8 Epic Issues to do throughout Winter in Alberta, Canada

Within the winter months, the Canadian province of Alberta turns into a snow-filled journey zone. The waterfalls flip to ice, the lakes freeze over and the mountains are wrapped in a reasonably blanket of snow. The pure magnificence was like nothing I’ve ever seen in my life. Though I do ski, I really selected to go to Alberta in Winter for the entire various snow and ice-based actions that may solely be skilled beneath a sure temperature. Don’t get me improper, the snowboarding in Alberta can be unbelievable, however there may be a lot extra to see and do in Alberta’s winter journey zone. Listed here are 8 epic issues to do throughout winter in Alberta…

1. Go Ice Strolling by way of Maligne Canyon

Essentially the most magical and memorable winter exercise we did in Alberta needed to be an ice stroll by way of Maligne Canyon in Jasper Nationwide Park. Maligne Canyon is the deepest canyon in the entire of the Canadian Rockies and in winter it turns into a spectacular frozen cavern, simply ready to be explored. The waterfalls flip in to pure ice sculptures and the riverbed is frozen in time. It’s also possible to attempt your hand at mountaineering in Maligne Canyon, however each journey right here in winter ought to be finished with a professional information. The guides select a secure route so that you can stroll by way of the canyon and verify the bottom is strong sufficient with an ice choose. You’ll be given cleats (grips on the soles of your footwear) and thermal wellies to cease you from slipping. Watch my video beneath for a more in-depth have a look at Maligne Canyon’s Ice Strolling expertise.

Have to know: We did our Maligne Canyon Ice Stroll tour with Sundog Excursions and it was unbelievable. Our tour information was animated and extremely educated in regards to the canyon. She additionally identified all the very best picture alternatives! $69 CAD / £38 per particular person

2. Go Ice Skating on frozen Lake Louise

Alberta is stuffed with lakes of all sizes and styles, however one of the well-known needs to be Lake Louise. Partly due to the enduring Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, however largely to the gorgeous backdrop of mountains that encompass it. Skating on a frozen lake is a completely totally different expertise to being on a rink. There are not any sides to carry on to, and the floor is a bit more bumpy, however it’s actual! I don’t know why, however skating on a frozen lake actually blew my thoughts, and there may be nowhere higher to do it than on the well-known Lake Louise. Of all of the issues to do throughout Winter in Alberta, ice skating on a frozen lake is a should.

Have to Know: You don’t must be a lodge resident of Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise to go skating on the lake and you may rent skates from the ski-hire store contained in the lodge.

3. Strive Snow Tubing on Mount Norquay, Banff

Simply since you don’t ski doesn’t imply you possibly can’t get pleasure from Alberta’s unbelievable ski resorts. Mount Norquay is Banff’s important ski resort and in addition to its many completely groomed pistes, it’s residence to a tubing slope. The slope mainly seems like flooms made out of snow, which you shoot down in a big inflatable ring. We did the tubing throughout our time in Banff and it was a lot enjoyable. The flooms differ in gradient so you can begin on a straightforward one and work your means as much as the steepest!

Have to Know: Anticipate to get some snow spray in your face so sun shades (or higher but ski goggles) are undoubtedly really helpful.

4. Go to the Ice Castles in Edmonton

A go to to the Ice Castles is an absolute should if you happen to’re planning a go to to Edmonton in winter. This was the place we began our winter street journey by way of the Rocky Mountains and it was an ideal introduction to Canadian life. The Ice Castles are a labyrinth of artifical tunnels, slides and caves that you just’ll end up getting misplaced in. The icicles are insanely stunning and have a vivid blue color, making for the right picture alternative. Each children and adults can benefit from the slides and there’s a central hearth pit to heat up chilly arms and ft.

Have to Know: The open dates differ from season to season relying on the climate, however in 2018 Edmonton Ice Castles ran from January to tenth March. It’s value checking the official web site for the seasonal opening dates. Advance reserving is important.

5. Embark on a Snowshoeing Journey

Snowshoes have advanced a bit since historic Eskimos instances, however they nonetheless work in precisely the identical means. The massive floor space lets you stroll by way of extremely deep snow, opening up an entire new realm of adventures! Snowshoeing experiences are extensively accessible throughout Alberta’s Nationwide Parks (together with Banff and Jasper). We tried it in Jasper Nationwide Park and walked throughout Medication Lake, which had frozen over and had nearly a meter of snow on prime of it. It’s an odd sensation at first, however a fantastic expertise.

Have to Know: Take a look at Walks and Talks for snowshoeing experiences in Jasper Nationwide Park. Our information Paula was unbelievable and really enthusiastic about Jasper Nationwide Park. She can be the proprietor of the corporate and is aware of every thing factor there may be to find out about Jasper. Enable 3-4 hours. $80 CAD / £44 per particular person

6. Go Snowboarding or Snowboarding at Marmot Basin

In case you do ski or snowboard and need to embrace it in your winter actions, remember to pay a go to to Marmot Basin in Jasper Nationwide Park. Marmot Basin is a 20 minute drive from the city of Jasper and is without doubt one of the most laid again, unpretentious and crowd-free locations I’ve ever skied. 7 lifts unfold throughout 1,700 acres of a skiable terrain and each newbie and superior skiers are properly catered for. The ‘Tres Hombres’ space is new for 2018 and presents 45 acres of superior and skilled off-piste snowboarding. Marmot Basin was an surprising spotlight of my journey, however its solely value visiting if you wish to ski or snowboard. The quiet slopes and delicate runs additionally makes it a fantastic place for freshmen to present snowboarding a attempt for the primary time.

Have to Know: There are not any inns in Marmot Basin, so it’s greatest to remain in Jasper and simply come as much as the mountain for the day. Take a look at Marmot Basin Ski Faculty for skilled tuition on the slopes. Day by day raise passes price $95 CAD / £52 per particular person.

7. Get pleasure from a Horse-Drawn Sleigh-Experience in Banff

For one thing rather less exerting, head to Warner Stables in Banff for a novel horse-drawn sleigh experience expertise. Banff Path Riders provide romantic sleigh rides for 2 or bigger household sleigh rides pulled by two or extra horses. Beginning at Warner Stables, the experience will take you thru enchanting woodland and previous a few of Banff’s most putting mountain views. We snuggled underneath a blanket on a sleigh experience for 2 and simply took in all our environment. A forty five minute sleigh experience package deal prices $95 CAD / £52 per particular person.

8. Strive Ice Climbing up a Frozen Waterfall or Glacier

Mountain climbing is an extremely well-liked exercise in Alberta and though I didn’t attempt it myself, I liked seeing different individuals giving it a go. I noticed newbie climbers in The Maligne Canyon and extra superior climbers on an enormous glacier on the Icefields Parkway. I feel it will be an unimaginable adrenaline-fuelled exercise and undoubtedly one thing to inform the grandkids about! Simply remember to go together with a good information who will know the most secure place so that you can attempt it.

What did you consider these 8 epic issues to do throughout winter in Alberta? Which ones would you most wish to attempt? In case you loved this submit, please go away me a remark within the field beneath. Jess x

You may also like;

• The Final Canadian Rockies Winter Highway Journey Itinerary
• A Canadian Winter Survival Information
• My Highway Journey Video Diary 

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This weblog submit has been written as a part of a sponsored collaboration with Journey Alberta. All phrases and views are my very own.