Dear Explorer,
Wishing you all a New Year filled with exciting adventures and unforgettable experiences. Happy 2025!
In this blog, I’ll take you on a journey through my winter trip to three incredible cities: Seattle, Vancouver, and Calgary. So, grab a cozy sweater and your favorite hot beverage before diving in!
December is a month where magic dances in the cold air and every corner sparkles with light. Tis the season of joy and be Merry !
Most people go to warm places to escape from the cold , but I had decided to explore far north to celebrate the winter by exploring the winter wonderlands.
Stop 1: Seattle
December is pretty misty and wet in Seattle but everything transformed when you stepped into the heart of holiday magic at the Enchant Light Winter Festival at T-Mobile Arena , where a world of sparkling lights and festive wonder awaits! The air is filled with the joy of the season, but there’s a little twist this year—Santa’s Christmas magic has started to fade, and it’s up to you to help restore it! Embark on a thrilling Santa Treasure Hunt through a shimmering light maze, where each clue leads you closer to the secret to reignite the holiday spirit. As you weave through tunnels of dazzling lights, sparkling snowflakes, and whimsical displays, you’ll solve riddles, discover hidden treasures, and unlock the magic needed to save Christmas. The maze is a feast for the eyes, with twinkling reindeer, glowing trees, glowing stars and magical creatures lighting the way. With every step, the excitement builds, and the air buzzes with holiday cheer, making Enchant the ultimate place to find your own little piece of Christmas magic!
We had plans to check the Seattle’s winter market as well , but due to rain , we have decided to skip it.
One of my friend invited me to a Polish-themed Christmas dinner organized by his polish friend, and it was truly a magical experience. I cooked the Polish fish (Ryba Po Grecku) for the first time, and I think it came out pretty well without much spice.
The table was laden with delicious holiday dishes and desserts, each bite bursting with festive flavors. From the savory delights to the sweet treats, everything was a celebration of Christmas traditions. Surrounded by friends who felt like family, it was a perfect way to embrace the spirit of the season and create cherished memories. It was a Christmas celebration that will forever hold a special place in my heart.
Stop 2 : Vancouver
After celebrating Christmas in Seattle , we have decided to drive and explore Vancouver for couple of days. It’s just 2 hours drive from Seattle. Once you enter Canada , first town is Surrey , here you will get lots of options for good Indian food. We obviously stopped for chai and lunch before heading to Vancouver.
please check the wait time to cross the US Canada border because sometime it may take hours to cross the border.
Chai & Vada Pav @ Bandra Cafe
Lunch @spice of Nepal – Jhol Momo and soya chap was delish.
After checking into our hotel , we walked beside the ocean to Canada place and got the free shuttle to our next stop to Capilano suspension bridge.
The location of our hotel was near great restaurants and local attractions, but the best part was that it was right by the ocean, and the view was gorgeous. I highly recommend the Westin Bayshore in Vancouver.
Capilano suspension bridge
We got the timed entry ticket online for 7 pm , was not sure if it’s a good idea but under the blanket of a star-studded sky, the Capilano Suspension Bridge transforms into a dazzling wonderland, illuminated by a cascade of twinkling lights.
Each step across the swaying bridge feels like a thrilling dance with nature as it gently rocks with the rhythm of your movements, high above the rushing river below. The air was misty with the scent of pine, and the enchanting glow reflects off the towering evergreens, creating an otherworldly atmosphere.
The excitement doesn’t end there; the Treetops Adventure beckons with its network of smaller, lit-up suspension bridges connecting majestic Douglas firs. Each hop from tree to tree feels like a leap into a magical forest realm, blending the exhilaration of adventure with the serenity of nature. It’s an unforgettable experience that stirs both the soul and the spirit of exploration.
Check this instagram video for more clicks on Capilano suspension bridge lights !
Whistler Olympic park
Next morning after having a hearty breakfast in our hotel we headed to explore Whistler Olympic park. In winter always check the road conditions in the below link before heading towards mountains.
https://www.drivebc.ca/mobile/events/index.html
it was raining when we started driving from Vancouver and slowly it turned into flurries and snow as we approach towards Olympic park. This is a perfect set up to try cross country skiing by stepping into a snow-covered adventure.
As we round a bend, the iconic Olympic rings come into view, standing proudly against the backdrop of majestic peaks. They are a reminder of the park’s storied past, where athletes from around the world once chased glory. Pausing for a moment, we felt a connection to that legacy, surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the Callaghan Valley. The mix of quiet determination, physical challenge, and awe-inspiring scenery makes cross-country skiing here an unforgettable experience.
Stanley park Bike ride
Next day before concluding our adventure in Vancouver , we rented a bike from our Hotel and took a ride around the 9 km seawall (@ 5.6 miles) route with absolutely stunning views of beaches, and gorgeous old-growth forests, as well as the sparkling waters of English Bay and the harbor of Vancouver with its impressive city skyline.
I think biking or walking on the seawall is a great way to explore the grandeur of Stanley Park.
Stop 3: Calgary
Next stop is taking flight to Calgary to explore Kananaskis Country and Banff National park in its full winter glory.
Grotto canyon ice walk – Kananaskis Country
The Grotto Canyon ice walk is a very fun and unique thing to do in Kananaskis Country in winter. it was short one hour ride from Calagary.
In summer, Grotto Creek was a gentle mountain stream running through a beautiful canyon. Over the course of winter, this modest little creek becomes a large sheet of brilliant blue uphill ice. Embarking on an icy adventure through Grotto Canyon in Kananaskis Country is like stepping into a frozen fairy tale. The 4.2-kilometer(~ 3 miles) round-trip hike weaves through towering limestone walls, where every step on the frozen creek bed feels like an exhilarating connection with winter’s raw beauty.
The true highlight awaits as you venture deeper into the canyon—an awe-inspiring frozen waterfall that stands like a crystal monument, its intricate icicles shimmering in the pale winter sunlight.
To the left, the Grotto Canyon Trail continues for several miles. The trail extension is not official, nor maintained beyond the frozen waterfalls. This section of Grotto Canyon is much less popular, but if you are looking for a longer winter hike or snowshoe, this is a great option. We did it and loved the views surrounded by snow capped mountains.
Please pack micro spikes / crampons to walk on the ice.
After the hike, we went to Canmore for dinner and called it a day in this quaint, hill-vibe town.
Check the below instagram video for more clicks from the very icy icewalk.
Johnston Canyon – Banff National park
Next stop was, of course, Banff National Park. The mountains that looked tiny from afar now stand tall right in front of you. Driving through these majestic peaks, with the view of snow-covered pines, feels like a mystical journey through a frozen wonderland.
Our first stop was Johnston Canyon for a short winter hike of 7 km (~3.2 miles) round-trip trail that winds along steel catwalks and snow-dusted paths, offering breathtaking views of ice-clad cliffs and crystal-clear creek waters.
As you venture deeper, you’ll encounter the frozen Lower and Upper Falls, their icy cascades glistening like sculptures in the crisp mountain air. The quiet serenity of the snow-covered canyon, paired with the thrill of walking amidst towering rock walls, makes this winter hike an unforgettable adventure in one of Canada’s most stunning landscapes.
Upper hot springs – Banff National park
After freezing in “-16” degree Celsius (3 degree Fahrenheit) during the hike , we decided to soak in the Banff upper hot springs . It is the perfect way to unwind after a day of cold winter hikes. Nestled high on Sulphur Mountain, the steaming, mineral-rich waters offer a rejuvenating escape while the crisp mountain air and panoramic views of snow-covered peaks create a serene, otherworldly atmosphere. Whether you’re easing tired muscles or simply savoring the moment, this natural oasis is a quintessential Banff experience, blending relaxation with breathtaking alpine beauty.
I never thought I will enjoy this because of so many people in the hot springs , but there was enough space and after the dip all my sore leg muscles felt much better. I highly recommend taking a dip in the hot springs.
After the steamy dip, explored the beautiful hilly town of Banff. Had some local treats and head back to Calgary.
Heritage Ranch – Red Deer
This was not in the original plan but then few friends of my friend who live in Edmonton want to meet for lunch in Red Deer , which is a 90 mins drive north from Calgary. On the way to Red deer, I found the flatter part of Canada with acres of farmlands and ranches covered in snow.
After the lunch we have decided to explore one of the popular ranches – Heritage Ranch.
Walking around the ranch was a tranquil and picturesque experience. The river was frozen, allowing us to walk on it. It was a bit scary imagining the ice breaking and us ending up at the bottom of the frozen river, but thankfully, nothing like that happened.
As you stroll, the sight of horses galloping gracefully through the snow is mesmerizing, their movements a blend of power and elegance against the pristine white backdrop. It’s a moment of pure connection with nature, making the ranch a magical escape in the heart of winter.
As I wrapped up my trip to the winter wonderland, the journey back to Boston became its own magical experience. The snow-covered landscapes gradually gave way to a clear, starry sky, and just as I was starting to reflect on the adventure, the Northern Lights danced across the horizon in brilliant waves of green and purple. It was a breathtaking farewell to the winter landscape, as if nature itself was giving me one last, unforgettable show before i returned home. The memory of those shimmering lights will forever stay with me, a perfect ending to a perfect trip.
Please comment below to get more details about these beautiful places , or share your winter escapades with me.
ExploringEyes 
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