Northern Lights, Yellowknife, NWT
Everything is illuminated in the Northwest Territories capital, arguably the best location in the world for viewing the aurora borealis, especially in March. Just head outside after dark and look up. Cost: free
www.spectacularnwt.com/

Takhini Hot Springs, near Whitehorse, YT
Iron gives these hot springs their reddish-brown colour, though you’ll probably be too captivated by the snowcapped mountains to notice. Cost: $6 to $9.50/person
http://travelyukon.com/

Northern Lights Wildlife Wolf Centre, Golden, BC
Get up close and personal with wolves, one of North America’s most misunderstood animals. Cost: about $10/adult and $6/child
www.hellobc.com
 
Hallis Lake Cross-Country Skiing, Cariboo Chilcotin Coast, BC
Spend a day gliding through a winter wonderland. With the leftover change, you can warm up with a slice of handmade apple crumble and a cup of hot chocolate at Granville’s Coffee in downtown Quesnel. Cost: $5 day skiing pass/adult and $10/family
www.hellobc.com

Victoria Tea Festival, Victoria, BC (Feb.)
Connoisseur or newbie, you’re bound to discover a new favourite in the hundreds of teas and food pairings to be sampled at the largest public tea exhibition in North America. Cost: about $20 to $25
www.hellobc.com

Hitmen Ice Hockey, Calgary, AB
A top team in the Western Hockey League, the Calgary Hitmen is your ticket to catching the next Gretzky in action. Games run from September through to playoffs in March. Cost: about $20
www1.travelalberta.com/en-ca/

Ice Magic, Lake Louise, AB (end of Jan.)
Hop a free shuttle to Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise for the International Ice Carving Competition. The kids can even try their hand at this ephemeral art form. Cost: free
www1.travelalberta.com/en-ca/
 
Art Gallery of Alberta, Edmonton, AB
Be one of the first to visit this spectacular 7,897-sq-m (85,000-sq-ft) gallery, scheduled to open in early 2010. Cost: $10/adult
www1.travelalberta.com/en-ca/

Canadian Challenge Sled Dog Race, Prince Albert to La Ronge, SK (Feb.)
In this Iditarod-qualifying event, 12- and eight-dog teams race 535 km (332 mi) and 325 km (202 mi), respectively. Pick your favourite canine and start cheering. Cost: free
www.sasktourism.com/

Enchanted Forest, Saskatoon, SK (Nov. to Jan.)
Cruise through 2.5 km (1.6 mi) of animated Christmas light displays nestled amid the towering trees of the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park. Cost: $20/car
www.sasktourism.com/

Festival du Voyageur, Winnipeg, MB (Feb.)
Celebrate the magic of a Canadian winter with Métis dance performances, skating under the stars, fireworks and more. Cost: $20 for all 10 days
http://travelmanitoba.com/

Skating at The Forks, Winnipeg, MB
Do your best Elvis Stojko impression at The Forks, the world’s longest naturally frozen skating trail. Follow up with tiny sugar doughnuts and hot chocolate. Cost: skate rental $4/adult and $2/child
http://travelmanitoba.com/

Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay, Nunavut to Newfoundland to British Columbia (until Feb. 12)
Park yourself along the main street in any number of Canadian towns for a glimpse of the Olympic Flame as it makes its way toward Vancouver, BC. Cost: free
www.vancouver2010.com/

Winterlude, Ottawa, ON (Feb.)
Enjoy open-air concerts, elaborate snow and ice sculptures, horse-drawn sleigh rides and lots more at this annual celebration of all things winter. Cost: free
www.ontariotravel.net/

Skate the Rideau Canal, Ottawa, ON (Dec. to Feb.)
Recognized as the world’s longest skating rink by the Guiness Book of Records in 2005, the Rideau Canal National Historic Site offers eight km (five mi) of uninterrupted fun. Cost: free
www.ontariotravel.net/

Domaine de la Forêt Perdue, Notre-Dame-du-Mont-Carmel, QC
Walk or skate 10 km (six mi) of wild and winding forest trails of quaint Quebec. Cost: free with food purchase
www.bonjourquebec.com/qc-en/accueil0.html

Carnaval de Québec (Winter Carnival), Québec City, QC (Jan. to Feb.)
The biggest winter carnival in the world has everything from dogsled and canoe races to magical night parades—all right in the heart of Old Québec. Cost: $10 gets you access to most sites and activities
www.bonjourquebec.com/qc-en/accueil0.html

Igloofest, Quays of the Old Port of Montréal, QC (Jan.)
Turn up the volume with three electrifying weekends of outdoor concerts and DJs. Cost: $10
http://www.bonjourquebec.com/qc-en/accueil0.html

Montréal High Lights Festival, Quays of the Old Port of Montréal, QC (Feb.)
This 11-year-old urban festival is a triple threat of art, light and cuisine. Cost: free and up, depending on the event
www.bonjourquebec.com/qc-en/accueil0.html

The Rooms, St. John’s, NL
Newfoundland and Labrador’s largest public cultural space, The Rooms, mirrors the “fishing rooms” where local families once came together to process their catch. Immerse yourself in the region’s culture through rotating collections and exhibits. Cost: $7.50/adult and $20/family
www.newfoundlandlabrador.com/