In Canada’s Alberta, the wilderness is vast and endless and wild, just as it should be. Snow-covered mountains stand tall and proud above pine forests blanketed in white. Somewhere, between the peaks, a train snakes through, carrying passengers from town to town. Nestled among the icy pine forests, under the mountains, sits warm comfort — towns and resorts, twinkling a golden hue. By day, marvel at the snow-capped peaks above or trek through the ice-covered canyons below. And, by night, cozy up in the comfort of a warm lodge, dining on gourmet meals by the fire. Here, deep in the Alberta mountains, you can bring warmth about in a myriad of ways.
Welcome to the Rocky Mountains
The Rocky Mountains are home to some of the most jaw-dropping scenery on Earth. Rugged peaks stand above wild forests dotted with strikingly blue glacial lakes and bustling mountain towns. Is this perhaps one of the best vacation spots in Canada?
Well…yes.
In summer, the Rockies are alive with activity — hiking, mountain biking, wildlife viewing — you name it. In winter, as the snow settles among the peaks and the lakes freeze, the mountains change, and a new kind of life awakens.
It goes without saying that the sight of vast mountains and pristine pine forests blanketed by snow is astounding, and the atmosphere of being surrounded by untouched snowy landscape, vast and silent and strong, is irreplicable.
But a winter holiday in Canada also means dog sledding and ice trekking to hot springs and luxury trains to grand Christmas castles and and and…
Jasper town in the winter
Where Are the Rocky Mountains?
The Rocky Mountains begin in northern Alberta, Canada, and end all the way down in New Mexico, USA, making them the longest mountain range in North America (stretching nearly 3,000 miles)!
It’s no surprise, then, that when it comes to the most beautiful places in Canada, the Rockies might have to be number one. And let's be honest, there’s no bad way to see them.
The range is studded with many little mountain towns and ski resorts that welcome you into mountain life with open arms. You can take your pick and leave happy. But, depending on what you’re looking for, each town has different charms to uncover.
For the quintessential mountain town, head to Banff. Its main street is backed by Cascade Mountain making for a classic view of the Rockies. For a quieter experience, Jasper has an intimate village vibe perfect for slowing down and taking it all in.
If you want the best single view of the Rocky Mountains (think a crystal blue or frozen white lake backed by towering rugged mountains and surrounded by dense forest), you should undoubtedly head to Lake Louise. It is, to put it frankly, jaw-dropping.
And when one just isn’t enough, Canadian Rockies winter tours give you the space and time to see all of the best offerings of the snowy peaks.
Crossing a bridge over a frozen river deep in the Rockies
Why Should You Travel to Canada in Winter?
For a start, snowy mountains are something that Canada just gets. If you want that picture-perfect view of snow-capped mountains and alpine forests, Canada is your one-stop-shop for achieving it.
But choosing to travel to Canada in winter also means you see the country at its quietest. Everything from towns to trains to hotels is less busy (and more affordable, especially if you have the advantage of the US dollar), letting you feel like you’re in on a 300-mile-long secret.
Many travelers are concerned about winter travel, and what that means for traveling the Canadian Rockies in winter. But, even though Canada is known for its cold weather, the Rocky Mountains remain relatively mild year-round. And while driving in the snow is met with apprehension across the world, Canadian Rockies winter tours often include either scheduled transfers or the winter snow train to take this out of your hands.
We know as well as anyone that planning winter vacations in Canada is a lot of work. But, for you, it doesn’t have to be. At Canada by Design, our travel designers will create a custom winter holiday package for you, taking care of everything from arranging activities to transport. And, as experts in all things Canada, they can suggest the very best ways to see the snowy landscape with none of the snow-induced stress. Our Canada winter vacation packages are tailored to your tastes and infused with specialist insight to get the very best out of your trip.
Looking over the mountains after snowshoeing
Things to do in the Rockies
There is so much to do in the Rockies — you could never cover it all in just one trip. Deciding what you want to get out of your winter in the mountains is key. So we’ve put together our favorite ways to warm up as any kind of traveler.
Whether you’re looking for excitement, relaxation, or a little bit of winter magic, you will know how to find it in the Canadian Rockies this winter.
Dog sledding over a frozen lake
Get Excited with Unique Winter Activities
For the action-seeking traveler, the slopes of the Rockies are a giant playground waiting to be explored.
Skiing, Sledding, and Snowshoeing
You can’t talk about a Canadian winter vacation without mentioning skiing. And, if that’s your thing, the Rockies are home to some of the best ski and aprés in North America. But even if you don’t ski (or are just looking for a unique way of seeing the slopes), the mountains and their many towns offer a wide range of unique activities and experiences.
A very happy sledding dog
To cover every possible method of transport, explore the trails by foot with a snowshoeing tour in Banff. Then, race through the forest with a team of friendly sledding dogs (experiencing Canada’s oldest mode of winter forest transport while you’re at it!) in Jasper. Finish your trip with a sleigh ride around a frozen lake at Lake Louise.
On our Canadian Rockies Winter Delights package, you can experience the full breadth of ways to traverse the snowy mountains in just 7 days, perfect if you’re looking to make the most out of the least amount of time.
Soaring the Skies by Helicopter
If you’re looking to see the peaks a different way, take to the skies to see miles upon miles of untouched wilderness stretch out below you from the seat of a helicopter. Soar over peak after peak, reaching to the sky, before touching down deep in the wilderness to snowshoe the pristine forest floor, far off the beaten track.
The view from a helicopter over the Rockies
Here, discover the wonder of Abraham Lake. Frozen in time (and, unsurprisingly, in ice), bubbles are trapped in the lake’s frozen surface growing darker and bluer as they descend, mottling the black lake a mesmerizing blue and white.
Scaling a Peak for a Mountain-Top Dinner
Looking to carry the adventure through to the evening? This is the way to do it.
Sky Bistro sitting on Sulphur Mountain
Perched atop Sulphur Mountain, overlooking the valley is Sky Bistro. A good meal is always worth traveling for, but at Sky Bistro, the journey is a part of the experience. Getting to the restaurant, the forest floor will drop away as you float along a nearly 700-meter gondola, 200 meters off the ground. But, with the ride taking just 8 minutes, journey upwards knowing the meal of a lifetime is just moments away.
And, between the jaw-dropping views and local specialties on offer — the most unique being the bison striploin — you can get a real taste of the region, inside and out. As you dine, watch as the sun sinks behind the peaks, lighting the sky a blazing orange and the valley a cool blue, and the lights in Banff flicker on.
Sunset in the dome car of the winter snow train
Get Relaxed with a Cozy Mountain Getaway
For the laid-back traveler, the gentle rock of a train lulls you to sleep, and the hot steam of a bath relaxes your chilled muscles.
A Train through the Mountains
From the comfort of the train, you have no obligations but to sit in the world and marvel at it — easy when the world is as beautiful as the snowy Alberta mountains. The winter train in Canada is the ultimate way to slow down and relax.
Over the course of an afternoon, city becomes fields become mountains as you pull out of Vancouver and the landscape transforms, rising up around you. Use this time for yourself — while away the hours with a good book or a deck of cards — but be prepared to make little to no progress with it as you find yourself captivated by the scenery rolling by.
Snow train snaking through the snowy Rocky Mountain
As night comes around, tuck up in a cozy private cabin and, before you know it, wake up deep in the heart of the mountains. In our Luxury Winter Snow Train to the Rockies package, the train welcomes you to mountain life before you venture on, finding the warm comfort of the mountain town of Jasper waiting at the other end of the track.
A Bath between Peaks
What better way to relax than sinking into a warm, steaming bath… surrounded by snow… in the mountains.
Upper Banff Hot Springs
On the mountainside looking over Banff town is Banff Upper Hot Springs. And it really is as luxurious as you’d imagine. Steam ripples up from the milky blue pool. A murmur of relaxing patrons is the only sound that cuts through the muffled snowy mountainside. The winter air might be cool against your skin, but just for a moment as you hurry to slink into the warm water.
And, as a perfect way to start or end any day in Banff, treat yourself to a long soak in the baths, just because.
A Taste of Local Culture
Is there a better way to slow down and unwind than with a good meal? How about four?
As the smell of something grilling drifts out onto the chilly afternoon streets of Jasper, warm your stomach with a food tour. Get on mountain time as you slowly meander through town, dipping in and out of local restaurants and sampling the best of mountain food as the sun sets around you.
Sampling the food culture of the Rockies with Jasper Foodie Tours
Local ingredients are abundant in the Rockies — from Alberta beef (known as some of the best in North America) to rich and succulent elk and bison, to locally harvested berries and mushrooms, and, of course, the famed Canadian poutine. And the foods that appear in tantalizing succession as the afternoon passes reflect that. Expect to feast on tender, slow-roasted meat, fluffy potato dripping in gravy, and end the evening with a sweet little something. But, as the exact lineup is kept a surprise, we’ll leave the rest for you to find out.
Break bread and bond with a small group of like-minded, food-focused travelers as you learn about Jasper’s past (and its very tasty present) together. A dedicated guide will lead you from stop to stop, presenting you with local tales followed by hand-picked delicacies. End your day with a full stomach and a warm heart.
Banff Avenue, glowing with Christmas lights
Get Magical with Festivities and Events
For the traveler seeking magic in the mountains, we can’t go on without mentioning the C-word… And, let's face it, the Rockies were born for Christmas.
Experience Town Festivities
In winter, the towns of the Rockies come alive with real festive spirit, complete with glowing holiday displays filling store windows and reindeer (...or Caribou) wandering the streets. Throughout the winter, towns host many festivals and events to keep the spirit alive.
Banff is well aware of its status as a ‘Certified Christmassy Town’ (even being home to a dedicated Christmas store year-round) and, come winter, really plays its part. From Friday through Sunday in mid-November to early December, the Banff Christmas Market showcases local crafters and artisans with over 150 vendors selling goods and foods.
Warming up by the fire at Banff Christmas Market
If you’re looking to head out of town, the Banff Gondola Nightrise runs from mid-November to March and brings a myriad of light and wonder to the mountains above. And, if you miss the Holiday season, the New Year sees the SnowDays Festival transform Banff Avenue into a parade of larger-than-life snow sculptures, the Ice Magic Festival turn Lake Louise into a gallery of world-class ice sculptures, and Jasper hosts its annual Jasper in January festival with yet more snow sculptures, street parties, and even fireworks.
So, even once the big day is over, rest assured that festive magic is very much alive and well in the Rockies.
Celebrate Christmas in Canada
Imagine celebrating the holidays in a lavish castle, adorned in red and gold, surrounded by icy peaks and unending pine forests.
Now go experience it.
Christmas tree in the lobby of the Fairmont Banff Springs
Christmas in Banff at the Castle is maybe the most festive way to spend your holidays. From the minute you step foot in the Fairmont Banff Springs, you understand why Christmas in the Castle is such a big deal.
The halls are decked. Bows of holly are strung. And fa-la-la’s are fa-la-la-ing.
Every part of the Fairmont Banff Springs transforms for the festive season. Mr and Mrs Claus even find the time to make frequent stops at the castle (and, honestly, how could they not) to take part in Christmas crafts or read lucky children bedtime stories. And horse-drawn sleighs arrive to whisk you on adventures through town.
But if you want to arrive via a real-life Polar Express, our Christmas in the Canadian Rockies Winter Train Vacation is the way to go. Start your journey on the best winter train Canada has to offer, complete with waiters serving steaming hot chocolate at your seat for the full Polar Express experience.
End the Day with a Treat
Christmas isn’t Christmas without a feast. And, if you happen to be here on the big day itself, the grand Christmas buffet at Christmas at the Castle cannot be beaten.
Long tables are laden with golden turkey and great joints of meat, rich stuffing, buttery vegetables, and decadent desserts resulting in a spread as colorful as any gift under the tree.
One stop along the Banff Hot Chocolate Trail
Heading into town, the festive sweets and treats keep on coming. In Banff, hot chocolate is non-negotiable. Each year the town organizes a trail of local spots offering up specialty drinks to keep you warm as you walk the town.
And, if that isn’t enough sugar, stop by the iconic Banff Candy Store to stock up on Christmas treats. For a Canadian Christmas classic, grab some Turtles rich with chocolate, caramel, and pecan. Or, if you’re looking for something more Rocky-Mountain-specific, pick up some bear claws: thick chocolate paws adorned with cashew claws.
Planning your Winter Trip to Canada
If this is your first time planning a Canadian winter holiday, you should know what to expect, how to get there, and how to prepare for the weather. Our Canada experts have done this trip often, and know how to best advise you for your specific trip. But, in case you need an overview…
The winter snow train passing by a river in the forest
What to Expect in winter in Canada
Winter trips in Canada mean preparing for snow and lots of it. For this reason, we don’t recommend planning to drive yourself. Instead, explore the winter train destinations Canada has to offer. Winter train tours offer a view of the snowy region from the comfort (and safety) of the track. But this doesn’t mean you are limited to the train route — there are many ways of transferring through the region by road in the hands of experienced snow drivers.
In exchange, you get to see Canada at its most beautiful: covered in a blanket of snow and ice, just as the Great White North should be.
Where should I fly to get to the Rockies?
YYC Calgary International Airport is the closest airport to the Rocky Mountains. However, in the winter months, the drive from Calgary to Banff can be challenging due to snowy road conditions. So, if you’re looking to take a snow train through the Rockies instead, we recommend flying into Vancouver International Airport (YVR) to access the VIA Rail terminal.
How Cold is Canada in Winter?
Even though Canada is known globally for cold winters (sometimes even reaching ?50 °C!), the Rocky Mountains see a daily average of -15°C through the winter months, making it quite manageable if you bring the right gear (just wait, we’ll get there).
Bundled up for the winter weather
How to Pack for a Winter Trip to Canada
Of course, in the cold, you need the right clothes. Layering is key, with a thermal base layer and a windproof jacket being the most important. Then, it’s time to pull out your ‘toque’ (Canadian for ‘hat’), mittens, and a scarf or neck warmer.
Travelers taking the train should note that luggage can’t be accessed during the duration of the trip, so you should pack a small overnight bag outside of their suitcase for essentials (and a clean pair of undies!).
Book Your Winter Wonderland Getaway with Canada by Design
Experience the true beauty of winter in the Canadian Rockies.
Our expertly crafted packages ensure you get the most out of your journey with comfort, safety, and unforgettable experiences. Chat with one of our knowledgeable Travel Designers to start planning your custom Canada winter vacation experience. Your dream adventure awaits in the wild heart of Canada!
Looking to learn more? Visit our Canada Winter Train Trips page for inspiration on our favorite way to travel in winter, and to browse our most popular winter vacation packages. Prefer to simply stay in touch? Subscribe to our newsletter for up-to-date deals, trip ideas, and more!