6 Charming Small Towns In Alberta That Look Like They Belong In A Hallmark Movie (PHOTOS)
Step into a winter wonderland this year. ✨❄️
Banff, Alberta. Right: Canmore, Alberta.
Sometimes the city fails to bring that festive cheer we're hoping for as the holidays sneak up. The traffic, crowds of people and bustle of daily life aren't exactly Hallmark-worthy. For that, you need small-town charm to whisk you away into a Christmassy fantasy.
Luckily, there are tons of small towns in Alberta that will do just that.
Nestled in the valleys of snow-peaked mountains these little towns scattered around the province let you embrace a slower pace of life. In the winter with a fresh blanket of a fresh snowfall covering everything, it can't get any more magical than these spots.
The Rocky Mountains are also a key component of many people's Canadian bucket lists, and some of these small towns make for the perfect entrance to them. You can get that Western Canadian scene that you've been dreaming of in these spots, surrounded by jagged peaks and scenic views.
Where better to curl up by the fire and put on a cheesy Christmas movie than in an idyllic small town in the mountains? It has romance written all over it.
These spots are also the gateway to adventure, especially for any avid skiers out there looking to experience some of the best slopes that Canada has to offer. You can also get out into nature on snow-filled trails by snowshoeing or winter hiking.
Taking a leisurely stroll around these charming towns also does the trick.
Whether you need a winter getaway with friends or a romantic retreat, these small towns in Alberta are the perfect places to check out in the season ahead.
So book those Airbnbs and get ready to step into your very own Hallmark movie plot.
Banff
Starting out strong, we have Banff. Perhaps the most iconic winter destination in Alberta, this touristy spot is popular for a reason. You won't exactly escape the crowds here, but it delivers on the magical front.
Charming streets are lined with shops and restaurants here, and sidewalks glisten under the twinkling lights decorating them. During the holidays this town embraces all things festive, with an array of cheerful events and magical decor around every corner.
Remember that all of this has the Rocky Mountains as the backdrop, creating a truly stunning scene.
You'll get swept up in the holiday magic as soon as you wander into this small town.
If you want to double up on the picturesque scenery you can head to the nearby village of Lake Louise, which is only a 40-minute drive away. This is also a popular destination, filled with unbelievably beautiful views and fun activities to fill the trip with.
Sylvan Lake, Alberta
This spot is a a go-to for summer plans, but it actually comes alive during the winter too. There's snowshoeing, skating, and even ice fishing to enjoy here. It's perfect for a romantic getaway for all the adventurous couples out there looking to stay busy.
The real attraction though is the 300,000 twinkling lights that glow at nighttime from December until March. The stunning spectacle lights up a trail along the pier in the town, so you can walk through a dreamy wonderland of light displays.
You'll wander through glowing arches and go past dancing displays of colour and mini Christmas trees along the way. The magical experience brings holiday cheer by the bucketful, and you'll be hard-pressed to leave without a smile on your face.
Fort Macleod
Historic buildings line the streets of this little town, adding a uniquely charming feel to everything. This is part of why it's an iconic stop for filming, with 19 movies using this town as their backdrop.
The picturesque landscape beyond the downtown area allows for another layer of beauty to come in, and makes it a destination for adventures. While here make sure to stroll down the historic Main Street and visit Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump Interpretive Centre — which is a UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site.
The popular HBO series, The Last of Us actually filmed scenes here too. It's a pretty different vibe from Hallmark, but still, it's cool to see it on screen after visiting.
Waterton
If you really want to embrace the small-town life and avoid crowds, Waterton is the place to do it. It's actually a hamlet in Waterton National Park, but has that signature charm and beauty you're probably looking for.
This tiny town is brimming with activities for all the outdoorsy people out there. While visiting you can get guided around the townsite after dark by doing a Starry Skies Townsite Stroll Tour, which will show you the beauty of the cosmos. You can also go cross-country skiing or snowshoeing to explore the area.
Jasper
This alpine town will make all your rocky mountain dreams come true.
You can spend days exploring this place and the surrounding nature. Jasper National Park has the second largest dark sky preserve in the world, where you can look up and see the array of shining stars lighting up the night sky. There are also brilliant lakes, skiing, and endless views all around.
After a long day of adventuring you can cozy up at one of the restaurants in the downtown area, which has picture-perfect streets that will truly transport you into a Hallmark movie.
Canmore
This is another town set in the Rocky Mountains, so you can enjoy views of rugged peaks all around. Wander through the idyllic streets of this town, stopping in at local shops along the way. Or you can take on one of the winter activities while there.
For anyone wanting to wind down on their winter retreat, there are some luxurious spas in the area that make it easy. If you're willing to make a little day trip then Kananaskis Nordic Spa is about 40 minutes away. The Nordic spa is nestled in the mountains, creating a tranquil alpine retreat. Go in between the hot and cold pools here and disconnect from the rest of the world there.
After a long day of relaxation, you can head back to Canmore and take your pick of yummy local restaurants in town.
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