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Canada’s Top Winter Sports Destinations: A Guide for Thrill Seekers

ByNina Clapperton Updated on

If you’re looking for an exhilarating winter getaway, you can’t beat a trip to one of Canada’s top winter sports destinations! 

Even though I hate both skiing and the cold, I must admit that going up to Blue Mountain every winter growing up is one of my most cherished childhood memories. 

Canada is one of the most famous countries in the world for winter sports. 

We also produce world-renowned athletes! In the 2022 Winter Olympics, Canada won 26 medals, including gold medals in snowboarding, speed skating, and women’s hockey.

So, if you are a thrill-seeker looking for a place to go and practice your favorite winter sports, it’s time to make your way up north and explore some of Canada’s best winter sports destinations.

The statue of the Olympic Rings at Whistler.

1. Whistler, British Columbia 

Whistler in British Columbia boasts an impressive 200+ runs over 8,100 acres of terrain. It’s no wonder why Whistler has been repeatedly voted Best Ski Resort in North America with its reliable snowfall, beautiful trails, and moderate temperatures.

Whistler Blackcomb was the 2010 Winter Olympics venue, an easy two-hour drive from Vancouver! 

In addition to near-perfect snow conditions and a vast ski area, the varied terrain means that it appeals to all levels of skiers, from beginner to advanced. 

Outside of skiing, you can also spend your days ice skating, bungee jumping, snowmobiling, winter ziplining, tube park, ice fishing, ice climbing, and dog sledding. Then, once the day ends, head back to one of the luxurious chalets for a relaxing evening.

So, what’s the catch? Unfortunately, the sheer popularity of Whistler makes it an expensive and crowded destination, especially around the holidays, so I would try to avoid late December and early January at all costs.

A man wearing red skiing down a snow covered slope at Mont-Tremblant Ski Resort.

2. Mont Tremblant, Quebec 

I grew up visiting the beautiful and family-friendly Mont Tremblant resort in Quebec every winter.

Even though I don’t like skiing, I love that this resort feels just like Europe without having to leave Canada! I also got to practice my French (although it still needs a lot of work)!

Mont Tremblant is only 90 minutes from Montreal and less than 2 hours from Ottawa, making it a convenient destination for people living in either province. The resort also holds the #1 ski village award in Eastern North America.

Skiing and snowboarding are the highlights here, with half of the trails designed for advanced levels and about a third of the trails suitable for beginners. There’s a practice slope and moving carpet at the base of the village. 

But there are plenty of other winter activities in Mont Tremblant, like ice climbing and ice skating. 

If you’re looking for something more unique, you can go dog sledding, fat biking in the snow, or even book a festive sleigh ride. 

After getting your fill of the snow, I love planning a more relaxing evening at one of Quebec’s famous hot springs.

Pro Tip –  I recommend going during the week to avoid the biggest crowds.

People skiing down at Banff National Park overlooking the mountains.

3. Banff, Alberta 

Banff is famous for its majestic Rocky Mountain peaks and Instagram-worthy turquoise water lakes. But there’s so much more to this town during winter! 

Banff National Park is a favorite among winter sports enthusiasts. Just 90 minutes west of Calgary, you can easily explore the snowy heart of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. 

Banff and Lake Louise are in the same region (about 40 minutes apart) and provide a stunning backdrop for downhill skiing and snowboarding, as well as other winter activities like ice skating, hockey, curling, and snowshoeing. 

The temperatures in Banff can reach below freezing, but the “chinook winds” bring slightly warmer temperatures without losing snow. In fact, Banff offers the longest ski season in North America, typically from early November to May! 

You can also enjoy resort-hopping on free shuttles between the “Big 3” resorts, all under the same lift ticket and close to Banff town. And after a day on the Banff slopes, warm up at a hotel with your own private hot tub! 

All in all, Banff and the surrounding area are must-visits for winter sports in Canada.

Sun Peaks at winter

4. Sun Peaks, British Columbia

Sun Peaks is the second largest ski resort in Canada after Whistler but is much less famous, leading to fewer crowds and a more family-friendly atmosphere!

It’s also more affordable than well-known winter resort villages in Canada! 

As for skiing and snowboarding, Sun Peaks Resort covers three mountains connected by 13 lifts. You can ski here for hours without getting bored. You’ll find a lot of ski-in/out lodges, too, and the shuttle system means you don’t even need to rent a car! 

A cute, European-style, ski-through village and various additional activities make it fun for even non-skiers like me. The ones that piqued my interest were dog sledding, bungee trampoline, helicopter tours, horse-drawn sleigh rides, snowmobiling, and ice skating. 

Sun Peaks is the place to be for a low-key yet adventurous winter holiday.

A girl with short curly hair wearing a ribbon sitting on the edge while facing the mountain covered in snow at Blue Mountain, Ontario, Canada's Top Winter Sports Destination.

5. Blue Mountain, Ontario

Last but not least, Blue Mountain is my family’s favorite winter sports destination in Canada, and growing up, I spent every winter skiing here since it was so close to Toronto. 

No matter how hard they tried and how much hot chocolate they bribed me with, my parents couldn’t get me to love skiing.

But I know so many people who do, and Blue Mountain is Ontario’s premier winter sports destination, with 365 skiable acres and 123 days on snow!

There are 42 named trails (30 for night skiing), and the longest run is 1.6km long. That may not compare to Whistler, but it’s impressive for a ski resort in Ontario! 

As well as skiing, you can enjoy exciting activities like the Ridge Runner Mountain Coaster, Hike N’ Tube Snow Tubing, Woodview Mountaintop Skating, and snowshoeing. There’s even a new mountaintop art installation along the snowshoeing trails. 

Blue Mountain has something for everyone, whether you’re hoping to get out on the slopes or just partake in Après Ski.

Final Thoughts

Canada is one of the top winter sports destinations in the world, and it’s not just Olympians who flock here! 

Most ski resorts and winter villages offer other thrilling activities like snow tubing, snowshoeing, and dog sledding, too! But if you like skiing, Whistler is Canada’s most thrilling ski resort and is often ranked #1 in North America due to its size and prime snow conditions. 

For those who live on the East Coast and don’t want to travel cross-country, Mont Tremblant is still a great option and it was always my family’s favorite place to ski growing up!

Need more inspiration for visiting Canada in the winter? Here are dozens of ideas to get you started!

Read More About Canada!

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.

Nina Clapperton is the founder of Nina Out and About. She has lived in 18 countries in the past 10 years, explored more than 30 countries, and has done most of it solo. A Canadian native, she also shares her favourite things to do in the True North. She helps over 100,000 people per month plan their expat adventures and Canadian trips.