Canada is hands down one of the most popular and truly spectacular places for winter camping. From breathtaking snowy forests to stunning frozen lakes and Northern lights – Canada has something for everyone, no matter what your level of camping is. Whether you're an expert backcountry camper or a family having a winter getaway, you can find a suitable destination that matches your needs and expectations. So let's explore the benefits, types, and best destinations across the country for winter camping.
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The Advantages of a Winter Camping Adventure
Winter camping is more challenging than summer camping, but it comes with a bunch of advantages, especially in Canada. The serene beauty, peaceful atmosphere, and unique activities make it a worthwhile experience. Here are some of the best reasons to explore Canadian wilderness:
1. Solitude and Peace
Winter camping is a great way to get away from it all. There are fewer people in the parks and on the trails in the winter months, so you can enjoy the peace and quiet of nature. It's your chance to relax and connect with the environment.
2. Stunning Snowy Landscapes
There’s something magical about winter landscapes in Canada — trees covered in snow, frozen lakes, and icy waterfalls. You can go snowshoeing through the forest or watch the Northern Lights from your tent. In any case, winter camping shows Canada's natural beauty in a new way.
3. Unique Outdoor Activities
In winter, you can have many fun adventures that you can't do in other seasons. You can go cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice fishing, or even ice climbing. No matter if you like fast-paced activities or slow nature walks, there's something for everyone.
4. Escape from Bugs
One of the best things about winter camping is that there are no bugs. You don't have to worry about mosquitoes, black flies, or other pests that are annoying in the summertime. Instead, you can enjoy the fresh, clean air and snowy scenery.
5. Stargazing
Winter skies are perfect for stargazing, and many parks in Canada have little light pollution. This makes it easy to enjoy the stars and, in some places, even see the amazing Northern Lights. Whether you're in a busy national park or a quiet, remote area, the night sky will leave you in awe.
Types of Winter Camping
Depending on what you like and expect there are different winter camping options. However, it is not just about your preference but also about your skill level as winter camping can be quite challenging in Canada.
Pitch Your Tent or Roll Up in Your RV
If you're new to camping or like traditional camping, you can enjoy winter camping in Canada by simply pitching a tent or using an RV. There are a lot of national and provincial parks that have winterized campsites with cleared areas, fire pits, and basic amenities. You can choose to stay warm in a four-season tent with proper insulation, even when it's freezing. Or you can stay in your RV which will be more comfortable especially if you are camping with your family.
Go Glamping
For people who want to be comfortable but enjoy Canadian nature, glamping is a great choice. Many parks in Canada have fully equipped yurts, cabins, and domes. These places have everything you may need – cozy beds, heaters, toilets, and sometimes even kitchens. Although glamping gives you adventure and comfort at the same time, this type of camping will cost you more than a regular one.
Backcountry Huts
For adventure-loving campers, there are backcountry huts that offer a basic but cozy place to stay. These huts typically don’t have all the modern amenities like running water or electricity but if all you need is a warm shelter, then look no further. These huts are usually maintained by park authorities, outdoor organizations, or local communities and can often be reached by hiking, skiing, or snowshoeing trails.
Places to go winter camping in Canada
Strathcona Provincial Park, Vancouver Island, British Columbia
Strathcona Provincial Park offers a picturesque winter camping experience just in the heart of Vancouver Island. The park's alpine views, clear lakes, and snow-covered forests create a serene environment ideal for both beginner winter campers and families.
- What’s Available:
Camping options include the Forbidden Plateau (you need a permit to camp here all year round) and the Circlet Lake Campground, which has 20 wooden tent platforms. Explore Cruikshank Canyon for amazing views, and then visit Lake Beautiful. If that’s not enough for you, rent snowshoes at Mount Washington or go skiing at the Mount Washington Alpine Resort.
- Activities:
- Go skiing or snowshoeing through peaceful snowy forests
- Winter hiking in the alpine terrain
- Ice fishing on frozen lakes, including Bedwell Lake
- Wildlife spotting, such as sightings of elk, deer, and wolves in their winter habitats.
Glacier National Park of Canada, British Columbia
In the Selkirk Mountains, Glacier National Park is a wonderful place for winter camping if you like adventure. It has rough terrain, big glaciers, and clean snowfields in the wintertime. This place is truly a heaven for backcountry skiers and mountain lovers.
- What’s Available:
The park has amazing remote skiing routes and winter hiking paths that lead into some of Canada’s most stunning alpine landscapes. The frozen waterfalls and snow-capped peaks make Glacier National Park one of the most breathtaking places for winter outdoor activities.
- Activities:
- Winter camping at Hermit, Mount Sir Donald, and Bald Hills Wilderness Hiking Route with tent pads and food storage facilities.
- Skiing on clean, untouched paths in quiet places, perfect for skilled skiers.
- Hiking through snowy forests and remote mountain areas.
- Taking photos of glaciers, and frozen waterfalls in the Asulkan Valley.
Dinosaur Provincial Park, Alberta
Dinosaur Provincial Park is located in Alberta and is famous for its rich fossil history ( over 400 dinosaur skeletons have been discovered here) which is why it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.
- What’s Available:
There are 65 winter campsites at Dinosaur Campground, and they are open year-round. Even though there aren't many facilities, winter is a peaceful time to explore. You can hike the five self-guided trails, including the scenic Badlands Trail, which offers stunning views of the unique landscape.
- Activities:
- Winter hiking through the snow-covered badlands.
- Exploring the Badlands Trail and Trail of the Fossil Hunter.
- Winter wildlife viewing, including deer, owls, and birds.
- Photography of frozen landscapes and sandstone ridges and hoodoos.
Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario
Algonquin Provincial Park is located in central Ontario, about 3 hours north of Toronto along Highway 60. It is one of the most famous parks in Ontario for its diverse landscapes. Its snowy forests, frozen lakes, and quiet trails make it a great getaway for nature lovers.
- What’s Available:
You can rent a cozy yurt at Mew Lake Campground, set up a tent, or go backcountry camping for a real adventure. However, keep in mind that backcountry sites are only reachable by skiing or snowshoeing. Camping permits are available year-round at the park’s east and west gates.
- Activities:
- Snowshoeing through peaceful snowy trails like the Old Railway Trail.
- Enjoy cross-country ski trails for all skill levels.
- Skate across the frozen Kawawamog Lake.
- Go hiking to explore Hemlock Bluff and Big Pines trails with their towering trees.
- Catching fish on frozen lakes and dogsledding.
- Visit the Logging Museum to learn about the park’s past.
Oka National Park, Quebec
Oka National Park, located just 45 minutes from Montreal, is a great option for winter camping, especially for first-time winter campers or those looking for a quick getaway. Its location makes it easy to reach, and its quiet trails are perfect for a peaceful outdoor experience.
- What’s Available:
Oka has both rustic campsites for traditional camping and small cozy cabins for those who prefer more comfort. The cabins are located in the Le Meandre area and are fully equipped with heating, kitchens, and showers, accommodating up to four people.
- Activities:
- Snowshoeing and hiking trails of different difficulty through the forest and along the frozen shores of Lake of Two Mountains.
- Ski through picturesque paths suitable for different skill levels.
- Try ice fishing and cook your catch over an open fire.
- Walk the Oka Cavalry Trail, which leads to historic chapels and shrines built in the 1740s, representing the Catholic Stations of the Cross.
- Book a dogsledding adventure for an unforgettable experience.
Kluane National Park, Yukon
Kluane National Park, located in the southwestern Yukon, is a great option for experienced winter campers who want to explore rugged landscapes. This park is best known for Mount Logan – Canada’s tallest peak, and massive glaciers which make it a spectacular place for remote winter experiences with challenging conditions.
- What’s Available:
Winter camping at Kluane is for experienced adventurers only because of colder temperatures that can drop to –21°C. Campsites are available by reservation, and backcountry permits are required for those going into more remote areas.
- Activities:
- Skiing and snowboarding across snow-covered landscapes.
- Ice Fishing on the park’s frozen lakes.
- Take a dogsledding trip through the snowy landscape.
- On clear nights, you can see the unforgettable Northern Lights.
- The Yukon Astronomical Society offers sky-gazing events on Mondays.
- Enjoy wildlife such as caribou, moose, and potentially grizzly bears, although they have to be spotted from a safe distance.
Jasper National Park, Alberta
Jasper National Park, located in western Alberta, is the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies, covering over 4,200 square miles. Known for its mountain views, frozen lakes, and dark skies, it offers a great winter camping experience.
- What’s Available:
Whether you're a skier, a snowshoer, or a wildlife photographer, there's something for everyone. The park is also part of UNESCO’s Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage Site, which makes it even more unique. While many campsites are open year-round, Whistler Campground is a popular winter spot. For comfort, backcountry huts are available for those looking for a warmer stay.
- Activities:
- Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing on scenic trails.
- Winter wildlife viewing, with opportunities to spot elk, deer, and wolves.
- Stargazing in one of the world's largest dark-sky preserves.
- Photography of frozen lakes, icy waterfalls, and stunning mountain vistas.
Riding Mountain National Park, Manitoba
Located in Manitoba, Riding Mountain National Park is a large park offering various activities year-round. Spanning 1,146 square miles of forest, lakes, and wildlife, it’s an ideal winter destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
- What’s Available:
Riding Mountain provides fun winter activities such as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and fat tire biking. You can rent equipment like fat bikes, snowshoes, and snow tubes from Friends of RMNP. For accommodation, there are tent and campervan sites at Wasagaming Campground, along with oTENTik units for a more comfortable stay.
- Activities:
- Cross-country skiing on trails like Kinosao Trail (moderate) and Brûlé Trail (easy).
- Snowshoeing around Clear Lake or at Deep Bay Beach.
- Fat biking on South Lake Trail.
- Ice fishing on frozen lakes.
- Winter hiking through snow-dusted forests.
- Wildlife viewing for bison, deer, wolves, and other animals.
Carp Lake Provincial Park, British Columbia
Carp Lake Provincial Park is located in the central part of British Columbia, near Fort St. James. Since it is situated in the northern region of the province, it offers a remote and picturesque environment for visitors.
- What’s Available:
Carp Lake Provincial Park has two RV-friendly campgrounds with 102 campsites. The main campground offers amenities, but winter access is limited due to weather. The campground and park stay open during the winter season until the weather makes it inaccessible. Most people visit Carp Lake Provincial Park from May to September.
- Activities:
- Ice fishing on frozen Carp Lake.
- Snowshoeing and winter hiking through snow-covered forests.
- Photography of the stunning winter landscapes.
- Wildlife watching, including sightings of moose, deer, and other winter wildlife.
Prince Albert National Park, Saskatchewan
Prince Albert National Park in Saskatchewan offers a great winter camping experience with frozen lakes, snow-covered trails, and plenty of wildlife, making it ideal for those seeking a remote winter adventure.
- What’s Available:
The Park Visitor Centre, open year-round, offers maps, trail information, and access to heated washrooms. Free cross-country skis and snowshoes are available for use at the Hawood Inn, which also provides accommodation and dining options. Nearby, Elk Ridge Resort offers additional lodging, dining, and activities.
- Activities:
- Cross-country skiing of nearly 100 km of groomed trails, from front-country to backcountry routes.
- Snowshoeing on trails like the Treebeard Trail, a 1.2 km loop through beautiful old-growth forest.
- Trails such as Mud Creek and Waskesiu River Boardwalk are perfect for winter hiking and wildlife watching.
- Carp Lake is ideal for fishing, particularly for rainbow trout.
- Spot moose, wolves, and other winter animals throughout the park.
Tips for Winter Camping Across Canada
- Layer Your Clothing: Start with moisture-wicking base layers, followed by insulating layers (like fleece or down), and finish with a waterproof and windproof outer layer.
- Stay Dry: Wet clothing can lead to hypothermia, so always wear fabrics like wool or synthetics that wick moisture away from your skin.
- Know Your Limits: Choose a destination for winter camping and activities that match your skill level and experience.
Your Essential Gear Packing List
When heading out for a winter camping adventure in Canada, packing the right gear is critical for both safety and comfort:
- Winter tent with a snow skirt for extra insulation
- Sleeping bag rated for -15°C or lower
- Insulated sleeping pad to provide warmth from the cold ground
- Warm, moisture-wicking clothing: base layers, insulated jacket, gloves, and a hat
- Winter boots, gaiters, and waterproof outer layers
- Headlamp with extra batteries, as daylight hours are shorter
- First aid kit, emergency blanket, and navigation tools (map, compass, or GPS)
- Tent stove: A portable stove for tents is great for cooking and staying warm.
Winter Camping Safety
- Avoid Hypothermia: Recognize the early signs of hypothermia (shivering, slurred speech) and take action immediately.
- Fire Safety: Always have a way to start a fire, but be aware of fire restrictions in certain parks.
- Check Weather Forecasts: See weather updates to be prepared for unexpected snowstorms, freezing rain, or extreme cold.
- Emergency Plans: Always inform someone of your plans and expected return time. Carry a GPS device or satellite phone if you’ll be in remote areas.
