The Candian provinces of Alberta, British Columbia and Quebec are the nation's three premier skiing destinations. Alberta is home to the sprawling Banff National Park, home to over 7,000 acres of skiing terrain across 270 trails. The province of British Columbia is home to 12 ski resorts, including Big White, Silver Star, Whistler and Sun Peaks. Quebec is home to the European style Mont Tremblant resort which is home to an expansive specialty retail center and myriad of restaurants. Canada's ski mountains are home to trails that range from extremely difficult to beginner making them ideal for skiers of all ages and abilities.
Ice fishing is a Canadian tradition that's existed for centuries. Walleye, lake trout, northern pike, and perch are just a few of the fish that can be caught on Canadian lakes during the winter. Several companies throughout the country offer hut and igloo rentals so you can fish sheltered from the elements. The winter transforms numerous Canadian lakes into full fledged temporary communities complete with fish cleaning houses, bait shops and general stores. Many resorts offer ice fishing packages that can span from a day's fishing to an entire week.
Hockey is Canada's national pastime, and the country is home to hundreds of teams competing in several amateur and professional leagues. The nation is home to National Hockey League teams in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, Montreal and Edmonton, while several lower tier league teams are housed in nearly every major metropolis. Thousands of outdoor rinks dot Canadian lakes during the winter for those who wish to join or start their own pick up game. The city of Toronto is home to the Hockey Hall of Fame and museum, a great take for fans of the game on super cold days.
Canada's drifting snowfalls don't have to hinder exploration of the country's majestic wilderness during the winter months. Snowshoes distribute your weight evenly over the snow, allowing for deep country exploration. Several companies offer guided tours throughout the country, including the Whistler Resort. The Whistler snowshoe tour leads visitors around Green Lake and Lost Lake in view untouched scenic vistas and wildlife. Snowshoeing is tremendous exercise and an inexpensive way to immerse oneself in Canada's natural beauty.
