In the Canadian province of Alberta, the seasons change dramatically – and all to our benefit. Winter’s frost-covered trees, the same ones that line the world-famous ski trails of Banff National Park, transform in the spring. As the beautiful evergreen leaves reveal themselves, those same majestic landscapes make an idyllic backdrop for peaceful hikes, canoe trips and so much more come summer and fall. Needless to say, Alberta offers something for everyone, every season. Whether it’s the spectacular scenery, the authentic outdoor experiences, the taste of the Wild West or warm hospitality you are bound to find what you seek here, anytime of year.
Winter Wonderland
Alberta in the wintertime is simply magical – the kind of winter wonderland you’d envision from a postcard. Here, you will find no shortage of ways to take advantage of winter’s bounty: snow. The skiing in Alberta is truly world-class. In Banff National Park alone, there are three major ski resorts, all of which boast “Champagne powder” – fluffy, light-as-air snow that blankets Banff from November through May. Because of its proximity to the Town of Banff, Sunshine Village is especially popular. As Canada’s highest elevated resort, it has an average annual snowfall of more than 30 feet and offers a world-famous Ski & Snowboard School delivering high quality instruction. Cross-country skiers will delight in the number of Nordic trails available throughout Banff – from classic and groomed to backcountry and rugged. For the best of both ski varieties, the moderate Goat Creek and Spray River trail combines cross-country skiing with a downhill run!
Banff is also home to two of the most breathtaking outdoor ice skating rinks – one outside the iconic Fairmont Banff Springs Resort, right along the Bow River, and the beautiful Lake Louise becomes a rink from mid-December through mid-April. If speed is your thing, head to the Olympic Oval at Calgary Olympic Park, home to the fastest ice in the world. To take in the scenic winter views at a more leisurely pace, nothing can compare to a cozy sleigh ride. As you sit bundled up underneath blankets, you get a chance to take in all the natural beauty that surrounds you. Lake Louise is an especially picturesque spot to take in a starry sleigh ride.
Heading further north into Northern Alberta is a stargazer’s dream – the perfect perch from which to view the surreal Northern Lights as they streak across the sky from September to April each year. We also recommend combining dog sledding with a viewing of the magnificent Northern Lights, also known as Aurora Borealis, for a truly memorable experience.
Spring Into Summer
Once the snow melts, Alberta’s outdoor beauty, and range of landscapes, is equally impressive and breathtaking. In summer, snowshoes are replaced with hiking boots and without the cover of snow it’s much easier to spot wildlife from enormous elk to soaring eagles along the trails. The Lake Agnes Teahouse hike is one of the most enjoyable in Lake Louise. The trail leads up to a cascading waterfall and ends at Lake Agnes and the teahouse serving teas, sweets and an amazing view! Imagine golfing where 75-million-year-old dinosaurs once roamed, among otherworldly rock formations and eroded hills. It’s entirely possible in Alberta’s ancient badlands, located in the southernmost part of the province. In fact, Alberta is home to hundreds of excellent golf courses and further north, thanks to the extra-long summer days, you can even golf until midnight.
In summer, melted ice rinks become prime locations to raft, kayak, canoe, swim and even fish. Water sports are extremely popular and the peacefulness and tranquility of the many lakes that dot Alberta is a welcoming panorama of jaw-dropping beauty. Those same lakes and numerous streams are a treasure trove for fishermen. The scenic Bow River is Alberta’s premier trout fishery and coupled with scenic landscapes, a day on the river offers a unique and memorable fly fishing experience. It’s even possible to arrange a heli-fishing trip where you are flown into remote mountain areas to fish in crystal-clear, untouched waters. Alberta is an outdoor playground with cultural events, world-class resort towns and good old-fashioned hospitality. So pack your gear and call us to plan your next adventure in Alberta.
The Calgary Stampede
July 2013 marks the 101-year anniversary of the Calgary Stampede, when the city of Calgary fully embraces its Western roots and welcomes visitors with warm hospitality. Take in a rodeo, a thrilling chuck wagon race or the Evening Grandstand Show for a taste of how the West was fun! Browse Canada tours 2013, many of which include a visit to the Calgary Stampede, as well as Spring and Fall trips through the Canadian Rockies.
