An interior shot of CrossIron Mills outlet mall.

CrossIron Mills

One of the Calgary area’s ultimate shopping destinations, located 10 minutes from the YYC Calgary International Airport and 30 minutes from downtown. There are more than 200 premium and designer outlets to shop here.

A man and woman at the top of a run at WinSport in Calgary, with the tower displaying Olympic rings in the background.

WinSport Canada Olympic Park

This year-round attraction was home to many of the events at the 1988 Winter Olympic Games. Practice your skills on the slopes, take on the half-pipe and terrain park, or try out the Servus Tube Park for some easy winter fun.

TIP FROM A LOCAL

After WinSport, drive to Canmore and stay at the Malcolm Hotel.

Group dogsledding with Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours in Kananaskis Country.

Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours

Dog sledding has been a winter mode of transportation for centuries. Join your new furry friends and expert guide on a family-friendly, two-hour excursion, or take on an adventurous half-, full- or multi-day expedition. Fun fact: Some of the dogs have even starred in popular TV shows and movies.

Family walking the board walk at Banff Gondola in Banff National Park

Banff Gondola

Who says you need to climb a mountain for epic views? Climb aboard and take a ride 884 m (2,900 ft) up to the summit of Sulphur Mountain. You’ll experience 360-degree mountain views from the observation deck, and you can take a stroll along the boardwalk. Grab a bite at Sky Bistro.

A girl walking by Bow Falls beside the Bow River in Banff

Bow Falls

Take an easy winter walk to Bow Falls, located near the famous Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel—also known as the Castle in the Rockies. Wear footwear with proper grip.

TIP FROM A LOCAL

Stop by the Fairmont Banff Springs for cocktails in the Rundle Lounge.

A couple ride a chairlift at Mt. Norquay on an idyllic winter day, with snow-dusted trees and mountains surrounding them.

Mt. Norquay

This family-friendly ski resort is ideal for beginners, with plenty of groomed green and blue runs. But there are also steep-and-deep runs for adventure seekers. Plus, it’s the only resort with night skiing in Banff National Park.

TIP FROM A LOCAL

If you’re up for another activity, book a sleigh ride at Warner Stables.

Two skiers ski down an intermediate run at Sunshine Village in Banff National Park.

Sunshine Village Ski and Snowboard Resort

This world-class ski and snowboard destination is only 15 minutes from the town of Banff, and it offers more than 8,240 acres of skiable terrain. There are more than 130 runs to choose from, or you can hone your skills at the Rogers Terrain Park. Experienced skiers can explore pristine backcountry, too.

A woman enjoying the pool at the Banff Upper Hot Springs

Banff Upper Hot Springs

The natural mineral springs were discovered by settlers in 1883, and they’re one of the top attractions in the Canadian Rockies among locals and visitors alike. Relax after a day of skiing surrounded by stunning views.

TIP FROM A LOCAL

Enjoy dinner at Farm & Fire in downtown Banff.

Two people skiing down an intermediate run at Lake Louise Ski Resort in Banff National Park.

Lake Louise Ski Resort

Take on 4,200 acres of world-class skiable terrain and more than 145 runs. You can access beginner, intermediate and expert runs from all nine lifts at the resort, and you won’t want to miss some of the gourmet dining on-site when you need a break.

One person pulling another while skating on Lake Louise with the Fairmont Château Lake Louise in the background.

Fairmont Château Lake Louise

Skate on one of the world’s most beautiful ice rinks. The scene looks straight out of a postcard. Bring your own skates or rent a pair from the Fairmont Château Lake Louise.

TIP FROM A LOCAL

Wrap up your evening with dinner at the Fairview Bar & Restaurant.

A top-down view of creative desserts served at Olive Bistro in Jasper National Park.

Jasper Food Tours

Sample delicious food on the Downtown Foodie Tour, presented by Jasper Food Tours. The 1.5-km (0.9-mi) walk stops at four different restaurants. The tour lasts approximately three hours, and you’ll get to learn about Jasper’s unique history while you dine.

Girls touring Maligne Canyon

Maligne Canyon Ice Walk

Strap on some ice cleats and explore the deepest canyons in Jasper National Park. Walk through a winter wonderland of frozen waterfalls and natural ice sculptures. It’s an unforgettable experience.

Young couple outside looking skyward at the Jasper Planetarium

Jasper Planetarium & Telescope Experience

Did you know Jasper National Park is also a dark sky preserve? Enjoy an evening of cosmic exploration, first in the domed planetarium theatre and then take a peek through a telescope to see the wonders above.

TIP FROM A LOCAL

Stop by the Maligne Canyon Wilderness Kitchen for a bite to eat before or after your ice walk.

Two snowboarders sit on the snow at the top of a run before snowboarding at Marmot Basin in Jasper National Park.

Marmot Basin

This family-friendly resort offers 91 runs on four mountain faces that are almost an even split between different skill levels. Marmot also offers children’s programming and one of the longest ski seasons in Canada.

TIP FROM A LOCAL

Have an après-ski snack at the Caribou Chalet at the base of Marmot Basin.

Two skiers take a break mid-mountain before skiing at Lake Louise Ski Resort in Banff National Park

Lake Louise Ski Resort

Explore more of the resort and revisit some of your favourite runs. Or try activities like the tube park, sightseeing gondola or snowshoe tours. Don’t forget about après ski, a favourite pastime of anyone who visits Alberta ski resorts.

A family on a snowshoe tour to Sunshine Meadows in Banff National Park.

Sunshine Village Ski & Snowboard Resort

Choose between spending more time on the epic slopes or opting for other activities at the resort. The sightseeing chairlift offers 360-degree views of the Canadian Rockies, or you can take a scenic snowshoe adventure to Sunshine Meadows.

TIP FROM A LOCAL

Stay overnight in the heart of Banff at the Elk + Avenue Hotel.

A child tubing down a tube run at Mt. Norquay in Banff National Park.

Mt. Norquay

Slide down the longest tube lanes in Alberta. Snow tubing is tons of fun for all ages, and you don’t even have to climb the hill afterward – let the magic carpet do all the work for you. There’s even nighttime tubing on select days – check in advance.