If there’s one thing that makes a cold winter day more bearable, it’s the respite that a warm meal and beverage can bring. Whether you’re planning to visit a local bakery to start off your day, finally heading to that must-visit restaurant on your list or attending one of the many winter festivals across the country, trust you'll be getting a true taste of place as you become fully immersed into the winter culture of your chosen destination.
If you’re like us, you love a good outdoor activity. But let's be honest, the comfort of knowing you can enjoy a local meal or snack afterward likely holds the bigger appeal (and perhaps even motivation!) as you make your way through a snowy hike, a lengthy skating trail, or an icy trek through a downtown core.
Canada knows how to winter, and the multitude of experiences and activities that span the nation are a testament to the enthusiasm Canadians bring to the season. The four cities highlighted below know what it takes to craft food and winter experiences you won't soon forget.
We already know this destination is a no-brainer when it comes to living your best winter life. As a winter festival capital, there's always something fun to celebrate. From the illuminated Lumino to Igloofest, there is truly a good time to be had for everyone.
In a city known for its world-class restaurants, you'll have no shortage of places to settle into a cozy table (or bar!) and dive into gastronomic heaven.
Plan your visit around the world’s largest celebration of poutine, where more than 50 restaurants across the city serve up their best fries, gravy, and squeaky cheese curds throughout the first week of February for Poutine Week.
You know how they say that the only way out is through? Well, the fun doesn't stop as the season nears its end, with sugar shacks opening across the region. If you don’t want to leave the city, head to Cabane Panache in Verdun, where Promenade Wellington transforms into an outdoor sugar shack experience with live music, traditional activities, and delectable maple-forward dishes created by local chefs. Now isn’t that sweet?
There's a certain magic that takes over already iconic destinations when the snow begins to fall, and Banff & Lake Louise are certainly no exception. It’s hard to beat winter in the mountains!
If the idea of ice skating on Lake Louise followed by afternoon tea at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise sounds like your version of a winter wonderland, it truly is as wonderful as it seems.
From dogsledding to guided snowshoe hikes, there's no shortage of winter activities on offer. When it's time to refuel, Banff has you covered with an array of dining options as you wander down and around Banff Avenue. Be sure to cap off your adventure with a soak at the Banff Upper Hot Springs, or perhaps with a lesson in gin making at Park Distillery, where you'll learn (and taste!) what goes into this spirit crafted with Alberta grains and glacier water.
Winnipeg has fully embraced its "Winterpeg" moniker, with an enthusiasm that's evident in the abundance of opportunities to enjoy the season.
Fasten your skates and glide down the skating trails and rinks at The Forks Winter Park, or opt for a different thrill as you slide down the toboggan run. Afterward, it's only natural to head indoors to the Forks Market to browse, snack, and sample what the city has to offer. Be sure to keep an eye on the skating trail and ice conditions before planning to visit, as this can change throughout the season.
The highly anticipated Festival du Voyageur is Western Canada’s largest winter festival, connecting revellers to the traditions of the Franco-Manitoban community. Expect to find large snow sculptures, live music and French Canadian foods during the week-long celebration held in mid-February.
After all that activity, kick back with a pint at one of the many local breweries in town worth getting to know better, especially after you've spent the day exploring.
And if you're still craving more winter fun, venture just outside the city to lose yourself in the world’s largest snow maze, followed by a cozy meal at The Den, a restaurant carved entirely from snow.
From setting off on outdoor adventures to unwinding in cozy spas, Ottawa knows a thing or two about enjoying winter to the fullest. Perhaps most iconic to the city's winter experience is the Rideau Canal Skateway, the largest naturally frozen skating rink in the world. Stop by one of the food stalls lining the canal where you can opt for the ubiquitous BeaverTails and cozy up with a warm drink on offer.
Make time for Winterlude, a festival held across downtown Ottawa and Gatineau over three weekends. The celebration features ice sculptures, live entertainment, interactive programming, and special events that connect visitors to the richness of Canada’s diverse heritage.
After all that time spent outdoors, dive into the city’s culinary scene by joining a food tour or cooking class with C’est Bon, wandering the shops of the ByWard Market, or popping into a cozy café to warm up.
Food Cities Make Winter Better!
These destinations know how to make winter worth savouring. Already known for their standout food scenes, each city celebrates its unique snow culture through comforting, seasonal flavours that make the colder months something to look forward to. Those who claim to not enjoy the winter months may begin second guessing their preferences.
So, where will you be exploring this winter?
