Other Winter Activities
Think skiing is the only thing going on in Alberta in the winter? Think again. There are many other activities that will astonish and delight. All you need is the desire – no experience necessary. Learn how to ice fish, build an igloo, travel by dog sled, or trek into a frozen canyon to experience glowing green waterfalls and iridescent river ice. Join us—we have adventure operators standing by to introduce you to a whole new world of winter.
Alternative Winter Adventures
Winter in Alberta is an opportunity to experience the beauty and magic of the great outdoors. Elevate your winter experience with an aerial tour of our vast and beautiful winter holiday destinations, a luxury train trip through the Rockies, an invigorating canyon ice climb, a family ice skating outing or a horse-drawn sleigh ride under a bearskin rug. Finish off your evening strolling under a night sky alive with the Northern Lights.Here's a few ideas to get you warmed up.
Aerial Sightseeing
By fixed wing aircraft or helicopter, a sightseeing flight over our winter wonderlands is not to be missed. Want to a get a bird’s eye view of an area you’d like to visit? Looking to find a mountaintop to ski down untouched slopes? We’ve got plenty of tour operators standing by.Canyon Ice Walks & Ice Climbing
Canyons that are inaccessible in the summer are transformed in winter into wonderlands of ice. The eerie beauty and irresistible challenge of iridescent canyon walls and chambers lure winter enthusiasts from all countries and corners. Guided walks in Jasper’s Maligne Canyon can be organized though most hotels and outdoor hubs.For the vertically inclined adventurer, ice climbing is a thrill and a challenge. Visit Yamnuska Mountain Adventures for guided ice climbing, with half, full and multi day trips available. Check out their legendary ice climbing school, which offers weekend and five day training courses at the beginner, intermediate and advanced levels. The Alpine Club of Canada is a veteran player in the mountaineering arena. The organization, which recently celebrated its centennial, offers ice climbing courses and adventures such as its six day Rockies Ice Camp. Check out their regional chapters for local programming.
Dog Sledding
Just north of Edmonton in Athabasca country is Kawakanum Kennels, offering mushing lessons for those who want to run their own dog team. Then choose half, full or two-day trips with all the creature comforts provided. For a double thrill, Kawakanum guides can set up a dog sledding adventure to include ice fishing.Ice Fishing
If you can’t get enough of fishing in the summer, don’t stop. Ice fishing—also known as vertical jigging—is for novices and experts alike. Due to lower natural food production and increased fish interest in bait, ice fishing yields more whitefish and perch than in any other season. Also up for the challenge are pike, walleye, trout and burbot (ling).Ice fishing can be done on most lakes and streams around the province. Depending on ice conditions, the season generally runs from December through April. Local anglers build temporary sheds or simply drill holes and drop in a line. Just be sure to check local regulations before you head out. Reel Angling offers guided ice fishing expeditions.
Ice fishing derbies are serious business in Alberta. Some of the best competitions happen in Slave Lake and Lac La Biche. Contestants actually build fires on the lakes to keep warm while they wait for the big one.
Northern Lights
Although we can’t claim the aurora borealis as our own, Alberta’s north is blessed with prime viewing spots. Optimal sites include Fort McMurray, Fort Chipewyan, Slave Lake, Peace River, Grande Prairie and Athabasca. If you're lucky enough to catch the light show, you will marvel at the constantly changing colourful swirls, curtains and ribbons of light dancing in the night sky.
Skating
You can’t talk about winter activities without mentioning ice skating—fun for the whole family. Most urban centres and small towns have indoor and outdoor rinks and arenas. While peewee to junior hockey practice takes up a lot of ice time, there’s plenty of room for pleasure skating. Check Edmonton's municipal recreation website to find out where to skate in parks and info about skating on stormwater lakes.Our gateway cities feature natural outdoor skating areas that are still within sight of city lights. Don't miss the Silver Skate Festival at Hawrelak Park in Edmonton.
Off the rink and into the great outdoors? If you’re visiting any of our parks and recreation areas, most visitor information centres can direct you to popular destinations such as Banff’s Lake Minnewanka, the Vermillion Lakes or the Spray River right behind the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. Other alpine favourites include Patricia and Pyramid lakes near Jasper and Power Pond near Grande Cache. For more places to ice skate, visit Alberta Tourism, Parks, Recreation & Culture and search parks by activity. Another good resource is Where Canadian Rockies—search in Tours, Activities and Adventures.
Remember to use caution when skating on any of our lakes, rivers or ponds. Most locations post current ice conditions, but if in doubt, drop out.
