Chris and I have traveled to many places but Alberta, Canada in the winter might be our favorite. It’s awe-inspiring beauty and accessibility makes it a place that anyone can enjoy, but if you’re traveling with a chronic illness, Alberta has even more to offer. We went in January and fell in love with the easy-to-access trails, cozy accommodations, and activities that won’t leave you feeling drained. This winter destination is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy the great outdoors, even when it’s cold.

Here are our top reasons why you should visit Alberta in the winter:

Couple holding hands looking at mountains on Ice Fields Parkway — *Ice Fields Parkway*

Less Crowds & More Peaceful:

One of the best parts of visiting Alberta in winter is the lack of crowds. There’s no fighting for parking, no long lines, and the popular spots feel like hidden gems. We love traveling when there are fewer people—everything feels more peaceful and relaxed.

Man walking in the snowy forest with ice skates on his backpack

2. Lots of Accessible Things To Do:

Alberta has so many accessible activities, making it perfect for those who need a little more rest or less strenuous options. You can enjoy stargazing in Jasper, dog sledding, tubing, helicopter summit tours, sleigh rides, curling or simply taking in the views while taking it easy in your Airbnb or hotel.

Tall trees with snow on them in the winter

3. It’s Beautiful:

Winter transforms Alberta into a magical wonderland. From snow-covered peaks to frozen lakes, every corner of this place looks like something out of a postcard. Driving through Banff or Jasper National Parks is breathtaking.

Quarry Lake Park at twilight with moon — *Quarry Lake Park*

Man standing on frozen lake where lighting left it's mark — *Two-Jack Lake*

4. Active Wildlife:

Although the bears are mostly hibernating, Alberta’s wildlife is still active in the winter. You may spot deer, elk, big horn sheep, cougars, wolves, and more while you’re out exploring. We saw beautiful birds and elk during our visit.

Elk grazing in Canmore in winter — *Elk grazing in Canmore*

Clark’s Nutcracker bird on sign near Lake Louise — *Clark’s Nutcracker bird near Lake Louise*

5. It’s Way Less Expensive Than Other Months:

The cost of staying in Alberta during winter is so much more affordable than during the peak summer months. For example, we stayed in Canmore, a charming town just 20 minutes south of Banff, and found Airbnbs for $50-$80 a night in January. It’s a great way to experience Alberta on a budget.

Driving through Ice Fields Parkway in winter — *Ice Fields Parkway*

Must-Do Winter Activities in Alberta:

Lake Louise:

One of the highlights of our trip was Lake Louise. The lake is frozen in the winter and perfect for skating. It’s an easy walk from the parking lot (free in the winter!) to the lake. We rented skates for the week from Gear Up Sport Canmore and had the best time on the ice. Skating is an activity I can do without overexerting myself, which is a rare find. After skating, we enjoyed coffee and fresh orange juice at the Fairmont Lake Louise. We went back two more times—it’s that magical!

Abraham Lake:

This spot is famous for its methane bubbles that get frozen in time. During our visit, a light snowfall covered most of the bubbles, but we still got to see a few peeking through the snow. It’s a unique experience you won’t find anywhere else.

Canmore Engine Bridge:

If you’ve watched The Last of Us, you might recognize this bridge from the scene where Joel and Ellie walk into Jackson Hole. Built in 1891 as a coal railway bridge, it now serves as part of the Spur Line Trail. We loved walking this accessible landmark and also enjoyed the frozen river below the bridge. A beautiful but chilly experience!

Man looking out from Canmore Engine Bridge

Explore the towns of Banff & Canmore:

Banff and Canmore are two charming mountain towns. Banff is known for its vibrant downtown, lined with cozy cafés, boutiques, and incredible mountain views in every direction. Canmore, just 20 minutes south, is a quieter but equally stunning gem, offering a more relaxed, local feel. In January, twinkling lights still hang around town, giving it a magical winter glow. There’s even a frozen pond right in Canmore where you can skate! Both towns offer breathtaking scenery, great restaurants, and plenty of accessible activities, making them perfect home bases for exploring the Canadian Rockies in winter.

Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary:

This non-profit is a must-see for animal lovers. The sanctuary is dedicated to educating the public about wolfdogs and wolves, and it provides a safe place for them. We learned so much and loved watching the wolfdogs!

Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary wolf stretching

Ghost Lake:

While we were on our way to the Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary, we happened to stumble upon cars sliding across Ghost Lake. It’s a cool spot where you can actually drive on the lake when it’s frozen in winter. It’s pretty surreal, especially knowing that Guinness World Records have been set there for the fastest time on ice. Whether you're up for some adventure or just want to enjoy the scenery, it's definitely worth checking out. We loved how spontaneous it was—one of those unexpected gems that make travel so memorable!

Ice Climbing:

For those who are looking for a more strenuous activity, ice climbing in the Canadian Rockies is world-class and a bucket list destination for climbers from across the globe. Chris had the chance to ice climb for two days, and it was an unforgettable experience. Jay from CRAG (Canadian Rockies Alpine Guides), his guide, is incredibly knowledgeable of the area. He is great at gauging your ability, from beginner to Pro, finding the best routes for you to get the most out of your climbing experience. Chris said, “right from the start he feels like a climbing partner you’ve had for years.” Hiring Jay really made the experience even more enjoyable. If you’re traveling with someone who wants an adventure, this is a great option!

Canadian Rockies Ice Climbing CRAG guide

Where to stay:

Canmore:

The town of Canmore is adorable, with walkable streets and plenty of cozy cafes and shops. The town is beautifully decorated with holiday lights during winter (perfect for those of us not ready to let go of Christmas). There’s a frozen pond in town where you can skate, and you’re surrounded by snowy mountain peaks the entire time. When planning our stay we weren’t sure if we’d regret not staying in Banff, and we were really happy with our decision.

Driving through Canmore

Couple ice skating on frozen lake in Canmore — *Ice skating in Canmore*

Woman working on laptop from airbnb in Canmore

Couple sitting on bench in winter looking at Canmore Engine Bridge — *Canmore*

Other Popular Spots:

While we didn’t make it to all of these places during our trip, they’re definitely worth mentioning:

Johnston Canyon: A stunning spot known for its frozen waterfalls, though some sections might be more challenging for those needing extra accessibility.
Banff Upper Hot Springs: A relaxing way to warm up after a day of winter adventures.
Kananaskis Nordic Spa: For a more relaxing experience, the Kananaskis Nordic Spa is a must-visit.
Maligne Canyon: A beautiful spot to explore with frozen waterfalls.
Jasper’s Pyramid Lake: Another picturesque spot where you can enjoy winter views and take in the beauty of the snow-covered landscape.

Alberta in the winter is truly a magical destination. Whether you’re looking to relax, explore, or seek out adventure, this area offers something for everyone. From the charming towns to the majestic national parks, there’s no better place to experience the winter wonderland of Canada.

Best Accessible Winter Adventures in Alberta for every traveler