A Canadian Winter during an Australian Summer

Sleepless in Seattle, Home Alone, Love Actually, and The Holiday.

What do these movies have in common? They’re all based in cold winter locations but they’re oh so universally heart-warming.

Having grown up in Canada, I miss the snowy winter and white Christmas every year, no matter how good the sand feels between my toes on a beautiful Australian beach during the summer holidays.

In the years since moving to Australia, I’ve been asked from my peers about the best places to go and best things to see in my homeland. Whilst many like to escape Australian winter to experience a North American summer,  Canada still has a lot to offer in its coldest months.

Here are my travel tips, packing secrets and a list of my ‘favourites’ in case you have the Great White North on your travel bucket list.

Documentation

This goes without saying – but I will say it anyway- make sure your passport details are up to date. If they aren’t, give yourself plenty of time to renew them. Make sure you have any other required paperwork required for your overseas visits- including appropriate visas, vaccinations and medical certificates.

Don’t forget the travel insurance! You’re travelling into Winter- meaning cold, flus and other nasty viruses will be floating around. It’s very possible that you or someone in your crew will need a doctor’s visit. If you plan to ski, snowboard, toboggan or ice skate, make sure your insurance covers snow sport injurie s- because even the best skiers can go arse over tit on the bunny hill. 

Pack Smart

Do not overpack. There’s no need to bring the entire closet. If you can hire the big bulky items such as snow jackets and pants, boots, mitts and beanies (or toques as they’re affectionally known as in Canada), then do. Otherwise, if you are taking your own ski or snowboard bags, pack your bulky items in there. Make sure your jacket is warm and waterproof and pack some thermals for extra coverage. Homes, hotels, restaurants and retail outlets are all built to Canadian conditions- so even if a fireplace isn’t roaring, you can still expect to be toasty indoors.

If you’re travelling with young children then pack small, simple and time-consuming items to keep them busy during plane rides, bus trips and car transfers. Try colouring books, stickers, crosswords and iPads. Healthy snacks and a change of clothes are also a must, because kids are hungry and kids are dirty.

Hit the slopes

For skiers and snowboarders, the Rocky Mountains are the place to be. Whistler Blackcomb may be the most popular ski resort but dig a little deeper and you’ll find Sun Peaks, Fernie, Lake Louis, Sunshine Village, Castle Mountain, Panorama and more. With snow on the ground for a good chunk of the year, there are plenty of smaller ski resorts scattered throughout the country – ranging from big hills with a three or four runs and t-bar lifts, to resorts which spread across three sides of a mountain with gondolas, chairlifts, onsite lodging, grocery stores, pubs and more.

If you can’t stay at a ski-resort, don’t panic. There are heaps of options (which are less expensive too) at nearby towns.  Book a hotel at Vancouver, check out the gorgeous town of Canmore, or explore the iconic beauty of Banff – known for its scenic streetscape, gorgeous shops, plethora of restaurants and range of nightlife.

Don’t have a car? No worries, mate. Public buses and private transfers are available to and from most ski destinations.

Remember to book equipment, passes and lessons in advance to avoid missing out. 

For tobogganing: You can pretty much tow your toboggan to any hill not located directly above a street and catapult yourself down at speed. There are hidden gems in most towns- you might just need to chat up a local to find it. Whether it’s a makeshift hill at a local park or a dedicated toboggan run, everyone has a little bit of fun (an exercising) when sliding the slopes.

But if you’re after something a bit more engineered, then Lake Louis and Mt Norquay have great Snow Tubing area. Slide down some pretty epic hills on Alberta’s largest tube lanes. Just like tobogganing, but with half the work! A unique towing system pulls you to the top, so you can save your energy for mocking your sibling when you beat them down the track!

Unwind

There are several hot springs and spas situated in the Rocky Mountains, with picturesque views of the snow-covered peaks in the background, but my favourite has to be Banff Upper Hot Springs. Soak up the natural mineral water in a huge outdoor pool among jagged peaks of Rundle and Cascade Mountains. The bath house itself is a federal heritage building. Transit to the Hot Springs from Banff is easy, with buses running every twenty minutes.

Indulge

With so many choices to choose from, there’s something for every taste bud in the Rockies. From fast food to seafood and everything in between. However, Steak is a popular choice as Canada is known for its premium beef.

If you are staying near Banff and want a unique dining experience, book yourself a seat at The Grizzly House (but wear some old clothing!) The famous fondue restaurant has been operating since 1967, with some pretty interesting history about the building revealed by the wait staff (think go-go dancers and touring bands).

Food is served on a sizzling hot rock selection (which leaves you smelling a bit smoky) and there are 14 varieties to choose from including beef, buffalo, rattlesnake, wild game and more. Listen to 70s music, take in the rustic décor and fill up on delicious food and drinks.

If you want to try Canadian staples but aren’t into a juicy steak, try some seafood direct from the North Atlantic Ocean, a good ol’ pouting (hot chips, gravy and cheese curds), a Caesar (vodka, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce and Clamato juice. Yup, that’s tomato juice mixed with the juice of a clam- and it’s delish).

Not into skiing? That’s okay. Try this instead:

Go for a ride on a ski-door hitch a ride on a dogsled.

Ice-skate. You may feel like Bambi on ice, so make sure you hang on to the boards or don a helmet! Don’t feel steady on your blades? Watch professional skaters instead- whether that be the figure skating kind, or the toothless hockey-playing kind.

-Curling. It’s not as lame as it looks! I’m told its actually kind of fun (Confession: I’ve only thrown a curling rock once or twice in my life).

–Sip some local ice wine (or a Baileys and hot chocolate) by an open fire, turn up Canadian crooner Michael Buble and soak up your surroundings. A Canadian winter really is pure bliss.