Celine Dion. Shania Twain. Alanis Morissette. Linda Evangelista.

What do these legendary ladies have in common?

Yes, yes, they’re all divas of the highest order. But what else?

That’s right…they’re all Canadian. Clever you.

Now, Close your eyes.

Think of Canada. In winter.

What do you see?

A pair of rugged-up Ryans—Gosling and Reynolds—with mittened hands cupping creamy-warm hot chocolates as you take in the Rocky Mountains alpenglow? A gorgeous sleigh ride beside an alpine lake with Keanu? Carolling with mulled wine and Michael Buble in a Christmas market? Waffles and maple syrup and an enormous, magical plate of curdy, gravy-smothered poutine? Maybe a quiet night in with the Justins – Trudeau and Bieber. And don’t even get us started on The Mounties – sigh…

Canada has been a fabulously popular winter destination for decades, particularly with the ski-set. The country’s famous powder highways draw skiers from all over the world and knock their thermals off. Lake Louise, Whistler Blackcomb, Big White, Banff Sunshine and Sun Peaks are just the tip of the winter sports iceberg here.

But there’s so much more to Canada than getting off-piste and neck-deep in the delicious snow. This is a dreamboat of a country inhabited by wonderful people. It’s home to magical cities and places with First Nations, British and French heritage that hum and bustle with a uniquely Canadian spirit. Huge—this is the world’s second-largest country by area, no less—Canada touches the Atlantic Ocean in the east and the Pacific Ocean in the west, and in between there’s a land of endless wintery wonders made for a diva.

Frankly, we think Canada is at its gorgeous best in winter. Surrounded by soaring mountain peaks, the majestic Victoria Glacier and a glistening emerald lake in Banff National Park, the iconic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, for example, is taken to another level with open fires, snow flurries, sleigh rides and warm wintery treats.

On the Pacific coast, Vancouver sparkles confidently as one of Canada’s warmest cities in winter. Explore Gastown—home to many of the city’s hottest restaurants, delightful foodie and Christmas markets, or take a walk on the wild side on the breath-taking Capilano suspension bridge.

Canadian winters also present the proper bucket-list opportunity of standing in complete astonishment beneath the aurora borealis—the Northern Lights. And if [*swoon] meeting a Mountie is on your list, you can absolutely do that too. Say it slowly: The Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Yes, please.

So, what else do you need to know if you’re a Canada virgin?

1. Do not even try to order a Bloody Mary.

It’s called a ‘Caesar’! Canadians will swear blind it’s NOT a Bloody Mary. The difference? Well, it subs in ‘clamato’ for tomato juice. And what’s in ‘clamato’ juice? Mostly tomato juice, sugar, spices and—secret ingredient alert—dried clam broth. The rest of the Caesar is basically a Bloody Mary, just don’t call it one.

You have been warned.

2. Beavertails are not an obscure bush food.

This is classic Canadian carnival treat of deep-fried dough and all the warm chocolatey goodness you can imagine. Yum!

3. Real Canadian maple syrup

Canada produces 80% of the Earth’s syrup, and to comprehend the magnitude of this nation’s contribution to your pancakes, you absolutely must indulge in the real stuff. Like Guinness in Ireland, real maple syrup tastes best in Canada. Think pancakes, bacon and maple syrup washed down with a delightful hot chocolate – delish…

4. Warm-up with a Hudson’s Bay Blanket

It’s notoriously difficult to find the iconic ‘Bay Blanket’ outside of Canada. The iconic multi-striped blankets have been warming folk since the end of the 18th century.

5. Butter Tarts

These pastry tart shells are filled with a sweet, caramel-like filling, butter and raisins, and baked until semi-solid in the middle, and the top is golden and crunchy. A distinctly Canadian treat. Perfect, petite wintery fare.

6. Poutine

Fresh French fries, covered with cheese curds and then smothered in a thick gravy sauce. Enough said. Perhaps a lovely glass of red, a fireside lounge and a good book – bliss…

7. It’s totally OK to ogle a Mountie. And not just in winter.

Oh, those Mounties – totally divine and happy to chat…

We’re quivering in our thermals just thinking about our very first Travelling Divas Winter Wonderland Canada Adventure which sets out in December 2020.

Are you up for Beavertails and butter tarts? And maybe a bit of Mountie-spotting.

We thought you might be.

Oh Canada, indeed.  Check out our very own Canadian Winter Wonderland taking off in December 2020…

Chat soon

Andrea xx