Winter activities in Canada
Canada is considered to be a snow heaven during the winters. Because of this, there are a lot of activities for snow and sports enthusiasts that you can enjoy here in this winter wonderland. Tourists from around the world come here during this season to enjoy fun activities that can be done with friends such as skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, sledding, and many more. Being amid the snow-covered mountains and watching the mesmerizing panoramas of the city while doing snow sports at the same time creates a wonderful experience for all! If you also enjoy the winter festivities, then you are at the right spot!
Winter Activity Spots in Canada
There are various winter destinations in Canada where you can enjoy snow sports, making this your ideal must-visit place this winter. Some of these are the following:
1. Grouse Mountain
Grouse Mountain is one of the North Shore Mountains of the Pacific Ranges in North Vancouver British Columbia, Canada. The ski and snowboard area located on the southern slope of the mountain, is usually functional during winter between December and May. The area boasts its 33 ski and snowboard runs, 15-night runs, 4 chairlifts, 6 terrain parks, and 9km of snowshoe trails. Winter activities include:
- Skiing & Snowboarding
Who wouldn’t enjoy sliding down snow-covered hills on skis and snowboards? Grouse Mountain is best suited to beginner skiers and snowboarders, so it’s great practice if you would like to develop your skills in this sport. However, there is some terrain for both experts and intermediates if you are interested. There are also over 8 kilometres of snowshoeing trails and an outdoor skating pond. For snowboarders and skiers, there are 7 terrain parks.
There are various options for tickets as well as winter passes which one can buy at their convenience. With a Winter Pass, you enjoy a full season of skiing and snowboarding, as well as access to our winter activities like snowshoeing, mountaintop ice skating, The Light Walk, and The Peak of Christmas. Let’s talk about the activities in detail:
- Sliding Zone
The Sliding Zone is a fun activity for all ages and provides a fun way to slide down Grouse Mountain on a sled! Sliding zone sleds are required to access the zone. Keep in mind that no outside sleds are permitted. Sleds can be rented for $5 at the Fireside Hut and season-long rental access is available for $10 per individual.
- Skating Pond
Grouse Mountain has an amazing 8,000-square-foot ice skating pond – the only mountaintop outdoor skate pond in the lower mainland. If you know how to skate, then this is a perfect activity for you!
- Snow Shoeing
If you want to be engrossed in the serene beauty of a snow-covered winter, then this is just for you. Walking on the trails with snowshoes will provide a thrilling experience. Just a short distance from the Peak Chalet, you’ll find yourself a world away in our Munday Alpine Snowshoe Park. This is something you must do!
- Light Walk
Would you want to immerse yourself in a movie set? Yes, this experience is just like that. The magical well-lit trees and snow underneath looks beautiful and makes the Light Walk enchanting. This walk is open throughout the entire winter season and usually begins at dusk. You will be thrilled to see the glowing light tunnel just off the mountaintop Skating Pond.
Lights along the path around Blue Grouse Lake allow you to snowshoe or walk on a winter night. The glow of light against a majestic mountain backdrop is admired by all.
Tickets & Passes
There are various tickets and passes available. The most popular is the Early Bird Weekday Pass which can be used for enjoying skiing or riding Monday through Friday all season long.
For adults (18 years old and over), the price is approximately $449 CAD. However, students have a $100 CAD discount, meaning that the final price is $349 CAD for students.
Student eligibility requires full-time enrollment in a recognized post-secondary institution. Proof of registration and Student ID must be presented at pass pick-up.
Please note that ‘all season long’ excludes the dates between December 19, 2022, to January 2, 2023, and February 20, 2023.
What else can I get from this pass?
- 10% off food & beverage, 20% off at Starbucks (Grouse Mountain location)
- Free weekday access to mountaintop activities including snowshoe trails, Skating Pond, Light Walk, and The Peak of Christmas (excluding blackout dates)
- 20% off regular-priced retail merchandise products
You can also take lessons for winter activities. The lessons are designed in such a way that it boosts confidence in the new learners and you can learn while having fun!
Click here to learn more.
2. Seymour Mountain (Close to Vancouver)
Mount Seymour is also one of the most popular destinations for winter sports lovers. Located in Mount Seymour Provincial Park in the District of North Vancouver, it also has a wide variety of activities that can be enjoyed during the winter such as skiing, snowshoeing, and, tubing and tobogganing. It is good for beginners and intermediate skiers. You can also book lessons for your favourite winter sport.
Date of Opening: DECEMBER 9, 2022
Date of Closing: APRIL 9, 2023
3Ski Passes
Lift tickets are CAD 126 for adults.
3Ski WEEKDAY Pass | Valid 9:30AM – 9:30PM (Monday-Friday) *
3Ski NIGHT Pass | Valid 4:30 PM – 9.30 PM (7 days a week) *
* Valid from Jan 3, 2023
A lift ticket or lift pass is an identifier usually attached to a skier’s or snowboarder’s outerwear that indicates they have paid and can ride on the ski lift(s) that transport people and equipment up or down a mountain
One can also buy a season pass for additional facilities.
3. Whistler
Whistler is known as the winter wonderland! There are plenty of winter activities that can be done here as well. It is known for its skiing and snowboarding, skate skiing, ice skating, snowshoeing, backcountry skiing, telemark skiing, peak-to-peak Gondola ride, snowmobiling, and tobogganing. Apart from this, winter ziplining and heli-skiing are also available!
Skiing Lift Ticket Price for adults: $126 CAD. The price may be a bit higher during the peak days.
Skiing and Snowboarding at Whistler Blackcomb
- Whistler Blackcomb is scheduled to open for the Winter 2022/23 season on November 24!
- You can save up to 40% on winter deals and packages or sightseeing tours by booking before November 15, 2022
- Each winter a special ice-skating rink opens in Whistler Olympic Plaza, where you can go ice skating in the heart of Whistler Village with views of the surrounding mountains, the Olympic Rings, and thousands of twinkling, festive lights
- The ice-skating rink is open from November 25, this year until late March 2023*
- Dog Sledding is also available to add some thrill to your winter wonderland
- Ice climbing activities with expert guides
- Multiple venues offer cross-country skiing, biathlon, snowshoeing, night skiing and dog-friendly trails
- Snowshoeing to experience the natural beauty on a snow-covered terrain
You can purchase a Whistler Blackcomb Day pass for approximately CAD 128 for a day.
Click here to learn about the winter activities along with their prices in detail.
4. Cypress Mountain
Cypress Mountain is a ski area in West Vancouver, British Columbia, located in the southern section of Cypress Provincial Park. The ski resort is a 30-minute drive north of downtown Vancouver. It also has plenty of snow activities like skiing, snowshoeing, tubing and many more.
There are various passes available which you can buy at your convenience.
You can buy Silver Pass for Downhill Skiing and Snowboarding during the off-peak period. Valid every day open to close 7 days a week (except Dec. 26, 2022 to Jan. 2, 2023, all weekends in January and February, and Family Day). There are other options available as well!
Click here to book your lift tickets or season passes. You can also book your lessons here.
It is best to be fully prepared, wear warm clothes and take your winter sports lessons first before going on this adventure. You can keep checking the websites for more updated information on the links provided. You can also take your activity equipment with you. However, it is always advised to check with the website you book from.
Enjoy the winter wonderland with your family and friends as this is something you must do if you are in Canada!
Happy Winter!
Source: Grouse Mountain Seymour Mountain Whistler Winter Wonderland Cypress Mountain
