Experience the Magic of the Holiday Season in the Canadian Rockies

Spending the holiday season in the Canadian Rockies is truly magical. Snowy mountain peaks, cozy accommodations, crackling fires and festivities set the stage for unforgettable memories and new holiday traditions. Get inspired with a few of the many ways to enjoy the holidays in Canmore and Kananaskis, Banff, Jasper and the big cities of Calgary and Edmonton.

Christmas in Canmore and Kananaskis

Spend the holidays exploring the snowy landscapes around Canmore and Kananaskis, an idyllic mountain town and the protected provincial parks surrounding it. This spot is ideally located between Calgary and Banff.

Enjoy shops, restaurants and a Nordic-style spa in town. Then travel by dogsled through the forest or take to the sky for views of the Three Sisters, Mount Assiniboine and the Continental Divide. Plus, if you’re a skier, Canmore is close enough to Banff’s ski resorts that you can stay in town and head to the hills.

Snowy Owl Sled Dogs

Take an unforgettable ride through the Canadian Rockies. A team of cute and friendly sled dogs—along with an expert guide from Snowy Owl Sled Dogs—will show you this traditional transportation method. You can even learn how to mush your own team during the two-hour Powder Hound Express experience.

Everwild Nordic Spa

Ready for a break from the holiday rush? Everwild Nordic Spa invites visitors to embrace a slower side of winter with hot and cold hydrotherapy experiences set against the backdrop of the Canadian Rockies.

Take a helicopter tour

See the Rockies from a unique—and stunning—perspective. Alpine Helicopters, easily accessible from Canmore, offers bucket list experiences with unparalleled views of the spectacular Canadian Rocky Mountains. Choose from tours ranging from 35 to 55 minutes and featuring breathtaking views of Kananaskis, from the Marvel Pass and Continental Divide to the Three Sisters and Mount Assiniboine. You've never seen the Rockies like this.

Spending Christmas in Banff National Park

In Banff, the merriest season unfolds on a grand scale: an illuminated wildlife trail, Christmas celebrations inside the castle-like Fairmont Banff Springs and skating beneath the peaks at Lake Louise.

Between outings, warm up with a creative drink along the Hot Chocolate Trail or settle into a snow-covered cabin.

Banff is also home dozens of much-loved restaurants to keep you cozy and fuelled up.

Christmas at the Castle

There’s nothing quite like the holidays at the Fairmont Banff Springs. It looks straight out of a storybook, from the massive tree in Mount Stephen Hall to the larger-than-life gingerbread house in the grand lobby.

The Christmas at the Castle festivities run from November to January and cater to all ages. Kids can listen to stories and do crafts with Mrs. Claus, visit Santa (and even have bedtime visits), see the North Pole and make gingerbread houses. Other notable events include performances of A Christmas Carol, festive afternoon tea and the New Year’s Eve bash.

Skating at Lake Louise

Ice skating is a holiday must-do in Canada. Skating on one of the most beautiful lakes in the world with mountains all around? It doesn’t get much better than that.

Rent skates from the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise (or bring your own) and practice your skills on the groomed rink near the lakeshore. If you want to spend more time in this stunning spot, take a walk on the lake trail or book a horse-drawn sleigh ride. On weekends, warm up with a drink at the Fairmont’s ice bar.

Exquisitely Cozy Cabins in Banff

When the snow blankets the world outside, a toasty fire in a cozy cabin awaits. Tucked far from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season is Storm Mountain Lodge.

These beautiful cabins are just about midway between the towns of Banff and Lake Louise. In the midst of winter, they're each frosted with a layer of fluffy snow, looking remarkably like life-size gingerbread houses. Treat yourself to an elevated dinner menu featuring Alberta beef, bison and elk, house-made sourdough and more.

And find more inspiration amongst Alberta's other special cabins.

Ride the Banff Gondola in Winter

You can’t beat the summit views of Banff’s snow-capped mountain peaks. The best part? You can do it without climbing a mountain. Grab a seat on the Banff Gondola and you’ll be at the top of Sulphur Mountain in minutes.

Christmas at the Banff Gondola makes the whole experience extra memorable. Santa will be there, along with a cookie-decorating station and lots of holiday decor.

Banff’s Hot Chocolate Trail

Sip and savour hot chocolate creations from local restaurants while you explore the town of Banff. The Hot Chocolate Trail is an annual favourite for locals and visitors alike. The event runs from November into February, and you can follow the trail to sample more than 30 creations. There are even some spiked varieties for the adults. The event runs during each business’s respective hours.

In Search of Christmas Spirit: A winter art walk in Banff

Bundle up for an adventure through the Cascade of Time Garden along an enchanted trail filled with illuminated sculptures that narrate a tale about the wildlife of Banff National Park. The event runs on select evenings during November and December. Don’t forget to buy a ticket in advance.

Spending Christmas in Jasper National Park

Friendly Jasper pairs classic holiday traditions with the wild character of the northern Rockies. Skate on Mildred or Pyramid Lake, ride a horse-drawn sleigh through the snow and end the day beneath the stars in one of the world’s largest dark sky preserves.

Skiers will want to partake in Marmot Basin’s beloved slopes and everyone can enjoy apres-ski eats around town.

Christmas in November

Get in the holiday spirit a little early with Christmas in November at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. Holiday enthusiasts can start the season with a week-long calendar of celebrations, activities and plenty of delicious food. Sorry, kids. This one is only for the adults.

Stargazing at the Jasper Planetarium

Jasper National Park is one of the largest dark sky preserves in the world, which means you’ll have a front-row seat to the wonders above. Visit the Jasper Planetarium and take part in the planetarium and telescope experiences. The telescope at the Planetarium happens to be one of the most powerful in North America, so you’re bound to spot some memorable sights. Expert guides also share their knowledge about the night sky.

Ice skating on Mildred Lake or Pyramid Lake

Lace up your skates and take a spin around two picturesque lakes. Lake Mildred is easily accessible if you’re staying at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge for the holidays, and there’s a groomed oval around the lake or an area for pick-up hockey games. Skates are available to rent at the Winter Rental Shop. Pyramid Lake is one of the park’s most popular skating spots, and it’s a hub for other winter activities like snowshoeing, fat biking, cross-country skiing or hiking.

Sleigh rides

Speaking of Pyramid Lake, you can also sit back and enjoy the view from the coziness of a horse-drawn sleigh. It’s an experience straight out of a holiday carol. Sleigh rides run daily from December 21 until January 5, when they become exclusive weekend offerings until March.

Calgary & Edmonton

Consider Alberta’s two largest cities your gateway to holiday magic in the Canadian Rockies. Locals in Calgary and Edmonton embrace the holiday season, and the winter calendar is packed with festivities for all ages. Get in the holiday spirit with a few city experiences before your trip to the mountains. Locals like to celebrate with holiday markets featuring creations from local artisans and classic shows like The Nutcracker ballet and A Christmas Carol. When the sun sets, the cities twinkle with plenty of light displays like Zoolights in Calgary and bustling shopping districts lit with merry displays.