While skiing and snowboarding often steal the spotlight in winter, Quebec and Ontario offer a wide array of exciting winter activities that go far beyond the slopes. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or someone who prefers a more relaxed winter getaway, these provinces have something for everyone.

In Quebec, one of the most unique winter experiences is dog sledding. Available in regions like Mont-Tremblant and Charlevoix, dog sledding allows you to explore snowy trails while being pulled by a team of huskies, an exhilarating and traditional way to travel across frozen landscapes. For a slower-paced adventure, snowshoeing is a great way to enjoy the winter scenery. Parks like Parc national du Mont-Mégantic offer guided snowshoe tours under the stars, combining outdoor adventure with stargazing.

Ontario is also brimming with winter activities. One of the most famous is ice skating along the Rideau Canal in Ottawa, the world’s largest outdoor skating rink. The scenic, winding canal offers a unique way to explore the city while enjoying winter fun. For those seeking a cozy, romantic experience, Ontario’s Blue Mountain and Muskoka regions offer charming winter cabins where you can relax by the fire after a day of snowshoeing or tubing.

Both provinces also host a variety of winter festivals. Quebec’s Winter Carnival is one of the largest in the world, featuring ice sculptures, night parades, and traditional Quebecois activities like ice canoeing. In Ontario, the Winterlude festival in Ottawa is a celebration of ice and snow, with ice carving competitions, musical performances, and more.

For families, visiting a local sugar shack in Quebec or Ontario in late winter is an absolute must. These traditional establishments serve meals centered around maple syrup, a Canadian staple, and often offer sleigh rides or snowshoeing through nearby woods.