From coast to coast, on 31 December Canada comes together for an evening of celebrations, fireworks, and parties. Home to a diverse mixture of cultures and traditions, Canada is a perfect winter wonderland for a fantastic New Year’s Eve experience.
Toronto
Every year, downtown Toronto becomes the main destination for your winter activities – the Nathan Phillips Square is turned into a huge ice-skating rink with people enjoying their evenings out with friends and family. On December 31, Toronto hosts its annual all-ages and free New Year’s Eve celebration in the square, with DJ skating parties, live musical performances and spectacular fireworks.
Montreal
Montreal has geared up for the festive season with beautiful installations all over the city, but crowds flock to the city because no one does New Year’s Eve quite like Montreal. Under normal circumstances, there is live music and firework displays, while clubs and restaurants put on their own events for the evening. The city hosts a world-famous party at L’Olympia night club, with over 2,500 people gathering there to dance through the night.
Winnipeg
Locals flock to The Forks, a meeting place with a history of over 6,000 years, for the city’s beloved, The Forks Family New Years Eve Party. In the past, it hosted over 30,000 people over the course of the night, outdoor skating, sledding and snow sculpting festivals apart from the amazing party that is held here every year. The highlight of the night is the three-time fireworks display, that you wouldn’t want to let go off or miss out on, at all.
Northern Lights
This year particularly, you may want to steer clear off cities – especially since almost no celebrations are allowed. Take a leaf out of the Canadian book and head north for a New Year’s Eve celebration like no other. Enjoy the view of the Rocky Mountains in Banff – which basically turns into an alpine Times Square on 31 December every year – or try to catch a glimpse of Aurora Borealis in one of Canada’s northern provinces.
Vancouver
Vancouver is a hive of activity during the festive season, and New Year’s Eve is no different. Visit the beautiful VanDusen Botanical Garden for its stunning Festival of Lights. Journey through themed areas full of everything from Scandinavian gnomes to a Dancing Lights show at Livingstone Lake.
Quebec City
Quebec is a truly charming city to visit at any time of year, but especially during the festive season. The Old City, chock full of historic buildings, cobblestone streets and fabulous restaurants, looks incredibly picturesque when illuminated for the occasion.