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Winter in Alberta means sunny days, icy lakes and fluffy snow that makes for some of the best skiing in the world. It’s a time to bundle up, get outside and make the most of the season.
Here are some of the best things to do in a Canadian winter when you're visiting Alberta.
Let’s check the most obvious choice off first. An Alberta winter bucket list wouldn’t be complete without skiing or snowboarding in the Canadian Rockies. Alberta is home to among the best skiing and longest ski season in the world, whether you’re a first-timer or regularly tackle black diamond runs.
The most well-known of Alberta’s ski resorts are the Big 3—Sunshine Village, Lake Louise Ski Resort and Mount Norquay, all in Banff. You can easily plan a Canadian ski itinerary that hits all three of these famed Alberta ski resorts.
There are several other ski resorts throughout the province that are well worth exploring, too. In the south, you’ll find Castle Mountain Resort along the famed Powder Highway. At Castle, you can also try cat skiing in addition to downhill and snowboarding.
Venture into Kananaskis Country and ski Nakiska, home of the alpine events during the 1988 Winter Olympics.
Visiting Alberta with someone who doesn't ski? Don't worry, there's lots for them to do while you shred, from snow-tubing to dining and more.
Have you ever gone skating on a frozen lake in the Canadian Rockies? What about one that looks straight out of a postcard?
Skating on Lake Louise is a winter rite of passage in Alberta. You’ve got plenty of opportunities to enjoy it, too. Skating is offered from mid-December to mid-April, depending on the weather.
The lake is cleared daily, so you’ll have ideal conditions to practice your footwork. It’s also lit up in the evening for atmospheric night skating.
And what do you suppose happens when you’re ready to hang up your skates for the day? Why, settling in for a cocktail and dinner at Fairview in the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, of course.
Local's Tip: Plan your visit during Banff SnowDays in January and you'll find ice sculptures (weather permitting) and plenty of live entertainment and family fun in Banff.
A snowshoe-assisted trek through powdery snow on a crisp winter day is a longstanding Canadian pastime. It’s also an easy way to get outside and enjoy some fresh air (Alberta winters, with our blue skies and plenty of sunshine, can be great for your health!)
Banff Adventures offers several different snowshoe tours, ranging from beginner excursions to more scenic experiences. If you’re feeling adventurous, give heli-snowshoeing a try for epic views and snowshoeing on a mountain top.
Rather sit back and relax while you take in the mountain scenery? Simply let a pack of friendly sled dogs lead the way. Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours in Kananaskis Country—or K-Country, as the locals say—will take you on an unforgettable dog sledding ride.
And you may even meet some celebrity pups during your visit. The pack at Snowy Owl has been in several movies, including the 2019 Disney film, Togo.
There’s a nostalgic quality to a horse-drawn sleigh ride. Dash through the snow on a cozy sleigh ride for two or book a larger group adventure. Even better? It’s a winter activity that’s not limited to one part of the province. In Banff National Park, visit Banff Trail Riders at Warner Stables or hitch a ride at Lake Louise with Brewster Adventures. In Kananaskis Country, Boundary Ranch offers sleigh and wagon rides through picturesque scenic wooded trails. In Central Alberta, pay a visit to Heritage Ranch.
You’ve likely seen the famous Abraham Lake ice bubbles on Instagram, but nothing beats experiencing them in real life.
December to March is prime ice bubble-spotting time in Nordegg, Alberta. Canadian Rockies Escapes can show you the best places to see this natural phenomenon. Exploring Abraham Lake with a guide will also mean you have access to ice cleats. Safety first, after all.
Note: Experienced wild ice skaters love to glide on Abraham Lake—but it's important to follow all ice skating safety precautions, including checking the ice thickness and never skating alone.
Get off the beaten path and explore a winter getaway to Abraham Lake and Nordegg
There's no better way to bookend a day in the snow than with a good soak — and Alberta's thermal spa scene has grown into something worth planning a trip around.
At BASIN Glacial Waters, exclusive to guests of the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, you'll move through a series of varying-temperature pools, saunas and steam rituals, with the Victoria Glacier as your backdrop. It's luxe hydrotherapy at its finest.
In Jasper National Park, the guided Glacial Plunge & Sauna at Fairmont Spa Jasper Park Lodge pairs a lakeside barrel sauna with a guided cold plunge into frozen Lac Beauvert — breathwork, a certified guide and a fireside tea ceremony included.
And for a hidden gem experience in the boreal forest, try The Woods Experience, a Métis-owned wilderness spa 90 minutes west of Edmonton. They offer private sessions with a wood-fired hot tub, sauna and cold plunge tucked into 80 acres of boreal forest.
A ride on the Banff Gondola is a must-do any time of year, but heading up in winter is especially magical. The surrounding scenery looks like a real-life snow globe. The view from the top of Sulphur Mountain is worth the trip alone. You might even spot some intrepid snowshoe trekkers making their way up (they'll grab a gondola ride down once they've warmed up).
Once you’ve snapped photos to your heart’s content, spend some time strolling along the boardwalk. If you want to savour the view along with delicious food, stop in at Sky Bistro. Locally sourced dishes pair exceptionally well with panoramic mountain scenery experienced 2,255 metres (7,400 ft) up.
The Fairmont Banff Springs is the ultimate Christmas destination. Who wouldn’t want to spend the holiday season in a real castle? Starting in late November, Canada’s Castle in the Rockies transforms into a Christmas wonderland. Think: Hundreds of trees decked out in the grand halls and a larger-than-life gingerbread house in the lobby. Hotel guests of all ages can enjoy plenty of activities and opportunities to make new holiday traditions and memories.
