Winter Experiences | Canada's Alberta

Bundle up for a chilled-out Canadian adventure like you’ve never experienced.

There’s a different feeling in the air during an Alberta winter, and no, it’s not just the temperature. Fewer people, clear skies and an increased sense of adventure make Outdoor Activities truly epic. Hikes become snowshoe excursions, the northern lights come out to play, and Natural Attractions like canyons and lakes become entirely new experiences.

Not feeling the chill? There’s still plenty of Urban Exploration to be had, from ice carving festivals to a warm soak in the hot springs. And when you’re done, there’s still a ton of Unique Experiences to round out your trip.

Group of visitors dogsledding with Snowy Owl Dogsled Tours in Spray Lakes.

Outdoor activities

You’ll want to get left out in the cold

Alpine skiing. Nordic skiing. Dog sledding. Skating on mountain lakes. There’s no end to the winter activities here, and if you find yourself living off hot chocolate and adrenaline for your entire stay, we wouldn’t blame you. Just remember to head inside once in a while to warm those toes up!

A group of backcountry skiers skinning up a ridge towards the sun that is peaking over the summit.

Venture deep into the backcountry on a guided ski tour in Banff National Park.

Perfect tracks and views to match

Tackle the challenge that is backcountry skiing and snowboarding with fully certified guides in the mountains of Banff National Park. Private and course-based adventures are available for all skill levels so anyone can chase their mountain dreams.

See Alpine Air Adventures

Player holds hockey stick while playing pond hockey on a glass-looking frozen lake. — Keep warm with a little adrenaline this winter.

Here’s the skinny on fat tires

Roll down ribbons of dreamy single track on floaty, fat-tired bikes rented from Kananaskis Outfitters. It’s all the fun and adventure of mountain biking, with a winter spin. Rugged trails turn to smooth hard-pack that bring the smiles, while tough climbs will keep your inner furnace running hot.

See Kananaskis Outfitters

A ground level shot of people smiling and fatbiking through the trees on a snow covered path.

Explore the winter trails of Kananaskis like never before.

Skier in fresh powder at a steep angle, mountains in the background, skiing at Lake Louise Ski Resort in Banff National Park

Skiing & Snowboarding

Ice Skating

Snowshoeing

Northern lights in the winter nights sky above a floating dock on a lake with mountains in the background.

Stargazing

View from a sled a team of dogs is pulling on a snow covered trail beside a river.

Dog Sledding

Couple in a sitting embrace wearing snowshoes and looking out at the mountains covered with snow.

Natural attractions

A whole other world to explore

Alberta doesn’t just look good in the summer. Nope, this postcard-worthy province might look even better with a fresh dusting of snow. Plus, all the incredible sights, trails, lakes and mountains take on a completely new vibe. Come see for yourself.

See Natural Attractions

Clamber your way up the catwalks to the towering frozen waterfall in Johnston Canyon.

Northern lights stretch across the sky over a lake in Wood Buffalo National Park. — Watch the night come to life with the glow of the northern lights.

Family getting of a bus on the Columbia Icefield Glacier tour — Get up close and personal with the Columbia Icefield on a tour.

A couple sit on the methane bubbles under a frozen lake while admiring the sunset. — Catch a glimpse of the famous ice bubbles while you skate Abraham Lake’s frozen surface.

Urban exploration

Ready to come in from the cold?

Whether you’ve spent all day exploring the winter landscapes, or you’re more a fan of the great indoors, there’s always something on offer here.

A group of people on a winter's day enjoying a horse drawn sleigh ride with mountains in the background.

Unique experiences

It doesn’t get more Alberta than this

There are some experiences that are so Albertan that we just had to call them out. These are some of the best ways to truly connect with that wild feeling people get in this place. A connection with the people and the land that is hard to replicate anywhere else.

Worried you’ll catch a chill? We’ve got your back. Keep up with the forecast and local weather.

See Climate & Weather