The wonder of winter activities

Whether you love or loathe the snow, there are plenty of ways to make the most of the season at home and abroad.Bundle up and head outdoors to enjoy a winter activity.

Downhill skiing

stockstudioX | iStockFrom bunny hills to black diamonds, there's something for skiers of all skill levels at Whistler Blackcomb in Vancouver. The sprawling resort boasts 8,171 acres of skiable terrain with more than 200 marked runs and adventurous heli-skiing excursions that take you across challenging backcountry and off-piste glaciers.

Sledding

AshleyWiley | istockAdmire snowy vistas along the banks of the St. Lawrence River as you slide down a 7.5-kilometre sled track at Le Massif de Charlevoix in Petite-Riviois, Quebec. Sledders control the pace of their own high-tech toboggan while twisting and turning down the face of Mont Liguori.

Ice caving

Greenseas | iStockDuring the depths of winter, head north from Saint John, New Brunswick, to explore the famed Midland Ice Caves. A winter trail winds through a snowy forest before arriving at an impressive frozen waterfall. Adventurous hikers can climb inside the falls to discover hidden caverns behind a curtain of icicles.

Cross-country skiing

golero | iStockGet a full-body workout while traversing cross-country trails at the Canmore Nordic Centre in Canmore, Alberta. The world-class park was built for the 1988 Winter Olympics and attracts professional athletes and recreational skiers alike with its 65 kilometres of groomed trails, designed for both classic cross-country and skate skiing.

Ice fishing

GROGL | iStockWhen temperatures plummet, angling enthusiasts gather in Ontario's cottage country to catch cold-water species like perch, pike, whitefish and lake trout in the ice-covered waters of Lake Simcoe. Setting up camp in a cozy fishing hut equipped with a propane stove provides much needed warmth for a chilly day on the ice.

Snowmobiling

THEPALMER | iStockLooking for a high-speed winter adventure? A snowmobile ride in Quebec's Laurentian Mountains will take you through snowy boreal forests and across frozen lakes. Undulating terrain, picturesque scenery and an average snowfall of 350 centimetres each year makes this region a go-to destination for snowmobiling, hosting more than 2,437 kilometres of groomed trails.

Snowshoeing

Onfokus | iStockThis popular winter pastime allows you to tramp across deep snow with ease while getting a great cardiovascular workout. Gros Morne National Park, on the west coast of Newfoundland, attracts outdoor enthusiasts year-round and is particularly beautiful in wintertime, offering powdery snowshoeing trails along the rugged coastline.

Have fun this winter

Speak with a CAA Travel Consultant, who can help you plan your winter getaway.