Winter in Canada | 10x tips and unique activities in Edmonton and Jasper

A winter in Canada, what does that look like? With these 10 unique tips and activities in Edmonton and Jasper you will experience an unforgettable trip to Canada. You can enjoy the combination of city and nature all year round, but in winter these destinations take on an extra magical touch. The region is perfect for a skiing holiday or other winter sports activities, but there is more. The breathtaking nature of Jasper National Park becomes just a little more special with a layer of snow and the winter festivals in Edmonton provide a warm atmosphere during the cold days. Are you traveling with us?

10x tips and unique winter activities in Edmonton and Jasper

1. Ski in the powder snow of Marmot Basin

Skiing in the powder snow of Marmot Basin is an unforgettable experience for every winter sports enthusiast. The ski area is located in a beautiful landscape in the Rocky Mountains and has the perfect conditions for unforgettable ski adventures. Enjoy the crisp sound of fresh powder snow under your skis or snowboard as you glide through the pristine mountain environment. Whether you're a seasoned winter sports enthusiast or just starting out, Marmot Basin has runs for all levels. The area is known as a relatively extensive and quiet ski area, so no long queues at the ski lift! In addition, a new ski lift will open this winter sports season: the New Knob Quad Chair.

Remark: Marmot Basin ski area is expected to open for the new winter sports season on November 16, 2023!

2. Spend the night in a Métis Crossing Sky Watching Dome

At the Sky Watching Domes at Métis Crossing an unforgettable experience awaits you. About 1,5 hours by car from Edmonton you will find this cultural center dedicated to the Métis: people of mixed European and indigenous descent. In Métis Crossing you will learn more about their history, for example about the important role they played in the fur trade. The Sky Watching Domes are part of this cultural center and the perfect way to discover the beautiful starry sky during an overnight stay. With a bit of luck you may even see the magical Northern Lights!

Also read: Northern lights | Hotspots to Hunt for the Fascinating Aurora Borealis

3. Spot bison in Elk Island National Park 

Spotting bison in winter Elk Island National Park is a special experience. As snow covers the vast fields and forested areas, these majestic animals emerge and create an impressive presence. Elk Island National Park is known for its role in the conservation of the American bison, an iconic species once on the brink of extinction. In the winter months you can see the herd of bison grazing in the snow. Their imposing, dark figure contrasts beautifully with the winter landscape.

4. Attend an Edmonton Oilers hockey game

Attending a match of the Edmonton Oilers is an unmissable experience for any sports fan. As you enter Rogers Place Stadium in the ICE District, you immediately feel the energy and excitement. The sound of the crowd cheering and encouraging, mixed with the sound of skates on the ice and the clatter of pucks against the boards, creates an unforgettable atmosphere. The Edmonton Oilers are one of the most iconic teams in the National Hockey League (NHL), with a rich history and a dedicated fan base. look at it Oilers schedule and experience it yourself!

5. Take the Canadian Rockies Helicopter Tour

Get ready for the most impressive 20 minutes of your life! The Canadian Rockies Helicopter Tour is packed with natural beauty, glaciers and waterfalls. These are amazing sights that you can only experience from a helicopter. You depart from the heliport at the Icefields. You fly at a speed of 160 kilometers per hour over the breathtaking Jasper National Park, including the Cline, Lion and Lioness glaciers. The highlight of the tour is the spectacular 275 meter high waterfall. You will never forget this unique experience.

Tip:: Curious what a comparable helicopter flight looks like in winter? World travelers flew in a helicopter over snow-capped mountain peaks in Switzerland, landing on a glacier.

Also read: Helicopter flight Lauterbrunnen – Bucket list activity ✔️

6. Go on an adventure during the Maligne Canyon Ice Walk 

De Malignant Canyon Ice Walk offers an enchanting winter experience among frozen waterfalls in Jasper National Park. Accompanied by expert guides, you will discover the ice formations created by frozen water and learn about the geology and ecology of the area. The crunch of ice under your feet and the glistening rays of sunlight create a magical atmosphere, making this tour a wonderful opportunity to experience the natural wonders of the Canadian Rockies in winter.

7. Stargazing at Jasper Dark Sky Preserve

Visiting it Jasper Dark Sky Preserve is another special activity in Jasper National Park. The area is specially protected from light pollution, which ensures breathtakingly clear night skies. Here you can enjoy the enchanting sight of countless stars, planets and even the Milky Way, and immerse yourself in the mysterious beauty of the universe. Are you interested in everything that has to do with space? Be sure to visit it Jasper Planetarium or do the Telescope Tour of Jasper Star Trails.

8. Visit the winter festivals in Edmonton

You won't be bored for a moment in bustling Edmonton, even in the winter months. From November to March you can enjoy more than eight winter festivals, each with their own charm and theme. Silver Skate Festival (9 to 19 February 2024) is one of the festivals you don't want to miss. It is a free 10-day event for the whole family, bringing together culture, art, education, sports and recreation. Skate around on the largest skating pond in the city or visit one of the theater performances.

9. Spend the night in a log cabin

De winter cabins in Jasper are cozy and attractive accommodations in the enchanting white wilderness of Jasper National Park, for example the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. These rustic log cabins and cottages are ideal for those looking for a cozy place to stay in the cold months. With wood-burning stoves, thick blankets and often spectacular views of snow-capped mountain landscapes, the winter cabins provide a warm retreat after a day of adventurous winter activities such as skiing, snowshoeing and ice climbing.

10. Combine snowshoeing with a helicopter flight

Jasper Heli Snowshoeing is the perfect mix of a fascinating helicopter tour and a daring snow adventure on foot! Ascend to the snow-capped peaks of Jasper National Park to enjoy the view from a helicopter. Then, once you've found the ideal spot on top of a mountain, put on your snowshoes and start hiking. You can walk freely on the ridge and take selfies with the huge mountains as a backdrop. It is an unforgettable experience where the beauty of the mountains, the adventure of a helicopter flight and a walk in the snow come together.

Additional information

• Edmonton is also very easily accessible this winter, because you fly with KLM in 8,5 hours directly to Edmonton International Airport on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. With a flight duration of 8,5 hours, it is the shortest flight from the Netherlands to Western Canada. Edmonton is the perfect starting point for adventures in the Canadian Rocky Mountains.
• You can book a complete trip including KLM flight, accommodation, rental car or transfer + ski pass for Marmot Basin from €1389 per person in the winter months. View the offer at OAD.nl.