The Canadian tourism sector, supported by initiatives
from Destination Canada, Statistics Canada, and the Government of Canada, is
aiming to capitalize on what they call “seasonal dispersion,” encouraging
travelers to embrace the northern climates during the peak frost months. Here’s
an in-depth look at the top cold-weather cities and their major attractions
during the 2025–2026 winter season.
1. Quebec City: The “World’s Winter Capital”
As Canada’s premier cold-weather destination, Quebec
City is renowned for its ability to transform its winter months into a
must-visit experience. According to the Ville de Québec and Bonjour Québec, the
city’s seasonal offerings have earned it the title of “World’s Winter Capital.”
The city draws large numbers of tourists every year, thanks to its rich
history, charming cobblestone streets, and iconic winter celebrations. For
2026, Quebec City will host the 72nd edition of the famous Quebec Winter
Carnival, one of the world’s largest and most prestigious winter festivals.
Key Attractions and Events:
§
Bonhomme’s Ice
Palace: An incredible 100% ice-constructed castle
located across from the Parliament Building. A highlight of the Winter
Carnival, this stunning ice palace is a symbol of the festival.
§
Night Parades: The Winter Carnival features massive, colorful processions that wind
through the city’s streets, with spectacular performances and celebrations.
§
Cayo Carnaval: A new tropical-themed winter spa experience for the 2026 season,
offering visitors a chance to escape the frost with a warm, relaxing
environment.
§
72nd Quebec Winter
Carnival (Feb 6–15, 2026): A key
event in the global winter tourism calendar, this carnival showcases everything
from ice sculptures to winter sports competitions.
Key Facts for Quebec City:
|
Fact |
Details |
|
Official
Partner |
Ville de Québec and Bonjour Québec |
|
Key
Event |
72nd Quebec Winter Carnival (Feb 6–15, 2026) |
|
Major
Attractions |
Bonhomme’s Ice Palace, Night Parades, Cayo Carnaval |
|
Tourism
Strategy |
Highlighting Quebec’s winter traditions, heritage, and iconic landmarks
during the festival season |
|
Booking
Information |
Official accommodations via BonjourQuébec.com |
2. Ottawa: The Festive Capital
Ottawa, Canada’s
capital city, is another cold-weather hotspot drawing global tourists each
winter. Known for its rich cultural experiences and breathtaking winter
activities, Ottawa’s flagship event, Winterlude, draws tens of thousands every year. Managed by the Department of Canadian Heritage, Winterlude is a celebration of ice and snow, with its world-famous Rideau
Canal Skateway and Snowflake Kingdom leading the charge in promoting Canada’s
winter heritage.
Key Attractions and Events:
§
Rideau Canal
Skateway: The world’s largest natural skating rink,
recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a must-see during the winter
months.
§
Snowflake Kingdom: Located in Jacques-Cartier Park, it offers fun for the whole family,
including ice sculptures, slides, and Indigenous cultural performances.
§
Ice-Carving
Showcases: At Confederation Park, international ice carving
competitions take center stage, attracting artists from all over the world.
§
Winterlude (Jan
30–Feb 16, 2026): This
iconic event transforms Ottawa into a winter wonderland, with activities
spanning ice carving, skating, and outdoor concerts.
Key Facts for Ottawa:
|
Fact |
Details |
|
Official
Partner |
Department
of Canadian Heritage |
|
Key
Event |
Winterlude
2026 (Jan 30–Feb 16, 2026) |
|
Major
Attractions |
Rideau Canal Skateway, Snowflake Kingdom, Ice-Carving Showcases |
|
Tourism
Strategy |
Promoting Ottawa’s winter activities and cultural events |
|
Booking
Information |
Official accommodations via OttawaTourism.ca |
3. Winnipeg: The Cultural Heart of the Prairies
Winnipeg, often called the “Cultural Heart of the
Prairies,” is fast becoming one of Canada’s top winter destinations. With
substantial investments from Travel Manitoba and the Federal Agency,
PrairiesCan, the city is focusing heavily on its winter identity. Winnipeg
hosts the popular Festival du Voyageur, a French-Canadian winter celebration
that brings together incredible snow sculptures, music, and food in the heart
of the Prairies.
Key Attractions and Events:
§
Festival du
Voyageur (Feb 13–22, 2026): A
celebration of French-Canadian culture, with large-scale snow sculptures,
traditional music, and local delicacies.
§
Voyageur Park: A key venue featuring the world-renowned snow sculptures, celebrating
French-Canadian heritage and “joie de vivre.”
§
Assiniboine Park: Home to the “We Are Winter” activation program, featuring winter
light trails and outdoor recreation hubs perfect for winter exploration.
Key Facts for Winnipeg:
|
Fact |
Details |
|
Official
Partner |
Travel Manitoba, PrairiesCan (Federal Agency) |
|
Key
Event |
Festival
du Voyageur (Feb 13–22, 2026) |
|
Major
Attractions |
Voyageur Park, Assiniboine Park, We Are Winter program |
|
Tourism
Strategy |
Showcasing the cultural diversity and winter beauty of Winnipeg and the
Prairies |
|
Booking
Information |
Official accommodations via TravelManitoba.com |
4. Yellowknife: The Aurora Capital
Located in the Northwest Territories, Yellowknife is known for offering one of the best chances in the world to view the spectacular Northern Lights. As part of its 2025–2028 tourism strategy, the Government of Northwest Territories (GNWT) has focused heavily on “Aurora Tourism,” offering visitors the chance to witness the magic of the aurora borealis through innovative programs like the new AI-powered Northern Lights tracker.
Key Attractions and Activities:
§
Aurora Viewing: Indigenous-led aurora viewing experiences, including guided tours to
some of the best northern lights viewing spots.
§
Dog-Sledding &
Ice-Road Tours: Unique experiences that
allow tourists to explore the region’s snowy landscapes in traditional ways.
§
New AI-Powered
Northern Lights Tracker: A
cutting-edge technology designed to predict aurora visibility, funded by the
Government of Canada.
Key Facts for Yellowknife:
|
Fact |
Details |
|
Official
Partner |
Government of Northwest Territories (GNWT) |
|
Key
Event |
Northern Lights viewing, dog-sledding, ice-road tours |
|
Major
Attractions |
Indigenous-led aurora viewing, AI-powered Northern Lights tracker |
|
Tourism
Strategy |
Highlighting Yellowknife as the ultimate destination for Aurora Borealis
experiences |
|
Booking
Information |
Official accommodations via Yellowknife tourism portals |
Tourism Arrivals & Air Travel Surge
As Canada’s winter tourism season gains momentum, air
travel capacity has surged to meet increasing demand. According to Statistics
Canada and Transport Canada, non-resident tourist arrivals showed a significant
increase of 4.9% in October 2025, with overseas visitors from countries like
the UK, France, and China up by 11.7%. Domestic air travel is also on the rise,
as Canadians seek winter experiences in their own country. Air Canada has
expanded its winter routes from key cities like Halifax, Quebec City, and
Ottawa, facilitating easier access to the country’s top cold-weather
destinations.
Hotel Trends & Booking Information
With the influx of tourists, hotel occupancy rates are expected to soar, particularly during peak festival weeks. Quebec City, in particular, is expected to see occupancy rates rise to over 85% during the Winter Carnival in February. Hotel pricing in Ottawa has been adjusted for Winterlude, with special rates starting at $199 CAD per night.
Conclusion: Canada’s Winter Season as a Strategic Tourism Asset
Canada’s winter cities have successfully turned the
cold into a strategic asset, drawing thousands of international visitors with a
combination of world-class winter festivals, iconic attractions, and unique
cultural experiences. With growing international arrivals, an increase in
domestic travel, and an expanding tourism infrastructure, cities like Quebec
City, Ottawa, Winnipeg, and Yellowknife are poised to remain at the forefront
of winter tourism in 2026. Whether it’s the aurora borealis in the North or the
ice sculptures of Ottawa, Canada’s winter cities are redefining what it means
to embrace the cold.
Tags: Canada’s Ultimate Winter Tourism Aurora Quebec City Destination Canada
