Winter is long in Canada… but it can also be festive! Here’s your guide to the best winter festivals across the country to celebrate (or awaken) your Nordic spirit in 2025.
For dazzling lights: Niagara Falls Winter Festival of Lights
Dates: 9 November 2024 to 20 January 2025
The Winter Festival of Lights transforms the majestic Niagara Falls area into an unforgettable spectacle. With three million lights and 75 light displays, this luminous celebration attracts visitors from around the world. The Falls come alive each evening with a five-minute light show at 6:00 pm, 7:00 pm and 8:00 pm.
Explore the “Hot Chocolate Trail” with 20 stops offering 30 unique hot beverages created by chocolatiers, mixologists and other foodies in the region.
For wine lovers: Niagara Icewine Festival
Dates: 12 to 28 January 2025
Immerse yourself in the icy sweetness of the Niagara Icewine Festival! Set in the heart of Canada’s largest wine region, this festival celebrates the late-harvest, frozen grapes that produce Canada’s exceptional Icewine.
Participate in tastings led by expert winemakers, explore curated wine-and-food pairings over gourmet meals, and soak up the festive atmosphere. Highlights include concerts, artisan markets, the Icewine Gala Extravaganza and Icebreakers, a humour fest that’s the perfect warm-up for tasting sweet icewines.
For the party crowd: Igloofest in Montreal
Dates: 18 January to 10 February 2025
Turn Montreal’s Old Port into an icy dance floor at Igloofest! This weekend outdoor festival with top DJs invites revelers to pull out their wildest winter outfits (think neon ’80s ski suits!) and brave the cold for a night of unbeatable vibes.
Whether you’re an electronic music lover or just looking for an unforgettable night under the stars, Igloofest guarantees a unique experience where the heat of the party takes the chill out of winter.
For families: Quebec Winter Carnival
Dates: 26 January to 11 February 2025
The Carnaval de Québec is the ultimate family winter tradition! Follow the Bonhomme Carnival through the historic streets of Old Quebec and take part in festivities that are more than a century old. Enjoy ice canoe races, impressive snow sculptures, thrilling ice slides and the world’s largest snowball fight!
Parents can enjoy maple treats at the Sugar Shack, while children enjoy interactive activities throughout the carnival. With nightly lighted parades for the whole family, the Quebec Winter Carnival promises an unforgettable winter experience.
For winter fun: Winterlude in Ottawa
Dates: 2 to 19 February 2025
February in Ottawa wouldn’t be complete without Winterlude! This festival celebrates the joys of winter on the frozen Rideau Canal – the world’s largest natural ice rink. See intricate ice sculptures, enjoy family activities in the giant Snowflake Kingdom play area and warm up with hot cocoa.
In the evening, Confederation Park lights up with dazzling displays showcasing Canada’s cultural diversity, including works by Indigenous artists.
For a taste of Métis culture: Festival du Voyageur in Winnipeg
Dates: 16 to 25 February 2025
Winnipeg celebrates Manitoba’s Indigenous culture and pioneer history at the Festival du Voyageur, the largest Francophone event in Western Canada. Immerse yourself in a world of immersive activities: five stages of live music, snow sculptures, folk dancing, portage races and traditional campfires. The highlight? A reconstruction of an 1815 fort at the Fort Gibraltar Heritage Site, bringing the fur trade era back to life.
An all-in cultural experience, this festival lets you explore the traditions of Francophone and Indigenous artists first-hand.
For craft beer lovers: Toronto’s Roundhouse Craft Beer Fest
Dates: 17 and 18 February 2025
For a winter adventure in Toronto, head to the Roundhouse Craft Beer Fest in the heart of downtown. This festival brings together Ontario’s finest craft brewers, each serving their creations in an inviting outdoor setting. With over 40 beers to sample, food trucks and an après-ski vibe, this event is perfect for anyone looking to sample the best of Canada’s craft beer scene in a unique, frosty setting.
For the awe-inspired: Montreal en Lumière
Dates: 22 February to 4 March 2025
Immerse yourself in the luminous wonder of Montreal en Lumière! This festival brings creativity to life with visual art installations, musical performances, theatre and circus arts in the heart of Montreal’s Quartier des Spectacles. Foodies will love the special menus created by international chefs, while art lovers can enjoy Nuit Blanche, a free marathon of art and culture that keeps the city alive until dawn with nearly 200 activities. Don’t miss the illuminated Ferris wheel or the giant ice slide that attracts thousands every year.
For spring ski fans: Whistler’s World Ski & Snowboard Festival
Dates: 6 to 15 April 2025
Whistler transforms into one giant playground for the World Ski & Snowboard Festival. Watch elite athletes compete in the World Skiing Invitational and AFP World Championships, attracting top pros and enthusiasts from around the world. But it’s not all sport! Whistler Blackcomb is transformed into an open-air venue with concerts, art performances and interactive workshops for all ages.
Cover photo credit: Stéphan Poulin/Bonjour Québec
