Winter lights in Canada

Winter lights are a sure way to brighten up cities during the inhospitable winter season. In Canada, these are usual shows that we find every year. Cities are adorned with their most beautiful lights and events are organized everywhere to transform the daily lives of residents and tourists. Find out more about winter lights in this article.

What is Winter Lights?

Canada is a country with winters sometimes very harsh. To give themselves courage, its inhabitants invented winter lights. These are times when major Canadian cities light up to bring light into the darkness of winter. It is also an opportunity to party and meet in the street.

There are many stalls in the streets come especially for the occasion to offer delicious things to nibble or drink. Live music or DJ performances are organized for the occasion. Other events are organized during the winter lights: ice sculpture competitions, snowmen competitions and even giant ice rinks.

Winter Festival of Lights, Niagara Falls, Ontario

It is Canada's largest winter lights festival. It extends over several months, generally from November to January. More than 8 km of roads are lit for the occasion, on the Niagara Parkway, across the Dufferin Islands and in certain tourist spots in the city (Lundy's Lane, Fallsview District and Clifton Hill District). The famous Niagara Falls are also illuminated at night.

Although you can travel the lit road on foot, it is nevertheless advisable to take the car. It is indeed quite long and walking for a long time during the winter is not recommended.

Winter Lights, Ottawa, Ontario

The capital lights up during the month of December until January, on a route going to Gatineau, passing by some of the city's most emblematic places.

We improvise a nice walk in the city to admire some illuminated monuments. Pass by the National War Memorial then through Rideau Canal Park before going to Confederation Park. We then go to the Mackenzie Triangle, to the Reconciliation monument, to Jacques-Cartier Park, to the Garden of Provinces and Territories, to Portage Park and finally to the Supreme Court of Canada.

In Vancouver (British Columbia)

Outside of decorations usual events of the city, several events around light are organized in Vancouver.

VanDusen Botanical Gardens Festival of Lights

British Columbia's iconic botanical garden hosts more than a million lights during this event. There are thematic light shows, from one part of the gardens to another. The Dancing Lights are a must-see, while nibbling on one of the tasty snacks offered by the on-site food vendors.

Although there is an admission fee, the VanDusen Botanical Gardens Festival of Lights is fun for all ages. In recent years, the event has attracted more than 110,000 visitors per year.

Winter's Last Light

This winter festival takes place indoors at the Harbor Convention Center on Pacific Boulevard. It offers gardens with interactive lights, illuminated structures, daily entertainment and delicious things to eat and drink for the whole family.

Children are welcome at Winter's Last Light and many of its attractions are designed for them. The most notable of the event are the light tunnel, the Christmas balls, the bear gardens, the dry ice fountain and the LED swings.

In Toronto, Ontario

This large cosmopolitan city also gives pride of place to winter by adorning itself with lights. The Light Festival which takes place in its streets is free. You just have to walk there to enjoy it. Other events are organized in parallel in several locations in Toronto.

Light decorations in the city of Toronto

During the months of December and January, several light installations are made in the city of Toronto. Many events are organized during this period.

Casa Loma Holiday Lights

During the months of December and January, one of Toronto's most popular attractions is adorned with thousands of lights. It is a paid attraction that is worth the visit, especially with several entertaining musical events.

Cavalcade of Lights

Nathan Phillips Square is transformed into a real showplace with light decorations, music, an ice rink and an ice sculpture competition. A huge Christmas tree decorated for the occasion completes the winter decoration.

This event is generally held from November to January.

Other events in Toronto

Mississauga's Illumi is a ticketed sound and light festival that takes place between December and January.

Another paid but memorable attraction is the A Holiday Lights Spectacular on Progress Avenue Scarborough. It's a spectacle of more than 1.5 million LED lights synchronized to music. While strolling quietly, you will discover interactive activities, impressive light structures and food trucks with appetizing products. It's the ideal place to take beautiful selfies and unforgettable family memories.

The Village of Yorkville Holiday Magic is a free event on Bellair Street and Cumberland Street. We go there as a family to admire the millions of lights scattered in the trees and streets.

In Montreal (Quebec)

The streets of the Beautiful city of Montreal light up from December until March.

Montréal en Lumière is a festival of light and international gastronomy that foodies won't want to miss. It generally takes place in the Entertainment district in the heart of the city. On the program, cultural and artistic activities, entertainment and above all a lot of global culinary specialties to discover during the event. The city's Ferris wheel allows you to admire the light show from a great height.

La Nuit Blanche, on Place des Festivals, is one of the highlights of Montréal en Lumière. It's a night of fun with events both indoors and outdoors. Created in 2003, it is today a Montreal tradition. Go skating, attend concerts or DJ sets: everything is possible during this crazy night of entertainment. Local merchants offer hot drinks and snacks to ensure everyone has a good evening.

The Notre-Dame Basilica is bathed in light inside and out during the end of the year. Projections on the surrounding buildings allow you to discover the history of the city in another way.

Do you dream of seeing the winter lights of Canada? While waiting to get there, we invite you to take a tour of our online store. You will find authentic products from Canada and Quebec, such as the essential maple syrup. Are you looking for an original idea for a gift? Use our gift cards to let your loved ones choose what they want!