25 Photos That Prove Alberta is a Winter Wonderland

Alberta receives a lot of attention in the summer. The central hubs of Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper get pretty busy during the peak months of July and August.

But maybe you should consider visiting in Winter. Temperatures can drop below minus 30C (-22F), sometimes even below -40C (-40F). Numbers, although informative, can’t really portray the feeling of being this cold.

Until you’re acclimatised it’s tough. Snow can reach depths of over 10m and road closures due to avalanches are a common thing, but don’t let these facts get into your head!

Alberta in the Winter is absolutely beautiful!

I spent the whole winter in Alberta, apart from a quick holiday to Antigua to thaw out, and can truly say that it’s a winter wonderland. Although the temperature may put you off, to begin with, there’s a lot to see and do here.

Policeman Creek Canmore 9 — Ha Ling Peak reflecting in the half-frozen Bow river in Canmore

Lake Agnes Winter Hike 11 — Hiking Path to Lake Agnes in Lake Louise

Lake Minnewanka 3 — Early winter morning fog at Lake Minnewanka in Banff National Park

Morants Curve 4 — Morant’s Curve in Banff National Park

Lake Minnewanka 5 — Reflections in Lake Minnewanka, Banff National Park

Mountain views near Lake Louise in Banff National Park @InAFaraway_Land — Mountain views near Lake Louise in Banff National Park

Mount Rundle Viewpoint 2 — Snow blowing of Mount Rundle in Banff National Park

Banff Wildlife 4 — Stag party below Mount Rundle

2587 — The historic Banff Spring Hotel in Banff looks like a fairytale in the Winter months

Lake Agnes Winter Hike 16 — Lake Agnes Teahouse near Lake Louise covered under a think blanket of snow

Elk Bow Valley Parkway 1 — Elk posing for a photo in Banff National Park

Lake Agnes Winter Hike 19 — Winter hiking to lake Agnes near Lake Louise

Half frozen Bow River in Lake Louise @InAFaraway_Land — Half frozen Bow River in Lake Louise

Lake Louise Winter Xcountry Skiing 11 — Cross country skiing in the early morning golden light along the Moraine lake road in lake Louise

Lake Louise Winter Xcountry Skiing 10 — cross country skiing in Lake Louise

Cascade Mountain at sunrise in Banff National park by Jack Bolshaw

Kananaskis Winter 10 — Evening alpine glow, Upper Kananaskis lake

Vermillion lakes at sunrise, Banff National Park, Canada — Vermillion lakes at sunrise photo by Jack Bolshaw

Policeman Creek Canmore 2 — Winter Sunset in Canmore

What is it like to live in these conditions you may wonder? I’ve learned that it is more fun than expected. Canada is an endless playground for those who are ready to embrace the cold!

You can go snowboarding or downhill skiing in the many ski resorts scattered around the country. If that’s not your thing try cross country skiing, snowshoeing, ice climbing or snowmobiling.

Seriously, there are winter sports offered here which I have never even heard of before! Kite skiing anyone?

Some of the best places to plan your winter excursion in Canada are Banff National Park and Jasper National Park in Alberta or Whistler in British Columbia.

If you are after once in a lifetime experiences, consider visiting the Canadian Northwest Territories to see the Aurora Borealis. As I said, the choices are plentiful.

Have you been to the Canadian Rockies in the Winter and have some awesome photos from your holidays? Share them in the comments! I would love to see them.