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5 Holiday Experiences That Are Not to be Missed
November 29, 2022 3 Minute Read
Looking for new adventures to level up your holiday season? We’ve got you covered.
“People are looking for experiences that connect them to the places they’re visiting and the people they are with,” says CBRE Tourism Consulting Senior Director Rebecca Godfrey. “Canada has so much to offer and with a bit of research, you’ll discover there’s no shortage of exciting things to do this holiday season from coast to coast.”
1. No Business Like Snow Businesses
Don’t fight the cold weather, embrace the outdoors by checking out one of Canada’s 350 cross-country ski clubs. Many locations offer equipment rentals, so you won’t have to break the bank or spend hours attempting to wax your skis.
Lessons are often available, and many clubs also offer snowshoe rentals, a relaxing alternative to cross-country skiing.
Or dust off those crazy carpets! Embrace your inner child with some tobogganing or snow tubing at a local hill. For your next vacation, check out the bubly Tube Park in Whistler, B.C., or the Villages Vacances Valcartier near Québec City.
2. These Places are Lit
Take your annual holiday lights tour to the next level. Experience businesses are beating the winter blues with colourful light displays open to the public at night.
At Ontario’s Blue Mountain, the Holiday Magic Light Trail, a one-kilometre path through the resort village, is decorated with lights and garlands. The Village also offers a variety of festive entertainment for people of all ages, including pottery painting, dining experiences, and even axe throwing.
In Laval, Quebec, the illumi light show is returning for its fourth year. This interactive art display features 25 million lights and can be seen from the busy Laurentian Autoroute.
Other notable light displays include the Halifax Glow Gardens, the illumination of Niagara Falls, and the Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park in North Vancouver.
3. Glide with Glee
Ottawa may be known for its famous Rideau Canal Skateway, but it’s not the only Canadian city catering to skating enthusiasts.
Saskatoon, boasts 50 outdoor rinks as well as five indoor arenas and a skating oval. Head to the Cameco Meewasin Skating Rink for an amazing evening gliding down the South Saskatchewan River.
4. Spa-oliday
Luxuriate and let off steam this holiday season by treating yourself or a loved one to a spa day.
“Wellness and outdoor experiences have become incredibly popular, so we’ve seen a lot of developers look to integrate Nordic spas into their plans,” explains Godfrey. “The combination of wellbeing, events and socializing makes spas an appealing option this holiday season.”
If the sound of massages, saunas and hot/cold baths entices you, consider one of these new spas for your next getaway: the Vettä Nordic Spa at Ontario’s Horseshoe Resort, the Sensea in Chester, Nova Scotia, or the Kananaskis near Calgary.
5. "Market" On Your Calendar
Nothing says ho ho ho-lidays like mulled wine or hot chocolate from a Christmas market.
Markets are a great way to discover local artisans and vendors. They can be found from coast to coast, even in the smallest of towns, infusing the streets (or in one case, an old cereal factories) with local flavours and jolly spirit.
If you’re looking for unique gifts for your loved ones, this is the perfect opportunity to wrap up your holiday shopping. Plan a trip to one of these excellent holiday markets: the Charlottetown Christmas Festival; Temiskaming Shores’ Village Noël; Kitchener, Ontario’s traditional German Christkindl; or the Banff Christmas Market.
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