Millions of people each year come to ski in Canada. Canada's ski resorts are picturesque, not to mention state-of-the-art, well maintained, and easy to get to. Many of the more popular resorts, such as Whistler, Banff and Mont-Tremblant, offer not just outstanding skiing but year-round reasons to visit, like hiking trails, spas, fine restaurants, hotels and shopping.
1. Where to Ski in Canada - Canada's Ski Regions
Photo Credit: Jason Weimer
Generally, skiing in Canada breaks down to skiing in western Canada and skiing in eastern Canada. Skiing out west - for the most part - means British Columbia and Alberta; out east, Quebec is the most popular ski destination. The caliber of skiing in Canada is comparable to the best around the world.
Aside from BC, Alberta, and Quebec, every province has at least a few ski resorts; however, the hills are smaller and less challenging. Check each province's website for ski listings in specific areas or GoSki Canada for a complete rundown of ski resorts across the country.
Aside from BC, Alberta, and Quebec, every province has at least a few ski resorts; however, the hills are smaller and less challenging. Check each province's website for ski listings in specific areas or GoSki Canada for a complete rundown of ski resorts across the country.
2. When to Ski in Canada - Canada's Ski Season
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The ski season in Canada is pretty much November to April, with variances depending on where you are. BC and Alberta have a more moderate climate and generally a longer ski season. Blackcomb Mountain in Whistler, for example, is open at the top through mid-June.
3. Skiing in British Columbia
Photograph of Skier at Whistler Blackcomb: Kevin Arnold / Getty Images
British Columbia has the most ski resorts of any province in Canada.
All in all, there are at least 55 BC ski resorts that offer downhill skiing.
BC is blessed with tons of snow, light, airy powder, high mountain ranges, and a moderate climate.
Each of the province's six tourist regions has ski resorts, the most famous being Whistler Blackcomb two hours outside of Vancouver. Ski enthusiasts who don't want to stray far from Vancouver can find downhill skiing 15 minutes from downtown at Grouse Mountain.
For those looking for even more adventure, BC reigns supreme as one of the world's best heli-skiing, cat-skiing, and backcountry ski destinations.
All in all, there are at least 55 BC ski resorts that offer downhill skiing.
BC is blessed with tons of snow, light, airy powder, high mountain ranges, and a moderate climate.
Each of the province's six tourist regions has ski resorts, the most famous being Whistler Blackcomb two hours outside of Vancouver. Ski enthusiasts who don't want to stray far from Vancouver can find downhill skiing 15 minutes from downtown at Grouse Mountain.
For those looking for even more adventure, BC reigns supreme as one of the world's best heli-skiing, cat-skiing, and backcountry ski destinations.
4. Skiing in Alberta
Photograph of Lake Louise by Harald Sund / Getty Images
Alberta is blessed with the Rocky Mountains and boasts the three biggest ski draws in the province: Lake Louise Mountain Resort, Sunshine Village and Mt. Norquay. The "Big 3" are all in Banff National Park, a region famous for the amount of light, dry powder that accumulates in winter and delights skiers.
Like BC, Alberta is popular for heli-skiing and can offer skiers deep powder in an astonishing setting. Canadian Mountain Holidays is one of the area's most experienced heli-ski trip providers.
Alberta also features regional ski clubs and resorts outside of Banff and more accessible to cities like Edmonton, Medicine Hat and Red Deer, that offer ski and snowboard packages at family-friendly prices. See a full listing of Alberta ski resorts.
Like BC, Alberta is popular for heli-skiing and can offer skiers deep powder in an astonishing setting. Canadian Mountain Holidays is one of the area's most experienced heli-ski trip providers.
Alberta also features regional ski clubs and resorts outside of Banff and more accessible to cities like Edmonton, Medicine Hat and Red Deer, that offer ski and snowboard packages at family-friendly prices. See a full listing of Alberta ski resorts.
5. Skiing in Quebec
Ski Quebec Poster, c. 1938, Canadian School / Getty Images
Quebec does not have mountain ranges as towering or expansive as BC and Alberta, but is still a popular ski destination.
Quebec's main ski regions are the Laurentians, Quebec City and its region, Eastern Townships and Charlevoix.
A big advantage to skiing in Quebec is that resorts are close to two unique and exciting cities: Montreal and Quebec City. These cities are a big draw for visitors and nicely round out a ski trip. Even from Toronto, with Porter Airlines out of the Toronto Island Airport, skiers can be on Mont-Tremblant, the province's most popular ski hill near Montreal, before noon the same day.
Take note: Especially when compared to Whistler or Banff, Quebec gets darn chilly and sometimes icy. Bundle up and be prepared.
Quebec's main ski regions are the Laurentians, Quebec City and its region, Eastern Townships and Charlevoix.
A big advantage to skiing in Quebec is that resorts are close to two unique and exciting cities: Montreal and Quebec City. These cities are a big draw for visitors and nicely round out a ski trip. Even from Toronto, with Porter Airlines out of the Toronto Island Airport, skiers can be on Mont-Tremblant, the province's most popular ski hill near Montreal, before noon the same day.
Take note: Especially when compared to Whistler or Banff, Quebec gets darn chilly and sometimes icy. Bundle up and be prepared.
6. Canada's Best Ski Resorts
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Here is our compilation of the 10 best ski resorts in Canada.
Don't agree with the list? Feel free to drop a line to the Canada Travel Guide and give your own recommendation.
Don't agree with the list? Feel free to drop a line to the Canada Travel Guide and give your own recommendation.
