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Things to Do in Calgary in Winter: A Local Family's Guide
Our family has a simple rule for winter in Calgary.
If the sky is blue, −20°C is fine. If it's grey, we draw the line at −15°C. Colder than −25°C, we usually stay in.
Everything in between is fair game, and that's a lot of winter. Calgary has far more going for it in winter than most visitors expect: skating, sledding, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, festive light displays, winter festivals, and easy day trips into the Rockies.
This is our local family's guide to the best things to do in Calgary in winter.
It's mostly outside, with a few indoor ideas for the days that fall below the line.
Visiting Calgary This Winter?
This guide is about what to do once you're here. For the rest of your trip planning, start with these:
40 Best Things to Do in Calgary – our year-round list of the city's highlights
Where to Stay in Calgary – our pick of the best hotels for every budget
Calgary Itinerary – how to spend 2 days in the city
Indoor Activities in Calgary – for the days that fall below the line
This post may contain affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only ever share honest reviews of products and experiences we genuinely love.
What Is Calgary Like in Winter?
Winter in Calgary usually runs from November to March. Snow can arrive in October, and cold snaps can hang on into April. We can get a LOT of snow!
January is typically the coldest month, with average daytime highs around −1°C and overnight lows around −13°C. Averages hide a lot of swing, though.
A week of extreme cold and heavy snowfall can be followed by a week of sunshine and above-freezing temperatures.
If you are visiting between December and February, be prepared for −25°C.
Two things make Calgary's winter easier than its reputation:
Sunshine. Calgary is one of the sunniest cities in Canada, and a bright, windless −10°C day often feels much warmer than visitors expect. It's not unusual to find yourself carrying your jacket after a winter walk.
Chinooks. These warm, dry winds come down off the Rockies and can push temperatures up dramatically in a matter of hours, sometimes from well below zero to above freezing. If you hit a cold snap, there's a fair chance a chinook will follow.
The flip side is short days. In December the sun sets before 4:30 p.m., so plan outdoor activities for the middle of the day, and save the evenings for the light displays!
Outdoor Things to Do in Calgary in Winter
The good news is that you don't need to drive to the mountains to enjoy winter. Some of Calgary's best cold-weather activities are right inside the city.
Go Outdoor Skating
Skating on an outdoor pond or lagoon is a quintessential Canadian winter experience, and a favourite winter pastime for many Calgarians.
Bowness Park
Bowness Park is home to one of Calgary's most iconic outdoor skating ponds. The lagoon freezes into a large skating surface, while a separate 1.6 km ice trail winds alongside the Bow River.
Skating is free, and the ice is typically open from mid-November to early-March, weather permitting. The skating area is open daily from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.
If you don't have your own skates, the University of Calgary Outdoor Centre operates a skate rental shop in the park. Helmets are strongly recommended.
For something different, try an ice bike. They're a fun option for kids (and adults) who aren't confident on skates.
Cost: Free (skate rentals extra) · Hours: 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. · Season: Mid-November to early-March (weather permitting) · Ice Bikes: $12 per half-hour or $20 per hour
Prince's Island Park
Prince's Island Park is our favourite place to skate outdoors in Calgary, and the one we recommend for the views of downtown.
The lagoon sits right beside downtown, so you can skate with the city skyline as your backdrop. It's especially beautiful in the late afternoon and evening when the city lights come on.
Skating is free, and skate rentals are usually available on-site during the winter season.
In 2026, the City even offered a special program that included free skate rentals for the first 50 skaters, along with free beginner lessons to help people feel more comfortable on the ice. The program was a huge success, and we hope the City brings it back.
The lagoon is also one of the main hubs for Chinook Blast in February, making it easy to combine a skate with Calgary's signature winter festival.
There are usually plenty of fire pits near the steps down to the ice, making it easy to warm up between laps.
Cost: Free (skate rentals extra) · Hours: 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. · Season: Mid-November to early-March (weather permitting)
Other Places to Skate in Calgary
Depending on where you are in the city, it's also worth checking out one of the City's other free outdoor rinks:
Carburn Park (southeast): a pond rink in a quiet riverside park full of mature trees.
Prairie Winds Park (northeast): City-run outdoor ice, plus a big hill for sledding.
North Glenmore Park (southwest): an ice trail, so you skate along a path instead of going around a rink.
West Confederation Park (northwest): an outdoor rink in one of the city's best winter parks.
All outdoor ice depends on the weather, so check the City of Calgary's outdoor rink status page before you head out.
Olympic Plaza downtown was Calgary's best-known outdoor rink for decades. It's closed for redevelopment until 2028. The redesigned plaza will include a winter skating rink again.
If it's too cold to skate outside, head indoors to the Olympic Oval at the University of Calgary. It hosted the 1988 Olympic speed skating events, and public skate sessions let you lap the same ice, with skate rentals available on-site.
Go Sledding on a City Hill
Calgary is a little unusual in that tobogganing is only permitted on City-designated hills. Sledding is banned on other hills in City parks, and each sanctioned hill has a sign identifying it.
The full list of hills is on the City of Calgary's tobogganing page, sorted by quadrant.
Our favourite City hill is Turtle Hill, which has good runs for both older kids looking for speed and younger kids who are just getting started.
Unlike skates, sled rentals aren't common in Calgary. If you're visiting and don't have your own, the easiest option is usually to buy an inexpensive sled from somewhere like Canadian Tire.
Our kids like to go fast, so helmets are always non-negotiable. We also recommend sledding during daylight hours so it's easier to spot icy patches, bumps, and other people on the hill.
Cost: Free · Where: City-approved hills only (look for the sign) · Tip: wear a helmet
Go Snow Tubing, Skiing and Snowboarding at Canada Olympic Park (COP)
Canada Olympic Park (COP), now operated by WinSport, was built for the 1988 Winter Olympics and is still one of Calgary's most popular winter recreation areas.
While it's no substitute for the Rocky Mountains, it's the only place in the city where you can ski, snowboard, and snow tube on professionally maintained hills.
Snow Tubing
If your kids have outgrown the local toboggan hill, or you're visiting without a sled, WinSport's Servus Tube Park is a great alternative.
A magic carpet carries you back to the top, giving you far more runs than a typical afternoon of tobogganing. Tubes are included with admission.
The tube park typically operates from late December through March, weather permitting.
Cost: Paid; $25 per person for a two-hour slot, $16 on Friday evenings · Hours: Friday evenings, weekends and holidays, booked in two-hour time slots · Season: late December to end of March · Age: kids must be at least 4 and 91 cm tall
Skiing and Snowboarding
WinSport is also a small ski hill right inside city limits. It's where a lot of Calgary kids take their first lessons before graduating to the mountains.
The season typically opens in early December and wraps up in late March.
Cost: Paid (lift tickets and lessons) · Season: early December to late March
The Cool Runnings Bobsled
You can't ride the bobsled or luge track at Canada Olympic Park any more. The 1988 Olympic sliding track was decommissioned in 2019. Fans of Cool Runnings can still have a little fun here, though.
Much of the movie was filmed at Canada Olympic Park, including all of the sliding scenes. One of the bobsleds from the film is on permanent display outside the Day Lodge - it's a great photo stop after a morning of tubing.
Go Snowshoeing
If you can walk, you can snowshoe. It's one of the easiest winter activities to learn, and a great excuse to get outside after a fresh snowfall.
Two of the best places to try it are Nose Hill Park, where the open prairie is perfect for snowshoes (more on Nose Hill in the winter walks section below), and Fish Creek Provincial Park, which has an extensive trail network along the creek and the Bow River.
If you don't own snowshoes, the University of Calgary Outdoor Centre rents them to the public, along with plenty of other winter gear.
Cost: Free on park trails (snowshoe rentals extra) · Season: whenever there's enough snow
Try Cross-Country Skiing
Cross-country skiing is one of the most popular ways Calgarians enjoy winter, and you don't need to head to the mountains to try it.
When there's enough snow, the City and local ski clubs groom track-set trails at several parks and golf courses, including Confederation Park and Shaganappi Point Golf Course. Golf courses make great beginner terrain, with gentle rolling hills and wide open space.
If you're new to it or don't own skis, the University of Calgary Outdoor Centre rents cross-country gear, and lessons are a good way to get started.
For a mountain day out, the Canmore Nordic Centre has an extensive groomed trail network about an hour from the city.
Cost: Free on City trails (rentals and lessons extra) · Season: whenever there's enough snow · Tip: check the City's grooming report before you go
Try Fat Biking
Calgary has a large network of pathways, and many are cleared after snowfalls, so riding doesn't stop in winter.
A fat bike, with its extra-wide tires, makes riding on snow and packed trails surprisingly manageable. The first time I tried one, I couldn't believe how much grip the tires had, even on snowy sections of trail.
The University of Calgary Outdoor Centre rents fat bikes, and Fish Creek Park is a popular place to ride.
If you want an out-of-town option, Bragg Creek and Kananaskis have excellent fat-biking trails and are both within an hour's drive of Calgary. The Kananaskis Mountain Lodge has a rental shop on-site, and several beginner-friendly trails can be accessed directly from the hotel.
Cost: Free on pathways and trails (bike rentals extra) · Season: all winter
Winter Walks and Hikes in Calgary
Calgary's parks are beautiful under snow. On a sunny winter day, a walk is a surprisingly fun way to get everyone outside.
Ice cleats or microspikes make a big difference on packed or icy paths, especially after warm spells followed by freezing temperatures overnight.
Fish Creek Park (and the Ice Falls)
Fish Creek Provincial Park is one of the largest urban parks in North America, stretching roughly 19 km along the southern edge of the city.
With around 100 km of paved and unpaved trails winding through river valley, it's one of the easiest places in Calgary to get a proper winter walk without leaving town.
If you want to add something a little different to your walk, head for the park's small ice falls.
It's not technically a waterfall, but a weeping wall that freezes into a striking curtain of blue-white ice each winter. The walk from the car park takes just five minutes and is easy enough for young kids.
We've written up the route, parking and what to expect in our Ice Falls at Fish Creek Park in Calgary guide.
Cost: Free · Season: best from roughly January to early March, once the falls have frozen
Griffith Woods Park
Griffith Woods in the southwest follows the Elbow River through old-growth spruce forest, and it feels much further from the city than it is. Once you're under the trees, the traffic noise disappears and it's easy to forget you're still inside city limits.
It's an easy, flat walk that works well in snow, with a network of short loops you can combine to suit tired legs or keen ones. The trees give good shelter from the wind, which makes a real difference on colder days.
The river is what makes it interesting in winter. Ice builds up along the banks in shelves and frozen ridges, while stretches of open water keep flowing in the middle. On the coldest mornings, the river often steams, which is pretty cool to see.
We've put together a detailed Griffith Woods Park Hike in Calgary guide covering the various routes, parking, river access, and everything else you need to know before you go.
Cost: Free · Season: year-round
Weaselhead Flats and the Jackrabbit Trail
Weaselhead Flats sits in the southwest, where the Elbow River flows into the Glenmore Reservoir. It's one of the wilder-feeling parks in the city, with one of Calgary's largest stands of spruce forest, a river delta and plenty of birds.
The paved pathway loop from the main parking lot is around 4 to 5 km and takes roughly an hour.
For something quieter, the Jackrabbit Trail is a forested footpath along the reservoir that links into the Weaselhead trails, with views over the frozen water. The full loop is about 7 km, but it's easy to shorten.
Cost: Free · Hours: 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. · Season: year-round
Nose Hill Park
Nose Hill is a huge natural park in Calgary's northwest, covering more than 11 square kilometres of native prairie grassland. It's one of the few places where you can still see what the land looked like before the city grew up around it.
From the top you get views of the downtown skyline on one side and the Rockies on the other, and on a clear day it's one of the best viewpoints in the city.
There are plenty of access points and parking lots around the edge, so it's easy to pick a short loop or a longer wander.
The one thing to know is that Nose Hill is fairly exposed, with almost no trees to block the wind. Save it for a calm, sunny day and check the wind chill before you go.
It's also a popular spot for dog walkers. Sections of the park are off-leash, but some areas require dogs to stay on leash, so check the signs at the trailhead and along the paths. Either way, expect plenty of dogs on the trails.
Cost: Free · Season: year-round
Inglewood Bird Sanctuary
The Inglewood Bird Sanctuary sits on the Bow River at the edge of Inglewood, one of Calgary's most interesting neighbourhoods.
You don't need to be a birdwatcher to enjoy it. The flat, easy trails wind through riverside forest and wetlands, making it a peaceful spot for a winter walk just minutes from downtown. The wide, mostly level paths also make it a great choice if you're pushing a stroller.
If you do bring binoculars, look for the birds that stay here through the winter, such as chickadees, woodpeckers, nuthatches and the ducks and geese that gather on open stretches of the river. Bald eagles and great horned owls turn up too, if you're lucky.
This is a wildlife sanctuary first, so keep voices down, stay on the trails and give animals plenty of space. Dogs and bikes aren't allowed.
If your kids need to burn off energy and run wild, one of the bigger parks above might be a better fit.
Cost: Free · Hours: trails open sunrise to sunset; Nature Centre open Wednesday to Sunday, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. in winter · Season: year-round · Good to know: no pets or bikes
Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area
Although it's just south of the city limits, the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area is close enough to earn a spot on this list. It has more than 20 km of trails through rolling foothills, with big views of the Rockies on a clear day.
In winter it's peaceful and much quieter than the city parks, and it's a great place to spot wildlife. Keep an eye out for deer, moose and coyotes, and look for tracks in the snow along the trails.
As a conservation area, it's a place for quiet walking rather than off-leash play, and dogs aren't allowed.
Read about our visit in A Winter Walk at the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area.
Cost: Free admission · Parking: $10 per vehicle · Hours: 4 a.m. to 11 p.m. · Season: year-round · Good to know: register at the kiosk when you arrive, and no dogs allowed
Christmas Lights and Winter Events in Calgary
Winter in Calgary isn't just about getting outside in the cold. From mid-November through February, the city fills its calendar with holiday light displays, festive events and a winter festival downtown, and many of them come into their own after dark.
Here are the light displays and winter events our family thinks are worth bundling up for.
Zoolights at the Calgary Zoo
Zoolights is a Calgary holiday tradition, now in its 30th season.
More than two million lights fill the zoo, along with a light tunnel, fire pits and plenty of photo spots. There are usually extras such as lit-up swings, a carousel, axe throwing and visits with Santa.
This year it runs from November 13, 2026, to January 3, 2027, from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. It's closed on November 17 and 24 and on Christmas Day, so check the dates before you plan your evening.
It's worth knowing that this is a lights event, not a zoo visit.
Zoolights is ticketed separately, so a regular daytime ticket won't get you in, and neither will a zoo membership, although members do get a discounted ticket.
In the evening the animal buildings are closed and you're there for the displays, not the animals. If your kids are expecting to see their favourite animals, they'll be disappointed.
There's more to do than just walk past the displays, though. There's a small skating rink on site, and skate rentals are included with admission, so you can bring your own or borrow a pair. It's a nice way to break up the evening, and there's usually a hot chocolate stand nearby to warm up afterwards.
We recommend buying tickets online ahead of time. It's cheaper than paying at the gate and saves you queuing in the cold.
Cost: Paid, separate from regular zoo admission (discount for members, cheaper online) · Hours: 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., last entry 9 p.m. · Season: November 13, 2026, to January 3, 2027 (closed November 17 and 24 and December 25)
Spruce Meadows Enchanted Festival of Lights
If Zoolights feels too busy, Spruce Meadows is a good alternative on the south edge of the city. The famous equestrian venue lights up its grounds with millions of bulbs, including dozens of illuminated horses.
The format has changed recently. For years this was a free drive-through, and we did it every year as a family.
In 2025 it switched to a walk-through event called the Enchanted Festival of Lights, with fire pits, food vendors and an indoor Christmas lights maze.
We missed it because we were away on our 100 day sabbatical, but we'll report back later this year.
This year it runs from December 12 to 23, and proceeds support the Calgary & Area Food Banks and Parachutes for Pets.
Cost: Paid ($20 adults, $12 kids 3–12 and seniors, under 3 free) · Hours: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. · Season: December 12 to 23, 2026
Chinook Blast
Every winter, Calgary throws a festival to prove the city doesn't hibernate!
Chinook Blast brings light installations, outdoor performances, winter sports and family activities downtown, and nearly all of it is free.
Chinook Blast 2027 runs from January 29 to February 15, 2027. The main hubs are at Eau Claire Plaza and the Prince's Island Park lagoon.
Most programming happens on weekends, so check the event calendar before you go. Light installations look best after dark, which in early February comes conveniently early for families with young kids.
Cost: Mostly free · Dates: January 29 to February 15, 2027 · Where: Eau Claire Plaza and Prince's Island Park
Calgary Hot Chocolate Fest
Every February, cafés, bakeries and restaurants across Calgary create special hot chocolates for Hot Chocolate Fest, with proceeds supporting Calgary Meals on Wheels.
It's the perfect excuse to warm up after a skate, winter walk or sledding session, and trying a few different ones becomes a fun winter challenge of its own.
Cost: Varies by café · Season: February
Lions Festival of Lights
The Lions Festival of Lights at Confederation Park is a free light display along 14 Street NW, on the Confederation Park golf course. You can see it from the car or park and walk through it.
It pairs nicely with an afternoon of sledding on the Confederation Park hill next door.
Cost: Free · Hours: 5:30 p.m. to midnight · Season: late November to early January
Holiday Wonder at the BMO Centre
If it's too cold for an outdoor light display, Holiday Wonder brings the holiday magic indoors.
Calgary's newest Christmas attraction fills over 100,000 square feet of the BMO Centre with more than a million lights, a life-sized gingerbread house made with real gingerbread, a Snowflake Forest and an indoor snowball arena.
Tickets are timed, and there are sensory-friendly hours for kids who find busy events overwhelming. It's a great option for families with younger kids, or on the nights when the thermometer drops below the line.
Cost: Paid (timed tickets) · Season: Late November to early January · Where: BMO Centre, Stampede Park
Christmas Markets
If you're visiting in November or December, Calgary's Christmas markets are a fun way to soak up the festive atmosphere and pick up some unique gifts.
Expect local crafts, homemade food, hot drinks and, at many of them, visits with Santa.
The Spruce Meadows International Christmas Market is one of the biggest, and it runs from mid-November into early December before the Enchanted Festival of Lights.
Other popular options include the Millarville Christmas Market in the foothills south of the city, Granary Road's Christmas Market and the Inglewood Night Market.
Cost: Varies (some free, some ticketed) · Season: Mostly November and December
Family-Friendly Winter Attractions
The Calgary Zoo (by Day)
The Calgary Zoo is one of our favourite winter attractions, especially with younger kids, and it's far quieter than during the busy summer months.
If the weather is nice, take a walk through Wild Canada, where animals such as moose, wolves, bison and a polar bear are right at home in the cold and are often more active than they are on a hot summer afternoon.
If it's too cold to be outdoors, it's easy to duck into the indoor buildings in Destination Africa, where you can see hippos, giraffes, gorillas, and a variety of other animals while warming up.
A special winter highlight is the Penguin Walk, when the king penguins head outside for their daily stroll (weather permitting). It's always a hit with kids and is something you can only experience during the winter months.
If you're planning to visit Zoolights as well, the Sunlight to Zoolights combo ticket lets you explore the zoo from 1 p.m. and then stay on for the lights that evening.
Cost: Paid · Season: open year-round · Tip: check the zoo's website for Penguin Walk times
Heritage Park in Winter
Heritage Park's Historical Village closes for the winter.
If you've only been in summer, know that you won't be able to wander the whole site. What stays open year-round is the indoor Gasoline Alley Museum, one of the world's largest collections of antique vehicles and vintage gas pumps.
The park also runs ticketed special events through the winter. These cost extra on top of regular admission. The big one is Once Upon a Christmas, when parts of the Historical Village reopen with holiday displays, wagon rides, farm animals and visits with Santa.
Cost: Paid (reduced winter rate for Gasoline Alley Museum); special events cost extra · Hours: Gasoline Alley Museum open Tuesday to Sunday in winter, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. · Season: open year-round
Calgary Tower
On a clear winter day, the view from the top of the 191-metre Calgary Tower is spectacular, with snowy prairie stretching out on one side and the Rockies on the other.
For a bit of excitement, step onto the famous glass floor and look straight down to the street below. Or, follow our tip: book a meal at Sky 360, the tower's revolving restaurant. Diners get free access to the restaurant level, so you'll still get the views without paying admission, plus a discount on the observation deck if you want to try the glass floor too.
If you're planning to visit Zoolights, the Lights & Heights Pass combines the Calgary Tower and Zoolights in one ticket.
Cost: Paid · Season: Open year-round · Tip: Go on a clear day for the best mountain views
Catch a Hockey Game
Winter in Calgary means hockey, and catching a game is one of the best ways to feel the city's winter energy.
A Calgary Flames NHL game at the Scotiabank Saddledome is the big-ticket option, with a loud crowd and a sea of red jerseys, but tickets can be expensive and hard to get for popular games.
For families, a Calgary Hitmen game is a great (cheaper) alternative. The Hitmen play junior hockey in the Western Hockey League (WHL), and many of their players go on to the NHL. Best of all, the Hitmen also play at the Saddledome, so you still get the big-arena experience.
If you can, time your visit for the Hitmen's Teddy Bear Toss game on Sunday, December 6, 2026, at 2 p.m. When the Hitmen score their first goal, tens of thousands of fans throw stuffed animals onto the ice, burying it in a blanket of teddy bears. The toys are then collected and donated to local charities in time for Christmas.
Cost: Paid; Hitmen tickets cost much less than Flames tickets · Season: October to April · Where: Scotiabank Saddledome
What's On in Calgary by Month
November
Winter arrives in fits and starts. Snow comes and goes, and daytime highs hover around freezing. Outdoor ice isn't reliable yet, but Zoolights opens mid-month and the Lions Festival of Lights switches on in late November. It's also the start of Christmas market season, including the Spruce Meadows International Christmas Market.
It's a quieter, cheaper time to visit, and the ski resorts in the Rockies usually open in November.
Best for: the first holiday lights and early-season skiing in the mountains
December
December is the season of lights. Zoolights, Spruce Meadows and the Lions Festival of Lights are all running, along with Holiday Wonder at the BMO Centre and Once Upon a Christmas at Heritage Park.
These are the shortest days of the year, with the sun setting before 4:30 p.m., so plan outdoor activities around midday and save the evenings for the light displays.
WinSport's ski hill opens early in the month, and the tube park usually opens just before Christmas.
Best for: holiday lights and Christmas events
January
January is deep winter and usually the coldest month, with the biggest chance of a −25°C (or worse) cold snap. It's also when chinooks are most welcome. Zoolights wraps up in the first week, and it's peak season for outdoor skating at Bowness and Prince's Island and for sledding across the city. Late in the month, Chinook Blast kicks off downtown and SnowDays begins in Banff.
Best for: skating, sledding and the most reliable winter conditions
February
February is festival month. Chinook Blast runs until mid-February, Hot Chocolate Fest runs all month, and SnowDays continues in Banff into early February.
The days are noticeably longer, and it's still cold enough for good outdoor ice. Family Day, on the third Monday of February, makes it a popular long weekend for local families, so book ahead if you're planning a mountain trip.
Best for: winter festivals and the best balance of cold and daylight
March
March brings longer days and some of the most pleasant winter weather of the year, although it's also one of Calgary's snowiest months.
Big spring snowfalls are common, and they often melt within days. WinSport and the tube park usually stay open until the end of the month, and outdoor skating lasts as long as the ice holds. It's also spring skiing season in the Rockies.
Best for: sunny spring skiing and outdoor fun without the deep cold
Easy Winter Day Trips from Calgary
One of the best things about winter in Calgary is how close the mountains are.
Canmore and Kananaskis are about an hour's drive from Calgary, while Banff is around 90 minutes away and Lake Louise about two hours. That makes it easy to spend the morning in the Rockies and still be back in the city for dinner.
Winter driving takes some planning, though. Mountain roads can change quickly, so read our winter driving tips below before you go.
Guided Day Trips (No Car Needed)
If you don't have a car, or you'd rather not drive the Trans-Canada in winter, a guided day trip from Calgary is the easy option. Most include hotel pickup, and the winter versions usually supply ice cleats for Johnston Canyon.
If you just need the ride, there's also a shared shuttle between Calgary and Banff or Canmore.
Banff (About 1.5 Hours)
Banff is one of the world's most famous mountain destinations, and in winter it feels truly magical. Snow-covered peaks surround the town, outdoor skating rinks come to life, and there's no shortage of incredible winter activities for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Johnston Canyon is Banff's most popular winter hike, and for good reason. The elevated catwalks lead through a narrow canyon past frozen waterfalls and ice-covered cliffs. With a pair of ice cleats, it's a very manageable adventure for families with children.
If you're visiting in late January or early February, Banff's SnowDays festival adds even more winter magic, with impressive snow sculptures, ice-carving displays, and seasonal events throughout the town.
Lake Louise (About 2 Hours)
When conditions allow, the lake is cleared for skating, with the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise as the backdrop. It's one of the most famous places to skate in the world.
The well-known Ice Magic ice sculptures (February 3 to 7, 2027) are now limited mostly to guests of participating Banff and Lake Louise hotels, so plan around that if they're the reason you're going.
Canmore (About 1 Hour)
Canmore is worth a visit in its own right, not just as a base for the mountains. It's a laid-back mountain town with a walkable main street lined with cafés, bakeries, independent shops and galleries, all set against views of the Three Sisters peaks.
It's usually quieter than Banff, and because it sits just outside the national park, you don't need a park pass to wander around town.
Ha Ling is a big but rewarding winter hike with older kids. Our Hiking Ha Ling in Winter (with kids) guide covers gear and conditions.
The Canmore Nordic Centre is also a great spot for cross-country skiing. For somewhere to stay, see our MTN House Hotel & Spa review.
Kananaskis (About 1 Hour)
Kananaskis Country is a huge area of provincial parks and wilderness just east of Banff National Park, and it's where many Calgarians head to escape the crowds. You get the same big mountain scenery as Banff, but with fewer people.
For skiing and snowboarding, Nakiska is the closest big ski resort to Calgary. It was built for the alpine events at the 1988 Winter Olympics, and its wide, well-groomed runs make it a popular choice for families and newer skiers.
For a short and easy winter walk, head to Troll Falls near Kananaskis Village. The mostly flat trail winds through snowy forest to a waterfall that freezes into a wall of ice in winter, and it's perfect for younger kids.
Kananaskis Village is a great place to warm up after a day in the snow, and the Kananaskis Nordic Spa is one of the most relaxing ways to end a cold day outdoors.
If you want to turn your visit into a weekend getaway, the Kananaskis Mountain Lodge is one of our favourite places to stay in the Rockies.
Good to Know: Kananaskis Conservation Pass
You'll need a Kananaskis Conservation Pass to park in most of Kananaskis Country, including the trailheads for Troll Falls, Grotto Canyon and Ha Ling.
You can buy a day or annual pass online before you go, and it's linked to your licence plate, so there's nothing to display in the car.
Dog Sledding (About 1 Hour)
For a truly Canadian winter experience, try dog sledding in the Rockies. Several operators around Canmore and Kananaskis run tours through snowy forests and valleys, from short introductory rides to half-day trips where you can learn to drive your own team.
Most tours include time to meet the dogs before and after the ride, which was the highlight for us when we did it a few years back.
Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary (About 45 Minutes)
Just outside Cochrane, this non-profit sanctuary is home to dozens of rescued wolfdogs and is open year-round, usually Thursday to Monday.
Options range from a self-guided walk to guided tours inside the enclosures. Children must be 6 years or older to visit.
The introductory tour can be booked in advance and includes time for a self-guided walk.
When It's Too Cold: Indoor Things to Do
Some days fall below the line, and that's fine. Calgary has plenty to do indoors, and these are a few of our family's favourites:
Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre, is full of hands-on instruments and exhibits that kids can play with. We have a full write up here.
TELUS Spark Science Centre has hours of interactive exhibits, plus a dedicated area for younger kids.
The Calgary Central Library is worth a visit for the building alone, and the children's area is one of the best free indoor spaces in the city.
A leisure centre wave pool is the classic Calgary way to forget it's −25°C outside.
Our Indoor Activities in Calgary: The Ultimate List of Indoor Things to Do covers many more ideas.
Winter Tips for Calgary
Getting Around
Downtown Calgary has a secret weapon for cold days: the Plus 15.
It's a network of enclosed, elevated walkways connecting buildings across the core, so you can cover a surprising amount of downtown without stepping outside.
The CTrain is also free to ride along 7 Avenue through the downtown core, between Downtown West/Kerby and City Hall stations.
Sidewalks and pathways can be icy for days after a snowfall, especially after a chinook melts snow that then refreezes. Ice cleats or microspikes are worth packing even for city walks.
Driving in Winter
Winter tires aren't legally required in Alberta, but we wouldn't drive the mountain highways without them.
They make a real difference in stopping and cornering on snow and ice. If you're renting a car, ask about winter tires when you book, because many rental fleets use all-seasons by default.
If your day trip crosses into British Columbia, winter tires or chains are required on most BC highways from October 1 to March 31.
Before heading west, check road conditions on 511 Alberta. The Trans-Canada can change quickly between Calgary and Banff. Keep a basic winter kit in the car: a scraper and brush, a blanket, a phone charger, water, snacks and extra warm layers.
In the city, watch for snow route parking bans after big snowfalls. Cars left on signed snow routes during a ban can be ticketed and towed.
Dressing for the Weather
In Calgary winters, layers are everything:
A base layer
A warm mid-layer
A windproof outer shell
Insulated, waterproof boots
A hat that covers the ears
Mitts rather than gloves for younger kids
A neck warmer or balaclava makes a big difference on windy days. Hand warmers are cheap and well worth throwing in a pocket.
For kids, pack a spare pair of mitts and socks, because snow always finds its way in.
How Cold Is Too Cold?
Our family's winter rule of thumb is simple:
Blue sky and sunshine: down to about −20°C is fine, as long as everyone is properly bundled up.
Grey and overcast: we draw the line closer to −15°C, because it feels much colder without the sun.
Colder than −25°C: we don't really go outside for fun. That's an indoor day.
Wind chill matters too. A still −15°C can feel pleasant, while a windy one can be miserable. Check the "feels like" temperature, not just the forecast high.
Where to Stay in Calgary in Winter
If you're visiting, staying central puts you close to Chinook Blast, downtown restaurants and the Plus 15 walkway network.
Our Calgary's Best Hotels: Where to Stay for Every Budget guide covers options from budget to splurge.
Final Thoughts: Embrace the Cold
Calgary winters have a reputation, and on the coldest days it's well earned. But most of the season sits somewhere between those lines on our family's rule, and that's where the fun is.
Blue skies, fresh snow, a skate on the lagoon followed by a hot chocolate, or a frozen waterfall an hour from home: it's a big part of why we love living here.
Pack the right layers, check the forecast, and don't let the cold keep you inside. Chances are a chinook is just around the corner anyway.
Have a favourite winter spot in Calgary we've missed? Let us know in the comments.
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