Calgary 
What do we mean by revisiting, exactly? We want you to get out to Alberta’s towns which you know of and truly get to know them. You may pass these towns occasionally on road trips, you may stop in for work trips, or you may have never been at all.
Winter is a wonderful time to rediscover and revisit these places to get to know their food scene, culture, shopping, or recreational opportunities. Things are moving a bit slower this time of year, and you won’t encounter the large crowds you may see in town in the summer.
Whitecourt
There are several ways to enjoy winter fun and recreation in and around Whitecourt! And there are an equal number of ways to fill your stomach in town after all that exercise. Whitecourt has a great mix of rural landscapes and urban amenities while being a short drive from Hinton and Edmonton.
- Part of Alberta’s Golden Triangle for snowmobiling, Whitecourt is somewhere you can find rentals and trails!
- Enjoy outdoor winter recreation suitable for all ages, such as skating at Rotary Park Pond.
- Take your family and friends downhill at Eastlink Park; here, you can board, ski, or tube down the hill.
- Whitecourt has some great ice fishing spots including McLeod Lake and Little McLeod at Carson Pegasus Provincial Park, or the tributaries of the Athabasca and McLeod Rivers.
- Some popular eats in Whitecourt include Mr. Mike’s, Soban Korean Japanese Cuisine, Brothers Diners, and the Crown & Anchor Pub.
- Plus, Whitecourt hosts a winter carnival on Family Day weekend.
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Drumheller
If you live in Calgary, southern Alberta, or central Alberta, then Drumheller can be a convenient day trip destination in the winter. And if you live a bit further out of the way, you can choose between different hotels/vacation rentals for a winter weekend away in Drumheller or Rosebud.
- Enjoy some time at the theatres. Drumheller is home to the Napier Theatre, located in a historically preserved theatre, and shows modern movies. You can also take a short drive to the Rosebud Theatre, which is one town over.
- Take in the sunset views all around Drumheller. The sunsets are especially magical, while the Badlands are covered with snow. View them from the top of the world’s largest dinosaur or over the Badlands from Orkney Viewpoint.
- Shop and support locally through Drumheller’s unique collection of stores: Dry Canyon Collectables, Wanderlust Boutique, or Pearl & Heart.
Nordegg
Nordegg is a considerably small town when compared to others on this list. It used to be a bustling coal town but now holds many abandoned buildings from that era. In recent years, businesses have seen an increase in visitors; Nordegg has received a few more services. Use the town of Nordegg as a base camp for adventure in David Thompson County. And while you’re there, stop for a bite to eat or gift shopping.
- The Abraham Lake ice bubbles can be easily viewed and enjoyed with the help of Nordegg Adventures, who offer guided tours around the area.
- Wildlife viewing can be experienced in town, as moose, deer, and sheep have been known to wander into Nordegg. There are several big-horned sheep along the David Thompson Highway, too. The area also contains a few year-round bird species.
- The area has excellent photo opportunities of all different kinds: the snow-covered abandoned townsite, the sunset over the lake, or the waterfalls around, which you can access via winter hikes.
- Grab a bite to eat from Nordegg Canteen or Miner’s Café.
- Book an incredibly peaceful mountain vacation at the nearby Airbnb or lodges.
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Pincher Creek
Pincher Creek is as scenic as towns get in winter in Alberta, with the prairies to the east and the Rockies to the west of town. And because of Pincher Creek’s southwestern location in the province, it is surrounded by several ways to enjoy winter in Alberta. You can take in outdoor recreation inside and outside of town, get to know the local art and food scene or combine it all for a memorable day trip or weekend getaway.
- Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village is open for the winter with reduced low-season prices.
- Explore the nearby Castle Provincial Park: either by snowshoe, fat bike, or cross-country skis!
- Strap on skates and enjoy the community-maintained Castleview Park skating area in Pincher Creek.
- Stop by the Lebel Mansion, which is also home to the Allied Arts Council of Pincher Creek. You can browse the gift shop for local goods, catch the Vivian Smith exhibit, and learn about the history of the mansion.
- Enjoy more art with a mural tour around Pincher Creek. The trails can take you along the central creek and loop you back through town.
Sundre
Head out to Alberta’s true west to discover or rediscover the town of Sundre. The town is on the edge of the foothills and the Rocky Mountains, with endless places to discover winter scenery or photo opportunities. They also host an awesome winter festival for Family Day Long Weekend.
- Keep your eyes open for winter wildlife that frequents this area a lot. Sundre is home to many of Alberta’s wild horses and the Wild Horses of Alberta Society.
- Stop at Sundre’s local cafes for a quick warm-up drink: the Backwoods Bakery Café or the Elk & Owl Craft Coffee Co.
- Book a Wonderland Sleigh Ride with the Lodge at Panther River, and they’ll show you some of the area’s prettiest winter scenery.
- Shop the local stores of Sundre; many of them are on the main Cowboy Trail. Heart n Hand Creations and Gifts, the Sundre Flower Shop, or the Children’s Emporium are all great places to find gifts for others or your Sundre memento.
- Head to Sundre for the long weekend of February for the annual Winterfest!
Peace River
The northern Alberta town of Peace River is a peaceful place to explore in the winter. Walking through town, you can take in local art and murals around every corner, the beauty of the frozen river, and several local dining options. The areas around Peace River are just as busy this winter, especially if you take a trip to the nearby hamlet of St. Isidore in February.
- Carnaval St. Isidore is the hamlet of St. Isidore’s official annual winter festival. There are activities around town for all ages, such as hayrides, a showcase of French Canadian food, a treasure hunt, and more.
- Bring your skates and enjoy a beautiful day on the ice at Peace River’s Riverfront Park.
- Take advantage of the snowmobile trails maintained by the Peace Valley Snow Riders. The closest staging area to town is the Leddy Lake Trail.
- Peace River will host the Alberta Pond Hockey Championships later this winter. There will be 15 natural rinks, side by side, on Lac Cardinal, which will see junior and adult competitors over the weekend.
- Warm up indoors and in town with a hot cup of coffee or hot chocolate. Some top local cafes in town include J’s Java Domain, Board n Barrell, and Revived Coffee Bean Co.
Lac La Biche
Given its location, Lac La Biche is a popular place for winter sports. The town draws in snowmobilers, ice fishers, and winter campers. And it draws people in with scenic, untouched winter landscapes. In town, you’ll find several local eateries for snacks or meals or a hot drink after spending all your time outside. A key winter experience in Lac La Biche is their annual Winter Festival of Speed, which is based on snowmobiling.
- Their Winter Festival of Speed is on at the end of February and will host snowmobile rallies and family-friendly outdoor fun.
- Have yourself a relaxing day in northern Alberta with guided ice fishing on Winefred Lake. Your guides are from Winefred Lake Outfitters, a group that knows the area and its fish!
- Enjoy the local dining of 101 Avenue in town. Go for something casual at V&H Drive-in or the Costa Café Seafood and Steakhouse.
- Book a winter escape with the Hideaway Adventure Grounds. They offer canvas tent camping with deluxe experiences and Indigenous cultural experiences to add to your stay.
Waterton
Waterton is especially peaceful and serene in the winter. There isn’t as much tourism activity in the winter, and some establishments will be closed. But that doesn’t mean you can’t visit, rediscover Waterton in winter, and uncover some magical Alberta scenery.
- Book a guided Winter Heritage Walk n’ Talk with Tamarack Outdoors and learn more about the town. They also offer guided cross-country skiing tours.
- Take in the beauty of Cameron Lake and Cameron Falls in sub-zero temperatures. The falls are on the west end of the townsite, while the lake is a 30-minute drive from town on the scenic Akamina Parkway.
- Witness some of the best stargazing in Alberta with Dark Sky Guides in Waterton. They shuttle you to locations, or you can take a snowshoe tour.
- Watch for wildlife around every corner and every highway turn! And keep your camera handy. You might spot deer, moose, elk, or rams.
Jasper
You’ll find Jasper’s townsite a bit less busy than Banff’s. The town is hosting its annual Jasper in January event, encouraging visitors to come out for much more than Marmot Basin. Marmot is one of Canada’s most popular ski areas and is a great reason to visit. But while you’re in the National Park and townsite, take some time to explore the streets, the stores, art, or food.
- Dine your way through Jasper’s food tours, like The Ultimate Après or Caesars & Sliders.
- You can skate on Pyramid Lake anytime during the winter freeze!
- Take a Jasper Winter Wildlife Tour, and see some of Alberta’s most majestic animals frolic in the snow.
Explore Maligne Canyon on ice cleats.Closed in 2026.- Try the local beers of the Jasper Brewing Company. But beer goes well with food, so you may also want to try their neighbour afterwards: North Face Pizza.
- 25 Things to Do in Jasper National Park During Winter
Lacombe
Lacombe is a convenient town for anyone in Edmonton, Red Deer, or central Alberta to discover. The historic downtown is even prettier when blanketed with snow, and it invites a walking tour to see the architecture and the murals that decorate the buildings.
- Lacombe is famous for the numerous murals displayed around town. You can walk to discover the art, the food, and the shopping all at once.
- The town is home to an all-out gluten-free café. Visit the Totally Gluten Free Bakery and Café for sweet treats, bread, or pizza. Other local cafes include Milly Oak Cafe and Anna Maria’s Café.
- Get some laughs via Lacombe’s Cow Patti Theatre.
- Enjoy a beautiful winter walk in the JJ Collette Natural Area. There is a large trail system, a washroom and a gazebo central to the paths.
