Travel

Try these winter experiences in Alberta

We’ve all seen the Instagram images of Lake Louise’s turquoise waters, colorful Banff National Park hiking trails, and numerous waterfalls. But what happens if it snows and it freezes? That’s when the ski slopes open, the lakes turn into rinks, and Alberta, Canada, becomes a winter wonderland unlike any other.

What’s the best part? In this undiscovered season, you have almost the whole place to yourself. Winter’s adventure is as thick as the snowfall. This is the place to go if you want to see the best of Alberta on ice.

A woman and man enjoy a winter fat bike ride in Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada.

Scenic drives and the ice bubbles

The Icefields Parkway, which runs between Banff and Jasper National Parks, is known for its glacier-capped peaks, wildlife, and rugged scenery. Furthermore, it is the best – and only – scenic route between Banff and Jasper. You’ll be joining thousands of other visitors on this stunning drive in the summer, but in the winter, you’ll only see less than 10 cars in three hours. Pack a lunch, fill up your gas tank, and prepare to see a side of Alberta you’ve never seen before. Athabasca Falls, the Columbia Icefield, Bow Lake, and numerous pull-outs along the way are all scenic viewpoints.

Maligne Canyon Icewalk

Wild Elk or also known as Wapiti (Cervus canadensis) in the winter snowfall in Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada

Maligne Canyon becomes an impassable torrent of glacial melt in the summer, cutting its way through limestone in a flow that even experienced kayakers can avoid. In the winter, though, it is the most unique hike in the Rockies and an ice climber’s paradise. A guided tour of the Maligne Canyon Icewalk is recommended for safety reasons. Sundog Tours can transport you down the frozen flows in ice cleats when passing by icefalls and geological formations.

Rocky Mountain skiing

Four Canadian ski resorts are unique in that they are located within two national parks. They’re safe havens where powder days are measured in feet and views of glaciers remind you of the ancient ice ages that sculpted the peaks beneath your skis. The uncrowded slopes are enjoyed at lift ticket rates that are significantly lower than those seen at rival resorts in the United States. With a tri-area lift pass from Ski Big 3, ski or ride Marmot Basin in Jasper National Park (opens November 12 for the 2020/2021 season) or Mt. Norquay, Sunshine Village, or Lake Louise Ski Resort in Banff National Park (opens November 12 for the 2020/2021 season).

Ice climbing at Johnston Canyon

Johnston Canyon, a popular summer hiking destination in Banff National Park, turns into a series of frozen waterfalls along an elevated trail that runs alongside and above the canyon. As it gasps for new routes that vary daily depending on temperature, crystal clear water flows over and under ice. Several introductory ice climbing courses are offered by Yamnuska Mountain Adventures in the Banff region, but none are more scenic or dramatic than Johnston Canyon.