Experience the Magic of the Holiday Season in the Canadian Rockies

Spending the holiday season in the Canadian Rockies is truly magical. Snowy mountain peaks, cozy accommodations, crackling fires and festivities set the stage for unforgettable memories and new holiday traditions. Get inspired with a few of the many ways to enjoy the holidays in Canmore and Kananaskis, Banff and Jasper.

Calgary & Edmonton

Consider Alberta’s two largest cities your gateway to holiday magic in the Canadian Rockies. Locals in Calgary and Edmonton embrace the holiday season, and the winter calendar is packed with festivities for all ages. Get in the holiday spirit with a few city experiences before your trip to the mountains. Locals like to celebrate with holiday markets featuring creations from local artisans and classic shows like The Nutcracker ballet and A Christmas Carol. When the sun sets, the cities twinkle with plenty of light displays like Zoolights (Calgary), Glow (both cities) or Luminaria (Edmonton).

Canmore / Kananaskis

Snowy Owl Sled Dogs

Take an unforgettable ride through the Canadian Rockies. A team of cute and friendly sled dogs — along with an expert guide from Snowy Owl Sled Dogs — will show you this traditional transportation method. You can even learn how to mush your own team during the two-hour Powder Hound Express experience.

Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge and Kananaskis Nordic Spa

Don’t forget to relax and recharge during the holidays. The Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge and neighbouring Kananaskis Nordic Spa are the perfect places to get some R&R. Take a dip in the plunge pools while soaking in the mountain scenery or book an indulgent spa treatment — just be sure to secure your time in advance. At the Lodge, let someone else do the cooking and enjoy the fare at three different restaurants. Finish off the evening around the fire for the resort's signature Fireside Moments.

Banff National Park

Christmas at the Castle

There’s nothing quite like the holidays at the Fairmont Banff Springs. It looks straight out of a storybook, from the massive tree in Mount Stephen Hall to the larger-than-life gingerbread house in the grand lobby. The festivities run from November to January and cater to all ages. Kids can listen to stories and do crafts with Mrs. Claus, visit Santa (and even have bedtime visits), see the North Pole and make gingerbread houses. Other notable events include performances of A Christmas Carol, festive afternoon tea and the New Year’s Eve bash.

Skating at Lake Louise

This is a holiday must-do. Skating on one of the most beautiful lakes in the world with mountains all around? It doesn’t get much better than that. Rent skates from the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise (or bring your own) and practice your skills on the groomed rink near the lakeshore. If you want to spend more time in this stunning spot, take a walk on the lake trail or book a horse-drawn sleigh ride. On weekends, warm up with a drink at the Fairmont’s ice bar.

Banff Gondola

You can’t beat the summit views of Banff’s snow-capped mountain peaks. The best part? You can do it without climbing a mountain. Grab a seat on the Banff Gondola and you’ll be at the top of Sulphur Mountain in minutes. Christmas at the Banff Gondola makes the whole experience extra memorable. Santa will be there, along with a cookie-decorating station and lots of holiday decor. Or check out Nightrise, the new digital art installation that brings the summit to life in unexpected ways.

Hot Chocolate Trail

Sip and savour hot chocolate creations from local restaurants while you explore the town of Banff. The Hot Chocolate Trail is an annual favourite for locals and visitors alike. The event runs during November and December, and you can follow the trail to sample more than 20 creations. There are even some spiked varieties for the adults. The event runs from November to December during each business’s respective hours.

In Search of Christmas Spirit

Bundle up for an adventure through the Cascade of Time Garden along an enchanted trail filled with illuminated sculptures that narrate a tale about the wildlife of Banff National Park. The event runs on select evenings during November and December. Don’t forget to buy a ticket in advance.

Jasper National Park

Christmas in November

Get in the holiday spirit a little early with Christmas in November at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. Holiday enthusiasts can start the season with a week-long calendar of celebrations, activities and plenty of delicious food. Sorry, kids. This one is only for the adults.

Stargazing at the Jasper Planetarium

Jasper National Park is one of the largest dark sky preserves in the world, which means you’ll have a front-row seat to the wonders above. Visit the Jasper Planetarium and take part in the planetarium and telescope experiences. The telescope at the Planetarium happens to be one of the most powerful in North America, so you’re bound to spot some memorable sights. Expert guides also share their knowledge about the night sky.

Ice skating on Mildred Lake or Pyramid Lake

Lace up your skates and take a spin around two picturesque lakes. Lake Mildred is easily accessible if you’re staying at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge for the holidays, and there’s a groomed oval around the lake or an area for pick-up hockey games. Skates are available to rent at the Winter Rental Shop. Pyramid Lake is one of the park’s most popular skating spots, and it’s a hub for other winter activities like snowshoeing, fat biking, cross-country skiing or hiking.

Sleigh rides

Speaking of Pyramid Lake, you can also sit back and enjoy the view from the coziness of a horse-drawn sleigh. It’s an experience straight out of a holiday carol. Sleigh rides run daily from December 17 until January 1, when they become exclusive weekend offerings until March.