Alberta, Canada

Plan your winter in a place where snow-capped peaks glisten like diamonds, northern lights dance across endless skies, and magical moments warm the coldest days. Whether you'll ski world-class slopes, chase the aurora borealis, explore ice walks through frozen canyons, or embrace cozy festival vibes – discover your winter wonderland in Canada's Alberta.

1. Urban wilds:

Edmonton transforms into a winter playground with the largest urban park system in North America offering cross-country skiing, skating trails, and cozy warming huts. The city's vibrant arts scene moves indoors to intimate venues perfect for escaping the cold. 

Calgary shines brightest in winter, with crisp mountain air and stunning Chinook weather breaks. Warm up with craft cocktails along 17th Avenue, browse winter markets in Inglewood, or experience the magic of skating on the Bow River pathways with the Rockies as your backdrop.

2. Pristine wilderness:

The Canadian Rockies become a winter paradise where world-class skiing meets breathtaking scenery. Countless trails transform into snowshoeing and cross-country skiing routes, leading you to frozen waterfalls, ice walks, and pristine snow-covered lakes. Winter wildlife viewing offers unique opportunities to spot elk, bighorn sheep, and if you're lucky, the elusive mountain goat. 

From Edmonton, discover winter magic in Jasper National Park, or experience Banff's legendary winter activities with easy access from Calgary.

3. Festivals and events:

Albertans embrace winter with open arms and warm hearts. 

Edmonton's festival spirit doesn't hibernate – experience the Ice on Whyte Festival with incredible ice sculptures, or warm up at cozy indoor music venues throughout the city's long winter nights. 

Calgary celebrates winter in true western style. Experience authentic winter rodeos, festive holiday markets, or venture to charming mountain towns where winter festivals light up the snowy landscape.

4. Indigenous experiences:

Winter offers profound Indigenous cultural experiences as traditional knowledge takes on special meaning in the season. Join winter storytelling circles, learn traditional winter survival skills, experience winter ceremonies under star-filled skies, and gain deeper understanding of how Indigenous peoples thrived in these winter landscapes for thousands of years.

5. Wellness retreats:

Winter wellness takes on new meaning in Alberta. Soak in natural hot springs surrounded by snow-covered mountains, experience invigorating Nordic spa treatments, practice yoga in cozy mountain lodges, or simply embrace the meditative quiet of a snowy forest walk. Winter's stillness creates the perfect backdrop for renewal and reflection.