After a couple of weeks of being busy sorting out my work permit and dealing with some health issues, the gorgeous autumn leaves reminded me that the season is shifting. Now, winter has really set in—days are darker, with sunsets around 5 pm, and rain feels almost constant. Winter’s definitely here.

Today, I want to talk about some classic Canadian winter experiences, inspired by an article I came across on Daily Hive titled "10 Bucket-List Canadian Winter Experiences You Have to Try Once in Your Life." There are ten recommendations in total, but I’m going to share my top picks—the ones that really caught my interest.

1. Seeing Polar Bears in Churchill, Manitoba

This one intrigued me the most. The town of Churchill, situated on the western shores of Hudson Bay, is known as the "polar bear capital of the world." I’m not one to spend hundreds on animal tours, but seeing polar bears out in the wild could be an exception. You can take a multi-day tour with Frontiers North Adventures, where guides take you around the area, and if you’re lucky, you might even catch the northern lights in winter. Churchill feels like one of those rare, untouched spots—seeing polar bears there would be unforgettable.

2. Dog Sledding in Saskatchewan

Dog sledding is probably the most exciting thing on the list for me. Prince Albert National Park in Saskatchewan has stunning winter landscapes, and the idea of gliding through the boreal forests and shimmering lakes with a sled team from Sundogs Sled Excursions is thrilling. I actually attempted dog sledding once with my dog back home, but it didn’t go as planned—let’s just say my dog wasn’t cut out for it! So, doing it properly with trained sled dogs has been a bit of a dream, and Canada in winter might be the perfect place to finally make that happen.

3. Ice Fishing for Oysters in Prince Edward Island

This one is fascinating—ice fishing for oysters on the Brudenell River with Tranquility Cove Adventures. I’ve never tried raw oysters before, even in Japan, but I’m curious. Apparently, oysters are plumper and juicier in winter as they store up for hibernation. It’s a new experience, and while I’m more drawn to physically engaging activities, the idea of fishing for oysters through the ice sounds pretty fun and different.

4. Drinking Icewine in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario

Ending with an experience that involves some good Canadian alcohol! Drinking icewine in Niagara-on-the-Lake sounds ideal. I’ve heard a lot about icewine—a sweet wine made from grapes that freeze on the vine in the dead of winter. It’s not just a drink; it’s like tasting a piece of winter itself. This is definitely something I’d love to do and could see myself actually planning for.

That’s a wrap on some of the most intriguing Canadian winter experiences I’d like to try this season. Whether you’re living here in Canada or planning a visit, there’s a lot to explore during the winter—things that make this season less about the cold and more about creating memories. Let me know if you have any suggestions or want to share your favorite Canadian winter activities.