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Snow, Glorious Snow!
Winter Travel in Canada
By Michele St. Martin
If you're planning a vacation this winter, skip the temptation to go south for a little island warmth and stay closer to home – travel here in Canada instead. No matter if you prefer big-city culture, mountain skiing, a just-for-two getaway or family fun, you're sure to enjoy a homegrown vacation in the winter wonderland that is Canada. There's so much to do and see that before long, you'll be saying cheerfully, "Beach, shmeach!"
It's unanimous: Our very own Canadian Rockies provide some of the world's very best skiing, shopping, accommodations and just plain winter fun. The Rockies, to the west of the prairies of Alberta, have the most beautiful scenery imaginable. Ski season here runs from December through February. If you enjoy resort life, with luxury shopping and fine dining, choose from Banff, Jasper, Lake Louise and, of course, the former Olympic site at Nakiska.
If your style is a bit more laid back or if you're budget-conscious, consider the wonderful alternatives like Kootenay, Yoho and Waterton Lakes. These parks have a more rustic style, but the downhill skiing is just as good, and the million-dollar views are just as spectacular! No matter which of these national or provincial parks you choose, you'll be in for the vacation of a lifetime.
"I love the Canadian Rockies," says ski enthusiast Angelique Mosier of Montreal. "The skiing is the main thing, but it's also really interesting that the various areas are just so different from each other – philosophically speaking that is! You can really get into the whole apres-ski scene at the major parks, you know, lots of designer shopping and fabulous dining, or you can stay at a more down-to-earth place where you ski a lot, and the food and atmosphere are a lot simpler. It just depends on what appeals to you – you get the great skiing and marvelous scenery no matter where you go in the Rockies."
