Calgary 
Sundre is located at the edge of the prairies and foothills in central Alberta, with the Rockies about an hour’s drive from town.
Credit: Tourism Sundre
Winter, when the area is covered with ice and snow, is one of the best times to visit Sundre. The town embraces the season with an annual festival and uses the weekend as a chance to teach the public about winter recreation in Sundre.
Nearby and in Sundre are many trails for many winter activities. The Snake Hill Recreation Area is the closest spot for these adventures and will bring your activities close to local dining. Take to the town’s or the nearby foothill trails by ski, snowshoe, fat bike, foot, or snowmobile. These trails may offer up wildlife viewing opportunities as well.
Banff National Park’s Ya Ha Tinda Ranch is about an hour drive from Sundre as well to provide even more trails. The park’s hiking trails start at the Bighorn Campground and provide views of the Bighorn Falls.
Visit for Sundre Winterfest
The Sundre Winterfest takes over the town on February 18-19, the Sunday and Monday of Family Day Weekend. Plus, Winterfest will feature the 4th annual Mountain Survivalist Competition! Winterfest is a celebration of the season that takes place at three locations: Greenwood Park & Campground, Sundre & District Pioneer Village Museum, and the Sundre Visitor Information Centre.
- Greenwood Park & Campground will be home to the Ice Sculpture Discovery Walk, live music, and activities like cross-country skiing and fat biking. The Sundre Bike n’ Ski Club and Ride n’ Glide will offer workshops for both sports.
- The museum is providing free admission for the weekend! There will also be live music here, as well as Bannock tasting, and free wagon rides to the Greenwood Park and Campground.
- Head to the Visitor Information Centre to sign up for medicine walk tours hosted by Mahikan Trails, and free tea on the Sunday.
When: February 18-19, 2024
How much: free
Snowshoeing, Ski, Sled, or Bike in the Snake Hill Recreation Area
The Snake Hill Recreation Area is a large, forested area on the west side of Sundre with a large looping network of multi-use trails. Those wanting to get out and enjoy the scenery, fresh air, and a bit of exercise, can take to the Snake Hill trails on snowshoes, cross-country skis, or fat tire bikes.
Or you can enjoy the Riverside trails maintained by along Red Deer River.
- Ride n Glide Adventure Rentals provides cross-country skis and fat bikes for rent in Sundre.
Where: 610 1 St NE, Sundre
Snowmobiling southwest of Sundre
The Ghost Public Land Use Zone is a large stretch of land between Sundre, the Rockies, and Ghost Lake in the south. The PLUZ offers off-road adventurers an extensive trail system to try out any time of year. And in the winter, these trails bring a snowmobile adventure into the beautiful and serene foothills where the trails lead up and down hills, through forests, and to exceptional viewpoints.
- Find snowmobile staging areas at the Fallen Timber South Provincial Recreation Area, Waiparous Creek PRA, or the South Ghost PRA.
Local Shopping & Drinks
Explore the shopping and cafes of Sundre this winter with a riverside walk on Centre Street. Towards the south end of the street is the Red Deer River, a park, and the Sundre & District Museum.
- The Three Moons Three Souls Market pops up every few months in Sundre, with the winter date set for February 10, 2024.
- Explore the shops of Sundre by starting on Centre Street N. Work your way south, and end on Centre Street S where it meets the Red Deer River at Greenwood Campground.
- Elk & Owl Craft Coffee, on the west side of Sundre, provide a huge array of classic café beverages.
- The Backwoods Bakery & Café provide drinks as well as fresh, handmade savoury and sweet snacks.
Camping & Cabins
With all the fun of Winterfest, the outdoor exploration opportunities to the west, and the local businesses in Sundre to explore, you may want to turn this into a weekend or overnight trip. Luckily, there are many great accommodation options around Sundre for a winter getaway.
- Those who prefer to make the stay more rustic (and a lot more affordable) can opt for winter camping at the Cartier Creek Provincial Recreation Area, James-Wilson Provincial Recreation Area, Red Deer River Provincial Recreation Area, or Wild Horse Provincial Recreation Area.
- The Bearberry Cabins are a adorable set of accommodations west of Sundre. Choose between large luxury cabins big enough for families, or the quainter cozy cabins, which sleep 2-6 people.
- Enjoy a boutique bed and breakfast experience with the Rustler’s Lodge right on the edge of town.
