Latest news from Canada

Winter is coming!

Bring it on, say Canadians, who revel in the thrill and magic of the season. Visitors eager to experience the winter months (which in some regions can last from November to April) are always delighted by the expansiveness of nature and intimacy of culture, the ease of engaging in outdoor and indoor activities, and the warmth of the Canadian welcome.

Read on and let Canada introduce you to your new favourite season.

Hello darkness...

Canada is one of the best places on the planet to view the northern lights, with scientists predicting brighter and more frequent northern lights displays during the solar maximum years from 2023 to 2026. In the Northwest Territories, Indigenous-owned Aurora Village has 21 traditional teepees and hilltop viewpoints surrounding a pristine lake. In the Yukon, go aurora hunting with Epic North in Whitehorse or head out in your own vehicle or even on a fat bike.

Quebec Winter Carnival turns 70

Get a furry bear hug from Bonhomme, the jolly mascot of the world's biggest winter festival, set to turn 70 in 2024. Watch artists compete in creating giant, fantastical snow sculptures, and stare in wonder as a dogsled race winds through the narrow, snowy streets of the Old City. Feel the excitement as canoes race across the ice-choked St. Lawrence River, smell the sugary aroma of warm maple syrup, and skate in the shadow of the ramparts of the only walled city north of Mexico. Words are not enough: Check out this video to see carnival fun firsthand. The 70th Quebec Winter Carnival takes place from 2 – 11 February 2024.

Polar bear encounters with Adventure World

In the lead up to winter, October and November offer prime polar bear viewing in Churchill, Manitoba, as the bears congregate on the Hudson Bay shoreline to wait for the ice to form.

Adventure World has been sending Australian travellers to Churchill, Manitoba, in the far northern reaches of Canada for over 30 years to experience this unique arctic environment, for bucket-list polar bear adventures.

Click HERE to find out more.

A howling good time

Dogsledding is part of Canada’s DNA as the historic mode of transport used by Canadian fur traders and those living in northern locations. Today, Canada’s mountainous landscapes serve up idyllic dogsledding trails throughout the country. Many of British Columbia’s ski resorts offer dogsledding experiences, including Whistler Blackcomb and Kicking Horse Mountain Resort in the Kootenay Rockies. In the Yukon, learn how to mush at Sky High Wilderness Ranch where you’ll be assigned your own team of friendly huskies and set off on an exhilarating excursion that harks back to the early days of transportation by sled dog.

Try something new this winter

Aussie travellers love exploring new destinations and pride themselves on being the first to try new things. As the legendary Home of Winter, Canada is the ultimate destination for new snowy adventures. From dog sledding to skiing and everything in between, check out the latest Explore Canada video and be inspired to give Canada a try this winter.

* Destination Canada explorecanada@canada.travel