Gorgeous Canadian winter vacation destinations you need to add to your bucket list

When Canadian winter arrives, many of us find ourselves packing up and heading for some sandy shores, palm trees and warm weather. That's not an option for many people this year, however, which means it's time to turn our eyes to our own backyard for some incredible vacation destinations. National Geographic contributing editor Heather Greenwood-Davis is back with some ideas on how you can get that bucket list vacation while still staying within Canada. From seeing polar bears in Manitoba to oyster fishing in P.E.I, the different parts of the country have so much to offer.

Check out Heather's picks below, and watch the video above for more awesome winter travel ideas!

Manitoba

Churchill, Manitoba is about a two-hour flight north of Winnipeg and is home to polar bears! Polar Bears International has partnered with Frontiers North, the originator of the Tundra Buggy, so people can safely see the animals. You take a trip on a massive vehicle with a 10-foot-high back deck that allows people to make their way through the area without disturbing the polar bears, but still feeling close to them – especially when they hop up on their hind legs and take a closer look at visitors.

The best time to visit is during polar bear season in October and November. The trip is connected to the research initiatives happening in the area, and aims to raise money and awareness about the plight of the animals and their environment. The partnership means that they have a dedicated research facility and interpretive centre up there that guests can visit that helps explain the direct connection between the bears’ survival and ours – it’s all about the forming (or not) of ice and the warming of the planet. It’s a fascinating experience to be out on the buggy, but also in the town of Churchill where there are signs that remind you to look both ways for bears before opening your front door.

Saskatchewan

In Saskatchewan, dog lovers can get their fill on a dogsledding adventure. You’ll be amazed at how strong the dogs are and how fast you go!

There are a lot of places across the country where you can try this out, but Saskatchewan offers some gorgeous backdrops. Sundogs Sled Excursions leads guests through Prince Albert National Park on customized adventures. They are a member of Mush with P.R.I.D.E, an international non-profit that promotes the welfare of sled dogs. There are also plenty of Indigenous operators who offer this attraction - you could consider Northern Lights Dog Sledding in Goose Bay, Newfoundland; or Wapusk Adventures in Churchill, Manitoba.

Yukon

The view of the lights from the Yukon are among the best in the world. The Yukon boasts one of the longest northern lights seasons between mid-August and late April, and they also have a host of ways to see them. If this is your first time, you might like the Arctic Range Adventures’ Best Value Aurora Viewing excursion. It’s a multiday experience that includes a bit of touring in the area, including visits to the Yukon Wildlife Preserve before heading up to the Aurora Centre viewing station at night. You’ll keep warm around a roaring campfire with your eyes peeled for the magical lights. 

Quebec

Skiers already know that Charlevoix, Quebec offers some fantastic ski terrain, but they may not be aware that it is now home to the country’s first all-inclusive Club Med ski resort. Charlevoix is a UNESCO reserve about 90 minutes from Quebec City, and along with skiing and snowboarding, you can ice skate, snowshoe, hike and more across more than 300 acres.  The resort is a 4-star property and the all-day gourmet dining, open bar options, and après ski offerings are all included in your stay.

If you want a little more luxe you can book one of the 25 5-star exclusive suites, with added perks including a 24-hour concierge service, private terrace with a whirlpool, a fireplace and evening champagne service. Plus, it’s a great one for families, with age-appropriate activities. Prices start at $245 per adult/night, all-inclusive during the winter season. When you’re not on the hills, there is so much to do in the area: Scenic drives, gourmet cuisine, fantastic museums, boutiques, and art galleries - lots to keep your non-skiers happy too. 

P.E.I

In PEI, you’ll have the chance to catch your dinner while Oyster Ice Fishing. The outing is offered by Tranquility Cove Adventures and gives guests a chance to grab hold of a chainsaws and oyster tongs to cut through the ice and reach their dinner. Since oysters fatten up to hibernate through winter, the catch during this season is plumper and juicier making the reward worth the effort. And, of course, enjoying your spoils – after you clean, measure, and shuck - is part of the deal. At $89 for an outing and kids welcome if accompanied by an adult it’s a great family activity too. 

Alberta

In David Thompson Country, Alberta you can sign up with Pursuit Adventures for one that takes you to icefalls and ice bubbles! The half-or-full-day tours can take you out on snowshoes to views of the Cline River Canyon, and then down into the canyon itself to see the frozen waterfalls. Then, it’s back up to Abraham Lake for search for ice bubbles - large white bubbles that appear on frozen lakes. They’re caused by bacteria expelling methane gas, and then when the water freezes, the bubbles are suspended in the ice, and we get these pretty surfaces to look at. It’s a fun workout, a great adventure and promises some Insta-fabulous photos. 

Ontario

Hipcamp is a huge outdoor stay provider globally, but they only launched in Canada last year. Their goal is getting more people outside, and work with local landowners who rent out their land. Usually that’s through an overnight stay, but their new Day Passes are meant for people who are looking to have a day experience. In Ontario, they have a Smoreshoeing package   – Smores and snowshoeing. You drive yourself out to Angus, a few hours outside of the city, don your snowshoes or boots and explore the terrain. Then, spend some time around the campfire where your hosts have prepared everything you need to enjoy your treats. It’s only $30 per group of two!