Ah, the holidays! Many people travel around this time of the year to visit their loved ones… which often involves hitting the road to get there.

Why not try a different route this time around and add some stops along the way? Here is a list of winter destinations that are ideal for a December road trip!

Glass fusion workshop

If you’re in southwestern Ontario or you’re planning to make a stop there, know there are glass fusion workshops being held by a seasoned local artist. Joyce Pruysers-Emmink offers three-hour workshops in a cottage located next to Algonquin Provincial Park. It’s a great way to get in touch with your creativity!

Snowshoeing in Algonquin Provincial Park

Once you’re in Haliburton, why not put on your boots and go on a snowshoeing excursion in beautiful Algonquin Provincial Park? Located about an hour drive away from the previous destination, the 7,000 km2 park has several trails to explore.

New Brunswick odyssey

Do you love snowmobiling? The most western Maritime province offers 1,500 kilometers of trails to satisfy your craving. Get together with your family or friends, and make your way from Edmunston through Campbellton while stopping at different resorts along the way. You’ll also find plenty of inns where you can spend the night. 

Time for sledding

If you’d rather enjoy the trails in the company of animals, make your way to Allardville, located in New Brunswick’s Gloucester County. This hamlet along the Atlantic is where you’ll find Sled Dog Adventures: not only do they offer dog sledding adventures, but you can also go snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, or skijoring. 

Breaking the ice

Starting December 15, you can lace up your skates and enjoy gliding around the Emera Oval skating rink in Halifax. Located in the middle of Nova Scotia’s capital city, enjoying the ice oval is an excellent way to breathe in some fresh air. It’s also within close distance to a variety of restaurants! 

A glass of winter wine

Who said you couldn’t visit vineyards in winter? Certainly not the owners of Gaspereau Vineyards, located in Nova Scotia’s Kings County. There, you can sample different wines until December 23—the official start of winter—in an enchanting setting. 

Winter fatbiking

Missing riding your bike? There is no need to wait until summer. About 20 minutes away from Charlottetown, in Wiltshire more specifically, you can enjoy riding even in winter: at Mark Arendz Privincial Ski Park, you can go fatbiking on a mountain bike equipped with wide tires, which offer excellent traction. So load your winter bicycle onto your car and head for an adventure in the woods! 

1,805 km2 of bliss!

If winter excursions are your cup of tea, Gros Morne National Park is your ideal destination! There, you can enjoy all the typical outdoor winter activities: cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and trekking. You can even have a picnic, or go winter camping!