Canada’s surf scene is totally radical, dude. Even Outside Magazine has taken notice of our Great White Waves, naming Tofino, British Columbia “North America’s Best Surf Town” in their 2010 Editor’s Choice Awards and calling it the Surf City of Canada. However, there’s surfing to be had right across this.

Feel the wind in your face and the snowflakes or sea spray on your cheeks as you zoom along a sandy beach in a buggy, ski or board across a frozen lake or ride the waves – fun sports made even more exhilarating when you slip into a kite harness and let the wind do the work.

You don’t need to know that little ol’ Rossland, British Columbia – population 3,800 – has been celebrating winter with a carnival since 1897.

Rideau Canal Skateway, Ottawa, Ontario

I’m a life-long skier who married a non-skier. My husband’s travel dreams never included boots and goggles. That situation might challenge some couples, families or groups, but choosing spectacular Whistler-Blackcomb as my ski destination solves the problem. The resort area offers so much beyond skiing and boarding that no one ever gets bored.

As snowflakes fall in Gatineau Park’s silent forests, the only audible sound is the swoosh of my skis. Ahead of me is Healey Lodge, a former Irish settler’s log homestead. Here I warm my lunch on a crackling wood stove, drink hot chocolate and “chill” with other skiers and snowshoers.

Fernie Alpine Resort, Fernie

Ever wonder what it feels like to ride a force so strong it routinely carves valleys? There’s no better way to find out than from midstream, especially when the river segues from sedate views of granite, cedar and raptors into Class IV whitewater madness.