Winter in Alberta means sunny days, icy lakes and fluffy snow that makes for some of the best skiing in the world. It’s a time to bundle up, get outside and make the most of the season. Here are some suggestions to create your winter bucket list.
Ten Must-Do Things in Alberta This Winter
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Winter wonderland fantasies come to life in Alberta. A staggering number of accessible outdoor activities deliver exhilarating adventures visitors won’t ever forget.
- Alberta’s Big 3 ski resorts are home to the best skiing in the world.
- Glide across a frozen lake, examining cool ice bubbles along the way.
- Clip clop your way through the forest on a horse-drawn sleigh ride.
Hit the slopes
Let’s check the most obvious choice off first. An Alberta winter bucket list wouldn’t be complete without skiing or snowboarding in the Canadian Rockies. Alberta is home to some of the best skiing in the world, whether you’re a first-timer or regularly tackle black diamond runs.
The most well-known of Alberta’s ski resorts are the Big 3 – Sunshine Village, Lake Louise Ski Resort and Marmot Basin. Though there’s several other ski resorts throughout the province that are well worth exploring, too. In the south, you’ll find Castle Mountain Resort along the famed Powder Highway. At Castle, you can also try cat skiing in addition to downhill and snowboarding. Venture into Kananaskis Country and ski Nakiska, home of the alpine events during the 1988 Winter Olympics. Or, spend a day skiing and snow tubing at Mount Norquay near the Banff townsite.
Skate on Lake Louise
Have you ever gone skating on a frozen lake in the Canadian Rockies? What about one that looks straight out of a postcard? Skating on Lake Louise is a winter rite of passage in Alberta. You’ve got plenty of opportunities to enjoy it, too. Skating is offered from mid-December to mid-April, depending on the weather. The lake is cleared daily, so you’ll have ideal conditions to practice your footwork. It’s also lit up in the evening for atmospheric night skating. And what do you suppose happens when you’re ready to hang up your skates for the day? Why, settling in for a cocktail and dinner at Fairview in the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, of course.
Snowshoe in the Rockies
A snowshoe-assisted trek through powdery snow on a crisp winter day is a longstanding Canadian pastime. It’s also an easy way to get outside and enjoy some fresh air. Banff Adventures offers several different snowshoe tours, ranging from beginner excursions to more scenic experiences. If you’re feeling adventurous, give heli-snowshoeing a try for epic views and snowshoeing on a mountain top.
Go dog sledding in K-Country
Rather sit back and relax while you take in the mountain scenery? Simply let a pack of friendly sled dogs lead the way. Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours in Kananaskis Country – or K-Country, as the locals say – will take you on an unforgettable ride. And you may even meet some celebrity pups during your visit. The pack at Snowy Owl has been in several movies, including the 2019 Disney film, Togo.
Ride in a horse-drawn sleigh
There’s a nostalgic quality to a horse-drawn sleigh ride. Dash through the snow on a cozy sleigh ride for two or book a larger group adventure. Even better? It’s a winter activity that’s not limited to one part of the province. In Banff National Park, visit Banff Trail Riders at Warner Stables or hitch a ride at Lake Louise with Brewster Adventures. In Kananaskis Country, Boundary Ranch offers sleigh and wagon rides through picturesque scenic wooded trails. In Central Alberta, pay a visit to Heritage Ranch.
Ice walk at Maligne Canyon
Maligne Canyon is an iconic landmark in Jasper National Park – not to mention, it’s the deepest accessible canyon you’ll find there. The canyon is a great photo op in the summer, but it’s like another world when you experience it in winter. The Maligne Canyon Icewalk by Pursuit tour will take you into the canyon to explore frozen waterfalls and ice caves.
See the ice bubbles at Abraham Lake
You’ve likely seen the famous Abraham Lake ice bubbles on Instagram, but nothing beats experiencing them in real life. December to March is prime bubble-spotting time. Nordegg Adventures can show you the best places to see this natural phenomena. Exploring with a guide will also mean you have access to ice cleats. Safety first, after all. You’ll also be treated to homemade hot chocolate, marshmallows and graham crackers.
Visit a Nordic spa
Treat yourself with a day of pampering at the Kananaskis Nordic Spa. The spa is an immersive alpine retreat. There’s 5,000 square metres (50,000 sq ft) of indoor-outdoor relaxation space – all surrounded by mountain peaks. Your first order of business is taking a dip in the five plunge pools (ranging from cold to hot). Next, curl up in a winterized hammock, book a massage or grab a bite in the Two Trees Bistro. The mantra to remember is “hot, warm, cold, rest, repeat.” Be sure to book ahead, as reservations are required.
Ride the Banff Gondola
A ride on the Banff Gondola is a must-do any time of year, but heading up in winter is especially magical. The surrounding scenery looks like a real-life snow globe. The view from the top of Sulphur Mountain is worth the trip alone. Once you’ve snapped photos to your heart’s content, spend some time strolling along the boardwalk. If you want to savour the view along with delicious food, stop in at Sky Bistro. Locally sourced dishes pair exceptionally well with panoramic mountain scenery experienced 2,255 metres (7,400 ft) up.
Spend Christmas at the castle
The Fairmont Banff Springs is the ultimate Christmas destination. Who wouldn’t want to spend the holiday season in a real castle? Starting in late November, Canada’s Castle in the Rockies transforms into a Christmas wonderland. Think: Hundreds of trees decked out in the grand halls and a larger-than-life gingerbread house in the lobby. Hotel guests of all ages can enjoy plenty of activities and opportunities to make new holiday traditions and memories.
