Dreaming of a white Christmas? Here are the best places to visit in Canada for the holidays

From its snow-dusted streets and glowing Christmas markets to its frozen lakes and epic ski resorts, Canada does the holidays like nowhere else.

Whether you want mountain magic, European-style charm, or a glass of icewine by a roaring fire, Canada delivers winter in its most postcard-perfect form.

In this guide, you’ll find the best places to visit in Canada for Christmas, including the top festive experiences you can’t miss there!

1. Quebec City: 

Best for: Storybook markets and European-style charm

Quebec City is one of the best places to visit in Canada for Christmas, thanks to its European-style festive atmosphere and charming Christmas markets.

In the winter, the whole of Quebec City gets a dusting of snow, and gorgeous Petit-Champlain lights are put up throughout historic Old Town, so you feel like you’re stepping into a snow globe. 

Plus, there are so many winter activities to get involved in, from ice canoeing to skiing to dog sledding.

Don’t miss: The German Christmas Market, which is spread across five sites in the Old Town. You’ll find cute wooden chalets selling festive food and gifts, enchanting shows, and many magical activities like the Giant Puppet Parade.

Tip: December gets very busy in Quebec City, so book your accommodation early.

2. Montreal: 

Best for: Festive events, world-class food, and vibrant city atmosphere 

In December, Montreal transforms into an illuminated winter wonderland, with markets, pop-up winter villages, and ice-skating rinks.

One of the main events is Lumino, a free light festival with interactive light and sound installations. The city also hosts Igloofest (the world’s coldest electronic music festival) and Montréal en Lumière (ice skating, concerts, and culinary demonstrations).

Aside from the festivities, Montreal in the winter is excellent for exploring museums, browsing boutiques along Saint-Denis, or warming up in Montreal’s iconic cafés with a latte and a flaky pastry!

Don’t miss: Montreal Christmas Market at Le Grand Marché de Noël and the Christmas Village at Marché Atwater. Both are free to enter and are great places to taste Canadian festive treats and discover local artisan goods.

Tip: Use the underground city (RÉSO) to stay warm while getting around on especially chilly days.

3. Banff, Alberta:

Best for: Skiing, wildlife sightings, and cozy fireside evenings

Banff is one of the best places to visit in Canada for Christmas, as it looks straight off a holiday postcard.

The snow-dusted peaks, frozen lakes, and twinkling mountain-town lights make for a perfect winter playground for winter sports, from dog sledding to snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Afterward, warm up with a soak in the natural hot springs!

Don’t miss: A ride on the Banff Gondola at sunset, when the Rockies glow pink and gold, creating a mindblowing pastel panoramic. 

Tip: Avoid driving in the snow and use the Roam Transit buses to get around Banff instead.

4. Whistler, British Columbia:

Best for: Festive ski charm, winter sports, and spectacular mountain scenery

One of the main things Canada is known for is its world-class ski resorts. Whistler Blackcomb is the largest ski resort in North America and the hub of Canada’s ski season. 

This winter sports lover’s heaven boasts powdery slopes, breathtaking alpine views, and a vibrant village atmosphere.

Along with skiing, you can enjoy snowshoeing, ziplining through snowy forests, ice skating at Olympic Plaza, and a ride on the famous Peak 2 Peak Gondola.

Don’t miss: The Fire & Ice Show at Whistler Blackcomb. This iconic Whistler tradition takes place every Sunday and sees skiers and snowboarders perform stunts through flaming rings!

Tip: Ski early in the morning as the first two hours on the slopes offer the freshest snow and the quietest runs.

5. Ottawa, Ontario

Best for: Dazzling light displays, landmarks, and natural ice skating

A fun fact about Canada is that it literally freezes over during winter. But while it is exceptionally cold, the snow and ice offer endless winter sports. One of these is ice skating, and Ottawa is famed for its frozen Rideau Canal, where locals and tourists flock each winter for natural skating.

Another winter highlight is the Winter Lights Across Canada festival, where Parliament Hill, Confederation Boulevard, and the downtown area are illuminated with miles of vibrant, glowing installations. The festival is an incredible way to see Ottawa’s impressive landmarks.

Don’t miss: Winterlude: Ottawa’s winter festival taking place over three weekends in February. There are elaborate ice sculptures, a tubing area, outdoor concerts, and more.

Tip: Ottawa’s winter winds can be fierce. Dress in layers and bring a warm scarf or neck warmer.

6. Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario

Best for: Wine tasting, historic buildings, and vintage charm

Niagara Falls is in every Canadian travel guide, but the nearby town of Niagara-on-the-Lake offers a lesser-known but more authentic alternative.

Niagara-on-the-Lake is a charming historic town located about 25km from the famous falls. With wineries, boutiques, and heritage sites, it feels a world away from the high-energy, entertainment-focused Niagara Falls. 

In winter, you can visit the wineries to taste the iconic icewine. This sweet, concentrated dessert wine is made from naturally frozen grapes in the Niagara region.

Don’t miss: The Niagara Icewine Festival, which takes place on the weekends from mid-January to the beginning of February. The town sets up an Icewine Village with heated snow globes where you can enjoy wine tastings and food pairings.

Tip: If you’re visiting between mid-November and early January, take a trip to Niagara Falls in the evening to see the falls lit up and fireworks going off over the falls.

7. Lake Louise, Alberta

Best for: Frozen lakes, winter hikes, alpine views

Lake Louise is another of the best places to visit in Canada for Christmas if you want to see how the country freezes over. Here, the huge turquoise lake you see in the summer becomes a frozen natural ice skating rink.

Lake Louise in the winter also offers snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and winter hiking. And if you’re super adventurous, head to the end of the lake where you’ll find a frozen waterfall that’s a popular ice climbing spot!

Don’t miss: The Ice Magic festival in February, where you can try your hand at making ice sculptures!

Tip: Don’t worry if you don’t have your own skates. You can rent some at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.

8. Vancouver, British Columbia

Best for: Mild weather, bright lights, and urban winter charm

Vancouver’s city lights become extra bright in the winter, when the Capilano Suspension Bridge and VanDusen Botanical Garden are lit up with over a million fairy lights each! 

Downtown, you’ll find even more festive fun with Christmas markets, brewery hopping, and Ice Hockey season in full swing.

Don’t miss: Fly over Vancouver’s snow-covered peaks or see the city’s luminous night sky from above on a scenic Seaplane flight.

Tip: Take advantage of the city’s walkability and mild weather by wrapping up and heading to Stanley Park. The Sea Wall looks like a scene from ‘Ice Age’ in the winter!

Stay Connected in Canada With Holafly

Whichever of these best places to visit in Canada for Christmas you choose, stay online with an eSIM from Holafly.

With unlimited data and reliable coverage nationwide, a Holafly eSIM for Canada keeps you online from snowy village markets to mountain viewpoints, all for just a few dollars a day!

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Michaela Park

SEO Content Specialist

Hi there! I'm Mika, a content creator at Holafly! ✈️ I share travel tips and tricks to help make your adventures more enjoyable and stress-free. 😊

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