Top Christmas Getaways in Canada
Canada makes a perfect spot to have a winter vacation. Combine the almost guaranteed snowy weather with beautiful mountains and a laid-back atmosphere, and you’re sure to have a great Christmas getaway. Various types of accommodation from resorts to one of the Whistler vacation rentals are sure to make any visitor satisfied. Here are some of the best destinations in Canada for a winter getaway.
Whistler:
You don’t have to be a skier or snowboarder to enjoy Whistler in British Columbia. Mountains surround the postcard Whistler Village, and snowy weather is a certainty. If you’re looking for a white Christmas, visit this mountain resort. A range of activities are available to non-skiers such as relaxing in the cosy cafes, riding the Peak 2 Peak Gondola, and learning about the history of the region at the local museum. Families particularly enjoy their time at this resort, and many come from all around North America to soak up the atmosphere.
If you’re into winter sports, this makes an even better destination. Whistler Mountain has lots of easy to moderate slopes for skiers with any level of ability. You can also attend lessons by experts to learn how to ski for the first time or brush up on your skills. The experienced prefer to hit the pistes of Blackcomb, which are more challenging.
Quebec City:
Quebec City has everything you could ever need for a Christmas getaway. Vieux-Quebec, or Old Quebec, is full of cobblestone streets, French-style Cathedrals, and hosts a range of Christmas markets in December. Thousands of products are available in traditional timber kiosks lining the snowy roads. You can also attend light shows and enjoy the decorations and festivities. The city is ranked as one of the best places to spend the holidays. A trip to Quebec over the holidays will make your Christmas perfect.
Vancouver:
Vancouver hosts a range of Christmas activities that appeal to all age groups. Christmas markets open throughout December selling traditional German products, food, and drinks. The Bright Nights at Stanley Park is also a must in the festive season. From late November to early January, the park transforms into a magical wonderland with thousands of lights, a Christmas Train, and the chance to meet Santa. You could also visit Grouse Mountain and see the reindeers or take the kids ice skating. Vancouver also hosts several other family-friendly activities including the Festival of Lights and the Roger Santa Clause Parade.
When you combine this with a relaxing city and a friendly atmosphere, Vancouver becomes a great place to spend your holidays. It’s not uncommon for families to spend a few days here to soak up the atmosphere and to allow the kids to have a wonderful time.
Ottawa:
Canada’s capital city, Ottawa, feels about as Christmassy as it gets for a major city. Government buildings are covered in lights, and large trees that are bursting with decorations fill the squares. The best event to attend in Ottawa is a few weeks before Christmas when the Prime Minister switches on the lights and formally starts the festivities. If you visit this, expect free hot chocolate and snacks and the chance to rub shoulders with Canada’s leader. Various light displays decorate other buildings throughout Ottawa.
Niagara Falls:
Few would consider this natural wonder along the Canadian-United States border to be a favourite spot for a Christmas getaway. However, the Falls open every day of the year and come with an unusual twist in December. Millions of lights decorate the Canadian side of the falls giving it an air of elegance. A range of hotels overlooking Niagara with world-class service and even en-suite Jacuzzis provide the perfect Christmas getaway. Kids are never far from entertainment too with some of the indoor water parks.
Clifton Hill also deserves a special mention here. The complex has everything you could imagine to buy the perfect present or souvenir for your loved ones back at home. Quite a few visitors come to relax in the hotels and soak up the picturesque scenery before Christmas and then do last-minute shopping at Clifton Hill.
Saskatoon:
Saskatoon isn’t a name that gets mentioned often and is rarely known by anyone outside of Canada. Let alone be on the list of places to spend a Christmas getaway. But, this small city in the central parts of southern Canada may very well be the perfect spot to bring your family.
The city itself is home to a large number of kids under the age of 16 compared to the national average. And wherever children live, the number of child-friendly activities increases. Saskatoon is home to a lot of toy stores in the small city to cater for a large number of kids. During the Christmas period, entertainment such as lights, decorations, and the chance to meet Santa will please any visitor. Now when you combine this with a high probability of a white Christmas and affordable prices in comparison to other Canadian cities, it makes a top place for a getaway. Saskatoon is a perfect place for an off-the-beaten-path festive getaway that the kids are guaranteed to love.
The Best Canadian Getaways:
Canada probably doesn’t get as many tourists during the winter months as it should. Many are deterred by the potentially frigid temperatures and lack the inspiration to visit. However, as you’ve read, the country has a lot to offer in terms of providing an excellent getaway for Christmas. Cities are full of decorations, Christmas markets, and snowy wonderlands that are sure to make this a year to remember.
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