Winter is fast approaching and it is time to start making plans for your winter RV vacation. There are plenty of opportunities for winter fun out there as long as you pack enough layers! When we think about Canadian winter escapes, many of us have the Rocky Mountains with Banff, Jasper, or BC’s Whistler resorts, but what about Canada’s East? While not as mountainous, Canada’s East Coast has many winter opportunities for your RV vacation! But first, remember to be prepared. Winter driving brings a host of challenges and having the right plans and preparations made can make the difference between a successful trip or not. Let’s pop on our warmest jackets and head East!
Quebec Winter Carnival (Carnaval de Québec) – Quebec City, QC
Quebec Winter Carnival (Carnaval de Québec) – Quebec City, QCThis winter event is held every year in one of Canada’s most iconic, beautiful and historic cities: Quebec City. The carnival dates back to the days of New France, while the first modern, organized carnival was hosted in 1894. It took some years off in the years after due to the world wars and the Great Depression, but since 1955 it has been held annually. A wonderful example of the Québécois’ joie de vivre, from February 8th to the 17th, the carnival warms hearts in the dead of winter through masquerades balls, ice canoe races, ice palaces, the cheerful mascot Bonhomme, banquets, sculptures, parties, parades, sleigh races and much, much more. It is something every Canadian should experience once, in a city every Canadian, no, North American should visit.
World Pond Hockey Championships – Plaster Rock, NB
Every year the small town of Plaster Rock, New Brunswick becomes the centre of the pond hockey world from February 14th – 17th with the World Pond Hockey Championship. Sign yourself and three friends up to see if you have what it takes to beat the other 140 teams that come from all over the world to compete. Teams come from England, Singapore, Cayman Islands, Puerto Rico, Denmark, and more. There are now qualifying events in Europe attracting the top international beer leaguers taking their best shot for glory. The tournament has been hosted on Roulston Lake since 2002 as a way to fundraise for a new recreation centre, and has grown ever since, with rinks completely filling the frozen lake each year. The event today attracts over 8,000 people annually to the town that barely reaches over 1,000 in population the rest of the year.
Mont-Tremblant Ski Resort – Mont-Tremblant, QC
Eastern Canada’s premier ski destination, this municipality offers fun for everyone all year round. The picturesque village located right at the foot of the mountain will capture your heart. The international destination offers ski, après-ski, spas, casinos, concerts, delicious food, tubing, alpine touring and every other winter activity you can imagine. Not only is it full of recreational opportunities, it throws a massive New Year’s party and other holiday celebrations. This year it is also host to the FIS Freestyle Ski World Cup on Jan. 26-27, The New Elevation LGBTQ Festival from Jan. 31-Feb. 3, and the Freestyle Air Nation Snowboard & Ski competition Feb. 2-3 among many others. Take a visit and see why Mont-Tremblant is rated as the#1 Ski destination and mountain resort in all of Eastern North America.
The In The Dead Of Winter Festival – Halifax, NS
This the perfect east coast destination for the for the music lover in you. This yearly music festival takes place Jan. 23-26 and is unique as rather than hosting it in the sweltering heat of summer, it asks you to come visit the city’s most iconic music venues in the dead of winter to hear form the region’s best up-and-coming artists. The festival was started by East Coast music lovers that wanted to showcase the diverse musical talents that are a part of the identity of Atlantic Canada. During the day before the shows rent free snowshoes from Hike Nova Scotia and head out on one of the many trails in the region.
PEI Winterdine Festival – Charlottetown, PEI
Many do not think of PEI when considering winter vacation destinations, but PEI’s Winterdine Festival is something to be experienced. Charlottetown is already well known for its excellent restaurants and over 20 join together for the Winterdine festival beginning at the end of January. The festival highlights unique and amazing three-course meals by the islands culinary experts using local ingredients with rotating menus every weekend, live music and more. The festival offers meals for vegans, meat-lovers, and everything in-between ensuring you are able to experience the best meal of the year no matter your diet. Be sure to book early, as the festival is very popular attracting foodies from all over so be sure to get your reservations in!When not going to one of Charlottetown’s restaurants, try your luck at ice fishing to cook up your own locally sourced meal!
So no matter what you are into, Eastern Canada has something to offer. From small town charm to international events, the region is known for welcoming visitors with open arms and showing them the time of their lives. Get out there and get your RV winter ready for a road-trip out east! If you need rentals, winterization advice, or have general questions on winter RVing, do not hesitate and contact us today!
