We’re known worldwide for our cold winter weather. We’ve got fresh powder snow, ponds and lakes galore for ice skating, evergreen trees wearing cloaks of thick snow, and ski runs that are more exhilarating than roller coaster rides. When temperatures plummet, our comfort food game is arguably more on point than anywhere else in the world. A rumbling tummy calls for beef stews, cheesy poutine, maple treats, and beaver tails before hitting the rink again. Not to brag (ok, we are…) but Canada in winter is as magical as it is adventurous.

But where should you plan a winter trip? Below, Canadian destinations that are so pretty they look like the insides of a real-life snow globe. Head here before it thaws!

Whistler, BC

Vibe: Whistler is to ski bums and snowboarders what Rome is to historians or what Mendoza is to wine connoisseurs. Few places in the world feel as much like the inside of a snow globe as Whistler does. During a trip here, plan for ski runs blanketed in fresh, powdery snow, happy hour with like-minded outdoorsy types, a quaint village to shop, and, if you stay with us, time spent in an old Olympic athletes’ village.

Who will love it: Ski bums and outdoor adventurers
Where to stay: HI Whistler

Quebec City, Quebec

Vibe: It’s hard to say whether Quebec City looks more like a storybook setting or a postcard scene… but does it really matter? If Quebec’s unique French-Canadian culture isn’t enough to have you booking a trip this winter (it really should be!), consider the old heritage Victorian buildings and gorgeous cobblestone walkways. On a winter trip here, your itinerary *must* include shopping, eating French-Canadian cuisine (it hits differently when the weather’s cold), cafe hopping, and a trip to Montmorency Falls.

Who will love it: Foodies and cultured travellers
Where to stay: HI Quebec

Tofino, BC

Vibe: Coastal grandmothers, pack your damn bags and hit up Tofino this winter. Known as Canada’s surf capital, Tofino is a pretty stretch of the Pacific that also offers boho vibes, beautiful beach walks, glorious winter sunsets, and toasty saunas. Because Tofino has milder winters than other parts in Canada, a winter picnic with fresh bread, mulled wine, and soup in a thermos is totally a reasonable way to spend an afternoon. Or just curl up with a book and look out at the sea!

Who will love it: Chill backpackers and coastal grandmothers
Where to stay: HI Tofino

Banff, AB

Vibe: Picture towering mountains covered in fluffy snow, bluebird mornings, fresh pine tree smells, and cozy cabin vibes. In Banff, the itinerary is a no-brainer: ski in the morning (downhill or cross-country) and use the late afternoons and evenings to curl up with cozy knits and a book. HI Banff gives you the ultimate Canadian winter scene: adorable log cabin lodges, woods, wildlife, and mountainous backdrops. What else could you possibly dream of for a winter vacation?

Who will love it: Mountain men and women
Where to stay: HI Banff Alpine Centre

Canmore, AB

Vibe: Canmore offers the kind of mountain town vibes that’ll have you wanting to stay forever. There’s plenty of downhill and cross-country skiing nearby as well as stunning winter hikes and ice climbing—one of the more unique experiences in the area. Depending where you are, you can catch views of the Three Sisters mountains off in the distance. In Canmore, your mode is early mornings packed with winter activities, followed by hot chocolate on a heated patio or deep chats and games by the fire. During a stay here, plan for adventure-packed days, wildlife sightings along the Bow Valley, and scenery so pretty it almost feels fake. Make the most of your getaway here; Canmore is *the* ultimate Canadian winter town.

Who will love it: Lovers of ice, snow, and all winter sports
Where to stay: HI Canmore

Halifax, Nova Scotia

Vibe: Nova Scotia’s capital is a place you want to visit at any time of year for its welcoming East Coast charm, vibrant waterfront, infamous Pizza Corner (with its donairs, pizzas and other late-night eats), and Peggy’s Cove. In winter specifically, a traveller will want to lace up the ice skates and spend an afternoon at the Emera Oval. This large outdoor skating track is a great place to workout in winter. Afterwards, visit one of Halifax’s many breweries to warm up or if you’re extra energetic, follow it up with a winter hike through one of the area’s many trails.

Who will love it: Pub goers, ice skaters and foodies
Where to stay: HI Halifax

St. John's, Newfoundland

Vibe: Known as one of North America’s oldest cities, St. John’s is full of old architecture, buildings the colours of a box of crayons (a beautiful contrast to the white snowy scene in winter), tons of pubs, the iconic Signal Hill, and pretty seaside spots to enjoy a solo afternoon. St. John’s is also a good jumping off point for tours that include iceberg spotting, whale watching visiting puffins, and in winter, *the* thing to do is hop on a snowmobile and head to the province’s backcountry or groomed trails.

Who will love it: History lovers, bar crawlers and outdoor adventurers
Where to stay: HI St. John's