in Canada Toronto?

In Toronto, snow usually falls from mid-November until the end of March. The most snowfall occurs during January and February.

Conclusion

Canada in January is truly a winter wonderland.

Of course, it can get unbearably cold at times, and getting around is more of a challenge, but don’t let that stop you from visiting Canada in January because the country has some cool things to offer, whether you’re in Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver, or Banff!

You’ll have an amazing time here as long as you’ve got the right gear and a taste for adventure.

Bundle up and witness jaw-dropping landscapes and more winter activities than you can shake a hockey stick at!

For more information and inspiration for spending winter in Canada, check out this guide on visiting Niagara Falls in winter and the ultimate Canada bucket list.

Canada Travel Planning Guide

🚑 Should I buy Canada travel insurance?

100% YES! — Canada has “free” healthcare but it’s only for citizens! Foreigners visiting need travel insurance in case anything happens on their visit. I recommend World Nomads – starting at just $5 a day!

💧Can you drink the water in Canada?

Yes — In all major cities in Canada, you can drink the tap water. There are very few, rural areas that you can’t. However, you should never drink river or lake water anywhere in the country! I recommend a Brita Water Bottle for long hikes and backcountry camping to stay safe and hydrated.

🚙💨 Is it safe to rent a car in Canada?

Yes — Renting a car is a necessity in most of Canada! If you want to go on road trips or adventures outside of the major cities, you’ll need to rent a car. (Read more)

📲 Will my phone work in Canada?

Maybe — Some American companies work in Canada, but many will not. If your phone doesn’t work in Canada, I recommend getting a Canadian SIM card so you can get around and stay in contact with loved ones. We don’t have a lot of free WIFI in Canada, so you’ll need your phone for maps.

🏩 What’s the best way to book my Canada accommodations?

My go-to for Canadian hotels is Booking.com. For hostels, I use Hostel World. If you want a home-y feeling, check out VRBO (which is cheaper and safer than Airbnb).

Or get free accommodations with Trusted Housesitters!

✈️ What’s the best site to buy Canada flights?

For finding cheap Canadian flights, I recommend Skyscanner.

🎫 Do I need a visa for Canada?

Likely Not — US, UK, and EU passport holders don’t need Canadian visas. However, some other countries do (check here!). And if you plan to stay for more than 4 weeks (an average tourist visa length), you will need to look into visas to live in Canada.