With snowy mountain tops and stunning frozen waterfalls, there’s no denying the magic that winter brings to Canada. Experiencing winter in Alberta will make you feel like you’re in a wonderland no matter where you go. Of course, winter also brings all kinds of super fun activities and events that you need to add to your Alberta winter bucket list.
We’ve rounded up some of the best and most beautiful things to do in the province so that you don’t have to do the work.
Whether you’re looking for epic adventures or breathtaking natural wonders, you’re sure to find something on this list to help make your winter the best one yet.
If you love festive holiday pop up bars, millions of Christmas lights, enchanted frozen castles, and breathtaking snowy adventures, then you’re in for a real treat this season.
Alberta has so much coming your way, it’ll be hard to squeeze everything in.
So if you’re determined to have the absolute best winter ever, don’t wait. Take a peek at the list below, send it to all your BFFs, and start checking items off your bucket list ASAP.
Let’s start exploring Alberta today.
Ride Bumper Cars on Ice
Price: $20
When: February 2020
Address: Calgary, AB
Why You Need To Go: You can enjoy a frosty twist on a classic amusement park ride. Did we mention the bumper cars light up at night too?
See Breathtaking Ice Magic
Price: Free to $13
When: January 15 to January 26, 2020
Address: Lake Louise, AB
Why You Need To Go: You can watch as blocks of ice are transformed into magical castles and sculptures on beautiful Lake Louise.
Traverse Abraham Lake
Price: Free
When: Winter
Address: Clearwater County, AB
Why You Need To Go: Tiny pockets of methane gas become trapped under the ice and create a beautiful splattering of bubbles on the ice.
Drink Merry at Miracle Pop-up Bar
Price: Prices vary
When: November 25 until December 31
Address: Proof, 1302 1st St. SW, Calgary, AB
Why You Need To Go: You can sip on Christmas-themed cocktails, sing along to your favourite festive tunes, and soak in all of the magical holiday decors.
Marvel at the Ice Castles Kingdom
Price: Free
When: Winter 2019-2020
Address: Hawrelak Park, Edmonton, AB
Why You Need To Go: You will totally feel like Elsa from Frozen as you wander through this breathtaking ice castle. At night the ice formations are lit up with beautiful colours.
Explore Winter Lights Festival
Price: $9
When: Opening Friday, November 29
Address: Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden, Lethbridge, AB
Why You Need To Go: You can explore this Japanese garden oasis while admiring thousands of twinkling lights.
Warm-Up at Banff Upper Hot Springs
Price: $8.30
When: Now until May 14, 2020
Address: 1 Mountain Ave., Banff, AB
Why You Need To Go: You can keep the summer vibe alive and thriving. Soak in the hot springs and enjoy the magical winter views.
Catch the Banff Gondola To Stunning Views
Price: Starting at $52
When: Varied winter hours
Address: 100 Mountain Ave., Banff, AB
Why You Need To Go: You can get a birds-eye view of the beautiful snow-covered mountains. This is truly a breathtaking sight.
Discover Glow Gardens
Price: Starting at $19.99
When: November 28 until January 4, 2020
Address: 7515 118 Ave. NW, Edmonton, AB
Why You Need To Go: You can light up your holiday seasons with a million sparkling lights, LED swings, and delicious food and cocktails as well. There's even a Christmas market where you can score some sweet gifts.
Shop at Noel Christmas Market
Price: from $19.99
When: November 28 until December 31
Address: 1410 Olympic Way SE, Calgary, AB
Why You Need To Go: Speaking of magical light displays and charming Christmas markets, Noel Christmas Market is set to be the largest of its kind in Canada and you won't want to miss it.
Snap Cute #ShareTheChairs Pics
Price: Free
When: Year-round
Address: Various Alberta locations
Why You Need To Go: You can explore some gorgeous national parks on your hunt for these bright red chairs. Plus, you can snap a selfie when you find one and participate in the #ShareTheChairs campaign.
Drive Through A Massive Light Tunnel
Price: From $25
When: November 22 until January 4, 2020
Address: Castrol Raceway, Edmonton, AB
Why You Need To Go: You can stay warm and cozy as you drive down this mesmerizing illuminated 2-kilometre stretch.
Chill Out at Ice On Whyte
Price: TBD
When: January 23 until February 2
Address: 8331 104 St. NW, Edmonton, AB
Why You Need To Go: You can admire stunning ice sculptures, enjoy icy drinks, tasty food, and even learn how to carve your own ice masterpiece.
Go Skating at Bowness Park
Price: Free
When: Weather dependant
Address: 8900 48 Ave. NW, Calgary, AB
Why You Need To Go: You can enjoy the beautiful scenery at Bowness Park as you skate around their outdoor trail. You'll find a few cozy fire pits along the way so you can stay warm.
Go On a Dog Sledding Adventure
Price: Starting at $446.25
When: Starting December 1
Address: 829 10th St., Canmore, AB
Why You Need To Go: Odds are if you've never been on a dog sledding adventure, it's been on your winter bucket list for a while. There's no time like the present to check this one off the list.
Go To a Concert In a Cave
Price: $149
When: Thursday, December 19
Address: 129 Bow Meadows Cres., Unit 202, Canmore, AB
Why You Need To Go: You can venture into the depths of this beautiful cave to hear a holiday concert like you've never heard one before.
Catch the CP Holiday Train
Price: Free, bring a food bank donation
When: Various dates
Address: Various Alberta stops
Why You Need To Go: You won't want to miss this iconic holiday staple. Enjoy the festive train and take in a free concert.
Fall in Love at Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary
Price: Starting at $25
When: Year-round
Address: 263156 Range Rd. 53, Cochrane, AB
Why You Need To Go: You can learn about and admire these adorable wolf dogs when you take a sanctuary tour. They frequently have little fur babies for adoption too.
Wander Down Candy Cane Lane
Price: Free, bring a food bank donation
When: December 12 until January 1
Address: 148 Street between 100 Ave. to 92 Ave., Edmonton, AB
Why You Need To Go: Candy Cane Lane has been community run for 50 years now, and every year the residents outdo themselves with lights and decorations. This is one heart-warming tradition you don't want to miss.
Chase Down Sunwapta Falls
Price: Park admission fees
When: Year-round
Address: Improvement District No. 12, AB
Why You Need To Go: Frozen waterfalls are a truly breathtaking sight and Sunwapta Falls are no exception. Chase them down this winter and you'll be treated to a spectacular sight.
Book a Cozy Winter Cabin
Price: From $169
When: Various dates
Address: Red Deer County
Why You Need To Go: Need to get off the grid for a few days? Why not get your BFFs together for a wintery cabin getaway.
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