Once October rolls around, I start planning weekend getaways from Calgary to break up our long winters. For me, that usually means an outdoor activity like cross-country skiing or snowshoeing, followed by a stay in a cozy mountain lodge. A Nordic spa or outdoor hot tub is always a bonus.
I also like the spontaneity of a last-minute weekend getaway, especially when the weather forecast looks good and winter driving conditions are favourable. In my experience, if you’re driving three hours to get somewhere, it’s worth staying at least two nights, preferably three.
My selection of winter weekend getaways includes everything from cross-country skiing and snowshoeing to stays in backcountry lodges, cozy glamping tents, or mountain lodges with plenty of nearby winter activities. I’ve done everything described here, usually multiple times. Each getaway offers something different, and every one lifts my spirits during our long Alberta winters. These getaways are just some of the ways to enjoy Alberta in winter, whether you’re after a busy weekend outdoors or a relaxing escape.
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Beautiful Lake Louise area views from Morant’s Curve on the Bow Valley Parkway
Winter Weekend Getaways from Calgary at a Glance
DestinationApprox. drive from CalgaryBest forCanmore1–1.25 hoursWinter hikes and Nordic spaBanff1.5 hoursMountain town atmosphere and winter activitiesLake Louise2 hoursSnowshoeing and cross-country skiingKananaskis Mountain Lodge1–1.25 hoursNordic spa, downhill and cross-country skiingMount Engadine Lodge2 hoursCross-country skiing and snowshoeingSundance Lodge1.5 to trailhead, then ski inBackcountry ski getawaySkyRidge GlampingAbout 1 hourA cozy cabin and nature escapePrairie Creek InnAbout 2 hoursQuiet countryside retreatEdmonton3 hours Restaurants, museums, festivals, skating, cross-country skiingWaterton3 hoursQuiet peaceful escapeEmerald Lake Lodge2.5 hoursRomantic lodge escape and snowy sceneryInvermere and Radium Hot Springs3 hoursHot springs, skating, and Columbia Valley sceneryPanorama Mountain Resort3.5 hoursSkiing and a resort weekendFernie3 hoursSkiing and a historic mountain townGolden2.75 hours Downhill and cross-country skiing, winter hiking, historic mountain town
Location Map of Winter Getaways Near Calgary
Winter Travel Tips for Weekend Getaways from Calgary
Winter Driving in Alberta and BC
Before setting out, read my guide to 15 tips for surviving a winter drive. Always check road and weather conditions before leaving, pack an emergency road kit, and watch for deer and coyotes near highways, particularly in winter.
Winter Hiking and Snowshoeing Safety
Many of these getaways involve winter hiking, so it’s worth knowing how to stay warm and safe when winter hiking, especially when temperatures drop. Also, check trail and avalanche conditions, and always pack the 10 essentials. Let someone know where you are going – and when you’re due back.
What to Pack for a Winter Weekend Getaway
In case trails are icy, I’d suggest you bring microspikes and hiking poles. Dress in layers, pack handwarmers and toe warmers and have a look at what to wear on a -20C day.
If the roads are really bad, consider postponing your winter weekend getaway
Winter Getaways in Alberta
Canmore: Winter Hikes and Nordic Spa Relaxation
Drive from Calgary: About one hour from downtown
Where to stay: A Bear and Bison Country Inn ( a quiet, romantic inn with a great breakfast), The Malcolm Hotel (an upscale hotel within walking distance of downtown), Everwild Canmore Hotel (ideal for a spa getaway)
Best things to do in winter: Grotto Canyon Ice Walk, Nordic spa, cross-country skiing at the Canmore Nordic Centre
Best for: Couples, families, skiers, hikers or spa lovers
How long to stay: One or two nights
An hour’s drive west of Calgary brings you to Canmore, just minutes from the entrance to Banff National Park. Canmore in winter offers a huge range of activities, either right on its doorstep or a short drive away.
Canmore attracts a diverse group – from couples looking for a romantic weekend, to families keen to try the Grotto Canyon Ice Walk or the Heart Creek Trail. Cross-country skiers can explore the trails at the Canmore Nordic Centre trails while downhill skiers can stay in Canmore and ski at one of several nearby resorts. With the Everwild Nordic spa in town, there’s even more reason to visit.
The big icefall at the end of the Grotto Canyon Ice Walk
The wonderful Everwild Nordic Spa
Banff: A Classic Canadian Rockies Winter Escape
Drive from Calgary: 1.5 hours
Where to stay: Buffalo Mountain Lodge with a wonderful oversized outdoor hot tub, Moose Hotel & Suites for walkability, and Sunshine Mountain Lodge if you want to stay at the ski hill
Best things to do in winter: Downhill and cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, the Johnston Canyon Ice Walk, and hot springs
Best for: Couples, families, skiers, and outdoor lovers
How long to stay: Two to three nights
For a weekend getaway from Calgary, Banff in winter is hard to beat. Just 90 minutes from the city, Banff offers an impressive range of winter activities, from downhill and cross-country skiing to snowshoeing, ice skating, and doing the ice walk up Johnston Canyon. And you can finish the day with a relaxing soak in the Banff Upper Hot Springs.
Couples looking for a romantic getaway, families, and outdoor lovers will all find plenty to enjoy. There’s a terrific choice in the range of accommodation, from cozy mountain lodges to hotels right in the heart of downtown. Add an excellent dining scene to the mix, and it’s easy to see why Banff is a popular winter escape.
Walking across the Bow River with a view of Cascade Mountain and downtown Banff in winter
The Johnston Canyon Ice Walk is very popular, so visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid some of the crowds
Lake Louise: A Snowy Mountain Weekend
Drive from Calgary: Allow at least 2 hours
Where to stay: At Lake Louise itself, the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is the only hotel right on the lake. In the village, I’d suggest the upscale Post Hotel & Spa or the more reasonably-priced Mountaineer Lodge.
Best things to do in winter: Skating, downhill and cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, Nordic spa
Best for: Couples, downhill and cross-country skiers, spa lovers
How long to stay: Two nights
I need a yearly winter fix in Lake Louise. It really is one of the most beautiful places to be in Canada in winter, especially on a sunny bluebird day. I make a point of spending a couple of nights at one of the hotels every winter (often in December when it’s less expensive), so I can enjoy whatever activity I’m doing without thinking about a drive home in the dark.
Lake Louise gets a lot of snow so the cross-country skiing is superb. Try the Fairview and Tramline trails combination. Downhill skiing at the Lake Louise Ski Resort is excellent as is the skating – just some of the many magical things to do in Lake Louise in winter.
Amazing cross-country skiing on the Fairview Trail
A view of the skating rinks on Lake Louise from Fairview Lookout
Sundance Lodge: A Cross-Country Ski or Snowshoe Getaway
Drive from Calgary: ~ 1.5 hours to the Cave and Basin or Healy-Brewster Trail parking lots
Where to stay: Book online with Banff Trail Riders
Best things to do in winter: Cross-country ski, snowshoe, fat bike or even hike to the lodge
Best for: Cross-country skiers, snowshoers and fat bikers
How long to stay: One night
If you’re looking for a different kind of winter escape – one that combines outdoor exercise with the camaraderie of a backcountry lodge – then I highly recommend booking a night at Sundance Lodge. I usually cross-country ski in, though last year we hiked in 11.6 km from Healy Creek because there wasn’t much snow. The cross-country ski route from the Cave and Basin trailhead is 16 km.
The lodge offers more creature comforts than many other backcountry lodges in the Rockies. You’ll find private bedrooms with cowboy-themed blankets, indoor flush toilets, and even hot showers. Your stay includes snacks and hot drinks on arrival, dinner, breakfast and a packed lunch. But what I love most is meeting fellow guests and enjoying the shared camaraderie the lodge is known for.
Sundance Lodge lit up at night in winter
Mount Engadine Lodge: Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing
Drive from Calgary: 2 hours
Where to stay: Mount Engadine Lodge with a choice of lodge rooms, alpine cabins, and glamping tents
Best things to do in winter: Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, fat biking, and relaxing in the sauna
Best for: Couples, cross-country skiers, and snowshoers
How long to stay: One to three nights, depending on how much exploring you want to do
I love a winter getaway to Mount Engadine Lodge, even if it’s just for a night. But if you enjoy snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, it’s worth staying longer, especially with the Mount Shark cross-country ski trails nearby.
On the drive there, we usually snowshoe to Chester Lake or Rummel Lake, arriving at the lodge in time for their afternoon charcuterie plate. Then it’s time to relax and enjoy a delicious family-style dinner, with great food and conversation. We usually end the day with a short evening walk to admire the night sky.
Repeat that routine for a few days, and you have the makings of a great winter weekend from Calgary.
The glamping tents at Mount Engadine Lodge are cozy even in winter
Work up an appetite outdoors, then enjoy an afternoon charcuterie plate
Kananaskis Mountain Lodge and the Nordic Spa
Drive from Calgary: Approximately 75 minutes
Where to stay: Kananaskis Mountain Lodge
Best things to do in winter: Downhill and cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, fat biking, Nordic spa
Best for: Families, couples, skiers, spa lovers
How long to stay: One or two nights
It’s a real treat to visit the Kananaskis Mountain Lodge – even for a night. John and I love to cross-country ski on some of the nearby trails – especially up to Skogan Pass before checking in. After getting our room we spend several hours lounging in the Kananaskis Nordic Spa – reserved well in advance. Then after dinner we’ll go for a short walk and look for stars – or simply relax.
With two nights, we’d add another day of cross-country skiing or snowshoeing in Kananaskis. If we’re short on time we’ll do the easy, fun hike to Troll Falls or, even better, the aptly-named Green Monster.
Families have even more options, including skiing at Nakiska Ski Area, skating at the rink, and having fun on the tubing hill. The bottom line – there’s plenty to do for all ages, whether you’re visiting for one night or spending a long weekend away from Calgary.
Me thoroughly enjoying the hot pool at the Kananaskis Nordic Spa
Many hotel rooms at the Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge overlook the Kananaskis Nordic Spa
Skyridge Glamping: A Winter Cabin Getaway
Drive from Calgary: 75 minutes from downtown Calgary
Where to stay: Skyridge Glamping
Best things to do in winter: Relaxation, enjoy the sauna, snowshoe and downhill ski
Best for: Couples looking for a romantic getaway, anyone looking to unplug, cross-country skiers, snowshoers
How long to stay: One or two nights
Skyridge Glamping offers a top-tier experience for travellers looking for a romantic escape or a quiet place to land after a day of winter adventures. Snuggle in and don’t even leave your cabin (you can cook onsite), or take advantage of the fabulous outdoor activities nearby. It’s only a 7-minute drive to Nakiska Ski Area and 10 minutes to the Kananaskis Nordic Spa, so you can enjoy the best of both worlds – incredible mountain views in a romantic setting, with plenty of winter activities almost on your doorstep.
You’re also only a 30-minute drive to some of the finest cross-country skiing in Alberta in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park. Nearby winter hikes and snowshoe outings include Gypsum Ridge and the Frozen Toad snowshoe loop.
John and our dog enjoying the view from Cabin 11 at Skyridge Glamping
The SkyGlass cabins have one-way mirrored windows for privacy.
Prairie Creek Inn: A Quiet Countryside Retreat
Drive from Calgary: 2 hours from downtown Calgary
Where to stay: Prairie Creek In
Best things to do in winter: Relax at the inn, cross-country ski at Crimson Lake Provincial Park, snowshoe on the property, or take a day trip to the Nordegg area
Best for: Couples looking for a relaxing or romantic getaway
How long to stay: One or two nights
If you’re looking for a quiet, off-the-beaten-track winter getaway, I highly recommend spending a couple of nights at Prairie Creek Inn. With comfortable, beautifully appointed rooms, it would be easy to simply relax and enjoy the inn. But if you want to do some exploring, you could go cross-country skiing at Crimson Lake Provincial Park or check out some of the attractions in Rocky Mountain House.
If you enjoy driving and exploring, then Nordegg is a worthwhile winter trip, with lots to do in the surrounding area. However, it’s about a 1-hour-and-20-minute drive each way. If you go, I’d highly recommend visiting the Abraham Lake Bubbles, ideally with a guided tour so you can enjoy the experience safely.
Loved our well-appointed room at Prairie Creek Inn
Enjoying cross-country skiing at nearby Crimson Lake Provincial Park
Edmonton: A Winter City Break
Drive from Calgary: About 3 hours from downtown Calgary
Where to stay: Chateau Lacombe Hotel for river valley views and the well-appointed Fairmont Hotel MacDonald, one of Edmonton’s landmark hotels.
Best things to do in winter: Skating, exploring Elk Island National Park, cross-country skiing, winter festivals like the annual Deep Freeze Festival, and enjoying Edmonton’s excellent restaurant scene.
Best for: Couples, families, food lovers, and culture seekers looking for a city getaway
How long to stay: One or two nights
Edmonton might not be the first place that comes to mind for a winter weekend getaway from Calgary but it has plenty to offer couples and families alike. There are excellent restaurants, a vibrant arts scene, numerous winter festivals, great shopping, and the Edmonton River Valley, one of North America’s largest urban river valley systems.
For an outdoorsy kind of weekend, go skating, explore the Edmonton River Valley on foot, cross-country ski at Strathcona Wilderness Centre, or snowshoe in nearby Elk Island National Park. If culture is your thing, visit the Art Gallery of Alberta or time your visit to coincide with one of Edmonton’s winter festivals.
Edmonton also has some wonderful hotels overlooking the river valley. Book a room with a view, and you may be tempted to spend extra time enjoying it.
Skating on the Iceway at Victoria Park in Edmonton
Edmonton’s annual Deep Freeze Festival celebrates a different theme each year
Waterton: A Quiet, Peaceful Escape
Drive from Calgary: 2 hours, 50 minutes from downtown Calgary
Where to stay: Kilmorey Lodge or Waterton Glacier Suites
Best things to do in winter: Hike Bear’s Hump, cross-country ski, snowshoe, and enjoy the scenery
Best for: Couples looking for a quiet getaway.
How long to stay: One or two nights
If you head to Waterton Lakes National Park in winter, chances are good that the bighorn sheep will outnumber the visitors. It’s a wonderfully peaceful place at this time of year, with most hotels and restaurants closed for the season.
Still, I think it’s worth a visit if you’re looking for a relaxing kind of winter getaway. You can hike up Bear’s Hump for the premier views in the area, or head out snowshoeing to Crandell Lake or Cameron Lake. The rest of the time, curl up with a good book, take a nap, and enjoy a good meal at Kilmorey Lodge.
The view from Bear’s Hump in winter
Winter Getaways in British Columbia
Golden: Skiing and Mountain Adventures
Drive from Calgary: 2 hours, 50 minutes
Where to stay: Blaeberry Base, a luxury glamping retreat, Home Lodge, a luxury B&B; or one of the lodges near Kicking Horse Mountain Resort like Copper Horse Lodge
Best things to do in winter: Downhill and cross-country skiing, winter hiking, and exploring the mountain town
Best for: Couples, Downhill and cross-country skiers, and outdoor lovers
How long to stay: Two to three nights
A winter weekend in Golden, BC is a wonderful way to spend a few days, whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway at Blaeberry Base or Home Lodge, or a ski-focused stay at one of the lodges near Kicking Horse Mountain Resort. My guess is that most Calgarians head to Golden for the downhill skiing and snowboarding, but there’s plenty to enjoy other than the ski hill.
Kicking Horse Mountain Resort is a beautiful spot, but much of the skiing is more challenging than I enjoy. If you’re like me and prefer something less steep, I’d suggest cross-country skiing at nearby Dawn Mountain Nordic Centre or heading out on one of the winter hikes in the area. Afterwards, relax at a local cafe and spend some time exploring the downtown core on foot.
Golden also has a surprisingly good restaurant scene, with many of the top options located in the downtown area. Make reservations so you can enjoy a good meal after a day outdoors.
Downhill skiing at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort
Cross-country skiing at Dawn Mountain Nordic Centre
Emerald Lake Lodge: A Romantic Winter Escape
Drive from Calgary: 2.5 hours from downtown Calgary
Where to stay: Emerald Lake Lodge
Best things to do in winter: Romantic getaway, snowshoeing and relax
Best for: Romantic couples, snowshoers or anyone looking for a peaceful getaway
How long to stay: Two nights
A winter getaway to Emerald Lake Lodge checks off a lot of boxes. It’s got cozy rooms with private wood-burning fireplaces, a sauna and large hot tub, an elegant dining room, and quiet sitting rooms.
Cuddle up with your favourite person, eat some delicious meals, and take time to unwind. If you want to get outside, you can snowshoe or cross-country ski around the lake (providing there is no avalanche danger), hike to Hamilton Falls – or venture off the property for the winter hike or snowshoe to Wapta Falls.
Emerald Lake Lodge in winter
Looking out over a wintry Emerald Lake
Invermere and Radium Hot Springs: A Winter Escape in the Columbia Valley
Drive from Calgary: About 3 hours, 10 minutes to Invermere, 3 hours to Radium Hot Springs from downtown Calgary
Where to stay: Copper Point Resort in Invermere or Winderdome Resort
Best things to do in winter: Downhill and cross-country skiers, and skaters
Best for: Couples, families, skiers, and skaters
How long to stay: Two to three nights
Invermere and Radium Hot Springs are popular weekend getaways from Calgary even though the drive through Kootenay National Park in winter can sometimes be hard. But once in the area there is lots to do for couples and families. For more ideas, see my guide to 9 Fun Things to Do in Invermere, BC in Winter.
If you’re a couple looking for a romantic, quiet weekend, I highly recommend a stay in Winderdome’s beautifully appointed glamping tents. They are very private and chances are you won’t want to leave.
Families and outdoor lovers will enjoy the downhill skiing and snowboarding at Panorama Mountain Resort and skating or cross-country skiing on the Lake Windermere Whiteway. To warm up and relax at the end of the day, choose from either the Radium Hot Springs or the Fairmont Hot Springs. If you stay at Copper Point Resort, you can enjoy its indoor and outdoor hot tubs and a heated pool.
Winderdome Resort near Invermere
Skating on the Lake Windermere Whiteway in the Columbia Valley
Panorama Mountain Resort: A Ski Weekend
Drive from Calgary: 3.5 hours
Where to stay: Peaks Lodge or the Approach Hotel
Best things to do in winter: Downhill and cross-country skiing, soaking in the hot pools
Best for: Families, skiers and snowboarders
How long to stay: Two nights or a long weekend
If you love downhill skiing, snowboarding or cross-country skiing, you’ll enjoy a winter getaway at Panorama Mountain Resort. Plan to stay at least two nights to meet minimum-stay requirements, although three nights would be better, especially considering the drive from Calgary.
If you stay in one of the condos at Peaks Lodge, you’ll have easy access to the hot pools, one of the highlights of a visit to Panorama. With 135 ski runs and plenty of terrain for beginners and intermediate skiers, it’s a great choice for a family ski getaway. On the drive back to Calgary, you could also stop for a soak at Radium Hot Springs.
There is lots of mountain-side dining and more Panorama Resort activities, including fat biking if you’re someone who loves to keep active off the slopes.
The view looking out from inside Hale Hut
What a treat to enjoy a daily soak in the Panorama Springs Pools
Fernie: A Winter Weekend in a Mountain Town
Drive from Calgary: 3 hours from downtown Calgary
Where to stay: Lizard Creek Lodge at the ski hill, Snow Valley Lodging in town with some units offering full kitchens or Best Western Plus Fernie Mountain Lodge for a familiar hotel experience
Best things to do in winter: Downhill and cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, winter hiking, and exploring the historic downtown
Best for: Couples, skiers, outdoor lovers, with the Everwild Fernie Nordic Spa & Hotel expected to add another draw in winter 2027
How long to stay: Two to three nights
Downhill skiers and snowboarders can agree on one thing. Catching a powder day at Fernie Alpine Resort is epic. It’s one of the reasons Calgarians are drawn back to this cute mountain town year after year.
There’s plenty to do in Fernie in winter, even if you don’t visit the ski hill. Excellent cross-country ski and snowshoe trails are within 10 minutes of downtown, and there are some good winter hikes nearby as well.
Take a few hours to explore Fernie’s main street – which is lined with many independent businesses, including cafes, boutiques selling artisanal goods and outdoor stores. You’ll also find plenty of excellent restaurants to choose from, making it easy to spend several days enjoying the town as well as the surrounding mountains.
A section of Fernie’s Main Street at 8 AM near the winter solstice
Enjoying winter while snowshoeing in Fernie
Some of the best winter weekend getaways from Calgary include Banff, Canmore, Lake Louise, and Kananaskis for skiing, snowshoeing, and mountain scenery. For a cozy lodge escape, consider Mount Engadine Lodge or Emerald Lake Lodge, while Golden and Fernie are great choices for skiing and exploring mountain towns. If you prefer a city break, Edmonton offers restaurants, shopping, skating, and winter festivals.
There are lots of options with Nakiska Ski Area and Mount Norquay being the closest. Other good options are Banff Sunshine Village Ski & Snowboard Resort and Lake Louise Ski Resort. If you don’t mind a longer drive, try Castle Mountain Resort, Fernie Alpine Resort, or Panorama Mountain Resort.
Some of the best romantic winter getaways from Calgary include Emerald Lake Lodge, Mount Engadine Lodge, Skyridge Glamping, and Buffalo Mountain Lodge in Banff. These properties offer cozy accommodation, beautiful mountain settings, and opportunities to enjoy winter activities together. For an especially good escape, look for a lodge with a fireplace, outdoor hot tub, or Nordic spa nearby.
One to two hours is ideal for a winter weekend getaway from Calgary, but there are exceptions. I think the drive to Invermere, Panorama Mountain Resort, and Edmonton are all worthwhile destinations, especially if you have three nights.
More Great Things to Do in Winter in Western Canada
Winter in Jasper – 20+ Fantastic Things to Do – A comprehensive guide to winter adventures in Jasper National Park, from ice walks and snowshoe trails to skiing, wildlife viewing, and scenic drives.
Is Kelowna Worth Visiting in Winter? 10 Things to Do + Local Tips – A practical winter guide to Kelowna covering cold-season activities, cozy experiences, and insider tips on what makes Kelowna worth visiting beyond summer.
The Best Things to Do in Penticton, BC in Winter – A winter-focused guide to Penticton, covering outdoor activities, seasonal highlights, and why it’s worth visiting outside of summer.
Winter Guide to Prince Albert National Park – A quiet winter escape in Saskatchewan featuring cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, wildlife viewing, and frozen lakes.
What to Do in Kootenay National Park in Winter – A quiet underrated national park in winter that offers peaceful hikes, backcountry skiing, frozen waterfalls and dramatic mountain landscapes.
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