Calgary 
Photo Credit: Banff Lake Louise Tourism
Here are 5 ideas for a weekend day trip or a getaway in Alberta for the third weekend of January: week of Jan 18 to 20, 2019.
1. Ice Magic Festival & Banff Snow Days
Ice Magic Festival kicks off this weekend with talented ice artists from around the world skillfully combine gruelling physicality with precision artistry in an ice carving competition. The sculptures are lit up at night creating a magical evening on the shores of Lake Louise.
Plan a ski weekend at Lake Louise Ski Resort as the resort is offering (this weekend only) free skiing for children 12 & under Ski, Family Tubing with 50% off, Discover Ski & Snowboard Lessons – Save 20%, Sightseeing Gondola 2 for 1, and Guided Scenic Snowshoe Tour.
It is also Banff Snow Days Weekend, with the first SnowDays International Snow Sculpture Competition taking place on January 17th – 19th.
Another highlight of Banff Snow Days is the TRIBUTE to Craft Spirits Festival which will feature the best craft distilleries from Alberta and British Columbia, as well as showcase the local cocktail and food scene, with special cocktail menus at all participating restaurants.
2. Getaway to Grande Prairie
Photo Credit: Snowtubing Nitehawk
Visit Nitehawk Year-Round Adventure Park in Grande Prairie and give Luge track a try! The park also offers 9 exciting runs, a mogul patch & half pipe, and two terrain parks. If you are not a skier or a snowboarding, then try snowtubing, the sophisticated cousin of tobogganing.
The park is also celebrating the World Snow Day with FREE Day Lift Pass for kids under 12 when accompanied by a paying adult. The day also includes introduction to Dual Slalom, On-Trail Scavenger Hunt and Toboggan Rides with Canadian Ski Patrol members. You can also enjoy Sunday buffet at the Snowmakers Family Lounge from 10:00am-1:00pm.
To add cultural and educational experiences to the weekend, check out some local and Canadian artwork at the Art Gallery of Grande Prairie, or learn about the regions fascinating dinosaur history at the Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum.
3. Dog Sledding Getaway at Rocky Mountain House
Dog sledding in the middle of winter is a once in a lifetime experience for most people. Experience the joy and wonderment of winter in a way you never have before by joining Klondike Ventures for a Dog Sledding experience.Klondike Ventures is a family owned Adventure Company specializing in dog sledding, skijoring. With over 40 years experience, this family owned company will leave you wanting to come back again and again!
If you want to stay overnight and also want to incorporate all the other experiences in and around Rocky Mountain House (like the hike to Siffleur Falls, exploring Crimson Lake Provincial Park), consider an overnight stay in the wood heated Timber Cabin, with all the modern luxuries including a full kitchen. The cabin sleeps 4, making it ideal for a family adventure or a romantic getaway.
4. Winter at Crimson Lake Provincial Park
Visit Crimson Lake Provincial Park located 14 km west of Rocky Mountain House. During winter, enjoy outdoor skating, or explore the park through its fat biking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing trails. If you are visiting on a Saturday, then take part in guided activities that includes learn to snowshoe, rentals and guides.
You can grab hot dogs, drinks, snacks from the Alberta Parks store, which will be open between 11am and 4pm. Snowshoe rentals and firewood are also available in winter. If you want to go try winter camping, you can do so for a reduced rate of $20 per night.
5. Snowcat Sightseeing
Based high in the mountains of Southern Alberta located just over two hours from Calgary, Castle Mountain celebrates adrenaline, adventure and challenges – offering and providing an experience of a lifetime for all visitors. But if you a non-skier, try the Scenic Snowcat Experience is unforgettable.
It is the perfect way to experience the beautiful sights that are unique to Castle Mountain without needing skis or a snowboard – just some warm clothes, a camera and a sense of adventure! In fact, it should be noted that this tour is strictly sightseeing, so there will be no ski/snowboards permitted on the tour.
You may like:
5 Getaways for this Weekend in Alberta: 2nd Weekend of January (Jasper in January continues this weekend with free admission on Jan 18th, 2019)
Top Things to Do in Alberta this January