There’s something magical about Canada in the winter. Sure, it’s cold—sometimes breathtakingly cold—but that’s also part of the adventure. From snowy mountains and frozen lakes to bustling city streets decorated with twinkling lights, the country has a charm that seems tailor-made for the colder months. Planning a trip, however, can feel a little intimidating, especially if you’re not used to packing three layers just to get a coffee. That’s where Expedia steps in, acting like that savvy friend who always seems to know how to find the best flight deals, where to stay, and what’s actually worth seeing when you get there.
Why a Winter Trip to Canada is Worth It
Some people hear “Canada in December” and instantly picture frostbite. But here’s the truth: yes, it’s chilly, but winter is when Canada shines brightest. The ski slopes are at their best, the cities embrace cozy vibes with winter festivals, and national parks transform into something almost otherworldly. Even if skiing isn’t your thing, you’ll find plenty of charm in sipping hot chocolate at a Christmas market in Toronto or taking a horse-drawn sleigh ride in Banff.
There’s also the affordability angle. Winter—except around the December holidays—can be cheaper for flights and hotels compared to peak summer. Expedia often bundles deals, which means you can grab a flight and hotel package for less than you’d think. Of course, you need to be flexible. A Saturday morning flight is probably going to cost more than one on a Tuesday night, but that’s the game of budget travel anywhere.
Getting There: Booking Flights with Expedia
Here’s where things get interesting. Expedia gives you a bird’s-eye view of flight options, which is both a blessing and, at times, overwhelming. When I first searched for flights to Vancouver in February, the site spat out dozens of options—some with layovers in Seattle, others with long layovers in Toronto. At first, I almost clicked on the cheapest ticket without thinking. Then I realized it included a 15-hour layover in Chicago… in February. Not exactly a dream stopover.
The lesson? Cheaper isn’t always better. Expedia allows you to filter by number of stops, departure times, and even specific airlines, which is worth using if you don’t want to spend half your trip in airports. If you’re not picky, you can set up price alerts, and the site will nudge you when fares drop. This is particularly handy if your travel dates are still flexible.
Where to Stay: Hotels and Beyond
When it comes to accommodations, Expedia is like a buffet—you’ve got everything from big-name hotel chains to charming little inns and, increasingly, vacation rentals. The filters can be your best friend here. Looking for a hotel with a hot tub (because nothing feels better after a day in minus-10 temperatures)? Tick the box. Want something pet-friendly because you’re bringing your golden retriever along for the ride? Easy.
One subtle tip: don’t just sort by “lowest price.” Sometimes the cheapest hotels are far outside the city center, which means you’ll spend what you saved on cab rides or bus fares. On my last trip to Montreal, I picked a mid-range boutique hotel through Expedia. It wasn’t the absolute cheapest, but it was walking distance from Old Montreal, and that saved me both money and time. Plus, I could sneak back to my room in the afternoons to thaw out.
Expedia’s map view is underrated. Instead of staring at endless lists of hotels, you can actually see where they’re located in relation to landmarks, restaurants, or ski lifts. For winter travel, that’s especially important—you really don’t want to be trekking 30 minutes in snow boots just to grab dinner.
Packing for the Cold (and Not Overdoing It)
Planning is one thing, but packing for a Canadian winter is a whole separate challenge. Expedia won’t exactly pack your suitcase for you, but it does offer travel guides with seasonal tips. Here’s where personal experience might save you from misery: pack fewer “cute sweaters” and more thermal layers. Trust me, once the temperature dips to minus-20 in Winnipeg, fashion goes out the window.
That said, don’t overpack either. I once lugged two bulky coats on a trip to Ottawa only to realize I wore the same one every day. A warm, waterproof jacket, sturdy boots, gloves, and thermal socks will get you much further than six sweaters that look good on Instagram but don’t actually keep you warm.
If you plan on skiing or snowboarding, Expedia sometimes partners with resorts to offer equipment rental discounts. That way, you don’t have to fly with skis, which saves both money and stress.
Activities Worth Considering
The beauty of booking through Expedia is that you can add experiences alongside flights and hotels. While some travelers like to “figure it out when they get there,” winter in Canada rewards a bit of pre-planning. Tours sell out, and ski passes aren’t always cheap if you buy them last minute.
Here are some activities that are actually worth locking in early through Expedia:
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Skiing in Whistler or Banff – Yes, it’s cliché, but clichés exist for a reason. The powder is world-class.
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Northern Lights in Yukon or Northwest Territories – Expedia offers packages that include guided tours, which beats standing outside in the cold with no idea where to look.
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Quebec Winter Carnival – If you’ve never seen a parade of ice sculptures lit up at night, this is the place.
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Niagara Falls in Winter – Half the tourists of summer, and the falls often partially freeze, which is spectacular.
Of course, you don’t have to book everything in advance. Wandering through a winter market in Toronto or skating on Ottawa’s Rideau Canal can be just as rewarding—and you don’t need to lock those down months ahead of time.
Budgeting and Managing Costs
Winter travel can either be surprisingly affordable or sneakily expensive. Flights might be cheaper in January, but then you’ll find yourself spending extra on warm clothing or equipment rentals. Expedia helps here with bundling. A package deal that combines your flight, hotel, and car rental (if you’re venturing into rural areas) can slash costs.
That said, don’t assume packages are always cheaper. I’ve occasionally found better deals booking flights separately and then using Expedia only for hotels. It depends on your timing, the city, and how flexible you are. That’s where the “intellectual hesitation” comes in—you can’t just assume Expedia’s bundles are always the absolute best. It’s a tool, not magic.
Car Rentals: To Drive or Not to Drive?
Expedia makes it easy to tack on a rental car to your trip, but whether you should rent one depends heavily on your destination. In Toronto or Vancouver, a car can actually be more of a headache, thanks to traffic and expensive parking. But in Banff, Jasper, or smaller towns, having your own set of wheels is almost essential.
If you do rent, make sure you check the box for a vehicle with winter tires. Not all rentals automatically include them, and Canadian winters aren’t the time to gamble with all-season tires. Expedia usually lists car features clearly, but it’s worth double-checking.
Travel Insurance (Yes, You Probably Need It)
It’s not the most exciting part of planning, but winter weather brings unpredictability—storms, flight delays, even lost luggage when airports are stretched thin. Expedia offers travel insurance options during checkout, and while it might feel like an unnecessary add-on, in winter it’s often worth it. A canceled flight because of a snowstorm could otherwise wipe out hundreds of dollars.
Some travelers rely on credit card insurance instead, which can work too, but the key is making sure you’re covered somewhere.
Final Thoughts: Making Winter Travel Enjoyable
Here’s the thing: traveling to Canada in winter isn’t just about logistics, flights, or hotel deals. It’s about embracing the season rather than fighting it. Bundle up, laugh when your eyelashes freeze a little, and lean into the coziness of it all. Expedia can’t make the weather warmer, but it does make the planning side far less stressful.
And if you’re still debating whether you can handle the cold? Think of it this way: you’ll never forget the first time you step into a snow-covered street in Quebec City or hear the crunch of fresh snow under your boots in the Rockies. Those memories outlast the minor discomforts. Just plan smartly, use the tools Expedia gives you, and you’ll find yourself not just surviving a Canadian winter—but actually loving it.