Winter travel offers a unique set of activities that allow you to take advantage of the season’s charm and new landscape. Whether you’re heading to a snowy destination or simply embracing the winter spirit in local areas around you by way of a road trip to avoid Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), here are some of the best winter activities to try when traveling!
1 – Ice Skating
The timeless activity of ice skating in outdoor rinks or natural frozen lakes is not only a winter activity that’s incredibly enjoyable during the winter season, but it also offers a myriad of benefits that make it one of the best winter activities to try when traveling. It’s a versatile activity for all ages and skill levels, you can skate in scenic surroundings of a frozen lake or snow-covered trees creating a magical winter atmosphere, and you can get some good cardio exercise in and stay active. And all you really need is a pair of skates that you can buy or just rent.
2 – Skiing/Snowboarding
Skiing and snowboarding is a major winter activity that people even travel across the world for. This kind of exhilarating experience offers a combination of adventure, skill development, and enjoying the beautiful snowy landscapes as you glide through the snow-covered slopes. Ski resorts are often situated in picturesque mountainous regions and you’ll be able to take in the views of a stunning backdrop that you can only get during the winter season. It also caters to a range of skill levels and can be quite a fun, social winter activity. After a day on the slopes, you can relax in a cozy lodge with a fireplace running, enjoying hot drinks, and delicious meals to recuperate from a day of full-body workouts.
3 – Tobogganing / Sledding
This classic winter activity gives us a sense of nostalgia and brings out the inner child in everyone. Tobogganing or sledding is one of the best winter activities to try when traveling because it’s so simple and just so fun sliding down snow-covered hills with no inhibitions. And the higher they are the better! You can do this activity in urban settings in residential neighborhoods parks or take it to the next level at a sledding-dedicated facility where you need a conveyor belt to take your tube up the mountain and slide all the way down such as the one at Hôtel De Glace’s Winter Playground in Quebec, Canada.
4 – Winter Hiking
If you like hiking and aren’t averse to the cold weather, try winter hiking! You can explore snow-covered landscapes with winter hikes in national and provincial parks or in mountainous regions around the world. I once accidentally stumbled across a winter hike when I was trying to catch the last of the fall leaves in Algonquin Provincial Park at the end of October. I knew I was a little late, but I didn’t think it was that late and when I arrived, the area was covered in freshly fallen slow. It turned out to be a really great surprise and made for a beautiful and scenic hiking experience.
5 – Snowshoeing
When the snow is too deep but you still want to explore the outdoors, snowshoeing is the best winter activity for you to choose as you can explore snowy terrains without sinking right in. You can go on a leisurely walk in a snowy park or a more challenging winter hike in the backcountry. It’s also great for all skill levels and is a low-impact activity which won’t put excessive strain on your body but is still an excellent cardio workout that engages various muscle groups. Snowshoeing is also an unobtrusive way to observe winter wildlife as there won’t be the crunching sound of the snow when your boots walk on it, allowing you to approach animals more quietly than in other seasons.
6 – Ice Climbing
Ice climbing is one of the best winter activities to try when traveling but it’s not for the faint of heart. It is an exhilarating winter activity that combines the thrill of rock climbing with the unique challenge of scaling ice-covered rocks, ice formations, and frozen waterfalls. It certainly provides an exclusive angle of winter landscapes that many won’t get in their lifetime. It does however require you to be physically and mentally ready for this demanding activity as you’ll need to adjust to changing ice conditions and requires multiple muscle groups to strategize your ascent. Remember, for this activity, you will need to prioritize safety with the proper equipment, knowledge, and guidance from experienced climbers. Here are the Best Ice Climbing Destinations as reported by Red Bull.
7 – Dog Sledding
Another nostalgic winter activity and traditional cultural experience to try when traveling is dog sledding in winter. Dog sledding has deep roots or indigenous cultures and was a major part of how they travel in the winter. Dog sledding is still prominent in certain areas of the world today as some remote wilderness areas may be difficult to travel to by any other means. Finland and Alaska are famous for dog sledding tours where they allow you to connect with their team of sled dogs and learn about their roles and personalities. This activity is a team effort between the driver (musher) and the sled dogs and provides a great educational experience. When choosing a dog sledding experience, it’s important to select tours that prioritize the well-being and ethical treatment of the sled dogs! Combined with the winter scenery, dog sledding makes for a truly memorable experience.
8 – Building An Igloo Or Snow Fort
Building an igloo or snow fort is one of the best winter activities fit for all ages and combines outdoor adventure with creativity and construction skills. You can unleash your inner child or become the architect you always wanted to be. It’s a fun activity to do by yourself (if you’re on a mission) or to do with multiple people for socializing and team-building efforts. Not only do you get to enjoy the winter outdoors, you’ll be connecting with nature through this immersive experience. Igloos or snow forts were primarily made for winter shelter and it provides a cozy spot to hide out, relax with friends, or even act as an extra layer of warmth on a winter camping trip. I definitely will say staying in an igloo was the ultimate winter experience for me when I visited Hôtel De Glace – an ice hotel in North America.
9 – Winter Wildlife Watching
If you’re an animal lover, a relaxing winter activity you can try on your travels is to observe winter wildlife in their natural habitats. You can come across animals such as bison, elk, wolves, bighorn sheep, polar bears, beluga whales, Arctic foxes, snowy owls, reindeer, moose, caribou, and different types of bird species. Locations like Yellowstone National Park in the United States, Churchill, Manitoba and Yellowknife in Canada, Swedish Lapland in Sweden, and even Hokkaido, Japan offer opportunities to see animals in a snowy setting with their winter tours.
10 – Sleigh Rides
The classic charm of a horse-drawn sleigh through snowy landscapes is a winter dream for many and also a romantic winter activity that offers a scenic experience. The experienced guides or drivers of these sleigh rides often share information about the local area and some even incorporate Christmas carols to enhance the festive ambiance during this time. There are also themed rides in some locations and the countries that are renowned for their sleigh rides include Canada, Austria, Switzerland, Germany, and Sweden to name a few!
11 – Hot Springs And Thermal Baths
One of the best winter activities when traveling (at least for me) is to soak and relax in the hot springs or thermal baths, especially in colder weather. Destinations like Japan and Iceland offer natural hot spring experiences, while there are many thermal bath facilities around the world. Since I’m in Toronto, Canada, my favorite is visiting the many thermal baths that they have available in our neighboring province of Quebec. There are multiple baths with a range of temperatures as well as cold dips. It also provides many health benefits and is a tradition and way of life in many countries. It’s also the most relaxing winter activity you can do, even you may make it a yearly tradition!
12 – Winter Festivals And Christmas Markets
Another top winter activity for me in the winter is to attend winter festivals, especially Christmas Markets! It really provides the perfect winter atmosphere and as cheesy as it is, reminds me of those Hallmark-type of winter movies. You can immerse yourself in local culture and traditions, indulge in the foods and drinks you can only get during this time, and appreciate all the festive traditions and beautiful decorations. One of the biggest items on my bucket list is to visit all the Christmas Markets in Europe!
13 – See The Northern Lights
Catching the Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights, is a magical experience and high on my bucket list as well. This natural phenomenon and jaw-dropping light display of colorful curtains of light are seen best usually in the winter months when there are clear skies in high-latitude regions near the Arctic Circle. The prime locations to see this around the world include the Northwest Territories and Yukon in Canada; Alaska, USA; and Scandinavian countries such as Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden. You can take guided tours to see the optimal viewing spots and sometimes they even include other winter activities like snowmobiling, ice fishing, or even dog sledding. There are even special accommodations like glass igloos or ice hotels to provide you with panoramic views of the night sky while lying down. It will be such an awe-inspiring experience to see the natural beauty of the sky.
14 – Winter Photography
Winter photography is considered one of the best winter activities as it offers photographers unique opportunities to capture the magic of the season. Usually, these types of landscapes don’t last year-round so it’s all about timing to catch the snow-covered landscapes, frozen lakes, winter wildlife, the Northern Lights, snowflakes and frost patterns for macro photography, action shots of winter sports, and the festive decorations. Winter offers a range of subjects and conditions that inspire photographers and many others to create memories that are frozen in time.
15 – Do A Polar Dip If You’re Brave
Polar dips, also known as ice baths or cold water plunges, involve being immersed in extremely cold or frozen water and it’s most often done in lakes, rivers, or the sea. This isn’t for everyone, but it’s definitely one of the best activities you can try when traveling although it’s a pretty unconventional type of winter activity. While it can be uncomfortable, it challenges you mentally and physically and provides invigorating health benefits like boosting circulation, reducing muscle inflammation, and releasing endorphins to help with mood and well-being. You can truly embrace this season by breaking away from your comfort zone and connecting with the natural elements of winter.
I tried to do a polar dip when I was road-tripping in Mont Tremblant, Quebec at the peak of winter and was relaxing at the Scandinave Spa with their thermal baths. It happened to be by the river and they had an area where you can do polar dips. I can’t stand the cold although I was born and raised in Canada and I knew I couldn’t do it but I wanted to try anyway. I think I made it to my ankles before I had to run back to the thermal baths while my husband who is born and raised in Miami, Florida was able to dip his body completely into the frozen lake a couple of times! All in all, it’s crucial to approach this winter activity with caution, especially in extreme cold conditions and to listen to your body!
Feeling motivated by these winter activities? Dive deeper into our Destinations section for even more travel inspiration.