Visit These 3 Breathtaking Canadian Destinations For A Star Studded Winter Adventure

Canada is the world’s second largest country covering over half of the Northern Hemisphere. Our vast, rugged, beautiful, and diverse landscape provides unique experiences from coast to coast for unforgettable adventures. During the colder months Canada transforms into a magical winter wonderland packed with thrilling sports, hidden gems, natural journeys through the wilderness, and opportunities to learn about the night sky and the universe. So bundle up in your warmest boots and coziest parkas and let your sense of adventure lead the way through the Great White North. Here are three Canadian destinations to get you started.

Jasper National Park In Alberta

Head to beautiful Jasper National Park for a Canadian experience of a lifetime. This Alberta gem is home to towering mountains, magnificent canyons, stunning lakes, waterfalls, wildlife including moose, deer, and wolves, and fairytale forests. Jasper National Park is the second largest Dark Sky Preserve in the world and extends over 4,335 square miles, making it Canada’s biggest park in the Rocky Mountains. The park is part of UNESCO’s Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage Site and perfect for a winter adventure. Dress warm for a brisk winter hike along the Jasper backcountry or choose an easy trail network. Alternatively, strap on your skis or snowshoes for an energetic cross-country ski excursion; or for something a bit different try riding a fat bike along the snowy path. At the end of the day make sure you save time to look up towards the sky when the sun goes down. Due to limited light pollution, it’s the perfect spot to daydream and chill among the stars. Some key places for stargazing at the park include Pyramid Lake Island, Maligne Canyon, Mount Edith Cavell, and the Athabasca Falls.

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Churchill In Manitoba

For something truly magical head to Churchill in Manitoba in search of the Northern Lights. Also known as Aurora Borealis, the Northern Lights are one of nature’s greatest displays of beauty and put on a dramatic performance in the night sky in stunning color waves of yellow, red, green, blue, purple, and pink. Churchill has incredible viewing opportunities and peak season in Manitoba is happening now until March. For something totally unique check out Aurora Domes where you can get cozy in a plexiglass bubble and watch the Northern Lights dancing in front of you. It’s about a 20 minute drive from Churchill and transportation can be arranged from town. Another viewing option is the Churchill Northern Studies Centre , an active research station located along the coast of Hudson Bay with tour options available. Or book an ecolodge at Churchill Wild, they are perfectly located for optimal viewing and border the Arctic circle. Their Dymond Lake Ecolodge provides an opportunity to see polar bears, moose, snowy owls, and perhaps even a wolverine. Other winter activities in Churchill include skiing, snowmobiling, and skating through their extensive frosty trails.

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Fundy National Park in New Brunswick

Fundy National Park in beautiful New Brunswick is also a Dark Sky Preserve and winter is a special time to visit. There are trails packed with fun and chilly activities such as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, tobogganing, and skating. In addition to skating on natural ice surfaces, the nearby community of Alma has an outdoor rink. Kids of all ages love the toboggan run or try fat-biking, a lightweight off-road bicycle with oversized tires, along one of Fundy’s snow covered trails. Overnight guests looking for an authentic Canadian experience can go winter camping at the Headquarters Campground and choose from yurt or oTENTik accommodations that are heated with a propane fireplace to keep you and your family warm. Before retiring for the night go on an evening walk along the Milky Way trail where you will be surrounded by millions of stars glowing in the sky. Fundy National Park’s Dark Sky Preserve not only provides an incredible opportunity for stargazers, but wildlife, plants, and insects rely on the darkness to forage and navigate their home that would otherwise be negatively affected by light pollution.

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