Face Your Wild in Alberta this Winter

There’s something for everyone here. Get inspired to face your wild with these outdoor winter activities in Alberta.

Dare to dip

Be brave and seek new experiences on your travels. Alberta rewards those who leave their comfort zones behind. Cold plunges offer the best of both wellness and adventure, encouraging health benefits while spiking adrenaline. Dipping into frigid waters has been said to boost circulation, reduce inflammation and ease stress. The initial rush and following sense of clarity will have you going back for more—especially when the plunges are in such beautiful locations.

While glacial waters in the Canadian Rockies can be tempting, wilderness cold plunging is for experts only. Beginners should start dipping at places like the Kananaskis Nordic Spa. Their spread of indoor-outdoor facilities includes a chilly 5-10 ºC (41-50 ºF) pool. As you wade in, practice breathing deeply and staying calm. Insulated hammocks, exfoliation cabins, firepits and steam cabins are nearby to replenish your warmth post-plunge.

Try something new

Winter activities here are as unique and exciting as Alberta itself. Not many places provide opportunities to go dog sledding, but this province does. Mad Dogs & Englishmen Expeditions Inc. is just outside Banff National Park. This family-owned company and their energetic dogs offer tours through scenic alpine trails. Trips can be anywhere from a few hours to multiple days. No matter how long, any time sledding through pristine snow in mountain air is well spent.

If you want to move a little faster, opt for snowmobiling. The powdery snow and towering peaks in Crowsnest Pass make for exhilarating riding. With over 1,200 km (745 mi) of trails, there’s no shortage of spots to explore. Riders who venture deeper into the backcountry are often rewarded with fewer crowds and unforgettable vistas. Keep in mind that snow is usually deeper in these remote areas, so knowing avalanche safety is important.

Carve fresh paths

Looking to stoke your free spirit? You won’t regret visiting Lake Louise Ski Resort, one of the Canadian Rockies’ epic ski hills. The legendary resort has an abundance of terrain, from laid-back gentle slopes to double-black diamond chutes. You’ll want more than one day to delve into the mountain as there are multiple chairlifts, 164 runs and a few bowls. Between runs, fuel up with snacks and warm beverages from the base lodge’s cafeteria or stop for lunch at one of its restaurants.

Sunshine Village is a little closer to the town of Banff and home to the national park’s only ski-in, ski-out hotel. Simply roll out of bed, strap on your skis or snowboard and head up the resort’s three rideable mountains for some of Alberta’s best conditions. This ski resort has routes for any skill level and a leisurely ski-out for an easy final run. If you’re staying at the hotel, you can unwind from your action-packed day at the hot tub and restore your muscles for the next one.

Connect with nature

Alberta’s wintery scenes never fail to evoke warm feelings, whether viewing thousands of ice bubbles in a frozen lake or grazing wildlife, like elk and bighorn sheep. Natural wonders can be discovered all across the Canadian Rockies. This iconic mountain range stuns people every time, whether they’re completing simple hikes or lengthy treks. Come see for yourself and trade your everyday routine for Alberta’s extraordinary spaces—you won’t regret it.

Craving bolder moments in nature? Explore Alberta’s stunning winter landscape through ice climbing. Outdoor enthusiasts who live to test their limits will thrive with this activity. Indigenous-owned Girth Hitch Guiding offers various ice climbing tours and leads groups of all skill levels into the Rockies. There, with ice axes and determined attitudes, you and your fellow climbers will scale canyons and frozen waterfalls. As you learn about maneuvering the frosty terrain, you’ll likely learn something about yourself as well.

Rejuvenate the soul

Reflecting on journeys is part of becoming who you’re meant to be. Alberta has numerous relaxing accommodations that provide a calming space to do so. Baker Creek by Basecamp offers private cabins and cozy lodgings in Banff National Park. Their traditional suites boast modern amenities—guests can decompress in the steamy sauna, curl up to creek-side fire pits and more. Wi-Fi and cellular connection are limited due to their backcountry location, allowing you a break from the outside world.

Mount Engadine Lodge in Kananaskis is another noteworthy escape. Lodge rooms are available, or if you’re seeking wilder accommodations, you can sleep in a cabin, glamping tent or yurt. After a restful night, borrow sleds to toboggan down the nearby hill and revel in the magical presence of soaring mountains. Want to wander further into the surrounding wilds? Ask lodge employees about renting cross-country skis, snowshoes or fat bikes.