Canada is one of the best places for families to visit during the winter, because everyone will be able to find snow, ice and extremely cold temperatures everywhere in the country. Families should plan on taking a lot of warm clothes that can be layered, so that they can enjoy everything that Canada has to offer during the winter season.

Here are 5 of the best places for families to visit while in Canada:

1. Ottawa

Ottawa is much more than the capital city of Canada. This city is located on the eastern side of south Ontario and local culture is the main focal point for everyone. In addition to the museums, galleries, cafes, stores and landmarks, Ottawa also has numerous festivals throughout the year. Winterlude is the largest festival in Canada and as the name suggests, it is held during the winter months. The entire family will love ice skating on the Rideau Canal Skateway, which is approximately five miles long and considered to be the largest skating rink in the world. Inside the Snowflake Kingdom in Jacques-Cartier Park, everyone can go down ice slides and look at different snow sculptures.

2. Whistler, B.C.

Skiing has become very popular in recent years and many families enjoy hitting the slopes together. Whistler, B.C. is known for its excellent downhill skiing as well as other outdoor snow activities. In addition to the snow, everyone can walk through hundreds of stores and boutiques as they look for souvenirs.   No matter when someone in the family is hungry, they will be able to find the perfect meal at one of the numerous restaurants in town. Vancouver is only two hours from Whistler, B.C., so the entire family can experience the big city at some point while in Whistler.

3. New Brunswick

New Brunswick is one of the three maritime provinces in Canada, however the weather here is a little nicer since the province is more inland than the others. Anyone who loves hockey will want to visit the town of Plaster Rock in New Brunswick. Every year, this little town is host to the World Pond Hockey Championships. They create ice rinks on at least twenty different ponds along Roulston Lake and competitors from around the world arrive to play hockey. There is nothing better than watching hockey as the snow is falling gently onto the trees of the forest.

4. Newfoundland

Newfoundland is a large island off the east coast of Canada and it is the perfect place for extreme outdoor activities. The entire family can choose from activities like downhill skiing, cross country skiing, snowmobiling, snowboarding and zip lining over the snow-covered land. Every year, Newfoundland hosts Snow West. Everyone can participate in the multiple outdoor activities or they can watch other people. This is also the best time and place to watch dog sledding for the first time.

5. Saskatchewan

Dog sledding gets extreme in Saskatchewan and families can learn how to mush through the numerous trails in the area. There are many different activities and excursions that are available for visitors. Small children will love participating in the puppy camps while bigger people can choose to do a full day of learning with the dogs on a sled. No matter what everyone decides to do, the backdrop will be the amazing views of Anglin Lake and the surrounding forest.

The entire family will fall in love with the beauty of the different areas in Canada. Even though it will be cold, there is so much to do and see that everyone will stay warm as they experience fun and excitement during this fabulous vacation.

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