We know winter has barely started yet, but if you love the cold and snow as much as we do, you’re probably wishing you were somewhere much, much cooler than 15 degrees.

Like Canada! Except its winter season doesn’t start for a few months yet, which gives you plenty of time to plan. Oh, and if  hurling yourself down a vertical slope on skis doesn’t tickle your fancy – don’t worry. There’s more to the Canadian winter than you think.

Think majestic snow-capped mountains, stunning scenery, friendly locals, northern lights and carb-loading. And guess what? You can have it all in one trip thanks to our friends at Canada & Alaska Specialist Holidays.

Lake Louise

After flying into Calgary, head on up to Lake Louise, through one of the most beautiful, scenic routes imaginable into the Rocky Mountains.

In winter, the lake freezes over, which makes it perfect for ice skating on, and the scenery sure beats any old ice-skating rink at home.

If you plan your trip for January 2019, you’ll be able to see ice sculptures on the lake – built as part of the Ice Magic Festival.

There are also a ton of walking tracks around the lake, plus a delectable high tea at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise to warm you back up. And did we mention you can go on a sleigh ride? Christmas dreams? Done.

Banff

After you live out your winter dreams at Lake Louise, head down to Banff and get lost in the thriving downtown area. Visit one of the million souvenir shops, head into the Banff Ave Brewing Co. for a couple of beers and finish off your day at the Bison restaurant to gorge on Bison Short Ribs.

After you get your bearings around Banff, get out and about to see what animals can be spotted! The Discover Banff and its Wildlife tour is a great way to get to know the area, – plus you’ll get a knowledgeable guide to tell you all there is to know about the many breeds of local animals. Pro tip: bring a camera.

Next, soak yourself silly in the Banff Upper Hot Springs! Because is it really winter holiday without melting your day away in some form of hot water? If you don’t have your swimmers handy (or even if you do), you can hire a replica of the original 1920s bathing suit to take your experience to the next level.

Yellowknife

Say goodbye to the Rockies and say hello to Yellowknife!

Yellowknife is a base for many activities like touring the city, visiting galleries and museums, sampling the local cuisine and witnessing the natural phenomenon of the Northern Lights.

But first, eat your way through the downtown area – with maybe a few breaks at galleries along the way. There’s also a ton of other snow-related activities nearby, like snowshoeing, dogsledding or visiting one of the famous ice roads. Plus, if you visit Yellowknife in March, then you can also take part of the Snowking Festival where a snow castle is built and there’s live music, hockey games, craft sales, comedy nights, throat singing performances and much more.

With your package booked through Canada & Alaska Specialist Holidays Tour, you get two nights of Northern Lights viewing – where they even provide warm winter clothes! Both nights you get a four hour guided Northern Lights viewing experience, where you will be transferred to the Yellowknife wilderness and away from any light pollution. Try find a better end to your holiday, we dare you.

For more information on how to book your trip, contact Canada & Alaska Specialist Holidays on 1300 794 959 or visit their website on https://canada-alaska.com.au/.