With snowy mountain tops and stunning frozen waterfalls, there’s no denying the magic that winter brings to Canada. Experiencing winter in Alberta will make you feel like you’re in a wonderland no matter where you go. Of course, winter also brings all kinds of super fun activities and events that you need to add to your Alberta winter bucket list. We’ve rounded up some of the best and most beautiful things to do in the province so that you don’t have to do the work. Whether you’re looking for epic adventures or breathtaking natural wonders, you’re sure to find something on this list to help make your winter the best one yet. If you love festive holiday pop up bars, millions of Christmas lights, enchanted frozen castles, and breathtaking snowy adventures, then you’re in for a real treat this season. Alberta has so much coming your way, it’ll be hard to squeeze everything in. So if you’re determined to have the absolute best winter ever, don’t wait. Take a peek at the list below, send it to all your BFFs, and start checking items off your bucket list ASAP. Let’s start exploring Alberta today. Ride Bumper Cars on Ice Price: $20 When: February 2020 Address: Calgary, AB Why You Need To Go: You can enjoy a frosty twist on a classic amusement park ride. Did we mention the bumper cars light up at night too? View this post on Instagram Can’t wait to visit again on November 1st Melbourne! Final few tickets left 🥳 A post shared by Bumper Cars On Ice (@bumpercarsonice) on Sep 25, 2019 at 10:01pm PDT Website See Breathtaking Ice Magic Price: Free to $13 When: January 15 to January 26, 2020 Address: Lake Louise, AB Why You Need To Go: You can watch as blocks of ice are transformed into magical castles and sculptures on beautiful Lake Louise. View this post on Instagram Magical Wonderland 💗 #lakelouise #canada #meandering #explorecanada #beautifuldestinations #banffsnowdays #icemagicfestival #bdtravelbug A post shared by I A M R E K A (@rekahuszti) on Feb 1, 2018 at 10:23pm PST Website Traverse Abraham Lake Price: Free When: Winter Address: Clearwater County, AB Why You Need To Go: Tiny pockets of methane gas become trapped under the ice and create a beautiful splattering of bubbles on the ice. View this post on Instagram Have you ever experienced bubbles frozen in layers in a crystal-clear lake? Each year, this natural phenomenon happens at Abraham Lake in Alberta, Canada - and boy, is it stunning! I just published a blog post about where to find frozen ice bubbles at #AbrahamLake. Visit bit.ly/ice-bubbles to read about the best time and best spots on the lake to find the bubbles, how to get to the lake, where to stay, how to dress for the conditions, and more. (Link is also in my IG bio, and recent IG Stories) ❄️ #explorealberta #travelalberta #canada #explorecanada A post shared by JENN ✧ TRAVEL + OUTDOOR (@jennexplores) on Jan 25, 2019 at 6:40pm PST Website Drink Merry at Miracle Pop-up Bar Price: Prices vary When: November 25 until December 31 Address: Proof, 1302 1st St. SW, Calgary, AB Why You Need To Go: You can sip on Christmas-themed cocktails, sing along to your favourite festive tunes, and soak in all of the magical holiday decors. View this post on Instagram 📍Atlanta, GA ++I really wish they had these pop ups year around for all different holidays because they made me way too excited. Really missing the decked out bars and lights all over++ ~Yippie Ki Yay Mother F****r! ($12)// 🎅🏼 👅👅👅👅👅👅👅👅👅👅 @miraclepopup #linnyslunchbox A post shared by Linny's Lunchbox👅 (@linnyslunchbox) on Jan 8, 2019 at 12:32pm PST Website Marvel at the Ice Castles Kingdom Price: Free When: Winter 2019-2020 Address: Hawrelak Park, Edmonton, AB Why You Need To Go: You will totally feel like Elsa from Frozen as you wander through this breathtaking ice castle. At night the ice formations are lit up with beautiful colours. View this post on Instagram You guys didn’t think I was done with the winter pics yet, did you?! ☃️ Couldn’t resist doing a jumping/dancing pic at the ice castles 💕❄️ A post shared by Rose (@thecompass.rose) on Mar 25, 2019 at 7:41pm PDT Website Explore Winter Lights Festival Price: $9 When: Opening Friday, November 29 Address: Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden, Lethbridge, AB Why You Need To Go: You can explore this Japanese garden oasis while admiring thousands of twinkling lights. View this post on Instagram Winter lights at the Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden. #yql #Lethbridge #japanesegardens #winter #tourcanada #explorealberta #explorecanada #xf90mm #fujixt2 #xt2 #fujilove #myfujifilm #fujifeed #fujixseries #fujifilm_id #fujifilm #imagesofcanada #canadaonline #southernalberta #exploresouthwestalberta #special_shots #ig_today #justcanadathings_ #handheld A post shared by K.Mendoza (@k_dur83) on Jan 15, 2017 at 10:58am PST Website Warm-Up at Banff Upper Hot Springs Price: $8.30 When: Now until May 14, 2020 Address: 1 Mountain Ave., Banff, AB Why You Need To Go: You can keep the summer vibe alive and thriving. Soak in the hot springs and enjoy the magical winter views. View this post on Instagram They said it’s gonna snow soon, so I’m just going to wait here in the hot springs😝 #banff #canada #hotsprings #travel #girlswhotravel #adventure #winter #snow A post shared by Alyssa Kowalski (@lockandkey.me) on Oct 10, 2019 at 8:40pm PDT Website Catch the Banff Gondola To Stunning Views Price: Starting at $52 When: Varied winter hours Address: 100 Mountain Ave., Banff, AB Why You Need To Go: You can get a birds-eye view of the beautiful snow-covered mountains. This is truly a breathtaking sight. View this post on Instagram 8 minute ride to the top. 7,486 ft up. & feeling’ like we’re on top of the world. quoting drake, ‘way up I feel blessed’ 🗻 seriously though.. such an amazing experience getting to see the views from the top of the @banffgondola and enjoy a lunch on top!! highly recommend this gets added to your bucket list ASAP! http://liketk.it/2GOb2 #liketkit @liketoknow.it #banff #banffgondola #banffcanada A post shared by BeYOUtiful Blog • Torunn Lee (@torunnlee) on Nov 12, 2019 at 5:44am PST Website Discover Glow Gardens Price: Starting at $19.99 When: November 28 until January 4, 2020 Address: 7515 118 Ave. NW, Edmonton, AB Why You Need To Go: You can light up your holiday seasons with a million sparkling lights, LED swings, and delicious food and cocktails as well. There's even a Christmas market where you can score some sweet gifts. View this post on Instagram Looking for a fun mid-week activity with friends? Come GLOW with our 25% promo happening now! Use our EDMONTON25 code at checkout. Tickets are still available and selling fast! www.glowgardens.com/christmas-edmonton/ . *subject to certain dates and availability #christmasglow #glowedmonton 📷: @keanakachmar A post shared by Glow Edmonton (@glow_edmonton) on Dec 11, 2018 at 5:30pm PST Website Shop at Noel Christmas Market Price: from $19.99 When: November 28 until December 31 Address: 1410 Olympic Way SE, Calgary, AB Why You Need To Go: Speaking of magical light displays and charming Christmas markets, Noel Christmas Market is set to be the largest of its kind in Canada and you won't want to miss it. View this post on Instagram Announcing Calgary’s first-ever Indoor Light Park and Market. Santa’s helpers are transforming the 100,000+ sq ft Nutrien Centre at the Stampede Grounds into a winter wonderland. Join us at Noel Indoor Light Park & Christmas Market 💫 Early Bird Tickets are on sale October 15th! Hit the link in our bio! A post shared by Noel Festival (@noelfestival) on Oct 12, 2019 at 12:25pm PDT Website Snap Cute #ShareTheChairs Pics Price: Free When: Year-round Address: Various Alberta locations Why You Need To Go: You can explore some gorgeous national parks on your hunt for these bright red chairs. Plus, you can snap a selfie when you find one and participate in the #ShareTheChairs campaign. View this post on Instagram Found the famous Banff Red Chair 🇨🇦 The red chairs are placed in special locations around Banff National Park and are about taking time to connect with nature and with each other. #ShareTheChair A post shared by Christina Wangg 🎈 (@cwangg123) on Jan 26, 2019 at 9:24pm PST Website Drive Through A Massive Light Tunnel Price: From $25 When: November 22 until January 4, 2020 Address: Castrol Raceway, Edmonton, AB Why You Need To Go: You can stay warm and cozy as you drive down this mesmerizing illuminated 2-kilometre stretch. View this post on Instagram The worst part of the Edmonton winter season: driving. The best part of the Edmonton winter season: all the cool events and festivals happening! Check out the link in the description to see some of the fun things to do in Edmonton! 📸: Bonnie A. A post shared by Yelp Edmonton🏙️YEG (@yelpedmonton) on Nov 12, 2018 at 8:00pm PST Website Chill Out at Ice On Whyte Price: TBD When: January 23 until February 2 Address: 8331 104 St. NW, Edmonton, AB Why You Need To Go: You can admire stunning ice sculptures, enjoy icy drinks, tasty food, and even learn how to carve your own ice masterpiece. View this post on Instagram 🔥 Secretly Cinnabon: Strathcona Spirits Single Grain Vodka, fresh grapefruit, cinnamon and orange peel syrup. Served on ice! Order it at the Ice Bar over at the @iceonwhyte festival. #iceonwhyte A post shared by Strathcona Spirits (@strathconaspirits) on Jan 25, 2019 at 4:04pm PST Website Go Skating at Bowness Park Price: Free When: Weather dependant Address: 8900 48 Ave. NW, Calgary, AB Why You Need To Go: You can enjoy the beautiful scenery at Bowness Park as you skate around their outdoor trail. You'll find a few cozy fire pits along the way so you can stay warm. View this post on Instagram Bowness Park Lagoon is opening mid-December, which means we have less than a month left of waiting! Who are you gonna be taking on a skate date, Calgary? Photo by @alexandradanae #curiocitycalgary ⛸❤️ A post shared by Curiocity Calgary (@curiocitycalgary) on Nov 19, 2018 at 2:56pm PST Website Go On a Dog Sledding Adventure Price: Starting at $446.25 When: Starting December 1 Address: 829 10th St., Canmore, AB Why You Need To Go: Odds are if you've never been on a dog sledding adventure, it's been on your winter bucket list for a while. There's no time like the present to check this one off the list. View this post on Instagram « To move, to breathe, to fly, to float, to gain all while you give, to roam the roads of lands remote, to travel is to live » 🇨🇦 - Hans Christian Andersen . . . . . #dogsledding #snowyowlsleddogtours #travelalberta #canmore #winteractivity #snow #sled #husky #canada #imagesofcanada #explorealberta #explorecanada #pvtistes #belgiantraveller #pvtcanada #mycanadianphotos #rockymountains #canadianrockies #happiness #beautidulday #quotes #bucketlist A post shared by Les Caribous Belges (@lescaribousbelges) on Mar 27, 2019 at 9:07pm PDT Website Go To a Concert In a Cave Price: $149 When: Thursday, December 19 Address: 129 Bow Meadows Cres., Unit 202, Canmore, AB Why You Need To Go: You can venture into the depths of this beautiful cave to hear a holiday concert like you've never heard one before. View this post on Instagram Here's another from our first show in the cave with @thesilkstones ! Great start to an awesome set of nights ! Were already counting down for next year ! #cave #caving #canmore #canmorecavetours #ratsnestcave #edmonton #yeg #calgary #yyc #travelalberta #explorebanff #explorealberta #visitcanmore #banff #rockymountains #alberta #explorecanada #canada #mybanff #canadianrockies #adventure #explore #getoutside #goexplore #concert #music A post shared by Canmore Cave Tours (@canmorecavetours) on Dec 19, 2018 at 8:05pm PST Website Catch the CP Holiday Train Price: Free, bring a food bank donation When: Various dates Address: Various Alberta stops Why You Need To Go: You won't want to miss this iconic holiday staple. Enjoy the festive train and take in a free concert. View this post on Instagram The @cpholidaytrain is on its way to ALEXANDRIA! 📍🚂💨 Boxcar turned traveling stage, full of seasonal festivities and giving in mind. Concerts are always free but donation is encouraged. All contributions to the food bank (cash or non-perishable food item) will stay within the local community! WHAT: Canadian Pacific Holiday Train WHEN: DEC 13 @ 11:30AM-12:30PM WHERE: 8th Avenue East and Nokomis on the tracks . . . Tag your photos of this holiday festivity with #ExploreAlex! . #cpholidaytrain #happyholidays #givingisreceiving pc: @lpvisuals A post shared by EXPLORE ALEXANDRIA TOURISM (@explorealexmn) on Dec 12, 2018 at 12:39pm PST Website Fall in Love at Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary Price: Starting at $25 When: Year-round Address: 263156 Range Rd. 53, Cochrane, AB Why You Need To Go: You can learn about and admire these adorable wolf dogs when you take a sanctuary tour. They frequently have little fur babies for adoption too. View this post on Instagram Something that has always been on my bucket list is going to a wolf sanctuary. Today was so magical learning about the wolves, they’re such an important part of our ecosystem and such a judged animal, when really they are actually very afraid of humans. I can cross this one happily off my bucket list💖🐺 A post shared by cassandra (@cassandrazimmer_) on Oct 11, 2019 at 2:17pm PDT Website Wander Down Candy Cane Lane Price: Free, bring a food bank donation When: December 12 until January 1 Address: 148 Street between 100 Ave. to 92 Ave., Edmonton, AB Why You Need To Go: Candy Cane Lane has been community run for 50 years now, and every year the residents outdo themselves with lights and decorations. This is one heart-warming tradition you don't want to miss. View this post on Instagram Jingle baes. ✨ • [Don't let it fool you: I still love Halloween more 🎄] • #turkeydriveyeg A post shared by 🅺🆁🆈🆂🆃🅸🅽🅰 (@krystinaiam) on Dec 13, 2018 at 7:14pm PST Website Chase Down Sunwapta Falls Price: Park admission fees When: Year-round Address: Improvement District No. 12, AB Why You Need To Go: Frozen waterfalls are a truly breathtaking sight and Sunwapta Falls are no exception. Chase them down this winter and you'll be treated to a spectacular sight. View this post on Instagram Fantastic weekend cruising the #icefieldsparkway with great people! This was my first time shooting Sunwapta falls. Blown away by this place. @travelalberta @tourismjasper A post shared by Paul Lavoie (@paullavoieimages) on Nov 11, 2019 at 8:38am PST Website Book a Cozy Winter Cabin Price: From $169 When: Various dates Address: Red Deer County Why You Need To Go: Need to get off the grid for a few days? Why not get your BFFs together for a wintery cabin getaway. Woodsy Cabin Getaway | Airbnb Website There are stories everywhere. If you spot a newsworthy event in your city, send us a message, photo, or video @NarcityCanada on Twitter and Instagram. Lake Louise, Banff National Park In 4k
