Canada’s Rocky Mountains offer quintessential winter activities, from ice skating on Lake Louise to snowshoeing Jasper’s backcountry trails. We especially love the cozy feeling of being tucked in a cabin with a roaring fire and snow silently falling outside. While there are plenty of things to do during a winter Rockies escape, we’ve narrowed it down to some of our absolute favorites. These are our most unique and over-the-top winter experiences designed to either warm your heart or get it racing!
Stay in a Castle – Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
An iconic property set on the shores of Lake Louise, Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is not simply a hotel, it’s an experience. Built in 1900 as a summer-only destination for alpinists and adventurers, Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise has since graduated to a recognizable and iconic year-round luxury retreat.
Practice your triple sow-cow and go ice skating on frozen Lake Louise, with the Victoria Glacier offering a picturesque backdrop. Strap in and go tobogganing down snowy hills, hike the pristine trails around Lake Louise or even brave the temperatures come nightfall and go stargazing. If it’s a clear night, you may spot the constellations of Cassiopeia, the Great Bear and Orion the Hunter, all directly overhead.
Snuggle Under Blankets on a Sleigh Ride
Take in the stunning Rocky Mountain scenery tucked under a blanket in a traditional sleigh, pulled by your own team of horses. Nestled next to someone special, this is hands-down one of the most romantic things to do in the Canadian Rockies. Following the lakeside trail beneath the Victoria Glacier, you’ll admire the views of the Ice Falls by day and the stately Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise by night.
Dogsled with a Team of Huskies
Experience a historic Canadian pastime, as you dogsled with your own team of huskies through Banff National Park. These happy dogs have rich pasts, some are former Iditarod and 1000 Mile Yukon Quest race dogs, others are simply rescue dogs who were born to pull. Once you meet these incredible dogs, you’ll learn the ins and outs of mushing your own team before suiting up and taking to the trails with your expert guide.
Helicopter Snowshoeing
Imagine a paradise deep in Canada’s Rocky Mountains, so remote it requires a helicopter and guide simply to reach it. Board your private helicopter for the flight of a lifetime, soaring over Cline Pass and the Cline, Lion and Lioness Glaciers. Glide over frozen waterfalls and deep crevasses before landing in untouched backcountry for a leisurely snowshoe across pristine powder. After your exploration, warm up aboard your helicopter with a hot beverage (Bailey’s optional!) before your scenic return flight.
Exploring the Caves in Maligne Canyon
Venture deep into Maligne Canyon for what may feel like an adventure straight out of a science fiction movie! The deepest cave within Jasper National Park, Maligne Canyon is filled with incredible ice formations, frozen waterfalls and sparkling ice caves. Strap on your ice crampons, scale the icy pathways and learn all about the Maligne Valley and the ‘disappearing’ Medicine Lake.
If you want to experience Canada’s winter wonderland for yourself, visit our Rockies Winter Wonderland or Cozy Rockies Retreat experiences for detailed itineraries.
