How to Enjoy a Canadian Winter: Part 2

 We're still in the midst of a pretty intense winter season here in Canada. Last night on the way home from sushi we drove 20km/h along the highway in knee-deep snow that hadn't been ploughed. Despite the downfalls of winter (like driving in it), the beautiful snow-covered evergreens in my backyard more than make up for it. As I mentioned in my previous post about enjoying winter, my tastes about this season have changed a bit since childhood. I no longer enjoy jumping off swingsets into the snow, or building massive snowforts with my brother, but the winter still has a lot to offer. Like visiting the annual Niagara Ice Wine festival!

This was our first time at the Ice Wine Festival. Held in quaint Niagara-on-the-Lake, a charming 18th century village, local wineries and culinary institutes meet to host a wine and gourmet food tasting along the main street. It was C.O.L.D., but that didn't stop the masses from coming out and enjoying their favourite vino. Gabriel remarked that it felt like we were in Europe, where often, despite the nasty weather, people still venture out to the markets or the town squares. Some highlights of the afternoon included seeing the "World's Largest Wine Glass", and marveling at the amazing ice sculptures and ice bars that were created around the venue. This is definitely on my 'to-do' list for next winter!