‘Why pay inflated prices on imported goods and services when we can invest in small Canadian businesses, our tourism sector and the natural beauty of our own country?’ columnist asks
Listen up, you hosers.
It’s winter, and instead of heading to Florida like a flock of sunburned snowbirds, why not embrace the real winter experience?
That’s right, put away the flip-flops and grab a toque because Canada has some of the best winter destinations around. And yes, Bob and Doug McKenzie would like to remind you that Molson is still the superior beverage for keeping warm—none of that watered-down American beer, eh?
IHEART(CANVA) photo
Winter rolls in, and suddenly the idea of escaping to some palm-lined paradise sounds pretty tempting. But before you drop a fortune on flights and resorts, consider this—Canada’s winter has its own kind of magic. And let’s be honest, after dealing with the threat of tariffs to the airport delays, lost luggage and overpriced theme park food, a local adventure starts to look a lot more appealing.
Every year, I hear about friends and family flocking south, dropping thousands on vacations that could just as easily be spent supporting our own economy. And with the threat of increasing tariffs, it’s getting harder to justify funnelling money into the U.S. when we have so many breathtaking experiences right here.
Why pay inflated prices on imported goods and services when we can invest in small Canadian businesses, our tourism sector, and the natural beauty of our own country?
It’s time for a spending rethink on all things U.S.—you might even save some money. The silver lining is seeing online communities come together to support Canada, and quite frankly, it’s probably the most unified the country has been in a while.
The rise of Canadian-focused online communities and marketplaces makes it easier than ever to find and support homegrown businesses. Platforms like “Made in Canada” on Facebook, the “Canadian Small Business” subreddit, and groups like “Support Canadian Brands” on Instagram are helping people connect with local products and services, ensuring our hard-earned money stays in the country where it can do the most good.
But keeping our dollars in Canada isn’t just about what we buy—it’s about where we go. This year, I’m choosing one of these incredible destinations for my winter getaway.
Think Florida theme parks are the only place for an immersive experience?
Try Montréal’s Biodome, where you can walk through an Amazon Rainforest, a Laurentian Forest and an Arctic tundra—all in one afternoon.
Then there’s Québec City, where winter transforms the streets into something out of a storybook.
The Hôtel de Glace, a hotel built entirely of ice and snow, is unlike anything else in North America.
And if the kids need a little more action, Village Vacances Valcartier—the largest winter playground on the continent—delivers snow tubing, snow rafting and an indoor water park for those who still crave a bit of summer.
And if you time it right, you can visit during Carnaval de Québec, which is like Mardi Gras, but colder and with more ice sculptures.
express tours.ca photo
Jasper, Alberta – The Dark Sky Wonderland
Jasper is the quieter, wilder cousin of Banff. It’s less crowded, has stunning winter scenery, and happens to be one of the best places in the world for stargazing. Thanks to its Dark Sky Preserve status, you can see more stars than you ever thought possible.
Take a Maligne Canyon Ice Walk if you want to explore frozen waterfalls and caves, or try fat biking if you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to pedal through a snowstorm. Either way, it’s an adventure.
Timmins, Ontario – Sleep With the Wolves at Cedar Meadows Resort & Spa
Best for: Wildlife lovers, adventure seekers, and anyone who wants to wake up to a wolf’s howl instead of their alarm clock.
Here you can fall asleep next to a pack of wolves—in a cozy, heated chalet, of course. Imagine falling asleep while listening to wolves howl in the distance, separated only by a glass barrier.
Cedar Meadows photo
And this is my pick for a mini getaway—because after a day in the cold, nothing beats melting into a Nordic spa. Vettä Nordic Spa in Horseshoe Valley and Scandinave Spa at Blue Mountain offer steaming hot pools, rejuvenating saunas and invigorating cold plunges, all nestled in a serene winter wonderland.
Every year, families across Canada start planning their next big vacation, often looking south for warmer weather and famous attractions. The glossy brochures and online ads make it seem like the ultimate escape—theme parks, bright lights, palm trees.
But before hitting that “book now” button, have we really considered what we’re paying for?
Passports & Travel Documents – Renewing or obtaining a passport costs time and money, especially for a whole family.
Travel health insurance – Canadian health care doesn’t cover you abroad, and U.S. medical costs are notoriously high. Even minor medical issues can lead to hefty bills.
Poor exchange rate for the Canadian dollar – The U.S. dollar is significantly stronger, meaning every purchase—food, tickets, hotels—costs you more than it would at home.
The numbers don’t lie, but beyond the savings, there’s something else—something less tangible. A Canadian getaway feels different. It’s slower, more immersive. It invites you to breathe in the landscape, to experience winter the way it’s meant to be experienced. And most importantly, it keeps your hard-earned money in local communities, supporting the very businesses that make these destinations so special.
So before booking that flight south, maybe it’s worth reconsidering. Are we paying more for the illusion of a “dream vacation” while overlooking the experiences waiting right in our own backyard? If a week spent in Canada can offer just as much adventure, relaxation, and wonder—without the stress, without the debt—then maybe the real dream vacation isn’t the one in the brochures at all. Maybe, this winter, it’s right here at home.
So there you have it, solid reasons to skip the U.S. winter escapes and embrace Canada’s true north, strong and free (and frozen). Bob and Doug McKenzie would approve—especially if you pack some back bacon and a two-four for the trip. Now, go enjoy winter like a real Canuck!
Take off, eh!
Monika Rekola is a certified landscape designer and horticulturist, passionate about gardening, sustainable living and the great outdoors. Contact her at [email protected].
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