There’s no reason to postpone your next vacation until the weather warms up again – some of the most remarkable experiences on the planet involve packing a couple extra layers and chasing snow, ice, wind and aurora.
From seeking out lone wolves in America, to lone waterfalls in Iceland, to lone islands in the world’s largest lake, here are some can’t-go-wrong unique winter adventures to get you started:
1. Lamar Valley, Yellowstone National Park
Wolves of Lamar Valley by Scott Kublin, on Flickr
In the winter, Lamar Valley‘s nearly treeless expanse becomes prime location for viewing its elusive wolf packs.
2. Gullfoss, Iceland
Gullfoss by Ulf Bodin, on Flickr
The spectacular Gullfoss Waterfalls’ majesty is heightened in winter when the roaring falls are surrounded by substantial ice and snow.
Related: 7 Things You Need To Eat In Iceland
3. Le Massif de Charlevoix, Petite-Rivière-Saint-François, Quebec
Bunny Hills by eskimo_jo, on Flickr
Combine the highest skiable drop east of the Rockies with the gusto of Daniel Gauthier, co-founder of Cirque du Soleil, and Le Massif de Charlevoix is a mountain-train-hotel experience unlike anything in the world.
4. Lake Baikal, Siberia, Russia
Olkhon Island by Marco Fieber, on Flickr
Lake Baikal, the world’s oldest (and deepest) freshwater lake at 25 million years, transforms into a pristine 12,200-square-mile ice rink during the midwinter months. For the complete deep freeze experience, snack on Siberian pine nuts and warm up with a creamy whitefish soup at a local café.
5. Tromso, Norway
Northern Lights outside Tromso, Norway by Diana Robinson, on Flickr
In Tromso, the northern lights illuminate magical fjords and snowy mountains. They also provide an unrivaled backdrop for the city’s all-night parties and spirited street scene.
Pick a place, pack your bags and get ready for something truly amazing. To find out how to redeem and earn miles, visit www.aeroplan.com today. (NC)
Dad. Broadcaster. Writer.
Three time Guinness World Record Holder.
I run the world for Team Diabetes.