Best White Christmas Experiences in Canada

It's that most wonderful time of the year again, and we have just the thing to get your Festive Spirit soaring. Read on as we take a walk in a winter wonderland in the Northern Hemisphere where your dreams of a white Christmas really do come true.

If you're dreaming of a white Christmas, Canada is the place to go. From Victoria to Banff and everywhere in between, the joys of Christmas come alive in the experiences unique to each destination. And boy, do we have a wonderland of them in store.

Aurora Borealis Viewing

Named by Italian astronomer Galileo Galilei in the early 1600s, the Aurora borealis might just be nature’s most eye-catching phenomenon – a shimmering, dazzling dance that stretches across the sky and fills all who see it with wonder. For those who want front row seats to this spectacular show, APT’s 15-day Winter in the Rockies and Northern Lights is for you – you’ll simply be left awestruck by the dance of the heavens at Yellowknife’s Aurora Village. Take in the views while you rest in specially designed heated outdoor seats, keeping you warm under the wintry, starlit night sky.

Vibrant green night sky and pine trees, Canada

British Columbian Festive Activities

Whether it is due to all the fir trees, Christmas lights, or winter activities on offer, British Columbia is an especially magical place to visit at this time of year. You’ll feel the spirit of Christmas come alive on a visit to the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park to see the magical Canyon Lights display and a ride on a dog sled or snowmobile. And there’s an activity for everyone on the The Twelve Days of Christmas tour. If you are up for a snowy adventure on foot, experience a view of the icefalls that can only be seen at this time of year during a Maligne Canyon Ice Walk. In Jasper, there are ample frozen caves, wildlife and waterfalls to explore making for the ultimate wintry encounter. Experience beautiful alpine scenery as you pass by on the overnight VIA Rail journey to Jasper National Park. When you are ready to defrost on this Christmas tour, enjoy a soak in the mineral pool at the Willow Stream Spa whilst staying at Fairmont Banff Springs.

Scapilano suspension bridge covered in snow, Vancouver

Fairy Lights and Charming Alpine Villages

APT has been touring Canada for more than 30 years. We learnt a bit about the place in that time. Like where to go to experience festive joy at its most prominent. Come with us and discover atmospheric villages where fairy lights sparkle and Christmas joy fills the air. Wander through lit-up streets of Banff village, brace the fresh, winter air and snowy backdrop of Whistler or cozy up in a teepee in Yellowknife, enjoying hot drinks brewed on a woodfire stove. Feel like you’re in a fairytale during a tour of British Columbia capital, Victoria, in a horse-drawn carriage on the 14-day Castles and Festive Winter Wonderland. There is also the opportunity to visit The Butchart Gardens to see the Magic of Christmas lights display. Celebrate the moment with your loved ones by experiencing these unforgettable adventures together.