The magic of Canada needs to be seen to be believed. It’s no wonder that Canada sits high on the bucket-list of people from all around the world. Known for its stunning nature, breathtaking scenery, towering peaks, surreal lakes and lush forests. Every season in Canada is uniquely beautiful and winter is absolutely no exception.
Here are 8 unmissable family-friendly winter activities that are all within driving distance of Alberta’s largest city, Calgary.
1. Hiking Johnston Canyon
Located within Banff National Park, Johnston Canyon is one of the most stunning and unmissable walks in the area. A magical winter wonderland that’ll have you pinching yourself! In Summer this hike is teeming with tourists, thankfully, while still busy, the crowds are significantly less in winter.
The route takes you along the mostly frozen river, walkways clinging to the side of the cliff, ending at a viewpoint looking onto a spectacular frozen waterfall.
Fast Facts:
- Drive time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- The walk first takes you to the lower falls (1.2km one way), with the option of continuing to the upper falls (2.5km one way).
- It’s an easy hike but a good idea to take a pair of crampons to keep from slipping and sliding.
- The hike to the upper falls takes between 2-3 hours.
2. Ice-Skating at Lake Lillian
Lake Lillian might be a surprising addition to this list, but it was truely one of our favourite activities during our time in Canada. When you find a spot the locals love, you know it is going to be good. Lake Lillian is a little off-the-beaten path (another reason we loved it) and the perfect place to go ice-skating.
This was our girls first time ice-skating and we loved that you follow a track on the lake, as opposed to going round and round on a rink. You can turn back anytime but it felt like more of an adventure, which we really enjoyed. The area is popular for cross-country skiing too, so many locals hanging out, enjoying the outdoors together. Such a vibe!
Fast Facts:
- Drive time from Calgary is 3 hours.
- Hire ice-skates from Farout Ski Rentals.
- While you’re grabbing gear in Radium Hot Springs, check-out the township and famous big horn sheep on the side of the road.
3. Visit the famous Lake Louise
Famously known for its turquoise lake, surrounded by high peaks, and overlooked by the world renowned Chateau, Lake Louise is a must visit destination, especially in winter. Yes there are crowds but against the spectacular views of the mountains and frozen lake you’ll hardly notice them.
The lake is frozen solid in winter allowing you to walk out onto it and admire the view from different angles, or grab your skates and enjoy the carefully maintained skating area. To the delight of everyone there is a massive ice sculpture of a castle with doorways you can walk through. It makes a stunning backdrop for family photos too.
Fast Facts:
- Drive time from Calgary is 2 hours.
- You can hire iceskates and even ice hockey gear at the Chateau.
- In the middle of winter the ice in the middle of Lake Louise is over 1 meter thick.
- Enjoy a drink or hot chocolate at the ice bar.
- Parking can be difficult to find so plan to arrive earlier in the day.
4. Tubing at Lake Louise Ski Resort
While you’re in the area, check-out Lake Louise Ski Resort. There is of course skiing and boarding, but for something a little different spend a couple of hours flying down the slopes in a tube. The best part is you can ride individually or connect your tubes and fly down together.
Fast Facts:
- Drive time from Calgary is 2 hours.
- You can ride as many times as you want between 10am-4pm.
- Tickets cost $39/adult and $22/kid (6-12years).
5. Banff Gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain
The Banff gondola is quite the experience. As you ascend Sulphur mountain you’ll be treated to delightful views of the Bow Valley below. The higher you go, the more spectacular things become. From the summit you can observe unobstructed views of the six surrounding mountain ranges.
It’s not all about the views though (can you believe I just said that!). The summit experience includes a world class interpretive centre that informs visitors about the natural history and early exploration of the Canadian Rockies. The kids were given a booklet that the whole family enjoyed working through, collecting stamps throughout the centre.
Fast Facts:
- Drive time from Calgary is 1 hour 30 minutes.
- The boardwalk is approximately 1.5km long and takes you across the ridge of Sulfur mountain.
- The summit in winter is freezing. Dress warmly.
- Gondola cost is $65/adult and $42 for children.
6. Peyto Lake Viewpoint
One of the most spectacular views in the Rocky Mountains is found from the Peyto Lake viewpoint. You’ll be rendered speechless looking out over Bow Lake, Peyto Lake and the Canadian Rockies. The viewpoint only recently opened after a huge upgrade to the area and is well worth the stop.
Fast Facts:
- Drive time from Calgary is 2 hours 30 minutes.
- The walk is only about 15minutes but be warned its uphill all the way.
- After significant snow the path can get quite slippery so pack some Crampons just in case.
- Be warned this area can get busy so arrive early.
7. Lussier Hot Springs
Ok this is a bit further afield, but absolutely worth the drive. There is nothing quite like a natural, undeveloped hot spring, combined with the freezing river adjacent to it, this experience is something special. For someone who has never cold plunged before this was an incredible place to do so. Submerging ourselves in the freezing river followed by a soak in the hot springs was truely magnificent and invigorating.
Keep in mind the drive to the hot springs is quite an adventure with an 18km drive down a gravel path. It’s sort of what makes this place so special. Hard to get too and well off-the-beaten path!
Fast Facts
- Drive time from Calgary is 4 hours.
- 3 pools varying in temperature from 34 – 47 degrees Celsius.
- From the car park its a short walk down to the springs. Keep in mind it can be a slippery ascent so crampons might be a good idea.
- Make a day trip of it, stopping at Banff then Radium Hot Springs on the way.
8. Stay in a story book cabin
Imagine staying in Rapunzel’s tower, the Lost-Boys’ Treehouse, Hook’s Pirate Ship or a real life Gingerbread Cottage? Well I have wonderful news for you, you can! A short drive from Calgary is a glamping opportunity at Charmed Resort where you can choose from a number of different story book cabins.
The level of detail in the cottages will blow your mind and you’ll feel as if you’ve literally stepped into a fairy tale. As if that isn’t enough, there is also an outdoor fire pit and wood-fired hot-tub that you can relax by and unwind in.
Fast Facts:
- Drive time from Calgary is 2 hours.
- It is a glamping experience so you’ll need to carefully check the website for what to bring.
- Prices begin $198/night.
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