Winterlude is, as its name implies, a celebration of winter that takes place every year in Ottawa. There is fun for all ages, with many free activities and shows. Visitors can watch an ice-carving competition or the interactive demonstrations at the Loggers' Camp Life. They can learn about native Inuit traditions or watch traditional maple syrup making. Family activities include horse-drawn sleigh rides and visiting the Snowbowl Lounge for warm beverages.
There are many world-class locations for skiing and snowboarding throughout Canada. If you are feeling a little more adventurous, though, you can try heli-skiing. For example, Whistler Blackcomb offers helicopter rides to pristine mountain runs, and provides a guide to help you get down safely.
Seeing the winter landscape from horseback is a unique experience, and some stables in Canada provide winter rides. For example, Niagara Riding Stables, in Niagara on the Lake, Ontario, takes riders through forests where deer, foxes, and coyotes roam on the Niagara Escarpment. The rides last about 45 minutes, and are suitable for riders of all skill levels.
Many people find snowshoeing both relaxing and invigorating, as they travel on top of the snow in the modern versions of footwear that has been used to navigate winter for centuries. You can snowshoe almost anywhere, including on hiking trails such as the Bruce Grey County Rail Trail, near Lake Huron.
