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Winter adventures

Have fun and keep safe as you explore all the festivals Canada has to offer in the snowy season

By Ronald D’Souza

Are cold temperatures and a snowy landscape something you look forward to or dread? Just because winter is approaching, it doesn't mean you have to hibernate. There are plenty of winter activities and attractions you can visit.

If the traditional winter activities like tobogganing, skating, skiing and snowboarding don’t appeal to you, Canada has plenty of other fun events and festivals planned to help make the cold months fly by.

Niagara Falls’ Winter Festival of Lights Niagara Falls, Ontario, Nov. 21, 2015 to Jan. 31, 2016 The Winter Festival of Lights illuminates Niagara Falls throughout the winter months. With more than three million sparkling lights along a five-kilometre route, this enchanting attraction has become a family tradition for many. Visitors will enjoy grand light displays and unique performances such as the annual Christmas Concert Series. A popular place for viewing the lights against the backdrop of majestic Horseshoe Falls is the Rink at the Brink, Niagara Falls’ newest outdoor skating experience. Niagara Icewine Festival Niagara Region, Ontario, Jan. 15-31, 2016 The Niagara Wine Region comes alive during this celebration of Ontario’s famous icewine. The Niagara Icewine Festival features gala dinners, an outdoor ice bar, ornate ice sculptures and carriage rides, plus wine and cheese seminars. It’s the perfect time to taste local vintages; the region is home to more than 90 distinctive wineries.

The WinterCity Festival and Winterlicious Toronto, Ontario, Jan. 29 to Feb. 11, 2016 WinterCity Festival and Winterlicious is a 14-day celebration of culture, creativity and cuisine. Visitors to the lively festival can enjoy free outdoor and indoor entertainment each weekend, which includes an exciting lineup of concerts, openair shows and skating parties. As part of the festivities, Toronto’s finest restaurants offer unique value menus during the Winterlicious restaurant promotion.

Winterlude Ottawa, Ontario, Jan. 29 to Feb. 15, 2016 Winterlude has been called the greatest winter celebration in North America. This fun-forthe-whole-family open-air event attracts more than 650,000 funseekers every year. Get in the winter spirit with a spin around the largest ice skating rink in the world, the Rideau Canal Skateway. Afterward, reward yourself with a cup of piping hot apple cider. Winterlude also features an impressive display of ice sculptures and the largest snow playground on the continent.

Bon Soo Winter Carnival Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Feb. 5-14, 2016

With more than 75 indoor and outdoor activities for the entire family, Bon Soo is one of the largest winter carnivals in Northern Ontario. The annual polar bear swim, a major highlight of the festival, is a mustsee attraction during the event.

Vancouver Christmas Market Vancouver, B.C., Nov. 21 to Dec. 2, 2015 This outdoor Christmas market, styled after traditional Christmas markets in Germany, features food, entertainment, kids’ activities, gifts for purchase and more. Come see the beautiful décor, twinkle lights and mulled wine!

Vancouver Winter Wonderland Vancouver, B.C., Dec. 11-20, 2015 This new 10-day indoor event at the PNE Forum will feature vendors, food and drinks, a threestorey walk-through snow globe and more.

Winter Solstice Lantern Festival Vancouver, B.C., Dec. 21, 2015 Honouring many cultural traditions, the annual Winter Solstice Lantern Festival illuminates the longest night of the year with lanterns, singing, drumming, music and dancing in four Vancouver neighbourhoods.

Winter CARnival Calgary, Alberta, Dec. 27, 2015, to Jan. 3, 2016 Held at the Gasoline Alley Museum at Heritage Park, this indoor spin on classic carnival activities is a family-fun activity for cold winter days.

Festival of Lights Calgary, Alberta, throughout December to early January Go for a drive and get into the holiday spirit! This is the largest free drive-by Christmas lights showcase in Calgary, comprised of more than 100,000 lights along 14 th St NW.

Stay safe! Safety should be top priority, when driving to and from all of these attractions, in winter conditions. Buick vehicles come with a 5-Star overall safety rating (by NHTSA) and OnStar live assistance that can provide peace of mind during all your winter adventures. Having good winter tires and brakes, topped-up fluids including antifreeze and an emergency kit will add to the safety of you and your loved ones.