If you’ve ever dreamed of a white Christmas, Canada in December absolutely lives up to the hype.
I’d always wanted to experience Christmas somewhere that truly embraces the season, and after this trip I can honestly say Canada delivered on all my expectations. Everywhere we went felt magical. Real Christmas trees decorated hotels and public spaces, fairy lights lined the streets, Christmas markets were buzzing, and there was something pretty special about wandering around with a hot chocolate while snow gently fell around us. Well it didnt snow in Vancouver but the magic was still there.
This trip was a little different for us too…we left the kids at home! As much as we missed them, it was the perfect opportunity to slow down, explore at our own pace and experience a side of Canada that had been on my bucket list for years.
Our first stop was Vancouver, where we stayed at the incredible Fairmont Pacific Rim.
From the moment we walked into the lobby we knew we’d picked the right hotel. Beautifully decorated Christmas trees, a cosy atmosphere, incredible service and a location that made it easy to explore the city on foot – it really was the perfect base.
There was never a shortage of things to do. Some of my favourite experiences included:
I loved that Vancouver has a little bit of everything. One minute you’re walking through a vibrant city, the next you’re surrounded by nature, waterfront views or Christmas lights. It’s one of those cities that’s incredibly easy to fall in love with and we found the city so walkable.
My top pick for: Anyone wanting a festive city escape packed with amazing food, beautiful hotels, outdoor adventures and plenty of Christmas magic.
After a few days in Vancouver, we flew to Kamloops, taking in spectacular views of snow-covered mountains along the way, before transferring about an hour to Sun Peaks.
The first glimpse of the village is something I’ll never forget. It honestly felt like we’d been dropped into a little European ski village.
We stayed at Coast Sundance Lodge, and I couldn’t fault it. The rooms had handy kitchenettes, the bed was one of the most comfortable I’ve ever slept in, and the location couldn’t have been better. We walked straight outside onto the magic carpet, making it incredibly easy to get on the slopes each morning.
What surprised me most about Sun Peaks was how uncrowded it felt. Compared to some of the bigger North American ski resorts, there were hardly any lift queues, yet the village still had an amazing atmosphere. Everything was within walking distance, the ski-in ski-out accommodation made life so easy, and it had that friendly small-town feel that makes you instantly relax.
But what really made Sun Peaks special was that there was so much more than just skiing. We went ice fishing and experienced the magic of sitting out on a frozen lake surrounded by snow-covered mountains – something I never thought I’d actually do! We also went dog sledding, which was honestly one of those bucket-list experiences that completely lived up to expectations. Racing through the snowy forest with the dogs pulling the sled, surrounded by this incredible winter scenery, felt like something straight out of a Christmas movie.
These are the kinds of experiences I wish could become an annual tradition. There was something so special about being outside, embracing winter and doing things that you just don’t get to experience at home.
And then there was the food…
I’m still talking about the poutine! Honestly, I don’t think I’ll ever look at chips and gravy the same way again.
By the end of our stay, we’d fallen completely in love with Sun Peaks. In fact, I’ve talked about it so much since coming home that I’ve now promised the kids we’ll be taking them back one day so they can experience it too.
My top pick for: Skiers, first-timers and families wanting an authentic Canadian ski experience without the crowds.
This trip reminded me that Canada isn’t just about the scenery, although wow! It’s about the feeling you get while you’re there.
Whether it was wandering through Christmas markets in Vancouver, cheering on the Canucks with thousands of locals, watching sea otters play, or skiing through the middle of a snow-covered village, every day felt like another memory we’d be talking about for years.
If you’re thinking about Canada, my biggest tip is simple – go at Christmas if you can. I’ve travelled to a lot of places, but I’ve never experienced Christmas quite like it.
And if skiing has always been on your bucket list but you’ve been put off by the crowds or huge resorts, don’t overlook Sun Peaks. It completely exceeded my expectations and is somewhere I’ll happily keep recommending…especially now that I’m planning our return trip with the kids!
If Canada is on your travel wish list, I’d love to help you put together an itinerary that’s perfect for you – whether it’s a white Christmas, a ski adventure, or an unforgettable journey through the Canadian Rockies.
Ready to experience Canada for yourself? Let’s chat.
Kelly Jenkins | TravelManagers Australia
