Top Christmas and Winter Holiday Getaways in Alberta

If you enjoy the vibrant city life, both Calgary and Edmonton have an abundance of dining and entertainment options to choose from that suit every taste and budget. From their art museums and theatres to outdoor adventures like their zoos and festive light and holiday attractions, you’ll always find plenty to do in these bustling cities.

But if you’re looking for a Christmas getaway, outside the city limits, Alberta offers plenty of destination options to choose from like resorts, ranches, villages, lodges, Airbnbs, and camping opportunities as well. Here is a list of the top Christmas and winter holiday getaways in Alberta.

Jasper

Located in the western region in the Canadian Rockies, this town is an outdoor enthusiasts playground. Along with its fine dining and indoor entertainment options, this majestic city offers an abundance of outdoor wintery fun like skating, cross country and downhill skiing or snowboarding, dog sledding tours, sleigh rides, ice climbing, the Maligne Canyon Ice Walk Tour, snowshoeing, guided fat tire bike tours, and skating on Lake Mildred. Other activities include spa and wellness services, arts and culture venues, theatres, the planetarium and dark sky stargazing tours, and shopping.

Banff

Starting in late November, Banff hosts a variety of festive indoor and outdoor activities and events during six magical weeks so you can celebrate Christmas in Alberta exactly the way you want to. While visiting this beautiful town north of Calgary, you can shop at the Banff Christmas Market, enjoy the Santa Claus Celebration of Lights, take in a variety of Christmas and winter themed tours and events, or enjoy a variety of outdoor activities including ice tubing, hiking, dog sledding, ice skating, sleigh rides, skiing and snowboarding.

Moose Mountain Horseback Adventures

If you like horseback riding in Alberta’s majestic mountain regions, the Moose Mountain Ranch is just the place to book your winter holiday getaway. This cozy ranch is located at the base of the foothills between Calgary and Banff. The mountain views will take your breath away.

During your stay, you can enjoy different horseback trail rides, personalized expedition adventures, and sleigh and wagon rides. The tours and riding options are catered for all riders and all skill levels.

Stoney Nakoda Resort and Casino

If you’re looking for something more luxurious where you can enjoy being pampered during your Christmas getaway, the Stoney Nakoda Resort and Casino is the place to go. This first-class resort offers, casino gaming, poker tournaments, nightly entertainment, fine dining, and first-class services at affordable prices.

Along with singles and couples’ events, there are plenty of family-friendly activities to do as well like an indoor pool and waterslide. Stoney Nakoda Resort and Casino is in Kananaskis near Canmore and Banff so there are plenty of nearby tours and adventure options to choose from.

The resort has pet-friendly accommodations available so your beloved fur kids can enjoy your holiday vacation with you.

Castle Mountain Resort

If you like wintery fun adventures in a scenic place outside the city, Castle Mountain Resort is a great place to book your winter holiday getaway. While visiting, you can enjoy a variety of winter sports and activities like cross country and downhill skiing, snow boarding, cat-skiing, and snowshoeing.

The resort offers different tours like the Snowcat sightseeing tours. During this adventurous excursion you’ll be taken on a magical tour across the mountain through untouched powdery snow in a giant snowcat, an enclosed, truck-like vehicle that moves using tracks.

This holiday season, there is plenty of fun and adventure waiting for you in the beautiful province of Alberta.