Stunning Shots That Showcase the Beauty of the Canadian Winter
Updated: Dec. 20, 2024
Bundle up! Here are 50 photos that might just convince you to brave the bone-chilling cold—camera in hand.
Winter Scenes in Canada
Need motivation to get outdoors? Check out these spectacular winter scenes in Canada!
“I snapped this photo of the twin spans of the Blue Water Bridge joining Point Edward, Ontario, here in Canada and Port Huron, Michigan, in the United States,” shares Darren Metcalfe of Corunna, Ontario. “It is a stunning sight to see during all four seasons, including winter, with locals and visitors alike flocking to the area year-round. I was ‘test-driving’ a new camera when I stumbled across a number of people fishing under the bridge, including this fellow.”
Gone Fishin’
Monique Savoie of Moncton, New Brunswick, shares this great pic, writing: “This photo is a beautiful example of the type of activity we can enjoy during winter here in Canada. Fishing for smelt through the ice is a wonderful pastime, in which almost no equipment is needed. Last winter, we went ice fishing on a cloudy day, when there were no smelt to be had, I decided to snap a few pictures. This is my husband, Mario, trying his luck in nearby Cocagne. For us, spending time outside is a must and ice fishing is just one of many winter activities we enjoy.”
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Still Life
“I snapped this pic of my husband, Matthew, and our dog, Luna, last winter in Pritchard Park in West Kelowna, B.C.” says Jenna Herasymiuk. “It shows the beauty of B.C., even in winter. I love the snow on the hills in the background, the reflection on the water and the silhouettes of Matthew and Luna.”
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Frosty Footbridge
Dan Pearson of Regina snapped this lovely shot on his morning walk along the Devonian Pathway through nearby A.E. Wilson Park.
Check out Canada’s greatest winter hiking trails.
Iconic Symbol
“I think when someone sees a CN train, they automatically think Canada,” says Anne Doerksen of Carrot River, Saskatchewan. “I like the colours of the train against the white frosted trees in this photo. I’m reminded of years gone by when the old steam engine trains would roll across the vast Prairie landscape.”
Explore 10 unique train rides across Canada.
Competing Seasons
“After a heavy overnight snowfall, this was the scene that greeted me the next morning,” shares Emiliano Joanes of St. Hubert, Quebec. “The trapped autumn leaves created an interesting composition which prompted me to snap the photo.”
Don’t miss this gorgeous gallery showcasing Canada in the fall.
We the North
“I took this photo during March break on the shores of Lake Superior in Marathon, Ontario,” writes Megan Koevoet. “My twin sister and I decided to explore Pebble Beach after an ice storm. This pic depicts the beauty and power of Lake Superior and our northern winters.”
Back in the Day
“While driving to Algonquin Park, I spotted this hockey rink on Opeongo Lake,” says Paul Sinclair of Lindsay, Ontario. “As I pulled my car over to take a pic, I flashed back to playing hockey every Saturday morning on a local pond. It brought back some of my fondest childhood memories.”
Here are more fantastic hockey pictures that’ll have you lacing up your skates.
Patriotic View
“Nothing says Canada more than our country’s flag, which really pops against this cold, snowy backdrop here in Lethbridge,” writes Alberta’s Leonard Heinonen.
Discover the fascinating story behind Canada’s national anthem.
Time Travel
Lynne Morand of Tecumseh, Ontario, shares this starkly beautiful image taken at John R. Park Homestead Conservation Area, a popular historic site in nearby Harrow.
Here are 10 historical landmarks every Canadian needs to visit.
This Old Barn
Lindsay McIntosh-Mainville of Maxville, Ontario, writes, “This barn was located on land my parents purchased in the area about 35 years ago. It used to house young heifers for the winter months. It was torn down in 2018 and a new one erected in its place.”
Don’t miss these breathtaking photos of barns across Canada.
Let There Be Light
“I love night photography but it can be a challenge when it comes to portraits,” shares Deana McNeish of Airdrie, Alberta. “I fell in love with ‘light painting’ photography as it allows me to combine my love of both.”
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Frozen
“This shot was taken at the Hôtel de Glace (Ice Hotel) in Quebec City,” writes Roger Lafontaine of Cornwall, Ontario. “The entire structure and everything in it is made of ice—the lights really enhance the effect.”
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Midnight Delight
Sheldon Hoffman of Yorkton, Saskatchewan, captured this beautiful image late one night at nearby York Lake.
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Bright Lights, Big City
Mark Verge of Stony Plain, Alberta, sent along this amazing shot he took one frigid Edmonton night. “Edmonton has an amazing skyline, including the new Walterdale Bridge that replaced the old one,” says Mark.
Discover 10 great day trips from Edmonton.
Fire in the Sky
“My brother and I were trying to create an image that included ‘light painting’ beneath the northern lights,” explains Brandon Born of Cold Lake, Alberta. “Here, we lit ultra-fine steel wool on fire to create the sparks, while also using EL (electroluminescent) wire to create the red glow in the foreground. Using a remote trigger and having the shutter open for a minute to gather all the different sources of light resulted in this pic.”
Check out more awe-inspiring northern lights photography.
Beauty in Isolation
“The combination of the ‘cold’ colours of the mountains, snow, sky and the boathouse are what caught my eye in this scene,” says John Kearsley of Calgary. “I took this photo on frozen Lake Minnewanka in Banff National Park.”
Frosty Trek
“This barn stands about a mile from my parents’ homestead near Roblin, Manitoba,” writes Donna Lowe. “It’s been empty for as long as I can remember, but it’s still in great condition. On a cold winter day a couple of Christmases ago, when the hoarfrost was thick, I decided to take a walk to photograph it. The wind was at my back when I trekked out to capture this shot, but it was a cold walk back home—still worth the trip, though!”
Find out the surprising ways cold weather can actually be good for you.
Magical Transformation
“I love this image of frost coating the trees, which I snapped in my backyard, as it shows how beautiful and intriguing even a frigidly cold winter day in Manitoba can be,” writes Krystal Drotar of Brandon.
Here’s more of your best backyard photography.
Wait for Me!
“I snapped this shot of my dog, Iggi, and cat, Dood, during a snowstorm on one of our daily walks,” shares Melissa Connors of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. “There is a special connection between these two: Dood follows Iggi everywhere!”
Check out more of Canada’s cutest pets.
The View from Above
“I captured this photo on Valentine’s Day 2018, on the shore of Kootenay Lake,” says Leone Lund of Gray Creek, B.C. “Winters can be grey out here, but when the sun comes out it’s spectacular! This is the view from our deck overlooking our neighbours’ place and Kootenay Lake itself. The lake never freezes over in winter and if you’re the hardy type, that’s when fishing can be at its best.”
Check out the B.C. resort town that’s a true winter wonderland.
A Family Affair
“Not long ago, thanks to a little teamwork, my husband and I, along with our two young sons, built three giant snow-people in front of my in-laws’ home,” shares Breanne Vanwart of Penhold, Alberta. “No matter how old I get, rolling heavy wet snow makes me feel like a kid again. I get even more joy from watching my children explore the white blanket that keeps Canada cozy all winter long.”
Here are more cool snowman pictures from across Canada.
Big White
Lily Law of Toronto writes, “While skiing with my family at Big White in Kelowna, B.C., I managed to capture this shot on New Year’s Eve day in 2018, while the sun was at its highest peak.” Truly spectacular!
Explore more of Canada’s most beautiful places.
Winter Scenes in Canada That Make it All Worthwhile
“I took this photo at Petticoat Creek here in Pickering, Ontario,” says John Stager. “I hiked here the day after a major snowstorm and, as sunset approached, I captured this beautiful image of the snow-covered bridge with the sun beginning to set in the distance. It’s not my favourite season weather-wise, but I do love winter landscapes and these kinds of sights really highlight the beauty of the Canadian winter.”
Find out the best place to watch the sunset in every province.
Morning Frost
Nicole Watson of Kingston, Ontario, snapped this stunning pic while out for a morning drive. “This tree caught my eye,” says Nicole. “There was a low-lying fog and the sun was peeking out just enough to kiss the frost-covered branches.”
Here are more wild weather pictures that showcase the power of Mother Nature.
Winter Sky
Jackie Gartner shares this starkly beautiful shot that she captured on a back road near St. Walburg, Saskatchewan.
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A Quiet Moment
Marcel Gingras of Montreal shares this lovely image, writing, “This was taken in Our Lady of Mont Carmel cemetery on Prince Edward Island. It was our first trip to the island in winter and the light was beautiful that day. It was so peaceful; not a sound could be heard.”
Discover more beautiful Canadian cemeteries worth visiting.
Canadian Rainbow
Shawn Cormier of Moncton, New Brunswick, shares this quintessentially Canadian image.
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Windswept on Lake Huron
Dale Matthies of Goderich, Ontario, snapped this frosty pic along the shoreline last winter.
You can see more of Dale’s stunning snaps in this showcase of beautiful Canadian birds.
Ice Diamonds
Russ Hayes of Sherbrooke, Quebec, captured this eye-catching image of the sparkling ice crystals coating the frozen surface of nearby Lac Brompton.
These hidden gems of Quebec are worth exploring.
Barely There
These three ptarmigans are perfectly camouflaged to blend in with their wintry surroundings! Audrey Henderson of Yellowknife snapped this amazing shot in her yard on a cold winter day several years ago.
Check out more fantastic photos of winter birds in Canada.
Cold Comfort
Cathy Martin of Miramichi, New Brunswick, writes, “I love this farm in New Jersey, New Brunswick. It is a short drive from my home and I go just to have a look at it each season. I am not a fan of winter, but I try to get out and find the beauty in it. This farm really provided a postcard-perfect view of winter on a bright, cold day.”
Read the sweet story of how one woman learned to embrace the Canadian winter.
The Height of Beauty
Edith Beerda of Smithers, British Columbia, says, “I love this photo because a good part of Canada experiences snowy winters, and what could be more beautiful than a crisp, sunny, winter day? It makes the temperature seem not so bad. On this day, the Bulkley Valley was covered in a blanket of fog, but as we drove up the hill, all of a sudden the sky cleared and we were able to drink in this beautiful view—it was a sight to behold!”
Check out more mind-blowing images of the Canadian Rockies.
After the Storm
“When the snowstorm ended and it had warmed up to a balmy -20 degrees Celsius, I was able to get outside to snap this image,” shares Sarah Sobry of Brandon, Manitoba. “The low light from the setting sun shone through the trees, creating a beautiful pattern on the ground.”
These stunning sunset pictures will take your breath away.
Kings of the Mountain
“I snapped this pic of my son Anderson (right) and his friend as they were having a great time playing atop what seems like the world’s largest snow pile,” writes Dan Ventrudo of Thunder Bay, Ontario.
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A Kiss from the Canadian Winter
E.J. Thiessen of Coaldale, Alberta, shares this awesome image, writing: “Last January, Jack Frost painted this southern Alberta landscape with icing-sugar-like frost—the result was jaw-dropping.”
Take a look at these incredible frozen bubbles under an Alberta lake.
Intrepid Explorer
Marlene Parker shares this adorable photo, writing: “This is my then-one-year-old granddaughter Dahlia out for an afternoon excursion on Lake Nipissing, Ontario. It looks more like she’s crawling along the surface of the moon!”
Majestic Mountains
Gillian Reain of Waterloo, Ontario, writes, “Last year, I was fortunate enough to travel to Alberta and explore more of our beautiful country. I snapped this photo upon seeing the incredible Canadian Rockies for the very first time. I had seen them in pictures before, but to see them in person was truly an amazing experience that I think every Canadian should have the opportunity to enjoy. Our Canada is vast, beautiful and scenic, and I think this picture perfectly represents that.”
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Iced Over
Linda Swance captured this amazing shot of Hamilton Harbour after the region was blanketed in freezing rain.
Here are 10 day trips from Hamilton worth adding to your itinerary.
Frosted Glass
Norma Keith of Baltimore, Ontario, snapped this pic of a street lamp encased in ice—very cool!
Take a Seat?
…I think we’ll pass until the spring thaw, thank you very much! Edith Beerda took this goosebump-inducing shot of an ice-encrusted bench while visiting Fraser River Heritage Park in Mission, B.C.
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Through the Ice
Marilyn Kamstra of Tottenham, Ontario, shares an unforgettable sunset as seen through a veil of icicles.
Frigid Flora
Barbara Brown of Ilderton, Ontario, shares a beautiful shot showing the effect freezing rain had on this clump of Queen Anne’s lace.
Ice Sculpture
Russ Hayes snapped this vignette—encased in a thick coat of ice—along the shore of Lac Memphrémagog in Magog, Quebec.
For more fantastic winter scenes in Canada, check out Russ’s showcase of winter in Quebec’s Eastern Townships.
The Road Less Travelled
Beth Thomander of Beaver Bank, Nova Scotia, writes, “While on a weekend away with our son Grant at a hockey tournament in Thorburn, an ice storm hit overnight. The following day, I managed to capture a shot of this gorgeous farm down a side road.”
Winter Wildlife
Photography buff Kevin Pashuk of Oakville, Ontario, writes, “I am rarely without my camera, which helps me capture the things that capture my attention. I am not a professional photographer, but rather a curator of the curious, the small details that many may miss in their busy lives.”
Check out these giant snow sculptures that celebrate the joy of winter.
See-Worthy
Kevin also captured this haunting replica of Jacques Cartier’s La Grande Hermine near Jordan, Ontario. It’s a quirky roadside attraction on the drive to Niagara Falls.
A Cool Perspective
Nicholas Taffs of Airdrie, Alberta, snapped this self-portrait while ice fishing on Badger Lake. “This day, I’d taken my then-one-year-old daughter Olivia on her very first trip to the lake,” shares Nicholas. “Fishing was always a family affair growing up and I plan to do the same with my daughter.”
A Spectacular View
Alicia Strelkov of Olds, Alberta, writes, “My husband Neil and I love hiking in the Rocky Mountains. We also love photography; so much so that I will carry an extra 30 pounds of camera equipment on my hikes. On this cold winter day, we were hiking the Johnston Canyon trail in Banff National Park. I spotted this amazing ice climber, who first appeared to be a small dot, till I looked through my camera lens. I then saw not only the beautiful blue tones in the ice but also the contrasting colours of the climber. It made my day even more special.”
Here are 10 national parks worth adding to your bucket list.
Quiet Beauty
Grace Matthies of Coaldale, Alberta, says, “The late evening sun hitting the trees after the fog and snow had painted everything white made for a beautiful photo.” We couldn’t agree more, Grace!
Smile for the Birdie
Myriam Cyr of Saint-Andre, New Brunswick says, “This beautiful grey jay seemed to be just waiting to have his picture taken on this lovely, sunny day!”
Check out more beautiful bird photography from across the country.
Crossing Over
The thick hoarfrost adds to the beauty of this shot of a train going over the impressive Fabyan Trestle Bridge, snapped by Erika Foley of Wainwright, Alberta.
Here’s more railway photography that will take your breath away.
The Old Red Barn
Janice Storch King of High River, Alberta, captured this image of the Munroe Barn at Sheppard Family Park, an historic park in southern Alberta that showcases early pioneer life.
Snow Ghosts
Kingston, Ontario’s Melissa Kustra snapped this photo while she and her family were driving back from Kelowna, B.C. “The snow ghosts—trees weighted by snow, bending and hovering over the landscape—lined the sides of the highway,” she writes. The effect is hauntingly beautiful!
Skye and Monty
Norma Keith cherishes this pic of her dogs Skye (left) and Monty enjoying the winter wonderland. “Unfortunately, we lost our beloved Skye to cancer, but this will be a lovely tribute to him,” she writes.
Don’t miss this Our Canada contributor’s heartwarming tribute to his four-legged friends.
Gotta Fly!
Roger Lafontaine of Cornwall, Ontario, says, “This little guy was enjoying a break at the bird feeder, while we were enjoying a hot-chocolate break. I was lucky enough to get a pose from our feathered friend as he readied to leave the feeder. I captured this shot in Carlsbad Springs near Ottawa, where cross-country skiing is a must!”
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A Fetching Photo
Taylor Cotnam of Thorold, Ontario, writes, ”After my mom and I heard about the amazing ice formations at nearby Crystal Beach, we had to check it out. I snapped this photo of a man playing fetch with his dog on a part of Lake Erie that had frozen over.“
Next, take a look back at the worst snowstorms in Canadian history.
