December is one of the most magical months to visit Canada. The ski resorts open, the holiday markets and light festivals begin, and the cities are dressed for the season. Here are ten of the best places to visit in Canada in December, with holiday events, ski openings and where to stay.
Quick Answer
The best places to visit in Canada in December are Banff (ski season opening and the Rockies), Quebec City (holiday markets and Old Quebec), Niagara Falls (Festival of Lights), Whistler (ski season and the village), Ottawa (Christmas lights and the ByWard Market), Mont-Tremblant (ski village and holiday events), Toronto (holiday markets and the Distillery District), Vancouver (mild weather and Christmas markets), Montreal (holiday events and Old Montreal), and Halifax (a milder maritime December).
1. Banff, Alberta
Banff's ski season typically opens in mid-November, and by December all three ski resorts (Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise, Mt Norquay) are in full operation. The town is decorated for the holidays, and the Banff Upper Hot Springs are a highlight after a day on the slopes. The Icefields Parkway is open but requires winter driving precautions.
Where to stay: Banff has everything from the Fairmont Banff Springs to budget hostels.
2. Quebec City, Quebec
Quebec City is a European-style Christmas destination with the German Christmas Market (typically late November to late December), the old town's cobblestone streets, and the holiday lights on Dufferin Terrace. The Fairmont Le Château Frontenac is lit for the season, and the old town's shops and restaurants are dressed for the holidays.
Where to stay: Old Quebec has the Château Frontenac and boutique inns.
3. Niagara Falls, Ontario
Niagara Falls hosts the Winter Festival of Lights (typically November to January), with light displays along the Niagara Parkway, the falls illuminated, and the Clifton Hill attractions open year-round. December is less crowded than summer, and the Hornblower Niagara Cruise runs when ice permits.
Where to stay: Fallsview hotels put the falls outside your window.
4. Whistler, British Columbia
Whistler's ski season typically opens in late November, and by December both mountains are in full operation. The pedestrian village is decorated for the holidays, and the Peak 2 Peak Gondola connects Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. The Sea-to-Sky Highway from Vancouver is scenic but requires winter driving precautions.
Where to stay: Whistler Village has slopeside lodges and family suites.
5. Ottawa, Ontario
Ottawa's Christmas Lights Across Canada display lights up the capital in December, with over a million lights on Parliament Hill and Confederation Boulevard. The ByWard Market has holiday shopping and restaurants, and the Rideau Canal is open for walking (skating opens when ice conditions allow, typically January).
Where to stay: Downtown Ottawa has a full range of hotels.
6. Mont-Tremblant, Quebec
Mont-Tremblant's ski season typically opens in late November, and by December the pedestrian village is decorated for the holidays with a tree-lighting ceremony and holiday events. The ski school starts at age 3, and the village has restaurants, shops and an outdoor skating rink.
Where to stay: The pedestrian village has ski-in/ski-out lodges.
7. Toronto, Ontario
Toronto's Distillery District Christmas Market (typically late November to late December) is one of the best in Canada, with lights, food stalls and holiday shopping. The CN Tower, the Royal Ontario Museum and the Art Gallery of Ontario are indoor alternatives, and the waterfront is decorated for the season.
Where to stay: Downtown Toronto has a full range of hotels. See our things to do in Toronto guide.
8. Vancouver, British Columbia
Vancouver has the mildest December weather in Canada, with temperatures typically 3–8°C. The Vancouver Christmas Market at Jack Poole Plaza, the Stanley Park Bright Nights train, and the Festival of Lights at VanDusen Garden are highlights. The Capilano Suspension Bridge is decorated for the season.
Where to stay: Downtown Vancouver and Yaletown have a full range of hotels.
9. Montreal, Quebec
Montreal's Old Port is decorated for the holidays, with the Ferris wheel, the light displays and the holiday market. The Notre-Dame Basilica has a light show, and the underground city (RESO) offers shopping and dining without the cold.
Where to stay: Old Montreal and downtown have boutique inns and hotels.
10. Halifax, Nova Scotia
Halifax has a milder maritime December, with the waterfront boardwalk, the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, and the Halifax Citadel holiday events. The city is less crowded in winter, and the nearby Cabot Trail is scenic but requires winter driving precautions.
Where to stay: Downtown Halifax has waterfront hotels.
Practical Tips
- Weather: December temperatures range from -10°C in the Rockies to 3°C in Vancouver. Check the forecast before packing — layers are essential.
- Driving: Snow tires are mandatory in Quebec from December 15. In all provinces, check road conditions before driving to ski areas. The Icefields Parkway and the Sea-to-Sky Highway require winter driving precautions.
- Booking: December is peak season for ski resorts and holiday markets. Reserve hotels and ski school at least a month ahead.
- Budget alternatives: Holiday markets and light festivals are mostly free. City museums and galleries offer indoor alternatives on cold days. Day trips to Blue Mountain from Toronto and to Mont-Tremblant from Montreal are doable without an overnight stay.
Plan Your December Trip
Browse winter destinations, explore things to do in Banff and things to do in Quebec City, or check hotel availability in Whistler.
