Big things are happening across the country next year
Published Dec 23, 2024 • 5 minute read
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Looking to travel in 2025? Some of the best spots in Canada are offering travellers some truly unforgettable experiences in the year ahead.
From a brand-new ice restaurant to an immersive flying theatre in Niagara Falls, our home and native land is serving up travel opportunities that are anything but ordinary.
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While Quebec City is captivating year round, it’s most magical come winter. The cobblestone streets of Old Québec, a UNESCO World Heritage gem, transform into a snow-dusted wonderland perfect for strolling and shopping. For the more adventurous, the St. Lawrence River offers an exhilarating challenge for winter warriors navigating canoes through drifting ice floes.
But with the 25th anniversary of Hôtel de Glace in 2025, North America’s only ice hotel is one of the best places to see in Canada this coming year. Collaborating with local Indigenous and tourism organizations, expect to be wowed by new immersive experiences that honour the province’s 11 First Nations.
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For foodies, Hôtel de Glace is partnering with Fairmont Le Château Frontenac to launch its firstice restaurant starting Jan. 15. You don’t have to sleep overnight at the ice hotel to tuck into the Nordic-inspired three-course gourmet meal, as shuttle service from the Fairmont is included. But don’t you want to say you’ve bedded down on ice?
Sandwiched between Vancouver and Whistler along the stunning Sea-to-Sky Highway, Squamish is gaining major cred as the outdoor recreation capital of Canada. This May, it’s adding another must-see stop to the mix: Squamish Canyon. The waterfall canyon walkway lets visitors explore the Mamquam River’s cascades from raised walkways while learning about the local wildlife, ecosystems, and the vibrant culture of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Coast Salish Nations).
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Kids can unleash their energy in the all-weather playground while adults unwind in the forest lounge showcasing local artisans. It’s nature, culture and adventure all rolled into one low-impact experience.
Resilient and breathtaking, Jasper National Parkis bouncing back after being devastated by a wildfire in July 2024 and is ready to welcome visitors with open arms. One of the most impactful ways to support Jasper’s recovery is by visiting responsibly. With over 80 per cent of accommodations open (including the freshly renovated Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge), there’s no reason to stay away.
Explore the park with Sundog Tours on their new Winter Wildlife and Ecology of Fire tour for a front-row seat to nature’s resilience. Celebrate milestones like the 100th anniversary of the Jasper Park Lodge Golf Club, or head to Jasper in January (Jan. 10 to 26) for skiing at Marmot Basin, sleigh rides and dining deals galore. Autumn visitors can look to the skies during the 15th anniversary of the Jasper Dark Sky Festival — after all, this is the second-largest Dark Sky Preserve in the world.
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Now is the perfect time to chase the magic of the Northern Lights, thanks to Solar Cycle 25, which is delivering higher-than-expected activity and is set to peak in 2025. In the Yukon, you can take your aurora experience to the next level by hunting the lights on a fat bike or even from a plane.
For a unique winter escape, cosy up in the new aurora capsules from Northern Nomad Outdoors, an Indigenous-owned ecotourism outfitter that offers unbeatable day-to-night sky views. Add a touch of adventure with snowshoeing alongside horses or night skiing beneath the shimmering aurora. For city slickers, Hyatt Place Whitehorse opens this summer, bringing a modern stay to the heart of downtown Whitehorse.
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Sure, you know Niagara Falls for those iconic, thundering waterfalls — and maybe Clifton Hill’s neon buzz. But it’s entirely possible to step away from the crowds visiting Canada’s most visited tourist attraction. A refreshing and exhilarating way to experience the fall’s intensity without the hoards is with a stroll along the scenic boardwalk of White Water Walk. From March to October, tech enthusiasts can geek out at the Niagara Parks Power Station with a new exhibit featuring artifacts from Nikola Tesla’s genius inventions that transformed the modern world.
For an unforgettable immersive experience, bookmark Flying Theatre, opening at Table Rock Centre this summer. Strap in and soar over 56 kilometres of stunning landscapes, rushing rapids, and — surprise! — heroic battle re-enactments.
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Fredericton is where culture, history and the great outdoors effortlessly collide. Start by stepping back in time at the Historic Garrison District, then marvel at world-class works of art at Beaverbrook Art Gallery. For a deeper connection to nature and Indigenous traditions, join Wabanaki Tree Spirit Toursfor daily medicine walks rich with cultural insights.
But the mighty Wolastoq (“the beautiful river”in the Maliseet language) can’t be ignored. With 115 kilometres of riverside trails, it’s perfect for biking or walking and a new river access initiative launching in spring 2025 will make it even easier to paddle your way through Fredericton’s beauty. Need further incentive to visit? Fredericton is touted as Atlantic Canada’s craft beer capital, so there’s always a cold pint waiting to cap off your day.
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Toronto, one of the world’s most multicultural cities, is a food lover’s paradise, but the city’s arts and entertainment scene is stealing the spotlight in 2025. Expect buzzworthy tributes, immersive art exhibits and film premières to draw fans in droves to TIFF’s 50th anniversary in September. And chances are high you’ll be able to spot a celebrity when the highly anticipated NOBU Hotel Toronto opens this spring atop the historic Pilkington Glass Factory.
Summer takes the energy up a notch with concert season at the new-and-improved Rogers Stadium, which now boasts a massive 50,000-person capacity as Toronto’s largest purpose-built music venue. Meanwhile, adrenaline junkies can careen along AlpenFury, the longest, tallest and fastest launch roller coaster in Canada, launching this spring at Canada’s Wonderland.
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You’ve probably heard about polar bear safaris and swimming with beluga whales in Churchill, but did you know it’s also one of the best parts of Canada to catch the Northern Lights? With over 300 nights of dazzling auroral displays each year — and Solar Cycle 25 hitting its peak this July — now is the time to witness the skies come alive.