If you are looking to have a memorable NYE this year, heading north of the border will provide you with the excitement you are looking for. In this article, we’ll share several Canadian destinations that will allow you to ring in 2018 in style.
1) Banff, Alberta
Does your conception of Canada include a heavy dose of mountains? If so, make Banff your base. Located in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, you’ll have 360 degree views of some of the most dramatic peaks in Banff Park, you’ll be steps from excellent walking trails, and you’ll be a short shuttle ride away from some of Canada’s finest ski resorts.
Banff doesn’t just shine during daylight hours, though: after dark, it is home to a variety of outstanding nightspots. From homely pubs like the Rose and Crown to rollicking nightclubs such as the Dancing Sasquatch, you’ll find the proper venue for you when it comes to counting down the final seconds of 2017.
2) Hogman-eh, Ottawa, Ontario
Serving as the nation’s capital, Ottawa is a can’t miss tourist destination any time of year. From Parliament Hill to its countless national museums, you’ll find plenty of ways to kill time leading up to New Year’s Eve.
When the big night finally arrives, you could go to one of many outstanding bars in Byward Market, but we recommend attending Hogman-eh. A party put on by the Scottish Society of Ottawa, it aims to emulate the big NYE celebration in Edinburgh.
With plenty of fiddles and bagpipes, scotch tasting stations, fireworks, and a mass singing of Auld Lang Syne, you’ll see how deep the traditions of Canada’s third largest ethnic group run by attending this celebration.
Ottawa is also close by to Casino du Lac Leamy across the river in Gatineau, Quebec. If you plan on playing games like roulette, craps, and blackjack, practice these games for free on sites like http://www.canadacasino.net/. This will ensure you are able to know when it is wise to hit or stay, where to place your chips, and so forth. You might even win enough money to pay for your night out – bonus!
3) George Street, St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador
Want to ring in the New Year before anyone else in Canada, and have a blast in the process? Set your course for St. John’s, Newfoundland. Spend your days before NYE touring around places like the Battery (colourful houses), Signal Hill (history + panoramic views), and Cape Spear (most easterly point in North America).
When the time comes to party, head straight to George Street. This strip is home to the most pubs and bars per square foot than any other street in North America, so you’ll have plenty of venues to choose from. You can follow the lead of locals and crawl from one joint to another, or you can pick a bar (like O’Reilly’s Pub) with a track record of throwing epic NYE parties and hang there for the night.
4) Viewing Northern Lights in the Territories
Want a chilled out New Year’s instead? Get away from all the noise and rowdiness by heading for Canada’s northern territories. Whether you choose to base yourself in Whitehorse, Yukon, or Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, you’ll be a short drive away from the darkness of the wilderness that surrounds both centres.
With nothing but the trees and frozen landscape to keep you company, the pitch darkness that surrounds you will allow nature’s greatest light show, the Northern Lights, to show its true colours. As it glows and twists across the sky in unearthly hues of green and purple, sit back with a glass of wine or can of beer as the minute arm on your watch crosses over into 2018 – not that you’ll notice.