Some of the best times to visit Canada are when the snow is covering the natural landscape and the maple leaves are turning the deep reds that they appear on the national flag. Jennifer Ennion highlights the best things to do in autumn and winter in Canada.
Craggy mountain peaks and a sweeping valley greet me as I enter Tombstone Territorial Park, in the Yukon. Fading dwarf birch paints the landscape gold, and as I set out on foot I discover wild blueberry
bushes crawling across the hillside. Nicknamed “the Torres del Paine of the north”, Tombstone Territorial
Park is impressive; there’s barely another soul in sight, such is the beauty of travelling through Canada in
autumn. I’ve been to Yukon in the depths of winter, too, when the environment is equally as beautiful and
grand. And, after a decade of exploring this country, I can say for certain that “beautiful” and “grand” can
be found in every province and territory.
Discover Canada
Autumn in Canada
With forest covering large swathes of Canada, the quieter season of autumn is great for hiking and cycling trails, wildlife-watching, and mingling with locals in cafes.
Wildlife Viewing
Autumn is prime time to see some of Canada’s amazing wildlife, and there is nowhere better to start than on Vancouver Island, in British Columbia. Take a boat tour to catch sight of orcas, Pacific grays, minkes and humpbacks. There are also black bears in the region, as well as grizzly bears in the magnificent Great Bear Rainforest. Although tours start in spring, they run through October, an ideal month because it’s not as busy. Manitoba’s polar bears should also be on your list. The tiny northern town of Churchill has been nicknamed the “polar bear capital of the world”, and you can expect to see plenty with an expert guide from mid-October to mid-November.
Forest bathing
One of the best places to experience the shifting autumn landscape is in Nova Scotia’s Annapolis Valley.
Enjoy the colours while cycling past wineries, historic sites and apple orchards. If you’re staying on the West Coast, put Davison Orchards, in BC’s Okanagan, on your itinerary. This Vernon farm and bakery is famous for its pumpkin pies, available in October.
Outdoor activities
Canada is riddled with leafy hiking and cycling routes, such as Vancouver’s harbourfront Stanley Park. If you want to go bigger, tackle a portion of The Great Trail, a nationwide network of trails. Alternatively,
one of the country’s best walking destinations is Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia.
Winter in Canada
Forget hibernating, Canada comes alive in winter with festivals, adventure races, skiing, and the magical Northern Lights. Canada is the quintessential winter wonderland.
Skiing and snowboarding
Canada’s mountains are a magnet for skiers and snowboarders. The Rocky Mountains slice along
the border of British Columbia and Alberta, and in the shadow of the snow-capped peaks you will
find the buzzing town of Banff, with its three ski resorts, luxury hotels and fine dining. Head east
to discover BC’s famous Powder Highway with its authentic ski communities. Further east still is the
multi-award winning Whistler Blackcomb, a drawcard for its big-mountain terrain.
Northern Lights
There is nothing like watching the sky light up with the Aurora Borealis. The dancing green, pink
and purple swirls are a natural phenomenon best viewed in autumn and winter. Fortunately for
travellers, the Yukon, Northwest Territories and Churchill, Manitoba, all provide front-row seats to this incredible lightshow.
Winter festivals
Canadians know how to have fun in winter, and one of the most exhilarating experiences for travellers is to follow the Yukon Quest. Experienced mushers compete in three sled dog races through the Yukon wilderness. Visitors can get involved by following one of the routes and lapping up the atmosphere in remote communities such as Dawson City. You can also join a dog-sledding tour with companies including Sky High Wilderness Ranch. Also in February is the world’s largest winter celebration, the 10-day Quebec Winter Carnival.
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
This article was originally featured in the latest issue of Dream by Luxury Escapes magazine. Get your copy here.
Looking for more Canada inspiration? Read on to discover Why Canada's Banff & Lake Louise is the Ultimate Winter Wonderland.
