Alberta, Canada is one of the most popular destinations for experiencing the Rocky Mountains. So why not consider a winter Alberta road trip through this beautiful province?
From the Columbia Ice Fields to amazing winter lodges with snow activities, you’ll love experiencing more than one city as well as the wintry landscape on a road trip.
Take a Winter Road Trip Through Alberta, Canada
1. The Columbia Icefield
The Columbia Icefield, which includes Athabasca Glacier from the mountain, is a breathtaking natural sight. There are tons of ways to experience it too. Visit the Skywalk, go for an environmentally-friendly drive on the ice or hike with a highly-trained guide.
The drive to and from the Icefield is a stunning, glittering remote drive too, so you might see wildlife. Don’t drive at night, actually, for that same reason.
2. Edmonton’s Culinary Scene
The capital of Alberta is a great place to start your drive and the city’s booming culinary scene is worth staying in the city for a day or so. Many of the restaurants are farm-to-table and creatively utilise Canada’s own produce and provisions even in the dead of winter. You’ll be delightfully surprised by French techniques, incredible drinks and delectable donuts.
3. Jasper Park Lodge
Jasper Park Lodge located inside Jasper National Park is a dreamy winter escape. From the tiny town of Jasper with boutique shops and a craft brewery to the hotel itself, it’s a cozy winter destination. There’s even ice skating, snowshoeing and fat-tire biking at the hotel–on top of incredible skiing nearby.
So, hit the snow then warm up next to the fireplace with a smoked old fashioned in hand.
4. Lake Louise
Lake Louise is the next stop to make. It’s a beautiful winter wonderland surrounded by tons of snowshoeing and cross-country skiing trails around the lake. Play ice hockey, ice skate or simply walk around on the lake to drink in breathtaking views of the snow-covered trees and mountains.
There are also beautiful ice sculptures at the edge of the lake at the Fairmont which are fun to see too.
5. Snowshoeing
While most people go to Alberta to ski, there are so many other options–among them, snowshoeing. From Lake Louise and Jasper to Banff National Park, there are tons of places to go for trails with views. It’s a nice break from skiing and a delight for avid hikers that won’t take too much time away from the road trip–or can even be a stop along the way.
6. Skiing at Banff Springs
Sunshine Village is a wonderful ski resort in Banff, and Banff Springs is an even better place to retire after a long day on the slopes. The luxurious hotel and spa is a picture-perfect setting to spend a night while experiencing all Alberta has to offer.
7. Storm Mountain Lodge
Storm Mountain Lodge is the last must-visit winter destination, and it’s just outside of Banff. The entire hotel is made up of individual cabins, all of which are eco-friendly. The main lodge sells bath bombs perfect for soaking in the claw-foot tubs. The kitchen turns out tasty dishes and incredible cocktails, so go early before dinner.
