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ToursByLocals Blog Posts
Magical Winter Experiences at ToursByLocals
Jan 03 2025
For many of us, winter is the season to be escaped, whether that means staying warm and cosy indoors, or seeking sunshine by flying to a warmer climate. But there are those among us who embrace the season - freezing temperatures and all! It's for the winter enthusiasts that we've rounded up the following experiences that take advantage of snow and ice and all the beauty that comes with it.
Try These Winter Travel Experiences for 2025
Go Stargazing in Jasper National Park
Winter is a wonderful time for star gazing in the Northern Hemisphere. While the shorter days give us less sunshine, they bring more star-shine and the convenience of star gazing in the early evening, rather than having to wait for the late summer sun to set.With ancient glaciers, glassy lakes and majestic mountains, Jasper boasts some of the most striking alpine scenery in the world. And when darkness falls, it gets even better. In March 2011, Jasper became the world’s largest Dark Sky Preserve, with over 11,000 km of protected area. For decades its wintery night time skies have pulled visiting snowshoe-ers, skiers and local residents away from their cozy fireplaces and hot tubs and out under the majesty of the Milky Way.
Reach out to the guides in Jasper for a customized star gazing tour!
Try dog-sledding near Quebec City, Canada
Experience a quintessential Canadian winter activity: go dog sledding and snowmobiling in the snowy forests outside of Quebec City! Your guide will make sure to have a thermos of hot chocolate handy to keep you warm. Quebec is the perfect place to embrace winter; when you’re done dog-sledding, bundle up and stroll its romantic streets, and - if you time it right! - experience the magic of “Carnaval” - the city’s mid-winter festival.Search for the Northern Lights in Tromso, Norway
Did you know, Tromsø is also called the city of the northern lights? It sits right under the aurora oval, which makes it the ideal starting point for a northern lights expedition, which is best experienced during the long winter nights. Experience standing under the dancing northern lights, either somewhere in the surrounding majestic mountains or on one of our hidden secluded beaches.With your guide Suzanne, get the feel of how and why humans in earlier times were fascinated (and frightened) by the lights and get a deeper understanding of the magic, that still enchants us humans today. At the same time, learn about modern research by our world renowned scientists and the still unsolved secrets in our vast universe.
Try “forest bathing” in Japan, and meet the Snow Monkeys!
When it is cold, the wild snow monkeys near Nagano bathe in hot springs. Imagine seeing these furry creatures enjoying their steam bath routine! Your guide will take you for a peaceful Shinrinyoku walk to spot the monkeys, ending with an outdoor foot spa in a local onsen.Experience a Winter’s Day in the Scottish Highlands
Fancy dipping your toe in the The North Sea? Try a can of Irn Bru and a Tunnocks Teacake? Fish & Chips on Nairn Beach? See a Highland Cow? Hike above Loch Ness? Castles?This tour is for those that want to visit the highlands in the depth of Winter, with its short chilly days, empty roads, warming whisky and the chance to see what you want to! Reach out to local guide Matthew to customize the perfect winter’s day for you.
Take a Hike in a Bavarian Winter Wonderland
Enjoy the crisp winter air, play with fluffy snow, and let your eyes wander in awe on a winter wonderland tour in the Spitzingsee area of Bavaria. Several options for all levels await, from the avid hiker to the smallest snow-bunny.You can take a gentle walk around a gorgeous frozen mountain lake to reach a mountain chalet with an amazing selection of excellent food. Or if you prefer a little thrill, climb with your guide Stefanie up the slopes for some great views and - after you've enjoyed an alpine lunch - head back down the slopes on a zippy sledge!
Experience the magic of winter in Yellowstone
On this tour you will visit Yellowstone's Northern Range and famous Lamar Valley while looking for wild inhabitants of the west such as bison, elk, fox, coyote, and wolves.View and learn about the wildlife that calls this extreme winter environment home with your guide Nolan, a sixth generation Montanan who grew up with Yellowstone as his backyard, and who has spent years observing the animals of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
See Icy Niagara Falls in the Winter
The natural wonders of Niagara Falls are even more magical in the winter months, surrounded by ice formations and snow-covered landscapes. On this chilly seasonal tour, wrap up warm and set out to explore the American side of the falls with your guide David, including Horseshoe Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, the Niagara Falls Observation Deck, Whirlpool State Park, and Powervista.Go Ice Skating in Prague’s Old Town
Some would argue Prague is at its best in winter. The summer time crowds have left and you’ll have gorgeous Charles Bridge almost to yourself! Early morning light shines through wintery mist as swans glide along the Vlatava River, and little ice skating rinks pop up throughout the atmospheric Old Town. Local guide Sarka loves sharing her city with visitors at this peaceful time of year; she invites you to come walk with her, and perhaps enjoy a mug of mulled wine as you stroll the city streets.