Region
Alberta
Sponsored by
Calgary, Alberta’s largest city and proud host of the 1988 Winter Olympics, truly comes alive in winter.
From gliding across the iconic Olympic Plaza ice rink downtown to trying one of the world-class ski runs at WinSport, formerly the Canada Olympic Park, outdoor fun is everywhere.
Those who prefer staying indoors should head to the Calgary Tower for sweeping city views, explore the music-filled halls of Studio Bell or dive into Calgary’s buzzing food and drink scene. And, of course, catching a Calgary Flames ice hockey game is a must for sports lovers.
Take a stroll along the snow-laden banks of the Bow River or wander through trendy neighbourhoods like Kensington and Inglewood, where warm cafés invite you to linger, relax and unwind.
Look out for…
Take a walking tour into the heart of Alberta’s canyons,
where frozen falls and natural ice sculptures will take your breath away
As you leave Calgary behind, the journey to Canmore is nothing short of spectacular, with breathtaking Rocky Mountain views and the opportunity to stop at the Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary, where you can witness the untamed beauty of these incredible animals.
Nestled in the Canadian Rockies, Canmore is the gateway to the pristine Kananaskis Valley and home to many of Canada’s most amazing mountains, such as the Three Sisters peaks. Adventures await year round and, in winter, outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy unique activities like the Grotto Canyon Ice Walk, where you can walk on a frozen creek bed through a narrow canyon, past rock formations, ancient pictographs and frozen waterfalls.
For a slower pace, in the friendly town of Canmore you will find locally owned boutiques, a thriving hub of arts and culture and outstanding wellness facilities, such as the Kananaskis Nordic Spa, a must-visit for relaxation with its outdoor hot pools surrounded by snowy mountains.
A short 10-mile drive will take you to the heart of Banff National Park, where frosted forests, clear blue skies and immaculate white slopes create a breathtaking spectacle of contrasts during the winter months. Base yourself at the bustling town of Banff or the beautiful village of Lake Louise, both centrally located within the park, and start exploring.
For ski lovers, the easily accessible SkiBig3 resorts of Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise Ski Resort and Mt. Norquay offer world-class slopes for all levels. For a unique way to enjoy the slopes, go snow tubing and feel the thrill of hurtling down a snow-covered hill in the fresh mountain air at Alberta’s largest snow tube park.
If you are looking to slow down, enjoy a sleigh ride, skate on a frozen lake, take in the views from the Banff Gondola, sip drinks at the ice bar or simply warm up by a cosy fireplace.
Look out for…
Electric fat biking in Banff National Park, for a fresh
and exciting way to experience the stunning winter scenery on two wheels
Driving Alberta’s Icefields Parkway in winter is like travelling through a ‘live’ postcard. The iconic route between Lake Louise and Jasper promises awe-inspiring views of snow-covered peaks, frozen waterfalls and vast alpine wilderness blanketed in white.
As you wind through the heart of the Canadian Rockies you will pass more than 100 glaciers, glassy lakes and serene forests, with roadside viewpoints inviting you to stop and soak in the scenery.
For something extraordinary, book a heli-snowshoeing adventure. Soar above snow-draped peaks, then land in a pristine alpine meadow for a guided trek through untouched wilderness.
Rugged and wild, Jasper National Park transforms in the winter, with frosted evergreens, snow-capped mountains and mirror-like lakes shining under radiant skies.
For snow sports enthusiasts, Marmot Basin delivers thrilling downhill adventures, offering some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the region and the highest base elevation in the Canadian Rockies. Nature lovers should book a tour with a local wildlife expert to optimise their chances of spotting moose, elk, wolves and more of Alberta’s majestic creatures in their natural habitat.
After a day of exploring, unwind in the soothing waters of the Miette Hot Springs or explore the town of Jasper, whose quaint streets brim with alpine charm.
When night falls, the Jasper Dark Sky Preserve offers a celestial spectacle like no other. Join astronomy experts at the Jasper Planetarium, take an interactive guided tour, hold a meteorite, spot constellations in the sky and search for the ethereal Northern Lights.
Top Tip
Don’t miss the magical ice bubbles at Abraham Lake. When the lake’s turquoise water freezes, it unveils thousands of white bubbles below the surface, within the crystal-clear ice.
Alberta’s capital offers plenty of ways to stay entertained while keeping warm.
The Art Gallery of Alberta and the Royal Alberta Museum are two stops culture lovers will not want to miss, while West Edmonton Mall is North America’s largest shopping and entertainment centre, covering an area of 48 city blocks.
Slow down with a peaceful walk through one of the city’s beautiful parks. Along some trails, you will even find fire pits, offering a toasty place to rest.
For anyone looking for one last dose of winter fun before heading home, head to one of Edmonton’s designated tobogganing hills. Whether racing friends to the bottom or enjoying a leisurely slide with family, they promise great fun for all ages.
Alternatively, if you want to extend your time in Canada, Métis Crossing offers truly exceptional stargazing opportunities from its Sky Watching Domes or you can continue your trip with VIA Rail towards Toronto or Vancouver and take in the spectacle of the pristine winter wonderland from the comfort of your seat.
UK tour operators with specialist Canada programmes include:
Canadian Affair
canadianaffair.com; 0203 918 3003
First Class Holidays
fcholidays.com; 0161 888 5630
Audley Travel
audleytravel.com; 01993 461 471
Ski Independence
ski-i.com; 0131 243 8097
Prestige Travel
prestigetravel.co.uk; 01425 480 400
