Winter Fun in Alberta: Your Ultimate “It’s Cold… So What?” Guide

Alberta is basically in a long term relationship with winter. It’s cold, it’s dramatic, it overstays its welcome… but honestly? Winter here is iconic. Snow means adventures, bragging rights, and excuses to drink sugary hot chocolate and marshmellows at inappropriate times of day.

So if you’re looking for things to do this season, here’s your fun, friendly, Raven approved guide to making the most of winter in Alberta.

❄️ Classic Winter Hits

✔️ Skating on ponds
✔️ Hitting the slopes (Sunshine, Marmot Basin, Rabbit Hill, all of it!)
✔️ Snowball fights you definitely “didn’t start”

But Alberta also has some winter experiences that are pure magic…

🐕‍🦺 Dog Sledding – The Underrated Bucket List Item

One of the top activities for international visitors — and most of us Albertans have never tried it. Where you can go: Banff, Jasper, Canmore, Kananaskis, Grande Prairie and Fort McMurray.

Season runs December–April. Expect: fresh air, adorable chaos, and a hot chocolate afterward (mandatory). For those looking to learn more about wolfdogs and wolves, without getting on a sled, the Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary in Cochrane is an option.

🧊 Frozen Waterfalls + Wild Ice Walks

Even if Maligne Canyon is closed this winter (wildfire impact), you can still explore:

Pleckaitis Canyon – same vibes, less traffic
There are companies that offer tours, like Nordegg Adventures and Banff Adventures.
ice wall climbing, ice climbing and ice walks if you’re brave or have excellent insurance!

🫧 Abraham Lake – The Instagram Bubble Lake

Located near Nordegg
Famous for methane bubbles trapped in the ice
Wild windy area = natural snow removal = perfect photo ops
Walkable/skateable… but go with a guided tour because wild ice is unpredictable (and cold).

🌌 Northern Lights Season Is PEAK This Winter

Thanks to the sun hitting its solar maximum, auroras are STRONG this year.
Best places to see them:

Beaver Hills Dark Sky Preserve
Cypress Hills
Lakeland Provincial Park
The sky-watching domes at Métis Crossing
Indigenous aurora-viewing teepees near Fort McMurray

Pro tip: stay up way too late and pretend you’re “doing science.”

🧖‍♀️ Treat Yourself Season: Spas & Wellness

Wellness is booming — which is why places like the new Everwild Nordic Spa in Canmore are popping up.
Perfect for: escaping the kids, escaping your inbox and well, escaping everything.

🍪 Food Tours & Winter Markets

Alberta Food Tours operated in Edmonton, Calgary, Banff and Canmore, showcasing local food businesses from restaurants to bakeries. Currently, there’s holiday bakery bus tours in Edmonton and Calgary, including “dozens of cookies to take home,” the site says. Food = comfort. Winter is peak eating season and Alberta has:

Bakery bus tours in Edmonton + Calgary (you get dozens of cookies to take home… or not)
Local breweries, distilleries, restaurants
Endless holiday markets featuring local makers

Supporting local in winter matters – it keeps small businesses thriving during the cold season.

A few markets:

Edmonton

Old Strathcona Farmers’ Market – Saturdays and Sundays – 10310 83 Ave. NW
Edmonton Christmas Market – Nov. 29 to Dec. 21, Thursdays to Sundays – Fort Edmonton Park

Calgary

Granary Road’s Christmas Market – Dec. 6,7,13 and 14 – 226066 112 St. W
Calgary Farmers’ Market – Thursdays to Sundays (510 77 Ave. SE) and Wednesdays to Saturdays (25 Greenbriar Dr. NW)

Banff

Banff Christmas Market – Dec. 5, 6, 7, 12, 13 and 14 – Banff Heritage Train Station

🦬 Experience Indigenous Culture

Some of the activities and adventures available at the crossing include showcasing traditional Métis winter activities and skills, exploring art, dance and storytelling, and the opportunity to see the rare white bison. Indigenous tourism continues to grow — and Alberta has some incredible experiences: