Let’s face it, winter in Alberta can be cold. With short bursts of daylight, long, chilly nights, and temperatures that can hit well into the -40s, winters here can be tough. But don’t let the chilly temps distract you from your best vacation. Here are 7 ways to enjoy winter that are actually warm!

1. Sit and Soak

There’s nothing quite like the mineral hot springs of the Canadian Rockies. These naturally warm mineral waters are like a multivitamin for your skin, and they leave you feeling refreshed and relaxed. Although mineral content changes from one area to the next, it usually includes a combination of sulphate, calcium, bicarbonate, silica, and magnesium. Natural hot springs have been well regarded for their healing properties for thousands of years, and they remain a popular, year-round mountain attraction to this day.

So where can you get your fix? Banff Upper Hot Springs is open during the winter. Soak in the sunshine surrounded by mountain peaks or visit after dark and relax under the stars. It’s the perfect way to warm up after a day on the slopes, or just generally enjoy a winter day in the mountains while staying toasty warm. Radium Hot Springs is also open Friday evening and weekends throughout the winter season, and it’s the perfect, tucked-away pool to enjoy the piping hot mineral water.

2. Discover the History

Artists and philanthropists Peter and Catharine Robb Whyte shared a unique friendship with the Iyârhe people, who have called the Bow Valley home for centuries. They founded The Whyte Museum, a gathering place to engage with the evolving history, peoples, cultures, environment, and ideas of mountain cultures. The museum has exhibits, galleries, regular exhibitions, and a great book shop selling local mountain items.

In Jasper, the Jasper Yellowhead Museum has reopened to the public. Discover the history of this iconic place, from the First Nations through the fur trade, railway, and tourism that have made Jasper what it is today. The Showcase and Alcove Galleries exhibit culturally and historically significant work. These exhibits change several times each year so there is always something new and exciting to enjoy.

3. Retail Therapy

Cold days make for a great excuse to visit local shops. A little retail therapy can go a long way towards improve your mood. What’s more, you can shop for something warm and cozy to keep the winter chill at bay.

For something uniquely Canadian, Snowflake in Banff specializes in outerwear and accessories created from natural fibres such as cashmere, shearling, wool, leather, and fur. Their slogan, “simply the best in great Canadian design,” is a testament to the quality of products they carry and the specific, stylish designs for a comfortable mountain experience.

Accessorize your look with a custom designed, Canadian piece of jewellery from Stratton’s Jewellery in downtown Canmore. Owned and operated by a certified gemologist who has been working in the industry since 1985, every showcase at Stratton’s has been carefully curated to show off the artistry and uniqueness of each designer. These exquisite pieces can only be found in store, so it’s worth a visit to find that special piece that’ll be distinctively yours.

4. Eat Your Heart Out

Sometimes you just need to eat. When it’s cold outside, a feast of comfort food can help you stay warm, and a good meal with friends is a great way to beat those winter blues. For an all-out feast of delicious fondue, with samples from mountain iconic bison and elk to exotic alligator and rattlesnake, Grizzly House is a distinctive dining experience best enjoyed with a group of friends or family. The unique atmosphere is perfect for socializing, and the heat of the fondue and hot rocks combined with the delicious food will warm you inside and out.

In Jasper, restaurants are reopening and looking forward to inviting you back! Terra is inspired by the rawness of Jasper and features seasonal dishes with regionally farmed and foraged ingredients. Kimchi House is a Jasper classic, and this out-of-the-way restaurant features authentic Korean cuisine expertly prepared and served in an inviting atmosphere. For a drink with the locals, Whistle Stop Pub serves great beer and great times alongside the best cheeseburger and fries deal in town. With large TVs, pool tables, and live music events, there’s always a reason to stop by.

5. Stay Inside

If the weather sucks, you don’t have to go outside to play. The mountains have great indoor playgrounds to get you ready for better weather. Elevation Place in Canmore has everything you need to work out, have fun, and fuel up, without ever leaving the building. Get your fix of indoor rock climbing, swimming, weightlifting, and cardio or take a class in one of the studio rooms to try something different. There is also an art gallery, public library, and coffee shop on site, so you can spend a whole afternoon playing in this indoor paradise.

The Sally Borden Fitness & Recreation Centre at Banff Centre is also an indoor oasis full of fun things to do. Try the climbing centre, get stronger with weightlifting or cardio in their fitness area, or take advantage of the town’s only indoor swimming pool and get in a few laps. This pool has fantastic views of Sulphur Mountain through the large glass windows, making it a unique swimming experience that combines seeing the beautiful mountains with staying warm indoors.

6. Embrace the Arts

While the mountains are known for their rugged adventures and Calgary is known for business, there is something magical about these places that inspires a fantastic art scene. In the city, Esker Foundation is an accessible and welcoming space for people to experience contemporary art exhibitions and programming. What’s more, the gallery offers free admission! Their current programs include: Constellations: Racial myths, land, and labour, Curated by Su-Ying Lee, on display until December 15; Taiessa: variegate, on display until February 2; and exhibitions by Erika DeFreitas and Hangama Amiri, on display from January 25 to April 27.

In Banff, Canada House Gallery represents Canadian, Indigenous, and Inuit artists, exhibiting modern and contemporary painting, sculpture, jewellery, print, and textiles. This iconic gallery is known for fine art in a casual atmosphere. They encourage people to stop by in their ski gear, cycling wear, hiking or cowboy boots. This commercial gallery also ships worldwide and guarantees a safe arrival of you treasured masterpiece.

7. Take a Bus Tour

So you want to enjoy the great outdoors, but don’t want to feel the chill? Try a bus tour! This is a great way to see the sights, learn about wildlife, and generally enjoy the stunning scenery of the Canadian Rockies while staying warm in the bus and not having to worry about the chilly temperatures. Discover Banff Tours has been creating fantastic and memorable experiences in the Canadian Rockies since 1999. Their small tour sizes and excellent guides are sure to be the highlight of your mountain vacation. They’re also carbon neutral, so you can feel good while booking your bus tour. Try the Discover Lake Louise Tour or the Discover Banff & Its Wildlife Tour to see the best of Banff National Park and get the chance to explore some of its hidden gems.

Sundog Tours has been showing visitors around Jasper National Park since 1997, and they continue to offer personalized tours with excellent guides to this day. Try their Winter Wildlife Tour for a chance to learn about wildlife recovery after the fire. Stay in the warmth of the bus as your local guide takes you the best places for a chance to see wildlife and learn about how wildlife are adapting to the landscape after this summer’s devastating wildfires. For something a little different, try a Jasper Train Tour to ride the rails through the mountains and journey along the Fraser River to quaint mountain towns.

Kate Barker