Winter is a wonderfully evocative time to visit Canada’s Rocky Mountains region.
Whether you’re sloping off to its ski resorts for downhill thrills and apres-ski fun or simply want to savour snowy days and frosty nights in stunning surroundings, there’s plenty to do in the mountains and in its villages, towns and cities.
Slope style
Skiers and snowboarders are spoilt for choice in the Rockies, with popular resorts in both Alberta and British Columbia.
Lively Alberta town Banff lies within Banff National Park and offers three nearby resorts known collectively as SkiBig3. Together, Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise Ski Resort and Mt Norquay have almost 7,750 acres of skiable terrain served by two gondolas and 27 chairlifts, all accessible with a single lift ticket and with a long season from November to May.
Further north in Jasper National Park, mountain town Jasper has Marmot Basin on its doorstep, while the family-friendly Nakiska Ski Area is Calgary’s closest mountain resort.
Among British Columbia’s resorts are Fernie, Kicking Horse, Revelstoke and Panorama.
Besides skiing and snowboarding, other activities you can do in the resorts and in other locations include snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, ice climbing, cat-skiing, heli-skiing, snowmobiling, tobogganing and snow tubing.
In the market
Christmas markets bring a touch of festive charm to the Rockies.
The largest of them, Banff Christmas Market, spans 13 days over four weekends in November and December at the historic Banff Heritage Railway Station.
It kicks off with Twinkle Night, featuring live music, an outdoor fire lounge and shopping under tens of thousands of Christmas lights. The market has more than 175 vendors selling handmade goods, food and drinks, while Santa’s House and Workshop is a treat for young ones.
Edmonton Christmas Market takes place in another historic setting, Fort Edmonton Park, over 12 days at weekends starting in late November. Visitors are treated to stalls selling gifts, crafts and seasonal treats, as well as culinary events and live theatre shows and concerts.
A Very Indigenous Holiday Market, Alberta’s longest-running all-indigenous market, takes place in Edmonton over three days each November at the Alberta Aviation Museum and features stalls and cultural entertainment.
Rockies gateway Calgary weighs in with a Christmas market as part of Once Upon a Christmas, an eight-day event in December at Heritage Park that also features wagon rides, visits with Santa, festive food, entertainment and activities.
Eventful
Rockies winter festivals bring a touch of magic and excitement to the Rockies.
The all-action SnowDays Festival from mid-January to early February sees the streets of Banff transformed into a winter wonderland of giant snow sculptures while spectacular ice sculptures adorn Lake Louise. Galloping horses pull skiers and snowboarders along Banff Galloping horses pull skiers and snowboarders along Banff Avenue in thrilling skijoring races and stunts.
SnowNights features dining and events after dark and there’s a Play Zone for youngsters.
Jasper in January celebrates winter with a pond hockey tournament, a street party and a series of After Dark evening events.
Edmonton’s Silver Skate Festival is a free 10-day, family-focused event each February on the banks of the Northern Saskatchewan River that encompasses skating and snowshoe races, snow and fire sculptures and a heritage village.
