In Canada’s Alberta, winter is bright and white. Cities are flanked by snowy mountains and glistening white plains, and towns are nestled between peaks, bordered by forest. While snow settles on the ground (in valleys, waiting for dogsleds and snowshoes to carve paths through), the sky stays ever-blue. Alberta’s towns and cities are alive with winter cheer.
Looking for a stand-out winter vacation? Canada should be at the top of your list. With stunning views from coast to coast, you can’t go wrong when planning a winter trip to Canada. But we know your time is limited. While a trans-Canada adventure is the perfect way to see the whole country, Alberta can stand in as a snapshot of the highlights until you have the time.
Alberta knows winter. With stunning snowy plains to the east, towering mountains and thick pine forests to the west, and many activities dotted in between, there are plenty of options to keep you busy.
Calgary on the edge of the Rocky Mountains
Geography and Climate of Alberta
Alberta is a landlocked province in Western Canada bordered by mountains (in the West) and prairies (in the East). Its location makes the climate dry, meaning many sunny days (over 300 each year) and a manageable ‘dry cold’ given you dress right. That means that, with layers consisting of base thermals, thick sweaters, and a wind-proof jacket, Alberta is a great place to enjoy Canada’s winter.
Major Cities in Alberta
There are relatively few major cities in Alberta, with the two biggest being Edmonton and Calgary. Despite this, they make up 80% of the province’s population. Each city has a major international airport, making it one of the first places visitors encounter in Canada and a great start or end to a trip to the Rocky Mountains (both being just a few short hours away).
Banff Avenue is the perfect winter mountain town
Regional Cities and Towns in Alberta
Alberta is home to many small cities and towns.. While they have a much smaller population than the cities (with only 20% of Albertans living in its rural areas), they are an essential part of the culture.
The best-known towns in Alberta are all located in the Rockies, a major tourist hotspot (and Banff and Jasper receive the most visitors as a result). Others in the prairies, such as Lethbridge or Red Deer, receive much less foot traffic from international visitors as they’re mostly centered around the oil and gas industries.
Where to Visit in Alberta in Winter
To recap, Alberta is largely split into two categories: the cities and the mountains. That doesn’t mean you have to choose between them when planning your trip (and, in fact, we would suggest you don’t), but that each offers a vastly different experience of Canada’s stunning winters.
Visiting either (or both) of Alberta’s two main cities gives an authentic experience Canada: down-to-earth cities filled to the brim with famous Canadian friendliness. And, experiencing long winters yearly, they have winter fun down to a tee.
The mountains in Alberta are extraordinary.
There really is no other way to put it. They are dotted with charming towns nestled in plunging valleys (and each more jaw-droppingly beautiful than the last). With a strong tourism industry running through them, they are full of eager visitors looking to experience the mountain culture. But Canmore has managed to preserve its local feel and relative obscurity with international travelers (a fact that is baffling in the face of the exceedingly beautiful mountain views it shares with the big three stops).
So, where should you go to discover some truly alluring cities in Alberta?? We suggest:
- Edmonton
- Calgary
- Canmore
Wondering what to do while you’re there? At Canada by Design, we pride ourselves on creating unique and custom experiences for travelers across the country. And, with more than 25 years behind us, we’ve learned the ins and outs of these beautiful destinations. So, here are our five favorite ways to spend winter in each stop.
Let's get into it.
Wildlife roaming deep in the Rockies
The Rockies
First, we have to talk about the Rockies.
The Rocky Mountains are Canada's winter gem. Spanning two provinces (Alberta and British Columbia) and dipping down across the border into the USA, they’re not a trade secret and make up some of the most visited parts of Canada.
We will assume you know the Rockies, but in case you need a refresher:
- The most visited parts of the Rocky Mountains are Banff, Lake Louise, and Jasper
- Visitors are drawn to the region for the abundance of wildlife and nature (few places in the world can see you hiking an alpine meadow alive with flowers in the morning, spotting bears rambling by milky-blue lakes in the afternoon, and stepping foot on a millennia-old glacier in the evening)
- The Rockies are home to some of the most scenic train trips in the world, including the summer-exclusive Rocky Mountaineer and the year-round VIA Rail Canadian train, both with domed glass-roof cars, gourmet meals, and luxury views
We love the Rockies, and have more in-depth guides for you to explore. If you want to know more about seeing the Rockies in winter, we run through the best winter activities in the Rockies here for activities, eating advice, and, as always, our classic insider info.
The journey through the Rockies in winter is simply beautiful
Of course, the Rockies are Alberta's most popular destination, but this means many travelers miss out on the province's other wonders.
We designed the Edmonton to the Rockies tour with this in mind.
Starting in Edmonton (or in Calgary for a reverse trip!), venture down into the mountains from the north to watch the prairies rise around you until you are deep in the Rocky Mountains. While there, make sure to hit all the main spots (think dogsledding through Jasper’s forests, Sleigh rides over a frozen Lake Louise, and wildlife tours in Banff National Park) before heading out in the south to explore Calgary. This way, you get the classic Rockies winter, with snow-capped peaks and pine-filled valleys, without missing out on the great prairie cities.
Edmonton: Top 5 Activities for Winter
Edmonton is a city of two halves. One half: Edmonton. The other half: West Edmonton Mall. Neither half should be overlooked when visiting — missing one in favor of the other would misrepresent the city’s unique energy.
The ICE District in Edmonton, dedicated to all things hockey
See a game in the ICE District
Winter in Canada means hockey season (it was both born in Canada and is its official ‘National Winter Sport’). And, in winter, the NHL is in full swing. So what better place to take part than in Edmonton?
‘Why Edmonton,’ you might ask, ‘when other parts of Canada also host successful NHL teams?’ Well, Edmonton is serious about its hockey.
The city is home to an entire district (spanning 28 acres, or 70 individual hockey rinks) dedicated to the sport. The ICE District is centered around Rogers Place, home of the Edmonton Oilers and the largest high-definition screens in the NHL (so, there really is no better way to see a live game).
But even if you’re not interested in hockey, you can see big-name concerts and events throughout the year at the stadium or explore the shops, restaurants, and Grand Villa Casino within its borders.
Attend Winter Festivals
Did you know that Edmonton hosts 50 different festivals every year? That means there’s a good chance something is on whenever you're in the city.
Our favorite — Deep Freeze: A Byzantine Winter Fête.
Held in January each year, Deep Freeze is Edmonton’s first festival each year. It introduces Edmonton’s festival culture and the city’s deep cultural roots. The Indigenous, Francophone, and Polish communities that thrive in the city are brought to the forefront and shared with visitors and locals.
And, any way you think culture exists, Deep Freeze has it.
There’s art and performances, cultural storytelling, and some delicious food (like really, truly delicious — if you have visited Canada and haven’t tried the Indigenous staple Bannock, you have to come back immediately. Trust us).
This is a great way to see Edmonton’s community shine and one of the major benefits of exploring Canada’s lesser-visited cities. You get a feel for the love put into the area by its residents. The festival is held by the local non-profit Arts on the Ave, which continues to develop Alberta Avenue into an arts hub.
DOSC’s Northern Gold Angus Ribeye is steak at its best
Try Local Beef
Alberta beef is world-famous for its quality. And Edmonton, in the heart of Alberta, does steak the right way. So, despite all the ways you could experience Alberta beef, a classic Edmonton steakhouse is the best snapshot of Alberta’s ranching heritage.
DOSC is one such place that takes meat seriously. They’re a proud Albertan steakhouse through and through (with dark wood and polished brass interiors, and an angry bull staring at you from the pages of your menu, you couldn’t mistake this for any other province). At the same time, they take extreme care in their food, favoring local vendors and farmers for their ingredients and giving you an incredible steak in the process.
While they offer a delectable A5 Wagyu Steak, the Northern Gold Angus Ribeye is the way to see what the DOSC chefs (and the Alberta cows) can do with the classic.
Explore West Edmonton Mall (the stores)
This is Edmonton’s other half.
West Edmonton Mall (or WEM) is like its own city, with micro-districts like a Chinatown, a ‘Europa Boulevard’ styled after old European cities, and over 100 food spots across two food courts and one dining alley (named BBRN St).
With over 800 stores across 48 city blocks (that’s over five million square feet), this is a shopper's paradise. If you were to start at one end and walk continuously to the other, it would take over two hours, and you would never step outside. As you spend your hours passing global brands, luxury designers, and Canadian-made boutiques, you will almost certainly find what you are looking for.
West Edmonton Mall is half mall and half experience
Experience West Edmonton Mall’s Attractions
You'd be wrong if you think a trip to WEM means hours of shopping broken only by several trips to the various food courts (even though that sounds like an incredible afternoon to us).
Consider a brief morning of shopping followed by an afternoon at a waterpark (with, might we add, the world’s largest indoor wave pool), an evening spent ‘Cosmic Bowling’ at Ed’s Bowling Alley, a night in a tiki-themed hotel room, and, in the following morning, a trip to an amusement park. And you haven’t left the mall once.
Such a large mall might seem like a gimmick, but when faced with long and cold winters (sometimes reaching a low of -30ºc (or -22ºF)), the city needs a community hub where its residents (and visitors) can come together for not only its practical shopping needs but for fun days out. WEM ensures that you can explore the city’s offerings in one unique spot, whatever the weather.
Calgary: Top 5 Activities for Winter
Calgary is about an hour’s drive east of the Rocky Mountains. The city is already a well-known summer destination, playing host to the Calgary Stampede, which gallops into town once a year in July.
But Calgary is way more than the stampede.
The city experiences long winters, so it has countless winter offerings ready for visitors. And, located on the edge of the Rockies, it is a perfect end (or a great starting point) to a big winter wonderland trip.
A friendly polar bear at Calgary Zoo
Visit Calgary Zoo
The Calgary Zoo (also known as the Wilder Institute) is situated in the heart of the city (and, at a 4-minute drive or 30-minute walk away from Calgary’s downtown core, it really is the heart). But don’t think that means the wildlife is any less wild. At the zoo, you can experience an animal-spotting tour reminiscent of Banff or Jasper. The zoo has grizzly bears, black bears, polar bears, mountain goats, wolves, moose, and caribou among its residents.
And winter is the perfect time to visit.
By day, penguins walk through the grounds, greeting visitors as they go; snow leopards, polar bears, and tigers revel in the cool, snowy weather; and caribou regain their status as reindeer (which it turns out is just the name for the species' domesticated portion).
By night, the zoo comes alive with the ZOOLIGHTS Christmas display. Take a trip through the park after hours to see the trail of twinkling light displays throughout the enclosures, dotted with ice skating, axe throwing, and delicious treats (hot chocolate is, of course, required on nights like these) to keep you busy and warm.
ZOOLIGHTS takes place every year from mid-November to early January. It is worth noting that ZOOLIGHTS is not designed for you to see the animals as the sun has set and it’s past the animals’ bedtime (the lights start at 6pm, an hour after the zoo closes). If you want the full winter experience, getting a ‘sunlight to ZOOLIGHTS combo ticket is best, which includes both a day entry to the zoo and a discounted ticket for re-entry in the evening.
Chinook Blast Winter Festival light display brightening up the winter | Ice skating in the city
Take part in Chinook Blast Winter Festival
Occurring over a two week period each February, Chinook Blast Winter Festival was named for the Calgary-exclusive winter weather phenomenon. Chinooks (pronounced ‘shi-nooks’) are warm winds that blow through the city from the mountains and raise the temperature by up to 20ºc (or 68ºF) in a few short hours, bringing a mid-winter temperature up to the mid-60s.
Like the winds, Chinook Blast brings warmth and life to the prairies. It’s hard to summarise (there is so much to do!) but the festival brings together events, art installations, concerts, and markets to celebrate the best of Calgary’s local culture.
Take Part in Winter Activities at Canada Olympic Park The Canada Olympic Park in Calgary was one of the main venues for the 1988 Winter Olympics. The park continues to support athletes in their professional development and gives visitors a chance to try them out.
If you haven’t skied or snowboarded before, you can try your hand at one of Canada’s largest schools. They have the perfect world-class terrain to learn on (before heading into the Rockies to take on the big slopes).
If you’re not into skiing, the tubing park at Winsport is one of the largest in Western Canada, and offers fun for families (or adults looking for a lower-stakes kind of fun).
The stunning architecture of Calgary Central Library
See the Central Library
Calgary Central Library is not just a spot to stop and read a book. Actually, visiting the library only to keep your eyes gazing down as you read would do the building a disservice. Opened in 2018, this new architecturally stunning library was designed to replace the previous structure from the 1960s. The building was designed to create a sustainable hub to connect neighborhoods and serve the city’s growing community.
It worked.
The Central Library’s interior is cloaked in softwood, and mesmerizing layers of walkways lead up to a glass roof, bringing the light from the ever-blue Alberta sky down the many floors of books (it’s somehow airy, modern, and cozy all at once, perfectly befitting a sparkling new space to slow down in the big city).
This makes an excellent place to take a mid-afternoon rest between the stacks (perhaps with a coffee from the Second Cup Cafe inside) before continuing on with your day. Find one of its many hidden corners (no spoilers here — we will leave you to discover them yourself) to relax in.
River Cafe’s reclaimed-wood furniture creates a cozy cabin feel | The restaurant’s showstopping food
Eat at River Cafe
Calgary’s food scene is outstanding, regularly attracting attention for being some of the best in Canada. There are several good options (and if you’re looking to explore the foodie culture yourself, 17th Ave is the place to go).
But the best individual spot? River Cafe, which placed among Canada’s top 100 restaurants of 2024. Even its location (on Prince’s Island Park, steps away from downtown but hidden among the trees) sets it apart. River Cafe is a cozy cabin in the woods (albeit an upscale one) with snowshoes hung on the walls, and chairs made of repurposed materials and by local artists. It’s a stylish homage to Calgary’s roots.
The food itself is no different.
River Cafe is committed to intentional sourcing, meaning the food is carefully selected for quality, sustainability, and, most importantly, taste (their menu even notes the individual producers of each ingredient, giving you a more intimate connection to whatever you try). If you want to sample River Cafe at its best, the Chef’s Tasting Menu is the perfect choice. It expertly balances rich and hearty meats with gentle fish and vegetables (and always a sweet something to end) for an incredible meal — wonderfully warming for the winter season.
Canmore: Top 5 Activities for Winter
Canmore is a charming town situated on the edge of both Banff National Park and Kananaskis Country at the eastern entrance of the Rockies. And it shouldn’t be overlooked in favor of the more famous stops — Canmore is putting itself on the map as a must-stop mountain town. As a hidden-gem-turned-highlight-stop, head there now while it’s still reserved for those in the know. And, like the rest of the Rockies, it offers a gateway to a winter wonderland.
Visit Banff National Park and Kananaskis Country
A lot of Canmore’s draw comes from its location — a breath away from both Banff National Park and Kananaskis Country. The town is just a 30-minute drive from Banff and would be a perfect day trip if you want to experience its classic attractions while staying off the beaten path.
Relaxation among trees at Kananaskis Nordic Spa
Kananaskis Country offers a slower pace. Similarly to both Banff and Canmore, you get jaw-dropping mountain views every way you turn, but there are far fewer visitors. This is perfect for a rejuvenating trip. While there, take a trip into the forest to the Kananaskis Nordic Spa to detach from society in a hydrotherapy circuit surrounded by alpine beauty. Move from hot pools to cold plunges in an outdoor circuit and unwind among the trees.
Canmore tucked among peaks and under a glowing sky
Enjoy downtown
One of Canmore’s main draws is its beautiful and charming town atmosphere. So, while you’re there, make the most of it by fully exploring the downtown area.
Wander down 8th St (the town’s answer to a Main Street), dipping in and out of warm, welcoming stores. Start your day with specialty coffee and a pastry at Eclipse (we’d recommend their pies, both sweet and savory) before exploring boutiques like Stonewaters for everything from unique pantry items to accessories to unique home goods.
After grabbing lunch (at the Rocky Mountain Bagel Co), enjoy the relaxed mountain pace for the afternoon. We’d recommend continuing along 8th St beyond the stores for just two blocks (passing through a block of residential homes and a small path between houses) to reach the ‘Friendship Trail’ that follows Bow River. Enjoy views of the river backed by towering peaks while strolling the trail (clear enough to walk even through the snowy winter — no snowshoes needed), and find the best spot for photos (the pedestrian bridge over the river).
Our Canada by Design team member walking her dog in Canmore | The Bow River is steps away from downtown
End the night relaxing around a fire pit at Bridgette Bar (but be sure to make a reservation—this place is popular and for good reason). Or, if you’re looking for a more upscale experience, Sauvage is an incredible experience. Choose between two menus (‘The Hunter’ and ‘The Gatherer’ for meat and plant-based options, respectively) and be taken on a journey celebrating the local land and flavors it brings.
Snowshoe in the mountains
Canmore is surrounded by some of the most beautiful mountains on the planet. In winter, they look like something out of a fairytale (think magnificent grey peaks brushed with snow and dappled, in their lower altitudes, with pine trees).
What better way, then, to experience them than by adventuring out on foot?
And, like a fairytale, you will pass through thickets of trees, bows laden with white, and clearings where lakes are hidden, waiting for summer to appear again. Nearby trails range from easy to challenging, so if you’ve never snowshoed before or are a seasoned expert, you have an excellent option for exploring the surrounding peaks.
But if you want to experience snowy mountains like no other, a helicopter trip into the backcountry is the way to go. A 20-minute helicopter ride can take you over the peaks and deep into the backcountry, where snow is fresh and untouched, and the peaks no longer stand above you but by your side. Experiencing this kind of winter in the Rockies is truly life-changing.
Sample Beer at Award-Winning Breweries
Local craft beer is a staple of Canada. And, in Canmore, that’s no different.
If you’re looking to end your day right, head to Canmore Brewing Co. This spot really exemplifies the best of Canmore (and, by extension, the culture of these small mountain towns). They blend passion and friendliness, always looking to build a community through their specialty brews and bring awareness to their beautiful mountains in the process.
Visiting their taproom shows this, too. They are focused on their beers (which have several awards to show for it), so don’t have a full kitchen. But, ever eager to accommodate, they have snacks available from local bakeries and cafes, and encourage you to order food in (or bring a picnic!) if that suits you best. If you visit the taproom on a Friday, you’re in for a treat. The space hosts ‘Community Fridays’ through the winter, where they welcome local musicians for songs to fill the taproom (but the atmosphere is ever casual and welcoming — you are welcome to enjoy the spot as you would any other day as music plays as a backing track).
On Saturdays, the brewery also opens its doors for tours, offering a walk through the production of its brews and a tasting flight of its 4 favorites.
This spot is loved by locals, visitors, and beer aficionados alike, so you know it’s good.
Warm pools with a view at the Malcolm Hotel
Stay at the Malcolm Hotel
The Malcolm Hotel is more than a place to rest your head. And, while we’re happy to let you know the best places to stay in the Rockies, this one is a ‘to-do’ all by itself.
The hotel faces the mountains, with a clear view of the iconic Three Sisters peaks dominating the horizon. So what better way to enjoy the view than from the rooftop hot tub and heated pools? It’s an excellent addition to a day in the town (or, quite frankly, a perfectly acceptable way to while away an entire afternoon).
All rooms have either mountain or creek views — the Malcolm Hotel is really in the heart of the mountains — so prepare to be dazzled every morning as you rise.
FAQs
What is the most visited area in Canada?
Banff National Park is the most visited part of Canada. The park is situated in the Rocky Mountains, just a short trip from Calgary or Edmonton.
Where should I go for my first time in Canada?
Alberta is arguably the best single province to travel to as a first-time visitor to Canada. There, you can choose between vibrant cities, beautiful rural landscapes, and the world-famous Rocky Mountains. And, from its city hubs, you can easily access the West and East coasts for longer trips.
The Rockies in winter are Canada’s gem
Where should I visit in Alberta?
The Rocky Mountains, Calgary, and Edmonton are the top three places to visit in Alberta. If you’re visiting the Rockies, visit Banff, Lake Louise, or Jasper for a classic experience. Or, if you’re looking for somewhere slightly off the beaten track, head to Canmore for a quieter mountain town experience.
How do I get around in Alberta?
Getting around Alberta is easy. The province is home to two international airports (Calgary International Airport and Edmonton International Airport). Once you’ve landed, the easiest way to move between cities and towns in Alberta is by car. However, we don’t recommend attempting to drive in the winter, so a great (and scenic) option is to book a private transfer or take the VIA Rail train through the Rockies, which runs between Edmonton and Jasper all winter.
Views from the winter train through the Rockies
When should I go to Canada?
It depends on the traveler — Canada offers something unique in every season — so deciding what you’re most drawn to before you travel is key.
In summer, hiking through forests, canoeing in blue lakes, and spotting wildlife are king. This is the perfect time to enjoy the warm weather outside.
In winter, bundle up and get ready for a pristine blanket of snow, train tours in the mountains, and unique winter activities (think dogsledding, snowshoeing, and sleigh rides). And remember that, while bears will be asleep for the season, plenty of other wildlife is still out to play.
Spring and Autumn offer a little bit of everything, and you get the added benefits of fewer travelers and more affordable rates. But, being between seasons, some attractions might be closed.
How do I plan a trip to Canada?
At Canada by Design, this is what we do. Our expert Travel Designers handle every detail, ensuring your trip is the perfect blend of your must-sees and their insider tips and tricks.
Get in touch with a Travel Designer today to begin planning your dream winter vacation in Canada. Or, if you’re not ready for that, stay in touch by subscribing to our newsletter for more Canada right to your inbox.