Issue link: http://read.canadatravelguides.ca/i/651528
TRAVEL GUIDE TO CANADA I t has been said that "to every thing there is a season and a time to every purpose under the heaven." Well, in Canada—an undeniably heavenly place—that means a time to ski and a time to swim, a time to hike and a time for harvest feasts. This, after all, is a land of dramatic seasonal shifts, and visitors can embrace all of nature's cycles. Winter Come in the coldest months and you'll understand why Canada is nicknamed the "Great White North." Vast quantities of snow fall on much of the country, but there's no need to hibernate. Old Man Winter provides ample outdoor opportu- nities. SKIING AND SNOWBOARDING Impressive mountains and deep powder translate into high-calibre skiing— particularly in the Rockies, which straddle the British Columbia/Alberta border. Whistler Blackcomb is the continent's largest ski resort. Still basking in the afterglow of the 2010 Winter Olympics, it has slopes appropriate for every skill level, plus cross-country trails, tricky terrain parks, amenity-fi lled accommoda- tions and après-ski action, all within two hours of Vancouver ( www.whistler blackcomb.com). Kicking Horse (www.kickinghorse resort.com), Fernie (www.skifernie.com ). Sunshine Village (www.skibanff.com ) and Lake Louise (www.skilouise.com ) are other regional standouts. Away from their well-groomed runs, adrenaline junkies can take advantage of many off-piste possibilities as well. It's estimated that 90 percent of the world's heli-skiing occurs in British Columbia, and local operators let skiers and snowboarders access pristine powder by air ( www.heliski.com ). Veering east, Ontario's premiere ski resort is Blue Mountain, about two hours north of Toronto (www.bluemountain.ca ); Québec's leading ones are Mont Tremblant north of Montréal (www.tremblant.ca ) and Mont-Sainte-Anne near Québec City (www.mont-sainte-anne.com ). Newfoundland's Marble Mountain (www. skimarble.com ) is also noteworthy. Aside from having Atlantic Canada's highest vertical drop, the area features Whistler- esque perks such as cat-skiing and winter zip-lining. FOR ALL SEASONS BY SUSAN MACCALLUMWHITCOMB FOR ALL SEASONS A LAND Mont Saint-SaUVeUr, QC • toUriSM LaUrentianS FOUR SEASONS