Take a winter road trip to explore the Canadian Rockies, including a helicopter ride, backcountry snowshoeing, a food tour, and more in Banff and beyond.
This itinerary is great for active adventurers who want to make memories with incredible winter outdoor experiences in the Rockies.
At a glance
- 5 day itinerary
- 597 km (371 mi) total distance
- 9 hrs 52 mins drive time
- Your starting point is in Calgary
Alpine Helicopters Tour
Your drive from Calgary to the Rockies is spectacular. Now, you're going to get an eagle's eye view of these mountains — plus glaciers, alpine lakes, and often wildlife, too. There are a few tour options to choose between and each one is designed to leave you breathless.
Settle in at Mount Engadine Lodge
Unplug and embrace the wilderness at cozy Mount Engadine Lodge. All meals are included, so after checking in, enjoy a charcuterie board and a cup of tea. Then, borrow snowshoes from the lodge and explore the alpine meadow. Before bed, look to the winter night sky for a blanket of stars.
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In Alberta winter, dress in layers to help regulate your temperature from lodge to summit.
Fat biking around the Lodge
Fuel up at breakfast in the lodge dining room because it's time to go fat biking. Borrow bikes from the lodge to explore the nearby trails. The extra-wide, slightly soft tires make for a fun ride on snowy terrain.
Ice fishing adventure
Wapiti Sports provides everything you need to go ice fishing (except your own winterwear), including a warm fishing hut and immense expertise. You get to enjoy the beauty of winter on a frozen lake and the satisfaction of catching lake trout.
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Want to cross-country ski? Ask at Mount Engadine Lodge about rentals and nearby trails.
White Mountain Adventures downhill snowshoeing
Pristine powder isn't just for skiers. Your skilled guide takes you up a chairlift into the backcountry for a next-level snowshoeing experience. Whether the sun is shining or the snow is blowing, it's a day of rewarding challenges — and hot chocolate.
Alberta Food Tours: Eat the Castle
Get the royal treatment on a small group food tour of the historic Banff Springs Hotel. Your tour guide/storyteller will share history and stories while you savour food and drink pairings in luxurious settings.
Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel
Wind down in your beautiful accommodations at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. Visit the saltwater pool and hot tub and book yourself a massage to get ready for the fun still to come.
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Head to Mount Norquay to try night tubing — no prior experience necessary!
Brewster Adventures Sleigh Ride
Snuggle under a blanket and enjoy the views of Lake Louise on a horse-drawn sleigh ride. Spot frozen ice falls and the elegant Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise along the way. After your sleigh ride, walk on the frozen lake and enjoy some excellent photo ops.
Johnston Canyon Icewalk
After the stars come out, you'll strap on ice cleats and a headlamp. It's time for an evening icewalk through Johnston Canyon. The perfume of fresh pine and sounds of the forest at night are immersive. When you turn off your headlamp, you'll see what true nighttime is like in the Rockies.
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Rent skates from Chateau Lake Louise (or a gear rental spot in town) to skate the iconic lake.
Mahikan Trails Medicine Walk
Your experienced Indigenous guide will show you how the plants in Banff National Park can be used for survival and healing. Enjoy an enlightening winter walk and soak up the local knowledge. Bonus: Ice cleats will be provided if necessary to keep you as sure-footed as a mountain goat.
Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary
Meet the wolfdogs being protected at Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary. Wolfdogs are canines with varying levels of wolf in their genes. The sanctuary aims to provide a safe home for them. It educates the public on responsible adoption of these animals. Pick a self-guided or interactive tour.
Hotel Arts
Back in Calgary, check into this boutique downtown hotel. The outdoor pool is open year-round (it’s protected from the elements in winter) and is a fabulous spot for a cocktail to end the day.
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Your hotel is near the Saddledome, where you can catch an NHL hockey game or major concert.
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