Skip to main content
A man stands on the summit of a mountain overlooking the valley and view below.

Winter Experiences

Bundle up for a chilled-out Canadian adventure like you’ve never experienced.

There’s a different feeling in the air during an Alberta winter, and no, it’s not just the temperature. Fewer people, clear skies and an increased sense of adventure make Outdoor Activities truly epic. Hikes become snowshoe excursions, the northern lights come out to play, and Natural Attractions like canyons and lakes become entirely new experiences.

Not feeling the chill? There’s still plenty of Urban Exploration to be had, from ice carving festivals to a warm soak in the hot springs. And when you’re done, there’s still a ton of Unique Experiences to round out your trip.

Viewing deck on-top of the Banff Gondola

5 min read

Ten Must-Do Things in Alberta This Winter

Winter wonderland fantasies come to life in Alberta. A staggering number of accessible outdoor activities deliver exhilarating adventures visitors won’t ever forget.

People snowmobiling with mountains in background.

3 min read

Get Your Winter on in Crowsnest Pass

Plan an epic winter holiday in the southern Rockies, where you can downhill or cross-country ski, snowshoe and fat bike, or just soak up the raw beauty of the region.

Couple walking along a trail in Canmore with the Three Sisters mountains in the background.

5 min read

How to Spend 48 Hours in Canmore and Kananaskis Country

Kananaskis Country and the town of Canmore are two stunning mountain resort regions in the Canadian Rockies, not far from Calgary. Head here for outdoor adventures without the crowds.

Outdoor activities

You’ll want to get left out in the cold

Alpine skiing. Nordic skiing. Dog sledding. Skating on mountain lakes. There’s no end to the winter activities here, and if you find yourself living off hot chocolate and adrenaline for your entire stay, we wouldn’t blame you. Just remember to head inside once in a while to warm those toes up!

A group of backcountry skiers skinning up a ridge towards the sun that is peaking over the summit.
Venture deep into the backcountry on a guided ski tour in Banff National Park.

Perfect tracks and views to match

Tackle the challenge that is backcountry skiing and snowboarding with fully certified guides in the mountains of Banff National Park. Private and course-based adventures are available for all skill levels so anyone can chase their mountain dreams.

See Alpine Air Adventures

Keep warm with a little adrenaline this winter.

Here’s the skinny on fat tires

Roll down ribbons of dreamy single track on floaty, fat-tired bikes rented from Kananaskis Outfitters. It’s all the fun and adventure of mountain biking, with a winter spin. Rugged trails turn to smooth hard-pack that bring the smiles, while tough climbs will keep your inner furnace running hot.

See Kananaskis Outfitters

A ground level shot of people smiling and fatbiking through the trees on a snow covered path.
Explore the winter trails of Kananaskis like never before.
Skier in fresh powder at a steep angle, mountains in the background, skiing at Lake Louise Ski Resort in Banff National Park
Skiing & Snowboarding
A group ice skating and playing pond hockey on a frozen lake with a mountain view.
Ice Skating
Snowshoeing tour with White Mountain Adventures. Sunshine Meadow at Sunshine Village Ski Resort.
Snowshoeing
Northern lights in the winter nights sky above a floating dock on a lake with mountains in the background.
Stargazing
View from a sled a team of dogs is pulling on a snow covered trail beside a river.
Dog Sledding
Couple in a sitting embrace wearing snowshoes and looking out at the mountains covered with snow.

Natural attractions

A whole other world to explore

Alberta doesn’t just look good in the summer. Nope, this postcard-worthy province might look even better with a fresh dusting of snow. Plus, all the incredible sights, trails, lakes and mountains take on a completely new vibe. Come see for yourself.

See Natural Attractions

Clamber your way up the catwalks to the towering frozen waterfall in Johnston Canyon.
Northern lights stretch across the sky over a lake in Wood Buffalo National Park.
Watch the night come to life with the glow of the northern lights.
Family getting of a bus on the Columbia Icefield Glacier tour
Get up close and personal with the Columbia Icefield on a tour.
A couple sit on the methane bubbles under a frozen lake while admiring the sunset.
Catch a glimpse of the famous ice bubbles while you skate Abraham Lake’s frozen surface.

Urban exploration

Ready to come in from the cold?

Whether you’ve spent all day exploring the winter landscapes, or you’re more a fan of the great indoors, there’s always something on offer here.

A couple walks through ice sculptures in a park.

Ice on Whyte Festival

Check out some of the best ice carving artists from around the world right here in Edmonton. Then hit the ice bar for a locally distilled spirit or beer.

View details

Foodies In The Park: Pop-up Dining In A Garden Dome

Experience the beauty of a Calgary winter from a toasty warm garden dome while you enjoy some of the best food the city has to offer!

View details
People swimming at Miette Hot Springs in Jasper National Park

Miette Hot Springs

What’s more Canadian than a good hot soak on a cold winter’s day? Miette Hot Springs in Jasper National Park is a perfect hidden gem.

View details

Unique experiences

It doesn’t get more Alberta than this

There are some experiences that are so Albertan that we just had to call them out. These are some of the best ways to truly connect with that wild feeling people get in this place. A connection with the people and the land that is hard to replicate anywhere else.

Winter on horseback

Giddyup with snowy ranch stays and winter horseback riding on a network of over 600 km (370 mi) of trails in Kananaskis Country and beyond. Moose Mountain Horseback Adventures is calling your name. All you have to do is put your boots on.

View details
A couple sitting in front of a portable ice hut, with a fire going while ice fishing.

Put some fish on ice

Adventure Ice Fishing is your go-to for winter fishing charters. With ice huts including everything you need for a toasty ice fishing experience, you’ll stay nice and comfy while you reel in those trophy-worthy fish you’ve been dreaming about.

View details

Winter wildlife, Indigenous perspectives

There’s nothing more majestic than a moose in a snowy landscape or watching birds flit about while the snow falls. Métis-owned Jasper Tour Company leads winter wildlife experiences that you’ll remember for years to come.

View details

Worried you’ll catch a chill? We’ve got your back. Keep up with the forecast and local weather.

See Climate & Weather