Canadian Winter Sports

When you think of Canadian winter sports, I’m guessing the first one that comes to mind is ice hockey. Canadians are famous for our love of the game. Skiing may also come to mind, since the Canadian Rockies are world renowned and attract visitors from all over the world. What might not come to mind and are not Olympic sports but still fascinating are dog sledding trips, ice climbing, ice carving or building an igloo, but we Canadians we need to find creative ways to stay warm during our long winters and these Canadian winter sports are sure to keep you warm on your winter vacation to the Canadian Rockies.

Dog sledding trips are one of the more unusual but fascinating ways to see the Canadian Rockies in winter. Dog sleddubg trips range from two hours to multi-day trips can be arranged through reputable operators who genuinely care about the dogs. You will feel like you are an early settler with the wind on your face as the landscape whisks on by. If you’re feeling less adventurous you can also sit on the side lines and watch dog sled races which are held at various locations in the Canadian Rockies. Many Canadians haven't done dog sledding trips, but I loved it and would highly recommend it to everyone.  Dog sled races, Dog sled trips.

Ice climbing is not for those afraid of heights but it’s one of the most adventurous Canadian winter sports you can do and is sure to get your adrenalin pumping, no matter how chilly it is. An ice climbing course is critical to avoid injury for ice climbing and can be arranged through a variety of outdoor stores that offer anywhere from one day excursions for those just wanted to test the waters to multi-day sessions for those really wanting to dig in, pardon the pun. If you’re not feeling up for the adventure of an ice climbing course, watching ice climbers is also a treat and you get some sense of just how difficult it is as you watch the ice climbers slowly make their way up frozen waterfalls. You are almost virtually guaranteed to find ice climbers at the end of Johnson Canyon in Banff, a popular short hike that is family friendly with its boardwalks, although it can be slippery in winter. Ice climbing course.

I had never really thought of ice carving as a Canadian winter sport until I attended the Ice Magic Festival in Lake Louise a few years ago which is an international ice carving competition held in January each year. Observing the ice carvings and ice carvers, I saw that ice carving requires incredible endurance, patience and attention to detail. None of these are my strengths but I’m quite happy to watch other people do it and marvel in the talent that abounds. Although the ice carving competition is just one weekend, the ice sculptures remain until they melt which could be several months, depending on the temperatures.

Building an igloo is not technically a Canadian winter sport, alhtough you could hold an igloo building competition if you were so inclined and turn it into a sport. Day long courses on bulding an igloo are offered in the Canadian Rockies in which you learn how to build an igloo, and other snow shelters. For those feeling really brave and dressed warm, you also have the option of spending the night in your creation so that you can see for yourself just how warm and comfortable your igloo really is. Apparently it is actually quite warm, but I must confess I haven’t actually tried tbuilding an igloo yet, although I do plan to one day. Winter camping courses.

As you can see there’s much more to Canadian winter sports than hockey and skiing so the next time you’re looking for a way to stay warm in the Canadian Rockies why not try your hand at dog sledding trips or an ice climbing course or even building an igloo. At least one of these winter activities is are sure to be a highlight of your time in the Canadian Rockies for years to come.