Calgary 
Credit: Skoki Lodge
A romantic getaway during winter doesn’t always need to mean the same thing. In Alberta, we are more than blessed with beautiful scenery to match our winter months. Your next winter weekend away can be in any part of Alberta, as there are many year-round lodges, resorts, hotels, ranches, and cabins- just take your pick! And while you and your partner visit these winter wonderlands, be sure to check out all there is to do: it could be horseback riding, ice fishing, snow tubing, skiing, or just a quiet hike.
When the nights grow long, and when the snow-blanketed landscape beckons romance under its moonlit nights, visit these places in Alberta to celebrate the love that you share!
1. Northern Alberta
Lakeside Cabins – Christina Lake Lodge
In north eastern Alberta you can find the Christina Lake Lodges by Civeo, a collection of lakeside cabins open year-round. For your romantic weekend away at Christina Lake, you can relax in your cabin equipped with wireless internet, a kitchen, bathroom, and satellite TV, or go explore the area. This is a true escape to Alberta’s wilderness, but you’re still close to Fort McMurray and Lac La Biche. If you do choose to take a drive towards Fort Mac, there are multiple trails near town groomed for cross-country skiing.
Contact Christina Lakes Lodge: +18772348983
Ice-Fishing Getaway at Grist Haven Lodge
If a sporty getaway is still a romantic getaway, then ice-fishing at Grist Haven Lodge is the perfect and northern lake for a winter weekend in Alberta. Grist Lake is one of the best places to fish in Northern Alberta, and you can expect trout and pike. After a day of fishing, you can rest your head or enjoy a glass of wine in Grist Haven’s cozy cabins. And besides ice-fishing, you can also bring your skis; the area hosts a ton of cross-country ski trails around the lake.
Contact the Grist Haven Lodge: (780) 594-1254
Dogsled Adventures in Grande Prairie
Your romantic winter getaway with a little added adventure! Located in Evergreen Park, Grande Prairie, Elevation Sled Dogs is a group with a focus on winter fun and adventure. Their trained sled pups will tow you through the untouched winter wonderlands of blanketed forests and rolling hills in northern Alberta’s Peace Country. Take in the winter sun and snow during the day or escape on sleds in the night with their ‘Night Rider’ package. Within Grande Prairie, you have multiple price and amenity options from multiple hotels on the main highway.
Contact Elevation Sled Dogs: +17808323359
Old Entrance B n’ B Cabins and Trail Rides
The Athabasca River flows through Rockies, to the foothills, and right past the Old Entrance B n’ B. The lodge has a variety of cabin options available, or you can camp in a tipi beside the Athabasca River. They also offer equestrian trail rides you can add to your stay, a perfect way to explore Alberta’s West. Within a short drive from Old Entrance is William A. Switzer Provincial Park which offers skating and cross-country skiing: Kelley’s Bathtub is a good spot for both activities.
Contact Old Entrance B n’ B and Trail Rides: (780) 865-4760
2. Central Alberta
Bearberry Cabins
Elk Island National Park
If you would like to wait until March for your romantic winter weekend (let’s face the facts, it will probably still be winter in Central Alberta by then), then we suggest holding out for Elk Island’s new 2021 accommodations. This year, Elk Island is slated to offer Geodomes, Yurts, Cabins, Tipis, as well as their existing camping areas. While you’re at the park, you can enjoy the starry sky, an afternoon skate, an evening snowshoe, or you can simply unwind around the fire. If you want city amenities, head to Fort Saskatchewan for the night to relaxe at the Kanata Inn, and then head back to Elk Island for more snowy adventures in the morning.
Bearberry Cabins
Enjoy the romantic setting of the foothills and plan an equally as romantic stay at Bearberry Cabins! This resort offers year-round glamping in their Luxury or Honeymoon lodges. The grounds boast of 25 km groomed trails cross country skiing. Hike the property and sourrounding forest on foot or snowshoe and discover frozen rivers and creeks.
Contact Bearberry Cabins: (403) 638-4153
Aurum Lodge near Nordegg
Enjoy a winter getaway at the edge of the Rockies! At Aurum Lodge, you are guaranteed rest, peace, and a lot of fresh Air. The Lodge is rustic log cabin style but provides all the comforts of a hotel on the inside, and available meal add-ons. This area is home to a ton of natural mountain attractions, all of which cost nothing to see: Bighorn Canyon and Crescent Falls, Abraham Lake (perfect for skating, and the same lake your lodges overlook) and the Bighorn Dam, or the Saskatchewan River Crossing.
Contact Aurum Lodge: (403) 721-2117
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Cougar Creek Cabins near Hinton
Experience the official gateway to the Rockies and relax on your romantic getaway at Cougar Creek Cabins. Choose from cabin or cottage rentals (depending on the level of luxury you’re after), and spend a weekend exploring the edge of the Rockies, or venture further West into Jasper National Park. Between Hinton and Jasper alone there are tons to see: Wildhorse Lake Provincial Park, the Athabasca River and Day Use Area, the Jasper House National Historic Site, or Lakes Edith and Annette.
Contact Cougar Creek Cabins: (780) 865-4481
3. Southern Alberta
Credit: Rocking R Guest Ranch
Crooked Creek Ranch
Book you and your sweetheart a stay at this luxurious southwestern Ranch in Alberta’s southwest. From the property you can take in a mountain sunset, or a prairie sunrise. The Crooked Creek Ranch wants to accommodate you and your interests, so call ahead to inquire about specials, packages, and meal add-ons. This Ranch is only 40km from Waterton Lakes National Park, where you can take in a quiet afternoon of watching for birds and wildlife on a winter hike.
Contact the Crooked Creek Ranch: (403) 448-0292
Winter Wonderland at M & M Ranch
Winters at the Moose Mountain Ranch are picturesque, romantic and full of fun in the snow. Over your stay, enjoy sleigh and wagon rides around the Ranch, equestrian riding tours, hearty meals, and a stay in their cozy guesthouse. Choose from an immersive Winter Week Vacation or their shorter Winter Weekend in the Country.
Contact M & M Ranch: (403) 949-3329
Winter in Cypress Hills
If you take your romantic trip south to Cypress Hills Provincial park, you can choose between a rustic winter camping experience with plenty of nature to explore, or you can relax in comfort in a cozy lodge while enjoying start gazing at night. Get lost under the dark-sky preserve at night and spend your days bird- and wild-life watching: Cypress Hills is considered one of the best birding spots in Canada with over 220 bird species observed here.
So, bring the RV, pitch a tent, or rent something from their Comfort Camping (lodges and cabins) collection. During your stay, you can take in cross-country skiing, skating, snowshoeing, or an equestrian adventure. See these Trail Guides around the park, lodges, and campgrounds for more info.
Rocking R Guest Ranch
Enjoy your “own little piece of the Range” this winter with a Rocking R Guest Ranch Winter Escape. Your weekend package includes a sleigh ride or tobogganing in the afternoon, followed by hot tubbing, and the Ranch’s signature hot chocolate. You’ll also receive a hot breakfast to enjoy in the privacy of your own cabin for both mornings. You can add even more romance to your weekend with their hot stone massages and private dinner add-ons.
Contact the Rocking R Guest Ranch: (403) 934-6974
4. The Rocky Mountains
Credit: Kananaskis Nordic Spa
Winter weekend in Kananaskis
Kananaskis is at the edge of the southern Rockies and provides a ton of adventure and relaxation for a romantic weekend away. While you’re here, partake in a Snowshoeing and Stargazing with Kananaskis Tours, or explore the Grotto Canyon Trail (with frozen waterfalls at the end). Both activities provide stunning views, a little movement, and plenty of photo opportunities. After a day of winter adventure, rest your head at one of these romantic mountain lodges: The Kananaskis Mountain Lodge is an elegant and rustic Marriott with Nordic Spa Packages; and the Stoney Nakoda Resort & Casino is offering a Valentine’s Day Special.
Contact the Kananaskis Mountain Lodge: (403) 591-7711
Contact the Stoney Nakoda Resort & Casino: (403) 881-2830
Castle Mountain Resort in Pincher Creek
Credit: Castle Mountain Resort
The Castle Mountain Resort area provides not only fun winter adventures, but some unique activities for you and your loved one to enjoy together. Their Resort features a ski/snowboard hill with a terrain park, as well as cat-skiing, where they bring you to the untouched powder across the mountain in a giant snowcat. But if your romantic weekend involves a little more relaxation and a little less action, we recommend booking a Full Moon Snowshoe and Fine Dining Experience. Enjoy a guided tour of the Pincher Creek area on sturdy snowshoes while you gaze towards an endless sky of stars and possibly aurora. There are plenty of cozy, romantic, or intimate places to stay on the mountain or close by: you can try a “ski-in, ski-out lodge,” cabins, B n’ Bs, and hotels.
Glamping in Canmore/Mount Engadine
For a unique Rocky Mountain getaway filled with romance, you can try the Mt. Engadine Glamping Tents, which provide a cozy escape into the wilderness. Sip coffee on your private deck, warm up around the fireplace, and fill up on the resort’s inclusive dining experience. While in the Canmore area, you can enjoy outdoor adventures like snowshoeing (the Lodge provides all overnight guests with free snowshoe rentals), cross-country skiing, fat tire biking, or Yak Tracks (skis, bikes, and Yak Tracks also available to rent at an extra charge). Canmore is also just a short drive from Banff National Park, a Rocky Mountain destination with its own unique fun and chances for romance.
Contact Mount Engadine Lodge: (587) 807-0570
Winter in the Rockies
You can take advantage of Buffalo Mountain Lodge’s Winter in the Rockies Packages until April 30th. Choose from two-, three-, or four-night specials which all include complimentary breakfast. This quiet getaway takes you right into the town of Banff, but just off the main Avenue. This allows for a little peace and quiet while still in close range to all the town’s amenities.
Contact Buffalo Mountain Lodge: 1 (800) 661-1367
Sunshine Village Ski and Stay
You and your partner may be looking to hit up the slopes for your romantic getaway, and there is no setting more romantic for a ‘skication’ than Sunshine Village in Banff National Park. Purchasing a Sunshine Super Card provides you with 3 free hill visits, and discounts on certain hotels and restaurants. Save a ton at dining spots like Alpha Bistro, Chili’s, The Meatball, or Pacini (to name a few!), and hotels like Canmore Inn and Suites, Canalta Lodge, or Banff Aspen Lodge (to name a few!).
Lake Louise or Skoki Ski Lodge
Stay in the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise for a romantic start to any mountain stay. This luxurious hotel will not disappoint, with spa packages, winter adventure packages and everything you need to create a romantic getaway that you and your loved one will never forget
If getting away from it all is your idea of the perfect start to a romantic winter getaway, look no further than the Skoki Ski Lodge, which is about as backcountry as it gets. This historic site cannot be accessed by road! Of course, this means that you may want to cross country ski or snowshoe in order to enjoy getting to the lodge. Terrific meals, access to skiing, even a library on-site, whether you stay put for the entire weekend or just stay the night, this is a romantic blast from the past that will be a memory for a lifetime. Skoki Lodge is located 11kms in the backcountry from Lake Louise Ski Resort.
10 Things to do at Lake Louise in Winter
Winter in the Mountains at Jasper Park Lodge
There are many chances for romance in Jasper National Park, and the winter months can create beautiful backdrops for adventures, hikes, hitting the slopes, or a quiet walk through the town. During your stay at the lodge, you can enjoy gourmet dining from their in-house restaurant, a walk through the winding resort paths, or venture a little further from town to see more Rocky Mountain beauty. JPL makes winter fun a lot easier by giving you access to their Winter Activity Centre, an onsite rental service for things like fat tire bikes, snowshoes, skates, and sleds.
5. Winter Getaway to Calgary
Calgary is a winter city and is prepared to supply winter fun for all, but especially couples. All around Calgary are wonderfully romantic locations for ice skating: Olympic Plaza, Bowness Park, or North Glenmore Park. Calgary’s downtown provides all amenities for food and accommodation, but the Hotel Arts Kensington is offering a sweet Valentine’s Special. After a day of skating, relax with your romantic dinner for two in your room, accompanied by a bottle of wine. And if you can’t make it for Valentine’s Day, you can take the hotel up on their All-Inclusive Urban Resort Package.
6. Winter Getaway to Edmonton
Credit: Edmonton Ski Club
Explore Edmonton’s unique downtown core this winter while you relax at the premiere, River Valley-facing Fairmont Hotel MacDonald. The Hotel is offering a sweet “Stay Close” deal, where your second night is on them. Just down the hill, you can enjoy a magical skate through the lit-up Victoria Park Iceway, or take stroll down Jasper Avenue. This hotel is surrounded by urban parkland further than the eye can see, so a nature walk within the city is a great way to gain an appetite. Jasper Avenue is home to many local casual and formal dining spots.
Edmonton Ski Club offers snow tubing and ice climbing right in the middle of the city.
25 Alberta Hotels & Resorts Offering Valentine’s Day Staycation Packages
