Head for the Southern Canadian Rockies This Winter

Winter in Alberta means bright sun, blue skies and lots of snow. For the non-skier, there are only so many winter weekends you can allow to pass, watching your skiing and snowboarding friends chirp on social media about powder days and bluebird something or other. There's loads to do in winter, no skis required, and the Southern Rockies is one of the best places to get outside and play.

Downhill snowshoe under the stars on your way to a five-course meal

If you're visiting the Southern Rockies, you can't miss Castle Provincial Park. The area has been loved by locals for generations but only became a provincial park in 2017. The community-owned Castle Mountain Resort is super friendly and has some serious mountain terrain, plus runs suitable for the novice skier or boarder. But there's more—like the evening downhill snowshoe tour. You can start having never snowshoed before and you'll end the night fully sated with adventure.

Once your guide shows you how to buckle on your snowshoes, you'll ride the Huckleberry chairlift partway up Mount Haig. After stepping off the chairlift, it's time to follow your guide into the deep snow of a forested trail. You're tromping downhill through mounds of fresh snow, between trees and occasionally into sloped clearings that beg to be run down. And you're going to love falling in this fluffy stuff. As the mountain levels out, it's a headlamp-lit snowshoe through the trees. After defrosting your eyelashes and, if you like, changing out of your snow pants, it's time for your five-course dinner—wine included. Who needs après-ski when you've got après-snowshoe?

A scenic tour with a taste of the vertical

There are a few ways to get to the top of a mountain. Many of them are a lot of work. Nothing against hard work with a reward at the top, but there's an easier way. Case in point: the scenic catskiing tour, also at Castle.

This scenic tour gets you a breathtaking view from Haig Ridge, without needing to actually stop and catch your breath. You'll take a scenic ride on the Huckleberry chairlift and then load into the heated Powder Stagecoach. It's like a tour van and a tractor got together and decided they wanted to climb a mountain. Sit back—you have to, after all, you're going almost vertically up Mount Haig—while your guide lays some facts and stories on you. As for those views? You'll just have to venture up there to see for yourself.

Hire a local guide

The Southern Rockies is the kind of place where you can follow trails on your own or find a local to take you exploring. Take fat biking, for example. Fat biking is as easy as riding a bike, only you're doing it through the snow on low-pressure tires that are ridiculously fun to bounce around on. Fat bike rentals are available from Castle Mountain Resort—you'll just have to bring your bikes to a trail like Syncline or Beaver Mines and follow the maps and signposts. Or, book an outing with Sweet Riders and they'll plot your course, bring the bikes, give you tips and pass around hot chocolate after the ride.

In nearby Crowsnest Pass, turn to Uplift Adventures to find a whole new appreciation for the season. Choose from a snowshoe hike plus brunch (or dinner), an outdoor photo session spent chasing frozen waterfalls or some serious winter preparation, like learning how to build a snow shelter and survival skills.

Chill in Waterton in winter

Southeast of Castle Provincial Park is Waterton Lakes National Park. The townsite is totally serene in winter. It'll just be you, maybe a few other travellers and a whole lot of curious deer.

Try the Crandall Lake loop trail along the Akamina Parkway for a winter hike. More experienced hikers and snowshoers can explore even deeper, with lots of backcountry trails available. Take a stroll around town and find your way to Cameron Falls. The frozen waterfall makes for an impressive selfie backdrop or simply a place for a bit of winter meditation. Then, walk along the shore of Upper Waterton Lake toward International Peace Park. The water is like glass on a clear day, and the reflection of the mountains on the lake in the hushed town will feel like winter here is just for you.