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Fests & the City

Sub-zero spectacles, chic food and fashion, and architecturally wondrous spaces—the city’s winter festivals promise something cool for everyone.

Photo courtesy of Ice on Whyte

By Leanne Stone

Winter in Edmonton… It can be an unforgiving season, easily evoking images of holing up indoors, safely tucked away from short frostbitten days, long dark nights, relentless snowfall, and freezing wind chills that can wipe the smile off the face of even the most seasoned outdoor enthusiast. To some folks, then, it may seem counterintuitive as to why we Edmontonians happily celebrate our crazy winter conditions rather than cower from them. Well, simply put, it’s because celebrating is what we do best. After all, we are named Canada’s Festival City for a reason. So, make like a real Edmontonian and throw on some long johns and a toque; then head outdoors to take in some of the city’s most stellar winter festivities. From works of art carved in snow and ice to chic urban food and fashion to fire-throwing spectacles, our sub-zero climate is just another exciting element to enjoy. (more…)

Hot Attractions: 3 Tobogganing Hills Around Town

Tobogganing is the perfect family outing.

Now that there’s finally snow on the ground, grab a sled and hit one of these three popular tobogganing hills.

1. Mooney’s Bay Park
2960 Riverside Dr.
Gradual slopes and a high peak make this a favourite for families. Be mindful of trees and lampposts.

2. Arboretum/Central Experimental Farm
Prince of Wales Drive
Great views and a long, fast hill make this a go-to, but be careful of the trees and other potential obstacles.

3. Conroy Pit
Conroy Road, south of Hunt Club Road
This large, steep hill is lit from 4pm to 11pm, making it fun for late night outings. It’s an official toboggan hill, but be forewarned, it’s also popular as a dog park.

10 Tips for Winter Camping

By Red Hunt

Cold-weather camping presents a whole new world of outdoor experiences that can’t be enjoyed during other seasons of the year. Whether you’re roughing it in a tent or sipping hot cocoa in the comfy confines of a yurt, winter camping can be as peaceful or as adventurous as you want it to be. (more…)

The Great Outdoors

Grab a paddle, lace those hiking boots and ready that fishing pole: Where‘s headed to the North Shore

By Jennifer Patterson

Meghan and Mat glide through the water in brightly coloured rentals from Deep Cove Canoe & Kayak. Photo by KK Law

Get Wet

Water babies feel right at home in picturesque Deep Cove, a short drive from downtown Vancouver and a haven for water sports enthusiasts. Rent a kayak at Deep Cove Canoe & Kayak and glide through the water, up picturesque Indian Arm, to Granite Falls. This photogenic park offers camping spots for multi-day trips. A growing trend with both celebs and weekend warriors: paddle boarding. Stand upright on a long, flat, surf-style board and use a long paddle to manoeuvre through the calm waterways.

Grab a fishing pole and head into the Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve for some peaceful trout fishing around Rice Lake. The main dock is usually busy but the three-km- (1.8-mi-) long path around the lake is filled with hidden benches and quiet corners.

Learn about the culture and history of the Coast Salish First Nations on a guided canoe trip through Indian Arm with Takaya Tours. The traditional wood canoes are 7.6 m (25 ft) in length and tours can be customized to include drumming, songs and stories. End your day on the water with a grilled salmon feast, available by request.

Stay Dry

Landlubbers seeking an outdoor escape head north of downtown to kick up dirt on the tree-covered mountains. The 48-km- (30-mi-) long Baden-Powell Trail, a winding stretch through the North Shore Mountains, starts in Horseshoe Bay and ends in Deep Cove. Don’t feel pressured to complete the entire route in one go—an ambitious venture, indeed—as the trail has multiple entry points and smaller trails branching off along the way. A couple of route highlights: the famous Grouse Grind, also known as Mother Nature’s StairMaster; the Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge; and Quarry Rock lookout in Deep Cove.

Those with a need for speed grab a mountain bike and burn rubber on backwoods trails. Mt. Seymour, Mt. Fromme and

Meghan and Mat make their way back from Quarry Rock viewpoint on a well-established trail. Photo by KK Law

Cypress Mountain offer paved, gravel and plank-covered paths ranging from relaxed cross-country to extreme downhill. If you’re a first timer looking for a little guidance, companies such as Endless Biking (page 64) can set you up with an instructor and guide.

If a city bike is more your style, 10 km (6 mi) of paved trails await on the car-free Seymour Valley Trailway. Do you have some energy to spare? Peddle the paved roads all the way to the top of both Cypress and Seymour.

Head a little further north, to the Stawamus Chief Park, for hard-core rock-climbing on the second largest granite monolith in the world (think sheer rock face with nowhere to go but up). If you prefer pounding the dirt to dangling from ropes, make your way up and through the mountains via trails, ladders and stairs to either the first, second or third peak. The climb is a bit challenging but the 360-degree views from the top make it well worth the sweat. Before heading back into Vancouver, visit neighbouring Shannon Falls, the third-highest waterfall in British Columbia.

Up in the Air

Challenge your fear of heights on the 137-m- (450-ft-) long Capilano Suspension Bridge, hanging 70 m (230 ft) above the rushing river. This popular attraction with both visitors and locals added a jaw-dropping new feature this year: the Cliffwalk, a cantilevered and suspended walkway that juts out of a granite cliff face. The faint of heart may balk at the glass-bottomed sections, which offer crystal-clear views of the canyon far below.

Feel the wind beneath your wings as you set flight from the top of Grouse Mountain on a tandem paragliding ride with an elevation drop of 1,000 m (3,300 ft). No experience is required but a sense of adventure is a must.

Gear for Here
Stock up on clothing and equipment, for outdoor adventures both big and small, at Mountain Equipment Co-op and the Arc’teryx Factory Store.

Hot Dining: Picnic in the Park

Photo by KK Law

Pack a basket—or have one packed for you—and settle in for some outdoor eating. Head to the Dirty Apron for a selection of gourmet sandwiches, salads, desserts and bevvies, all tucked into a reusable tote. Urban Fare carries picnic-perfect choices, including baguettes, sodas, veggies and dip. Wondering where to eat? Vanier Park, Stanley Park and Kitsilano Beach are all spread-worthy spots.—Jennifer Patterson

The Great Outdoors

Wondering what to do on your Whistler vacation? Where has you covered on the hunt for sunny summer fun

By Jennifer Patterson

Ziplining through the trees with WildPlay Element Parks. Photo courtesy WildPlay Element Parks

Channel your inner daredevil with a ride on mountain bike jumps and runs in Skiers’ Plaza. If you’re looking for something a little more easygoing, rent a bike to explore smoother, less vertical terrain, as mountain biking is the summer sport here.
Harness your adventurous spirit and hop on the back of a 4×4 vehicle to join expert Michael Allen on a bear watching tour, including stops at favourite feeding sites and daybeds—don’t forget your camera! Channel John Wayne on your own trusty steed with a horseback ride through the wild countryside. Prefer horsepower to horses? Kick up some dust in the backcountry on a quad or dirt bike.
Feed your adrenaline rush with a free-falling plunge off a bungee jump. Slightly more sane individuals go ziplining through the trees. For the even saner, glass-bottomed cabins on two of the Peak 2 Peak Gondolas offer enough of a thrill—and don’t require harnesses.
Find your inner Zen master with a day of peace and tranquillity on the stunning golf courses and fish-filled rivers. For a quiet getaway, rent a canoe or kayak, don some life jackets and explore the pristine lakes. Nature enthusiasts breathe the crisp mountain air while hiking the meadows and trails surrounding Whistler.
Have your camera at the ready, as aerial sightseeing tours and helicopter rides provide snap-happy shutterbugs and sightseers the perfect opportunity to capture the sweeping panorama.
If you haven’t tired of the snow, strap on your skis and snowboards and head to the Horstman Glacier, open through July for sun-filled summer skiing.
For activities listings, click here.

Hot Shopping: Think Outside the (Toy) Box

Pirate ship from Nest.

This beautiful pirate ship will remind you of a time before video games. Designed by a German toy boat and model company that has been in business since the late 19th century, this vessel is constructed from wood grown in sustainably managed forests and decorated with non-toxic paints. Even better, it actually floats and is suited for outdoor play, so with summer (hopefully!) just around the corner, the kids will have a blast trying it out on water. Available at the charming children’s store Nest. $95. 204 Dalhousie St., 613-241-7333.

Hot Shopping: Great Outdoors

The Osprey Raptor 10 is a versatile backpack available at Valhalla Pure Outfitters

’Tis the season to head outside. Didn’t come prepared for hiking or biking? No problem, just head to one of these shops: Mountain Equipment Co-op outfits locals in waterproof gear; Valhalla Pure Outfitters carries necessities such as backpacks with built-in water packs (including the Osprey Raptor 10, pictured); and North Face stocks cozy sleeping bags and sturdy shoes.—Jennifer Patterson

Hot Entertainment: Hit the Slopes

Photo courtesy Tourism Vancouver and Tourism Whistler

What do you get when you take the best skiing and snowboarding in the world, throw in some fabulous fashion shows and rockin’ parties, then add outdoor concerts by the likes of Tokyo Police Club, Gogol Bordello, Black Mountain, Broken Social Scene, Fort Knox Five and Mat the Alien? You get the 10 fun-filled days (and nights) of the Telus World Ski & Snowboard Festival (Apr. 15 to 24) in nearby Whistler. Party on.—Sheri Radford

Hot Shopping: Splish Splash

BOGS boots are best for blustery Vancouver

Grab an umbrella, slip on a pair of galoshes, and embrace your inner puddle jumper. Kitsilano’s Gumdrops outfits water enthusiasts both big and small—kids love the non-slip, paisley-printed BOGS (pictured, $80). Since 1935, Vancouverites have kept their heads dry with colourful bumbershoots and parasols from The Umbrella Shop. Style-savvy women visit Ingledew’s and Holt Renfrew for high-end, high-heeled waterproof boots.—Jennifer Patterson

Back to School

The University of British Columbia earns an A+ for attractions

By Jennifer Patterson & Kristina Urquhart

The Museum of Anthropology’s Great Hall nods to traditional Northwest Coast post-and-beam architecture. Photo by KK Law

School’s in session, so rally your team spirit but leave your protractors and pencils behind. Head out to the University of British Columbia (UBC), where the stunning views are not just for the 41,000-plus students.

UBC has it all. The sprawling campus is the largest in Canada, at 402 hectares (993 acres). Millionaire real-estate moguls vie for the hilltop homes. Hikers and joggers love the trails through the nearby 763-hectare (1,144-acre) Pacific Spirit Regional Park, while nudists bare it all on Wreck Beach. And if the great outdoors aren’t enough, spend a day touring these campus hot spots.

Museum of Anthropology
History buffs head to this recently renovated museum, designed by Vancouver’s own Arthur Erickson, a celebrated architect responsible for some of the city’s most recognizable buildings. Unearth British Columbia’s past with Northwest Coast First Nations artifacts, including bentwood boxes, totem poles and the magnificent Bill Reid carving “The Raven and the First Men.” Peruse 10,000 objects from around the world in the Multiversity Galleries, or discover the Great Hall’s reflection in the outdoor pond, recently filled to complete Erickson’s original vision when he designed the museum in 1971.

The Chan Centre for the Performing Arts
Since opening in 1997, the Chan Centre has become one of the top venues in the city for the arts. Inside, the stunning Chan Shun Concert Hall serves as the main concert space with its huge acoustic canopy. The Telus Studio Theatre and Royal Bank Cinema cater to smaller performances, films and lectures. This

A concert hall, playhouse and cinema in The Chan Centre stage recitals, films and theatre productions. Photo by KK Law

month, enjoy concerts by Spanish singer Buika and Mexican songbird Lila Downs (Nov. 7), the UBC Symphonic Wind ensemble (Nov. 18) and the UBC Chamber Strings orchestra (Nov. 19).

The Beaty Biodiversity Museum
Science lovers, rejoice! This brand new museum opened last month. Check out the herbarium, with over half a million plant specimens; the entomological collection, with over 600,000 insect and aquatic items; the marine invertebrate collection, with an array of mollusk shells; the vertebrate collection, with over 40,000 specimens of mammals, birds and reptiles; the fish museum, with over 800,000 jarred skeletons, fossils and DNA samples; and the fossil collection, which showcases everything from recent shells to ancient blue-green algae—the oldest evidence of life on earth. This modern-day menagerie’s crown jewel: a skeleton of a blue whale, earth’s largest living animal.

UBC Botanical Garden
Step into the Land of the Rising Sun at Nitobe Memorial Garden, an authentic representation of a Japanese tea and stroll garden and part of the UBC Botanical Garden. Waterfalls, stones, lanterns, a ceremonial teahouse and lush plantings (think azaleas, cherry trees and maple trees) make this horticultural haven a tranquil place for reflection. You’ll also find other lovely escapes on the university grounds, including the David C. Lam Asian Garden, an alpine garden, a food garden and a BC native species garden.

The Beaty Biodiversity Museum is home to a 26-m (85-ft) skeleton of a blue whale, found off Prince Edward Island. Photo by KK Law

Morris and Helen Belkin Art Gallery
Art aficionados adore this contemporary gallery, which highlights current emerging artists and Canadian avant-garde pieces from the 1960s and 1970s. The gallery also houses the university’s art collection of more than 2,500 items from Canada and around the globe. Past exhibitions have included pieces by Vancouverite Douglas Coupland and BC artist Jack Shadbolt. On now at the gallery: film installations by Amsterdam artist Mark Boulos (to Dec. 5).

UBC Bookstore
You don’t have to be a student to shop at this glass-walled bookstore, which sells not only textbooks but also a range of best-sellers, fiction and non-fiction. Stock up on campus gear, from coffee mugs to clocks to clothing, including pieces emblazoned with the logo of the school’s athletic team, the Thunderbirds. An official Apple boutique is located within the store, with discounts available for students. A satellite location of the UBC Bookstore can be found downtown at Robson Square.

Mahony & Sons Public House
Students and locals flock to this pub for chilled pints, hearty Irish fare and live music. The decor is cozy and traditional, with lots of wood and Celtic artwork, and the menu offers burgers, pizza and the always-popular Irish faves: bangers and mash and Irish stew. Try the best of the Emerald Isle with the sampler featuring four nearly half-pint glasses of Guinness, Kilkenny, Smithwicks and Harp. Slàinte!

Hot Dining: 5 Secret Patios

The sophisticated patio at Goldfish Pacific Kitchen. Photo by KK Law

1 Joe Fortes The tastefully adorned, plant-filled, rooftop garden sits above busy Robson Street at Thurlow.
2 Goldfish Cozy couches beckon from the back of this Asian-inclined West Coaster.
3 Gotham This discreet alfresco hideaway is mere steps from Pacific Centre.
4 Dockside Granville Island’s “other” brewery offers refreshing, waterside ales.
5 Cardero’s This sun-soaked afternoon escape in Coal Harbour lures with crispy wok squid and sesame-crusted albacore tuna.—Tim Pawsey

Hot Shopping: Gear Up

High-performing, high-quality gear is available at Mountain Equipment Co-Op

With Canada’s rugged landscape, it’s little wonder one of our largest sporting equipment stores started in Vancouver. Find apparel and gear for every conceivable adventure, including watersports, cycling, skiing, climbing and hiking, at Mountain Equipment Co-Op, a local institution since 1971. The store stocks kayaks, luggage and backpacks (pictured), too.—Kristina Urquhart

Top 10 Reasons to Return

If you think Vancouver is beautiful right now, just wait until you see the city in the summer

by Sheri Radford, Jennifer Patterson and Kristina Urquhart

Downtown Vancouver and the North Shore mountains, as seen from the oceanfront between Kitsilano Beach and Vanier Park. Photo copyright Ann Badjura/Dreamstime.com

1 Gorgeous Scenery
Vancouver has no shortage of breathtaking outdoor escapes: the rolling waves of the Pacific Ocean, the almost-year-round snow-capped mountains, and greenery as far as the eye can see. Wriggle your toes in the sand at one of the many public beaches, including Kits Beach—rated one of North America’s top 10 sexiest beaches by Forbes Traveler—or Wreck Beach, where clothing is optional. Head up the mountains for scenic 360-degree views, challenging hikes and glimpses of local wildlife. Grab your camera and visit one of the city’s many green spaces, including VanDusen Botanical Garden and Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden. Bike, walk or run Vancouver’s famous seawall, a 22-km (13.7-mi) shoreline stretch that wraps around Stanley Park, past Science World and Granville Island, finishing up at Kits Beach.—J.P.

2 Major Attractions
Seek refuge in Stanley Park, where you can see summertime displays of roses and rhododendrons, catch outdoor theatre

A team races in the annual Dragon Boat Festival in front of Science World at Telus World of Science. Photo by Tom Ryan courtesy Tourism BC

shows, frolic on beaches and ogle baby beluga whales at Vancouver Aquarium. Views abound at Capilano Suspension Bridge and Grouse Mountain, where observing the antics of Grinder and Coola—two orphaned grizzly bears—is a popular summer activity. False Creek forms the backdrop for Granville Island, a hub for artist studios. Impromptu street performances are common, the Public Market boasts seasonal bounty from local farmers and the public fish sales dock is a local favourite for buying fresh, in-season seafood. Closed through most of March, Science World is spending our Winter Games as the pavilion for the Sochi 2014 Winter Games. This iconic “golf ball” is a fixture in the Vancouver skyline; inside you’ll find hands-on exhibits, science demos and educational films in the OMNIMAX Theatre.—K.U.

3 Festivals & Special Events
July and August brim with outdoor events that take full advantage of the long, sun-soaked days. Bard on the Beach presents Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing, Antony and Cleopatra, Falstaff and Henry V against a stunning ocean-and-mountains backdrop. Theatre Under the Stars mounts Joseph and the

The ferris wheel at the PNE. Photo by Sheri Radford

Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Singin’ in the Rain on alternating nights in Stanley Park’s Malkin Bowl. The Pacific National Exhibition (PNE) celebrates its 100th anniversary with rides, midway games, outdoor concerts, parades, the PNE prize home, mini-donuts and, of course, the Superdogs. The Vancouver Folk Music Festival brings musicians from around the world to Jericho Beach Park for three days of groovy sounds. Pride Week bursts with a rainbow of gay-pride events, culminating in the Pride Parade and Sunset Beach Festival. The HSBC Celebration of Light marks its 20th anniversary with fireworks over English Bay that light up Metro Vancouver.—S.R.

4 Outdoor Adventures
When the temperature rises, outdoor enthusiasts take to the seas for kayaking, scuba diving and whale watching. From late April through October, the waters surrounding Vancouver and Vancouver Island are abundant with orcas (formerly called killer whales). Whale-watching trips offer glimpses of other wildlife, too, including porpoises, sea lions, harbour seals and eagles. Thrill-seekers in both Vancouver and Whistler ride high above the treetops of rainforests while

A pod of orcas. Photo copyright Lazareva Evgeniya/Istockphoto.com

harnessed to a cable called a zipline. Avid cyclist? Participate in myriad bike races, or head to the Whistler Mountain Bike Park for 1,507 m (4,946 ft) of bike trails and a jump park. Hike the mountains and nearby national parks, or take a low-key stroll around the seawall. After a long day in the sun, relax like a Vancouverite with a yoga session on the beach.—K.U.

5 Golfing, Sailing & Skiing
You might have heard a rumour that it’s possible to golf, sail and ski in Metro Vancouver, all on the same day. Unlike most rumours, this one is true. Highly rated courses such as University Golf Club, Westwood Plateau, Furry Creek Golf and Country Club, and Nicklaus North Golf Course boast views so stunning that it may be difficult to keep your eye on the ball. Local companies such as Sewell’s Marina can take you on a sea safari or—if you’re up to the job of captain—rent you a boat to go exploring on your own. As for catching

Nicklaus North Golf Course in Whistler

some powder in the summertime, Whistler Blackcomb’s Horstman Glacier stays open for intermediate and advanced skiers and riders through July.—S.R.

6 Winter Games Sites
Relive exciting moments from the 2010 Winter Games with a tour of Olympic and Paralympic venues, either by yourself or guided by Enjoy Tour and Travel. Canada Hockey Place, otherwise known as GM Place, is home to our NHL team, the Canucks, and sits alongside BC Place. Up on Cypress Mountain, take in the view of the Vancouver Convention Centre. To the east is the Pacific Coliseum, the showcase for figure skating. Experience your own medal-worthy moment with a lap around the Richmond Olympic Oval, open to all levels of fitness after the Games. In Whistler, follow the path of gold-medal bobsledders with a guided tour of the Sliding Centre and Olympic/Paralympic Park.—J.P.

7 Sports Teams
You’ll hear the hoots and hollers of Vancouver Canucks fans until regular-season games wrap up Apr. 10—but if the team advances to the Stanley Cup playoffs, ’Nucks fever can last into June. September marks the start of the 2011 game season for both the Canucks and the Vancouver Giants, the city’s major junior hockey team. Football fans root for the BC Lions

Canucks goalie Roberto Luongo. Photo by Jeff Vinnick courtesy Vancouver Canucks

(Jun. to Nov.), and the Vancouver Canadians play the ol’ ball game at historic Nat Bailey Stadium (Jun. to Sep.). The Vancouver Whitecaps don their cleats this summer (Apr. to Oct.) before beginning their major-league soccer career in 2011.—K.U.

8 Day Trips
Head to Squamish and Whistler for outdoor activities aplenty, including windsurfing, mountain biking and canoeing. Hop aboard BC Ferries for a trip to Victoria, the capital city of British Columbia and home to our historic parliament buildings. A skip-and-a-jump between Vancouver and Vancouver Island are the Gulf Islands, and there’s no shortage of charming getaways on Salt Spring, Galiano and Mayne islands. The Fraser Valley is the perfect spot to grab farm-fresh cheese and u-pick raspberries. The province’s wine region can be found in the Okanagan, known for its dry, sunny climate. South of the border is Seattle, home to rock legends Nirvana and Jimi Hendrix, as well as the iconic Space Needle.—J.P.

9 Restaurants
Vancouver boasts world-class cuisine, but many of our best restaurants are rented out or booked solid during the 2010 Winter Games. Return in the warmer months, then, for an eating-and-drinking tour of the city featuring summer’s cornucopia of fresh

The seaside neighbourhood of Yaletwon, with Burrard Bridge in the background. Photo copyright KWest/Fotolia.com

local produce and sun-kissed patios with breathtaking views. Your stomach will thank you.—S.R.

10 Sunshine
Contrary to popular belief, it doesn’t always rain in Vancouver. But July and August are especially bright for sun worshippers.

Hot Shopping: Wild Weather

Get suited up for all kinds of weather in Arc'teryx gear

One of the downsides of living in a rainforest is the predictable wet—and at times snowy—weather, but don’t let this small roadblock stop you from getting your nature fix. North Vancouver success story Arc’teryx sets the standard for outdoor gear, including high-tech jackets (pictured) and snuggle-worthy fleece zip-ups. Available at Coast Mountain Sports, Valhalla Pure Outfitters and Comor Sports. So keep yourself warm and dry as you carve through the powdery snow, paddle a kayak through the crystal-clear water and breathe in that fresh West Coast air.—Jennifer Patterson

Hot Essentials: Adventurous

The Squamish Adventure Centre is a stunning new facility filled with information about Squamish and the surrounding area

The Squamish Adventure Centre is a stunning new facility filled with information about Squamish and the surrounding area

Want to learn about outdoor activities in Squamish? Or see a movie about the first rock climbers to tackle the Stawamus Chief? Or learn about the local eagle population? Stop by the Squamish Adventure Centre, where you can also grab a homemade sandwich and warm drink at the Pause Café and local gifts and souvenirs from The Squamish Store.—Véronique Darwin

Take It Outside

Think Whistler has just skiing and snowboarding? Think again

By Sheri Radford

Making tracks in the fresh powder with snowmobiles. Photo courtesy Tourism Whistler

Making tracks in the fresh powder with snowmobiles. Photo courtesy Tourism Whistler

Snow bunnies already know about the incomparable snowboarding and skiing—everything from downhill and cross-country to para- and heli-skiing—on Whistler and Blackcomb mountains, but those not addicted to schussing also find plenty of outdoor fun.

Tubing is ideal for klutzes of all ages, since no skill whatsoever is required. As long as you can sit in an inner tube and obey the law of gravity, you’re good to go.

Ziplining requires a bit more ability, since you have to walk (or roll along in an all-terrain wheelchair) between launching platforms. But guides take care of the difficult parts, such as getting participants into full-body climbing harnesses and helmets before clipping them onto the ziplines.

Adrenaline junkies choose the thrill of bungee jumping or snowmobiling, while those looking for an old-fashioned winter experience opt for outdoor ice hockey, horse-drawn sleigh rides, snowshoeing or dogsledding. (Whistler may not have the Iditarod, but it does have lots of eager huskies ready to recreate the experience.) And, of course, a simple snowball fight is always appealing.

What’s the best part about a long day spent outside in the cold? Warming up inside, with a hot chocolate and a crackling fire, afterwards.

For activities listings, click here.