How does your family plan and prepare for Canadian winter adventures?
Winter adventures are a way of life when you live up north, so families have to decide if they’re going to run from it or embrace it. My family chooses to face the winters head on with adventures that keep our blood pumping and our spirits high. Experiences like skiing, snowshoeing, and winter hiking keep our adrenaline up and our bodies warm while Christmas markets, winter festivals, and hot apple cider along the skating trails offer warmth for the spirit.
Canadian winters are known for their beauty but can also be quite harsh. What essential tips or advice would you share with your viewers about staying safe and comfortable while exploring winter destinations in Canada?
Staying warm in the cold weather is all about dressing for the part. I’m a firm believer that there is no bad weather, just bad clothing choices. Dress in layers with a nice, comfortable base layer, shirts, sweaters, and jackets that you can remove if you get warm or put on if you get cold. Take care of your feet, keep them warm and dry with waterproof boots, and you’ll enjoy long days out in the snow with ease.
Canada boasts diverse winter landscapes. How do you select destinations or activities that resonate with your family audience during the winter season? Are there specific regions or experiences that you find particularly enchanting to feature during this time of the year?
We love to explore across the country throughout the winter. The west, especially British Columbia and Alberta are famous for their Rocky Mountain ski runs and epic glacier lakes. Ontario and Quebec, with their countless lakes and rivers, make for the ideal spot for ice fishing and pond hockey. But if you want something truly magical, look up north to places like Churchill Manitoba, Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories, or Dawson City in the Yukon, where the winter nights come alive with the Northern Lights like no other place on earth.
Any must-have gear items or practices you find crucial to winter travel?
Enjoying cold weather travel is all about staying warm and dry. Make sure you have a good base layer made with synthetic materials or Merino wool to keep your core warm and dry. From there, layer up with wool or synthetic clothing, nothing that will soak up moisture. Top it off with a good toque, warm gloves or mittens, and a comfortable, down-filled jacket and you’ll be all set to go.
What advice would you give Canadians families looking to book a getaway this winter season?
Embrace the cold and get outside! If you’re visiting big cities like Winnipeg, Ottawa, or Toronto, you’ll find amazing skating trails that are perfect for beginners to experts. If skating isn’t your thing, you’ll find incredible winter hiking trails where a thermos of hot chocolate will keep you fueled up as you walk past frozen waterfalls. IF the cold weather intimidates you, look for some of Canada’s amazing museums like the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto or the dinosaur-filled Royal Tyrell Museum just outside of Calgary, Alberta.
