5 cozy and cute small towns in Alberta that you need to visit before winter is over
Soak up the cozy days.❄️
Someone in Canmore Alberta. Right: Lake Louise Alberta.
From cozy streets that look right out of a Western movie to lively communities with mountains as the backdrop, Alberta is filled with beautiful small towns.
While most are eager to see the cold winter months end, a getaway to a charming small town can make the season a little more magical and a little less sad. With a fresh blanket of snow and a hot chocolate in hand, wandering around small towns has an even more quaint quality in the colder months.
Take advantage of the snowy weather while you can, because it'll be gone before you know it. Here are five cozy small towns in Alberta to visit before winter is over.
Canmore
This storybook-like town is made even more beautiful when the surrounding mountains have snow-capped peaks. It's just an hour outside of Calgary, making it the perfect spot to escape the city for the weekend – or even a day.
The town is low-key and not as packed as the nearby one of Banff, but is filled with cute shops and local stores you can check out. It's all framed by the majestic Three Sisters Mountain, which is a landmark of the town.
Canmore is surrounded by the beauty of the Rockies, with lots of nearby trails, lakes, and endless mountain views. In the winter you can go for a skate on of the lakes, go skiing at Nakiska Ski Resort, or even take a horse-drawn sleigh ride with Boundary Ranch through the snowy setting.
Grotto Canyon hike is also near here, and when it's cold the waterfall freezes over to create a beautiful icy cascade.
Sylvan Lake
This little town in central Alberta is known for its beautiful lake, drawing lots of people there on a warm summer day. The small town charm doesn't go away in the colder weather though, and there's lots to do here in the winter.
When the lake freezes over, the town becomes a little winter wonderland. Ice skating is at the forefront, with three rinks to glide across, or you can even try out ice fishing. Just wandering around town also makes for a fun afternoon, popping in and out of the local storefronts.
The town really puts on a show during the winter, with twinkling lights, snow karts you can rent out, and ice fishing shacks peppering the lake. In March, they also through a big event called "The Meltdown," to celebrate the end of winter.
Lake Louise
No far from Canmore sits this little village with dramatic beauty. People from around the world come to the shores of Lake Louise to take in the serene beauty. In the wintertime the frozen lake is especially beautiful, with snow-capped mountains wrapped around it.
It's perfect for skating, and you could spend all day taking in the views here. If you want to make a getaway out of it the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is right there, and makes for a trip full of pampering.
Banff is nearby and has more activities, but this spot offers a slower-paced trip with less crowds. You still have everything you need, and are nestled in the same jaw-dropping beauty of the area. There's snowshoeing, dog sledding, and skiing here to get you out and enjoying the winter.
Camrose
This small town is about three hours away from Calgary, but is worth the road trip. It has a historic downtown that's cool to explore, charming coffee spots and cute boutiques. Walking around with a coffee in hand you'll see vibrant murals all around, and pass by lots out outdoor skating ranks. There's also loads of stunning winter-friendly trails here so you can get out and explore the area.
Make sure to also pop by the Camrose Heritage Railway Station & Park to see its historic buildings and gardens.
Cochrane
Just 30 minutes outside of Calgary this town is the perfect afternoon escape from the bustle of the city. You'll feel like you're stepping back in time as you stroll through the historic downtown area. The scenery is stunning, and you can look out onto the rolling foothills with the mountains off in the distance.
The town is a popular stop for tourists so it's lively with lots of things to do, even in the winter. There's lots of parks and trails to check out, local shopping, and attractions here. You can head out snowshoeing at Cochrane Ranche or West Bragg Creek Trails, or go for a tour of Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary for a unqiue experience.
The place is perfect for a cozy day just wandering though, escaping into the local book store, enjoying coffee, and soaking up the small town atmosphere.
Whether it's snowshoeing through the Rockies or lazily strolling down quaint streets, there's a lot to see this winter in these little towns.
Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.