Issue link: http://read.canadatravelguides.ca/i/809166
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 opportunities. SKIING AND SNOWBOARDING Impressive mountains and deep powder translate into high-calibre skiing—particu- larly in the Rockies, which straddle the British Columbia/Alberta border. Whistler Blackcomb is the continent's largest ski resort. 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.whistlerblack comb.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 possibili- ties 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 It 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. A LAND FOR ALL SEASONS BY SUSAN MACCALLUM-WHITCOMB SNOWSHOEING • TOURISM LAURENTIANS 36