Camping in the winter? Yes, really. With a little preparation, winter camping can be just as enjoyable as its summer counterpart. You can opt to get adventurous with a stay in a backcountry lodge, pitch a tent in a national park or get cozy in a glamping tent.
How to Go Winter Camping in Alberta
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There’s nothing quite like winter camping in Alberta.
- Alberta has some great spots to go winter camping.
- You can rough it in a tent or go glamping in a lodge.
- Stay warm by wearing layers and going skiing, snowshoeing or skating.
Types of winter camping
Pitch your tent or roll up in your RV
Alberta has dozens of campgrounds that are open all winter long. Search for a winter campsite at one of Alberta’s many national or provincial parks. You’re less likely to have noisy neighbours when winter camping, but you may also have fewer amenities than in the summer. For example, you may need to bring your own firewood and drinking water. Call ahead to check.
Go glamping
If your idea of winter camping includes a king-sized bed and hardwood floors, then Mount Engadine Lodge in Spray Valley Provincial Park has you covered. Stay in a heated tent with a full ensuite bathroom, gas fireplace and private patio, or go more rustic in a yurt. Take a short walk up to the lodge for a hearty family-style dinner or big brunch in their cozy dining room.
Backcountry huts
The Alpine Club of Canada runs a variety of family-friendly backcountry huts in the mountains. These are perfect for adventurers who love to ski or snowshoe into the backcountry. Some provide meals, but you’ll have to pack your own food for others. The huts book up fast, so make your reservation ASAP.
Places to go winter camping
Cypress Hills Provincial Park
Straddling the border of Alberta and Saskatchewan, Cypress Hills offers winter camping enthusiasts a choice of setting up at Elkwater or Spruce Coulee campgrounds. But no one will judge if you’d rather stay rustic and inside with a little cabin at Elkwater Resort at Cypress Hills.
Dinosaur Provincial Park
While it’s a little trickier stumbling upon fossils when they’re under a blanket of snow, it’s still pretty cool to think you may be sleeping on top of an ancient lizard or bird-like dinosaurs. Dinosaur Provincial Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, has a campground that’s open all winter long.
Staying warm when winter camping
Keep moving
In the summer you can spend hours hanging around the campsite playing cards. You probably won’t get through too many games of crib in the winter though, even with your warmest toque pulled down low. Instead, you’re going to want to keep moving. Pack your skis, snowshoes or skates and stay warm exploring the beautiful wintery wilderness.
Wear layers
Leave the cotton in your underwear drawer and wear lots of synthetic layers. Bring something thick to sit on in the evenings. Don’t forget to wear an outer layer of fire-resistant wool when you’re sitting around the campfire, like a big sweater, coat or blanket.
