Five best winter road trip destinations in Canada

Pack the kids in the car and hit the road: winter is prime road trip season in Canada. (Getty)

The IceFields Parkway – Alberta
This wintery name alone justifies a chilling and magical road trip. The world famous route stretches 232 km right through the Canadian Rocky Mountains from Jasper to Banff in Alberta. It has a stellar reputation for being one of the world's most stunning road trips. You will drive through two national parks with views of glaciers, mountains, lakes and waterfalls, many which are completely frozen over. Lots of wild animals call these parks homes and depending on when you travel you may catch glimpses of moose, cougars, wolves and elk. (If you travel during warmer months you may spot grizzly and black bears). Allow plenty of time to stop and take in the beauty of these icy glaciers.
Must See: Maligne Canyon in Jasper National Park where you can go ice climbing, explore the canyon, and ancient caves – guides are available for hire. (Walter Lim/Flickr)

AutoRoute Felix-Leclerc – Quebec
If you want to celebrate everything winter, then plan to arrive in Quebec City during their annual Carnaval de Quebec taking place from January 27 to February 12, 2017. It's the largest winter carnival in the world and home to the famous giant smiling snowperson - Bonhomme. If you love hockey, parades, snow sculptures, slippery slides and ice palaces, you will fit right in. Start your road trip to Quebec City in Rawdon, located on the Ouareau River in southwestern Quebec in the Lanaudiere region. This three-hour road trip along AutoRoute 40 will take you all the way there along the shores of the glorious St. Lawrence River. The highway is officially known as AutoRoute Felix-Leclerc, named after the famous French-Canadian singer, songwriter and political activist. The famous road also connects Quebec City and Montreal, if that is your starting point.
Must See: Hotel de Glace/Ice Hotel in Valcartier, a short drive from Quebec City and open from January 4 to March 26, 2017. If you are daring, book a room to sleep on a bed of pure ice in a hotel made entirely of ice and snow. (Flickr/Trevor Bobowick)

Lake of Bays – Ontario
The route from Bracebridge to Huntsville includes the spectacular Lake of Bays, an 80 km loop right around the lake. You will pass by charming small villages like Baysville where you can warm up with a hot coffee. Cottage country is stunning in all seasons, but in the winter the many rocks and trees are covered in snow and the frozen lakes are glistening. Muskoka is an ideal Ontario winter getaway for winter activities including ice skating along the Arrowhead 1.5km Ice Trail through the wilderness. It's also a great destination for downhill and cross country skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling.
Must See: Beauview Cottage Resort in Huntsville is situated on the on the Lake of Bays and you can take an outdoor hot tub soak surrounded by snow. (Flickr/Ryan McGilchrist)

Sea-to-Sky Highway – British Columbia
The Sea-to-Sky Highway, also commonly referred to as Highway 99, will take you from Vancouver to just north of Whistler and stretches about 164km. Even though it's winter, in British Columbia if you are used to the bitter cold it will feel more like a chilly spring day as you drive along – the sun over the Pacific helps too. As you zoom past breathtaking waterfalls, mountains, and parks along route 99 you will see for yourself why this road trip is world famous. The road was built in the 1960's to help develop tourism and the highway was upgraded to prepare for the 2010 Winter Olympics.
Must See: Skiing in Whistler is world renowned and Whistler and Blackcomb mountains are known as skier's dream destinations boasting over 8,100 acres of snow-covered slopes. (Flickr/James Abbott)

The Cabot Trail - Nova Scotia
Not only is this famed route popular in warmer months, it's also scenic during the winter. Of course it's ideal if the roads are clear so be sure to plan ahead as the weather near Cape Breton can be unpredictable at times. This route is known as one of the most scenic destinations in Canada and on a clear day you will have a view of the ocean, snow covered forests, cliffs and highlands. The Cabot Trail loops around the north of Cape Breton Island in 297km. There is a good chance you will see wild moose roaming free - just don't let them lick the salt off your car like in Alberta.
Must See: There are multiple unique artisan studios along the Cabot Trail such as Piper Pewter Inc., North Shore Woodsmiths Studios and Glass Artisans Studio & Gallery. For a complete list visit Nova Scotia's website.(Flickr/Doug Kerr)