A Guide to Winter Family Fun in Alberta

Winter in Alberta is magical, and there are countless ways for families to experience the wonder of the season. Alberta's snow-covered landscapes set the scene for quality time and creating unforgettable memories together (indoors and out).

Here are a few of the best ways to make the most of winter in Canada’s Wild Side with kids.

Family-friendly skiing and snowboarding in Alberta

Families energized by fresh air can’t miss out on the iconic ski hills in the Canadian Rockies. Lake Louise Ski Resort has 164 runs of varying difficulty, meaning skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels will never get bored.

Sunshine Village Ski Resort holds Banff’s only ski-in, ski-out hotel and some of the biggest snowfalls for unbelievable powder days. And Mt. Norquay is the only resort in the Canadian Rockies that offers night skiing, lighting up select runs on Friday and Saturday evenings for riders who don’t want to stop after sundown.

In Jasper National Park, spend the day carving fluffy powder at Marmot Basin. The resort delivers for all ski levels, with the highest base elevation in Canada and 1,720 acres of varied terrain.

Winter activities for families in Alberta

Alberta’s iconic sights are breathtaking come winter, and there are activities for the entire family to enjoy.

Gondola rides and hot springs

A journey up the Banff Gondola to the Sulphur Mountain summit reveals panoramic views of Banff National Park.

Continue your day in Banff with a post-gondola visit to the Banff Upper Hot Springs. Visiting the mineral-rich hot pools has been a tradition for locals and visitors alike since the 1880s, and you’ll be treated to exceptional views of Rundle and Cascade Mountain during your visit.

Horse-drawn sleigh rides

Brewster Sleigh Rides offers another relaxing way to experience the province’s snowy terrain. Gentle horses carry families in a comfy sleigh around Lake Louise. With the soft crunch of snow under hooves and sparkling snow covering evergreens, this ride will be unforgettable.

Winter hikes

Families looking to take on more action-forward tours can take a guided ice walk tour. Join Discover Banff Tours for their Johnston Canyon Icewalk. Johnston Canyon is one of Banff’s most popular destinations in summer, and seeing it in winter is unlike anything else. Explore steel catwalks built into the towering canyon walls, which lead to the frozen Johnston Canyon Upper Falls. An experienced guide will lead the way to ensure a safe and unforgettable adventure.

Cross-country skiing

Visit the Canmore Nordic Centre and follow in the tracks of Olympians. Canmore hosted the Nordic events during the 1988 Winter Olympics, and the centre remains a top-tier facility for athletes and visitors of all experience levels. Ski more than 65 km (37 mi) of cross-country trails, rent snowshoes or even try out a fat-tire bike.

Guided snowshoeing

You can also try snowshoeing, a traditional transportation method used by fur traders. Indigenous-owned Métis Crossing provides a multi-day package that combines cultural connection with adventure. Groups fuel up with traditional foods then set off on a snowshoe excursion across rolling hills, passing wood bison, elk and other animals along the way.

Where to take kids ice skating in Alberta

Skating is another incredible option for getting outside under Alberta's blue skies. At Lake Louise, families glide across smooth ice in the company of towering peaks and an ancient glacier.

In Jasper National Park, visit Lake Mildred to skate amongst pretty twinkling lights and Jasper’s gorgeous scenery. Warming huts are ready when you need a break, and skate rentals are available at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge.

Alberta’s cities also have lots of skating options. Calgary’s Bowness Park has a 1.6 km (1.0 mi) ice track for gliding along the Bow River. If you prefer indoor skating, head to the Ice Palace in West Edmonton Mall—this NHL-sized rink lies below the natural light of a glass dome.

Family-friendly winter accommodations in Banff, Canmore & beyond

Families are spoiled for choice when it comes to accommodations in Alberta, whether in the heart of the city or somewhere you can soak in the mountain views from your room.

In the heart of Canmore, The Malcolm Hotel’s rooftop hot tub and pool create an inviting setting to recharge.

In Banff, the indoor Nora Pool at the Kenrick Hotel in Banff is kid-friendly until late. Or take a rooftop dip in the hot tub when you stay at the Hotel Canoe or Moose Hotel on Banff Avenue.

Looking to get closer to the Rockies? Why not stay on them? Buffalo Mountain Lodge in Banff has exquisite suites or an entire house for rent atop Tunnel Mountain. Epic valley views, a serene outdoor hot tub and elevated dining await.

Discover a high-end, family-friendly stay in the Northern Rockies at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. The historic hotel has cozy alpine rooms to accommodate smaller families or Signature Cabins with multiple bedrooms and full kitchens. Daily activities at the resort—like ice skating, snowshoeing, fat-tire biking and an outdoor hot tub—will keep everyone entertained, too.

Or venture to Mount Engadine Lodge in Kananaskis Country. The secluded all-inclusive lodge is the perfect place to disconnect and unwind together in nature.

Charmed Resorts in Crowsnest Pass offers cabins designed to look straight out of a storybook—even including a gingerbread house. From fairy treehouses to princess towers, their whimsical cottages will have your kids feeling as though they're living in a real-life fairytale.

Snow tubing and sledding in Alberta

Alberta’s diverse landscapes boast many tobogganing spots sure to spark the winter spirit. Nobody can contain their smiles when flying down a hill on sleds—even adults will feel like kids again.

Mount Engadine Lodge has an easy hill and offers sleds to overnight guests. This backcountry accommodation is surrounded by stunning views of the Rockies, making family time outdoors all the more memorable.

Ski resorts deeper into the mountains have tube parks. Mt. Norquay's is the largest in the province with eight lanes, located only five minutes outside the town of Banff.

Alberta’s cities also have numerous tobogganing opportunities. Locals adore the hill in Edmonton’s Queen Elizabeth Park, where sledders have an amazing viewpoint of the River Valley.

In Calgary, the Servus Tube Park at WinSport Canada Olympic Park offers thrill-seekers plenty of space to let loose. The park features eight lanes, making it one of the largest sliding parks in Western Canada.

Get into the holiday spirit

Alberta seizes every opportunity to host festivities, where families can celebrate traditions and create new ones. Kick off the winter merriment with some of the province’s best holiday markets. The Banff Christmas Market has plenty to enjoy, from live music to delicious sweets to crackling fires. Hundreds of vendors sell unique gifts at Calgary’s Spruce Meadows International Christmas Market, and kids won’t be able to contain their excitement at the activity zone’s petting zoo.

Find more winter events in Alberta

New Year’s Eve celebrations encourage families to come together and reflect on the year. Stop by Sir Winston Churchill Square in downtown Edmonton for free skate rentals and a dazzling fireworks display at 9 p.m. And while the mountain town of Canmore is quaint, folks certainly know how to ring in the new year. All ages are welcome to enjoy fireside music performances, food vendors, photo booths and more.

SnowDays Festival in Banff

The winter fun extends into the new year, too. The two-week SnowDays Festival in Banff and Lake Louise transforms the streets into a winter playground. In Banff you’ll find stunning snow sculptures, while Ice Magic takes over Lake Louise with jaw-dropping ice sculptures. The family-friendly festival features a Play Zone, the Bear Street Hub (catch live music here) and Banff’s Hot Chocolate Trail.