Winter Wanderlands

Baby, it’s cold outside! But hey, we’re Canadians after all. Here’s how to enjoy the season head on.

Explore our desert region

Osoyoos, B.C., known as the snowbird capital of Canada, lives up to its tagline as Canada’s warmest welcome. One block from the charming shops of small-town Main Street, the pet-friendly Watermark Beach Resort offers smartly decorated suites with expansive balconies and fully equipped kitchens.

Watermark becomes a real community in winter, with guests staying as long as five months, enjoying bridge, hockey and cooking classes or relaxing at the spa or the yoga and Pilates studio. Rooms cluster around a central patio overlooking the 1,000-foot beachfront on Lake Osoyoos, which never freezes – it’s too deep – permitting sailing and kayaking year-round. Snowmobiling, eco-tours and birdwatching are popular. Guests can ski and on the same day, weather permitting, golf at any of five courses within a half-hour’s drive. (888-755-3480; www.watermarkbeachresort.com) — Vivian Vassos

Take an urban retreat

Snowbirds don’t have to fly south: consider the more temperate climes of Canada’s Pacific Coast, where properties like the Time Square Suites in Vancouver offer special packages for long-term visits, perfect for those looking to escape the bluster of winter further east. Stays of 30 days or longer are 50 per cent off regular rates and tax-exempt. The suites include separate bedrooms, kitchen, washer, dryer, TV, Wi-Fi, fitness membership, use of the rooftop patio with barbecues and herb garden, and concierge services. With Stanley Park an easy walk and the vibrant West End neighbourhood to explore, you’ll understand why Vancouver is one of Canada’s most livable cities. (887-684-2223; www.timessquaresuites.com) —Athena McKenzie

Hit the slopes

At Le Massif de Charlevoix ski resort, you can channel your inner child on a rodel, a European sled that’s steerable and stoppable. You’ll catch on fast and be hooked forever. The resort is also opening a 7.5-kilometre run on Mont a Liguori on Dec. 24 (snow permitting, of course) and runs Friday to Sunday in January and February and everyday in March. You can take a motorized vehicle to the top or get physical and snowshoe up. Starting this winter, you can hop aboard the winter train in Quebec and arrive at Petite-Rivière-Saint-Francois, Que., near the ski lifts. (877-536-2774; www.lemassif.com/en)

Get Festive

Wine goes with everything, including winter. During the Winter Okanagan Wine Festival at Sun Peaks Resort, near Kamloops, B.C., there are wine tastings, culinary and educational events and opportunities to meet the makers of the award-winning wines of the region. And did we mention skiing? Before you imbibe, of course. (800-807-3257; www.sunpeaksresort.com)

While at Winnipeg’s Festival du Voyageur, Feb. 17 to 26, cheer on wannabe voyageurs – those intrepid fur traders who canoed across the Great White North way back when – who will be competing indoors in manly games like leg wrestling and log sawing, while the more hirsute compete in the beard-growing contest. Then, head out to the First Nations encampment, puzzle out the snow maze, get lost among the giant snow sculptures and go for a sleigh ride. There’s also the Bal du Gouverneur, a gala event with an 1820s theme, great festival entertainment, a fiddling contest and a kitchen party. Warm up with a taste-testing of pea soup recipes or toast your toes by the fire at Le Grand Hé Ho, a free evening of music, dance and street performers. (For dates and details, go to www.festivalvoyageur.mb.ca.)

Stroll or snuggle up in a horse-drawn carriage and be dazzled by the magic of the half-a-million lights of Alight at Night Festival in Upper Canada Village, Morrisburg, Ontario (closed Dec. 24 and 25). Children under five ride free on the Toy Train. And don’t miss the sound and light show at Crysler Hall, the star attraction. (www.uppercanadavillage.com)  —Jayne MacAulay