Winter in Alberta
Winter in Alberta - 10 day itinerary
From Calgary to Edmonton, experience a true winter wonderland in Canada’s Alberta as you reconnect with nature, adventure and indulgence. You can either drive yourself or take advantage of the many shuttles, transfers and guided tours available to get you from point A to B.
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Browse this example itinerary to give you an idea of how you might like to structure your visit, according to your length of stay. Purely Canada offers a tailor made service, so we can put any route together and these examples of differing lengths act as a handy guide to what your final itinerary could include.
For further advice, please call us on 01372 372123.
Calgary
Days 1 to 2
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Winter in Calgary, Alberta’s largest city and host of the 1988 Winter Olympics, offers countless opportunities to embrace the season.
Outdoor activities include ice skating at Olympic Plaza, a downtown rink surrounded by city lights and skyscrapers, or cross-country skiing through snow-covered landscapes with scenic views at city parks like Nose Hill and Bowness. Indoor attractions such as the Calgary Tower and Studio Bell and a thriving food scene ensure there is always something to enjoy, while sports fans can catch a Calgary Flames hockey game.
The city’s extensive covered pathway system, Plus 15, makes it easy to explore in winter, whether walking along the Bow River or visiting vibrant neighbourhoods like Kensington and Inglewood, where you can unwind in one of the many cosy cafés.
Canmore & Kananaskis
Day 3
Distance - 65 miles
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As you head to the beautiful mountain town of Canmore, enjoy the breathtaking scenery and stop off at Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary to experience the majestic and wild nature of wolfdogs.
Nestled in the Canadian Rockies, the pristine Kananaskis Valley truly comes to life in the winter with snow-covered peaks, frozen lakes and serene forests. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy world-class skiing, snowshoeing, ice climbing and other winter sports. Take a charming, old-fashioned horse-drawn sleigh ride and leave the world behind at Kananaskis Nordic Spa, a must-visit for relaxation with its outdoor hot pools surrounded by snowy mountains.
Canmore, the heart of the so-called K-Country, is famous for its Three Sisters peaks, friendly locals, main street local boutique shopping and excellent year-round amenities.
Banff & Lake Louise
Days 4 - 6
Distance - 15 miles
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Winter in Banff and Lake Louise are nothing short of spectacular. The serenity of snow-laden forests and the crisp, fresh air evoke an atmosphere of pure tranquillity, while the bright white snow against vibrant blue skies creates a breathtaking spectacle of contrasts.
If skiing is on your list, Banff and Lake Louise boast three outstanding ski resorts, collectively known as SkiBig3, all offering convenient transportation from the two towns. For a more leisurely pace, you can take a sleigh ride to the back of Lake Louise, glide across the frozen surface on skates, take a wildlife tour through the winter landscape, sip a drink at the ice bar or simply cosy up by an inviting fireplace.
At the day comes to an end, take the Banff Gondola at night to experience Nightrise at the top of Sulphur Mountain, an immersive, multi-sensory spectacle that transforms the mountains.
Canadian Rockies heli snowshoeing and Abraham Lake ice bubbles
Day 7
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On your last day at Banff or Lake Louise, treat yourself to a unique Canadian experience and soak in the breathtaking winter beauty of the Canadian Rockies like never before with a heli snowshoeing adventure. Soar above the snow-covered peaks, marvelling at stunning bird’s-eye views of glaciers, frozen lakes and glistening waterfalls.
After you land at a pristine high alpine meadow blanketed in snow, strap on your snowshoes and embark on a thrilling guided trek through the untouched wilderness.
Top off your day with witnessing a surreal phenomenon: seeing up close the almost otherworldly ice bubbles at the enchanting Abraham Lake.
The lake is beautiful in every season but it really dazzles in the winter when its turquoise water freezes to unveil thousands of white bubbles below the surface, within the crystal-clear ice. As the bubbles sparkle in the sunlight, they create an intriguing winter spectacle that you will never forget.
Jasper via the Icefields Parkway
Day 8 - 9
Distance - 150 miles
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Jasper’s winter charm makes it an unforgettable destination, with frosted evergreens standing against the backdrop of jagged, snow-capped mountains and frozen lakes mirroring the bright skies.
Powder hounds will enjoy skiing or snowboarding at Marmot Basin, which boasts the highest base elevation in the Canadian Rockies. Wildlife enthusiasts can spot elk and wolves against the snowy backdrop. The Miette Hot Springs offer a warm escape amid the cold, while the Jasper Dark Sky Preserve provides an unparalleled opportunity for stargazing, with clear nights revealing a sky full of stars and often the Northern Lights.
To get to Jasper you will take the Icefields Parkway, one of the world’s most scenic drives, with stunning views of white peaks, frozen waterfalls, sparkling snowfields and massive glaciers along the way.
Edmonton
Day 10
Distance - 225 miles
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Alberta’s capital offers plenty of ways to stay entertained while keeping warm, from world class museums and art galleries to indoor malls and local boutiques. Many restaurants and cafés serve delicious seasonal treats and warm comfort food, making it easy to enjoy the cosy side of winter.
If you are looking for one final winter adventure, Edmonton provides fantastic opportunities for tobogganing on designated hills that are perfect for thrill-seekers of all ages.
You can also take a peaceful walk through one of the city’s many parks and admire the snow-draped trees and frozen ponds. Some trails even have fire pits, where you can warm up while enjoying the crisp air.
Unmissable Experiences To Add
