Are you studying or planning to study in Canada as an international student? If so, chances are you’ve already heard about the country’s notorious winters! For the full international student experience, we highly recommend embracing Canada’s magical winter season. If you’ll be in Ontario this year, you’re in luck! We’ve come up with our top winter wonderlands for students in Ontario, complete with events and activities for you to enjoy.
Niagara Falls
This breathtaking city is home to what’s commonly considered the seventh natural wonder of the world. Every year, visitors from around the globe admire the beauty of this waterfall. The falls themselves are made up of three massive waterfalls bordering Canada and the United States, surrounded by landscapes of snowy white fields and trees.
Luckily, during the winter, you can expect fewer crowds and fully enjoy the sights and scenery at your own pace! Some activities to enjoy in the Niagara Falls region include:
Niagara Falls Wonder Pass
These event tickets give you access to Niagara Parks’ many winter attractions, including the tunnel tour beneath the falls, a multi-sensory film show, a butterfly conservatory tour, a sound and light performance, and more!
Niagara Wine Region Festivals
In January, the Niagara Region holds an Icewine Festival with events like the Xerox Icewine Gala, wine tastings, chestnut roasts, and more! Want to visit wine country even earlier? In December, there’s also a Winter WineFest in the charming village of Lincoln.
Niagara-on-the-Lake
Want to feel like you’ve travelled back in time? If you’re in the Niagara region, it’s always worth visiting this little town. With its large collection of restored historic buildings, boutique shops, and charming parks, it’s the perfect place to take a stroll and soak in all of the cozy vibes!
Follow our nine tips for enjoying your first winter in Canada in our blog.
Blue Mountain
Located about two hours north of Toronto, Blue Mountain is a town situated in Ontario’s Grey County. The town’s name was inspired by its famous mountain formation spanning from Nottawasaga Bay to the Toronto area.
Fortunately, there are always things to do in this gorgeous town! Whether you’re a nature lover, foodie, sports enthusiast, or just want to relax in the spa and enjoy holiday shopping in the village, there’s something for everyone in Blue Mountain. Some activities to partake in the Blue Mountain region include:
Sunrise Ski
Are you an early bird? If so, you might just love Blue Mountain’s Sunrise Ski! Soak in the breathtaking views of the sun rising over the Georgian Bay while sitting back and watching from above on Blue Mountain’s Silver Bullet Express chairlift.
Holiday Magic at Blue Mountain
Get in on the holiday spirit at Blue Mountain Village from mid-November to early January! You don’t want to miss this magical event with festive decor, enchanting light displays, live holiday music, and horse-drawn carriages.
Scandinavian Spa Blue Mountain
Looking for the ultimate relaxation this winter season? If you are, then look no further than the Scandinavian Spa in Blue Mountain. With outdoor hydrotherapy pools, saunas, massage tables, and forest walking paths, it’s the ultimate getaway spa experience!
Combat the winter blues by keeping your mind and body healthy in the winter months with tips from our blog!
Toronto
Home to skyscrapers, bustling diversity, and the famous CN Tower, Toronto offers visitors the ultimate urban experience. There’s always something to do in Ontario’s capital city, and never a dull moment to spare!
With attractions from art galleries and festivals to the hottest restaurants and clubs, you can bet that the winter season comes with its own lineup of events in Toronto. Experience the holiday season in the big city for some unforgettable memories and great fun! Some activities in the Greater Toronto Area include:
Casa Loma
Explore Toronto’s beautiful Gothic Revival-style castle during the winter season for the ultimate holiday experience. Every winter, Casa Loma is transformed into a winter wonderland, and features festive decor, Santa’s Workshop, holiday characters, and the Holiday Lights Tour!
Toronto Christmas Market
Ranked as one of the top Christmas markets in the world,you don’t want to miss this if you’re in the area! With specialty shops, musicians, and artisanal food-makers, there’s something for everyone who visits. Stop by nearby bakeries and cafes to warm yourself up on a cold winter day.
Canada’s Wonderland Winterfest
Watch Canada’s Wonderland, an amusement park, turn into a magical winter wonderland for WinterFest! The festival features over a dozen live shows and events, spectacular lights, and festive food. Visiting Canada’s Wonderland should definitely be at the top of your list this season!
For more activities to try during winter in Toronto, check out our blog!
Kitchener-Waterloo
We know this list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning this city! Visit the region where ApplyBoard started. This city combines big-city excitement and small-town charm with its rich cultural and historical heritage. There are plenty of festivals and events to attend—and this still holds true, even during the winter season!
For the ultimate holiday experience, we highly recommend adding this city to your list. While in the Kitchener-Waterloo area, check out:
Christkindl Market
No need to fly all the way to Germany to experience their Christmas markets—you can find them right here in Kitchener! Dating back to the 1500s in Germany, this type of market has a rich history in Kitchener. It offers over 70 vendors, shopping and entertainment for everyone this December!
Waterloo Public Square
See the biggest Christmas tree in the city while skating along the outdoor rink for some holiday fun! Once you’re done, you can stop by and grab a bite in the many cafes and restaurants nearby to end your day on a high (and delicious!) note.
McLennan Park
This Kitchener park offers pedestrian trails, a dog park, and more! Along with these features, the park is also highly renowned for its hills. In the wintertime, this park is one of the best places in the city to go tobogganing or sledding, with gorgeous views of the sunset from the top.
If you’re getting ready to study abroad in Canada, check out our blog for an essential packing guide!
With so many winter wonderlands for students in Ontario available this season, you can enjoy Canada’s coldest season with tons of fun, food, and festivities! Whether you prefer a quiet day in a small-town boutique, a day of skiing, or rest and relaxation, Ontario has you covered.
Ready to start your journey studying abroad? Reach out to the team at ApplyBoard. We’re here to help!
