Embrace Winter Wellness in Alberta

Alberta provides diverse wellness opportunities, from refreshing outdoor activities to relaxing alpine resorts to one-of-a-kind accommodations. Here are a few ways to feel revitalized this winter.

Reset with a spa day

Alberta has spas to suit any taste, all across the province. Spa by JW at the Edmonton Marriott is a lavish escape in the core of Edmonton’s vibrant ICE District. With a modern yet serene atmosphere and a spa curator helping guests build treatment plans, Spa by JW takes pampering to new levels of luxury. Further south, Ska Thermal Spa in Calgary emphasizes well-being through hydrotherapy, massage and saunas. They also have social hours and a full-service bar for people seeking a livelier environment.

Looking for relaxation in the Canadian Rockies? You have plenty of choices. Kananaskis Nordic Spa is an indoor-outdoor facility nestled in the iconic mountain range. With amenities like hot and cold pools, insulated hammocks and a eucalyptus steam cabin, it’s more of a sanctuary than a spa. In the heart of downtown Banff, Meadow Spa & Pools has an impressive list of treatments and couples packages. Their private outdoor hot pool boasts peak-filled views, comfy lounge chairs and a crackling fire.

Reconnect with nature

The magnificence of Alberta’s landscapes is only amplified in winter. Sparkling snow coats every inch of the province, from prairie fields to Rocky Mountain summits. Those who want to immerse themselves in these stunning scenes can cross-country ski along rolling hills, ice skate across frozen lakes and snowshoe through evergreen forests. Even a simple stroll down an urban river valley can encourage appreciation for still moments and unbelievably crisp air.

Craving deeper connections with the land? Follow the experts. Indigenous guides with Mahikan Trails take guests on medicine walks through alpine meadows and forests. They pass on generations of knowledge, identifying various flora and teaching how to survive off the land. Forest Fix offers guided snowshoe trips through the Canadian Rockies. On your leisurely 3-hour tour, you’ll learn about wildlife like grizzly bears and lynx, stopping for warm tea and snacks along the way.

Rest somewhere different

After a day of wandering outdoors in fresh air, nothing feels better than peeling off the winter gear and unwinding in a cozy setting. Alberta’s accommodations are more than a snug spot to sleep—they’re havens to reenergize for the pursuits of tomorrow. You have no shortage of options for unique places to stay, whether quaint huts in the backcountry, beautiful log cabins overlooking frozen lakes or a grand castle in the Rockies. If you want an in-depth experience of Canada’s signature season, try winter camping.

Glamping brings comfort and winter camping together. Elevated Escapes Glamping has an assortment of furnished domes and upscale canvas tents in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies. With one step outside, guests will find themselves face-to-face with the wilderness. The historic Storm Mountain Lodge within Banff National Park has log cabins with wood-burning fireplaces. Tucked away without Wi-Fi or television, this is a perfect place to unplug and recentre.

Witness wilder skies

Alberta’s longer winter nights set the stage for spectacular stargazing and northern lights sightings. In the presence of such breathtaking sights, you can’t help but feel inspired. Eager for dazzling nighttime displays? Start by checking out tips for chasing the aurora borealis and head away from city lights. Indigenous-owned Métis Crossing has sky-watching domes where guests can fall asleep below wide-open skies, maybe counting constellations and admiring the captivating glow of elusive dancing lights.

Alberta also has Dark Sky Parks to protect nights from light pollution, ensuring there’s always a place where faraway wonders can shine uninhibited. Elk Island National Park falls within the Beaver Hills Dark Sky Preserve and is a prime spot for chasing the northern lights. At their two-hour Snowshoe and Stargaze event, a guide leads groups around a scenic lake and shares stories of overhead stars. The park has snowshoes for rent but recommends guests arrive bundled up to stay warm while learning to navigate the skies.

Nourish the soul

Time spent sampling local foods, sipping hand-crafted drinks and sharing plates with loved ones works wonders on the spirit. Alberta offers anything you could want on a tranquil winter’s day, whether an elevated four-course flavour journey or a soul-warming cup of hot chocolate. Best of all, these delights are often paired with a remarkable backdrop. Fairmont Banff Springs’ Afternoon Tea serves guests an assortment of loose-leaf teas and gourmet foods in front of panoramic views of snowy peaks.

Food in Alberta is more than fuel—it’s an experience. A ride up the Banff Gondola chauffeurs guests to Sky Bistro, where chefs use regional ingredients to present mouthwatering dishes channelling Canadian culinary traditions. And fans of brewery and distillery tours are in luck here, as Alberta has an incredible craft beverage scene. Pull up a chair alongside friendly locals, sample innovative creations and bask in the warm ambience.