VIP DESTINATION: WINTERING IN CANADA

If perfectly powdered slopes to practice your skiing or snowboarding skills, warm winter fires, rocky mountains and crystal clear lakes sound enticing this winter, consider a trip to Canada for the ultimate holiday this festive season.

If there's one destination that really comes alive with the look and feel of winter it's Canada. So take a look at the highlights below, pack your skis and get travelling!

VANCOUVER

Well we couldn't get the ball rolling without mentioning that Vancouver will host the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. The Games will be held from Feb 12-28 and March 12-21. See http://www.vancouver2010.com/ for details. Vancouver is the place to get familiar with ice hockey, so catch a game of the Vancouver Canucks to get you ready for the Olympic onslaught. Same Sun Hostel can hook you up with activities on the slopes or those in the city.

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BANFF, ALBERTA

For a dose of winter fun head to Banff in late January when they celebrate a nine day Winter Festival with events such as the Mountain Madness Relay, Cardboard Sled Derby, Lake Louise to Banff Cross Country and many other events.

If you can't time it for the festival Banff is a fantastic winter destination in any case. Located 138km west of Calgary this is the place to come if you want mountains and skiing. Fortunately VIP Backpackers has some good cheap options for staying in the tourist town. For a "village" Banff can get busy but it does mean it's also a fun place to visit with the good cheer around you, and even better during the winter jolly season.

Winter activities are of course all about mountains and ice and include canyon ice walks, cross country skiing, dog sledding, ice climbing, snowboarding, skiing and snowshoeing.

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BIG WHITE, BC

Big White in Kelowna, British Colombia, is Canada's second largest ski resort. And if you choose to stay here with VIP Backpackers you can have the ultimate skiing holiday at the Half Moon Hostel. At the Half Moon you can ski-in and ski-out, literally leaving your skis at the back door. It doesn't get any whiter than that! Big White itself has trails for people of all abilities so whether you're a beginner or a complete gnarly expert there'll be something here for you.

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SILVER STAR, VERNON, BC

In 2010 Vernon celebrates 50 years of winter fun from Jan 29th to Feb 7th at the annual Vernon Winter Festival. It could be a good time to visit. To make the most of all the sleigh rides, ice skating, tubing, cross country skiing or snowshoeing opportunities you should stay at Silver Star Mountain, another ski-in ski-out joint.

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REVELSTOKE, BC

Revelstoke is considered somewhat of a gateway to places like Banff, Jasper, Yoho, Kootenay, Glacier and Mt. Revelstoke National Parks. That means you have all sorts of amazing things to do right on your doorstep and it doesn't have the price tag of other more resort towns. Some activities to take part in here include heli skiing, hiking, snowshoeing, snowboarding or snowmobiling. Or wander to some hot springs and enjoy all those snowy views. Of course we've got some options for you here too. SameSun Backpacker Lodge is a great place to make friends and organize your winter fun.

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LET US HELP YOU!

If you're keen to sample any more winter events go to
http://canadianwinter.ca. Or click here for more destination information on Canada.

Wherever and whenever you go VIP has plenty of accommodation choices to keep you happy and there's plenty of options if you use the VIP card for savings on accommodation, tours and services.

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1. Ski yourself silly on the Banff slopes
2. Try speaking French in Montreal
3. Follow the Anne of Green Gables trail on Prince Edward Island
4. Enjoy the pristine wonders of Lake Louise, Alberta
5. Hang out in pretty Vancouver and familiarize yourself with the national sport of ice hockey
6. Go to cosmopolitan Toronto on the shores of Lake Ontario
7. Take up a working holiday visa and enjoy the ski season
8. Marvel at the amount of water going down the Niagara Falls
9. Lose yourself in the festivities at the Calgary Stampede
10. Explore the wonders of the Canadian Rockies

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