Winter wonderlands

By Anik Scott

Marble Mountain

Let's face it. Winter in Canada means snow – lots of it. But instead of hibernating, people don toques, mitts and snowsuits and come out in droves to enjoy the season. Resorts across the nation help turn up the heat by scheduling an amazing array of activities and festivals. Here are a few places to get your winter fix.

Mont Tremblant, Quebec

Mont Tremblant

At Mont Tremblant, the holiday spirit runs deep (just like the snow). A week of festivities kicks off on December 23 with The Crazy Parade, a nightly carnivalesque procession complete with music and costumed staff. The parade ends at Place Saint-Bernard, where all can enjoy great games and prizes. The next day, your kids will love mingling with Santa Claus and his elves as they make an appearance at Place des Voyageurs. On New Year's Eve, make your way to the base of the mountain for a torchlight parade, ski show, fireworks, terrific tunes and the olé olé atmosphere.

Sun Peaks Resort, B.C.

Sun Peaks

Raise a glass or two or three… to Sun Peaks Resort's 8th Annual Icewine Festival. Held from January 19 to 22, 2006, the British Columbia event is a sweet way to warm up to the region's wineries. Get your taste buds a-tingling: Masa's Restaurant in the Village Day Lodge hosts the dessert and wine competition; Tinhorn Creek Vineyards introduces eager oenophiles to unique varietals used to make distinctive icewines; the Pinnacle Lodge enlists leading wine experts to judge the Medal Winners Tasting; and the Ice Palace Hotel throws the coolest party of the festival. Other events around the area include tastings, fine dining and yet more competitions.

Lake Louise, Alberta

Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

Ice Magic, the ice-sculpture competition and exhibition, takes place in Lake Louise from January 20 to 22, 2006. International carvers gather at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise in the shadow of Mount Victoria to transform 135-kilogram blocks of ice into towering works of art. Teams of two showcase their technical skills, design and composition talents, while vying for the People's Choice Award and the Carver's Choice Award, bestowed by the International Ice Carving Association. Meanwhile, ice-sculpting demonstrations take place in the village. Walk around the winter wonderland to check out the fantastical creations or head to the Little Chippers Station at Samson Mall. Your kids can join the carving competition and win great prizes.

Marble Mountain, Newfoundland and Labrador

Marble Mountain

Head to Marble Mountain to join in Atlantic Canada's biggest winter celebration. The Corner Brook Winter Carnival runs from February 17 to 26, 2006. The schedule is jam-packed with activities for the whole family. Take in the Fireworks Show and Torchlight Parade on the mountain (don't miss the hot chocolate); participate in the poker tournaments; dance 'til you drop at the night carnival party and the Scottish ceilidh; compete in the snowman-building contest; and enjoy the talent and variety shows. Old Sam Day, on the 24th, has the greatest roundup of crazy competitions. Challenge your friends and family members and round off the day with a great barbecue and some night skiing (lift tickets are only $2).

Collingwood, Ontario

In the middle of the chilliest season, why not spend a moment or two fantasizing about warmer climes? You just might make that dream come true by signing up for one of the zaniest competitions around: the Liquid Launch. Held at Blue Mountain in Collingwood on March 25, 2006, competitors take part in this crazy tradition by careening at top speed down the appropriately named Smart Alec run. Once they reach the bottom, they must try to ski or snowboard across the pond. The person who makes it the furthest wins a trip for two to Jamaica, courtesy of Appleton Jamaica Rum. The cost to enter is $15, but the experience is, well, priceless.

(Writer Anik Scott lives in Toronto with her two kids, Jack and Lizzie. Together, they plan on going to as many festivals as humanly possible.)

Getting There

Book now, and don’t forget about our great deals on hotel stays and car rentals. Enjoy the winter festivities!

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