Best Winter Escapes in Canada

Here in Canada, we have some of the best Winter Escapes all the way from the West in Whistler, British Columbia, the Canadian Rockies in Alberta to the Laurentian Mountains in Quebec. We have been honoured here in Canada to host two Winter Olympics in Calgary in 1988 and in Vancouver in 2010. These places boast majestic mountains, some rough and challenging terrain not for the faint of heart but also some spectacular scenery for everyone to appreciate. For the Winter sports enthusiasts, visiting these places are a gem and loads of fun. But for spectators like me, I am thankful to be able to visit some of these beautiful places particularly Whistler, British Columbia and Mont Tremblant in Quebec.

WHISTLER

My best friend, Lorelei and I visited Whistler in British Columbia by driving a few hours from Vancouver. We drove along a scenic route passing by majestic mountains and lakes. One of the best places to stay in Whistler is at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler. After visiting all the way to the top to see Blackcomb Glacier, we stopped at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler for some Afternoon Tea. 

Whistler and Blackcomb are two side-by-side mountains which combined offer over 200 marked runs, 8,171 acres of terrain, 16 alpine bowls, three glaciers, receives on average 1,174 centimetres (462 inches) of snow annually, and one of the longest ski seasons in North America. In the summer, Whistler Blackcomb offers a variety of activities, including hiking and biking trails, the Whistler Mountain Bike Park, and sightseeing on the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola.(Whistler Blackcomb)

We spotted some Black Bears on our way down riding the Ski Lift. 

ALBERTA

 I have never been to Banff and Jasper, Alberta but they boast one of the most beautiful skiing places to visit. Even if you are not a skier, like me, I would love to visit Banff and Jasper, Alberta one day. Both cities are known as the Canadian Rockies and are both Resort towns. Banff, is one of the National Parks here in Canada as it is surrounded with majestic mountains, glaciers and lakes. My friends who have visited both Banff and Jasper told me that as they drove along to visit the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, they saw deer, moose and Bears along the Highway. Visitors really get so close to nature and the wildlife when visiting these Resort towns. 

(Photo credits: Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel and Fairmont Jasper Lodge)

QUEBEC

Mont Tremblant is a two hours drive North of Montreal in Quebec. The town is located in the Laurentian Mountains and also boasts one of the best skiing places in Canada. The town is also a fun place to visit during the Spring and Summer time as you would see in my photos here. We visited during the Labour Day Weekend and it was still bustling with summer activities. Just imagine during Winter how busy this place is with all of the avid skiers and other Winter Sports enthusiasts. 

To learn more about Summer Adventures at Mont Tremblant, view my post Bienvenue a Mont Tremblant.

The town has a lower village where most of the Major Hotels are located plus restaurants and shops which I featured on my previous post Mont Tremblant Lower Village.

Skiing here at Mont Tremblant is not for the faint of heart. But look at the spectacular views from the top.

The Peak at Mont Tremblant.

Lastly, one of the best Winter Escapes here in Canada is in Quebec City, about two hours drive going East from Montreal. Every Year, the City celebrates the Quebec Winter Carnival from January 31 to February 16 where the whole City comes alive with Winter festivities like parades, outdoor shows, Ice Canoe racing among other events. Quebec City is also a great place to discover the French Food, Architecture, Culture, Art and Entertainment in North America. The best place to stay in Quebec City is at the majestic Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac as shown in the photo above. (Photo credit:  Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac). Then about thirty minutes drive from the City is the spectacular skiing town of Mont Ste Anne.

The best way to beat Winter is to go out and explore these spectacular Canadian Winter Cities.  
Enjoy every moment!