25 Photos That Prove Alberta is a Winter Wonderland

02. April 2017

25 photos that prove Canada is a winter wonderland — Save it to your Pinterest boards

Alberta receives a lot of attention in the summer. The central hubs of Canmore, Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper get pretty rammed here during the peak months of July and August. But maybe you should consider visiting in Winter. It's spectacularly beautiful but indescribably cold as well. Temperatures can drop below minus 30C (-22F) and sometimes below -40C (-40F). Numbers, although informative, can't really portray the feeling of being this cold. Holy moley until you're acclimatized it's tough. Snow can reach depths of over 10m and road closures due to avalanches are a common thing. I spent the whole winter in Alberta, apart from a quick holiday to Antigua to thaw out, and can truly say that it's a winter wonderland. Although the temperature may put you off to begin with, there's a lot to see and do here. Including the obvious skiing and snowboarding there's backcountry dog sledding, ice climbing and extreme mountaineering to say the least. My favourite activity, photography, is also a possibility and the winter gives an opportunity to come away with some pretty unique photos. Ice freezes differently each year, snow blows in different directions and weather conditions are consistently changing. My two week road trip to and from Calgary spends it's entirety in Alberta and after looking at these photos, it's easy to see why.

25 Beautiful Photos of the Canadian Rockies in the Winter

Ha Ling Peak reflecting in the half frozen Bow river in Canmore @InAfaraway_Land — Ha Ling Peak reflecting in the half frozen Bow river in Canmore

Hiking Path to Lake Agnes in Lake Louise @InAFaraway_Land — Hiking Path to Lake Agnes in Lake Louise

Early winter morning fog at Lake Minnewanka in Banff National Park by @InAFaraway_Land — Early winter morning fog at Lake Minnewanka in Banff National Park

Morant's Curve in Banff National Park @InAFaraway_Land — Morant's Curve in Banff National Park

Reflections in Lake Minnewanka, Banff National Park @InAFaraway_Land — Reflections in Lake Minnewanka, Banff National Park

Mountain views near Lake Louise in Banff National Park @InAFaraway_Land — Mountain views near Lake Louise in Banff National Park

Snow blowing of Mount Rundle in Banff National Park @InAFaraway_Land — Snow blowing of Mount Rundle in Banff National Park

Stag party below Mount Rundle in Banff National Park @InAFaraway_Land — Stag party below Mount Rundle

The historic Banff Spring Hotel in Banff @InAFaraway_Land — The historic Banff Spring Hotel in Banff looks like in a fairytale in Winter months

Lake Agnes Teahouse near Lake Louise covered under a think blanket of snow by InAFaraway_land — Lake Agnes Teahouse near Lake Louise covered under a think blanket of snow

Frozen waterfall in Johnston Canyon @InAFaraway_Land — Frozen waterfall in Johnston Canyon

Abraham lake at sunrise @InAFaraway_Land — Abraham lake at sunrise

Elk posing for a photo in Banff National Park @InAFaraway_Land — Elk posing for a photo in Banff National Park

Winter hiking to lake Agnes near Lake Louise @InAFaraway_Land — Winter hiking to lake Agnes near Lake Louise

Half frozen Bow River in Lake Louise @InAFaraway_Land — Half frozen Bow River in Lake Louise

Cross country skiing along the Moraine lake road in lake Louise @InAFaraway_Land — Cross country skiing in the early morning golden light along the Moraine lake road in lake Louise

Moose meadows in Kananaskis country @InAFaraway_Land — Moose meadows in Kananaskis country

Winter roads in Kananaskis country @InAFaraway_Land — Winter roads in Kananaskis country

Early morning alpine glow on Mount Rundle above Canmore @InAFaraway_Land — Early morning alpine glow on Mount Rundle above Canmore

Cascade Mountain at sunrise in Banff National park by Jack Bolshaw

Frozen Abraham Lake, Canada @InAFaraway_Land — Abraham Lake

Misty Bow River and Three Sisters in Canmore, Canada @InAFaraway_Land — Misty Bow River and Three Sisters in Canmore

Evening alpine glow by the Upper Kananaskis lake, Canada @InAFaraway_Land — Evening alpine glow, Upper Kananaskis lake

Vermillion lakes at sunrise, Banff National Park, Canada — Vermillion lakes at sunrise photo by Jack Bolshaw

Winter Sunset in Canmore, AB by @inafaraway_land — Winter Sunset in Canmore

What is it like to live in these conditions you may wonder? I've learned that it is more fun than expected. Canada is an endless playground for those who are ready to embrace the cold!

You can go snowboarding or down hill skiing in the many ski resorts scattered around the country. If that's not your thing try cross country skiing, snowshoeing, ice climbing or snowmobiling. Seriously, there are winter sports offered here which I have never even heard of before! Kite skiing anyone?

Some of the best places to plan your winter excursion in Canada are Banff National Park and Jasper National Park in Alberta or Whistler in British Colombia. If you are after once in a lifetime experiences, consider visiting the Canadian Northwest Territories to see the Aurora Borealis. As I said, the choices are plentiful.

Have you been to the Canadian Rockies in the Winter and have some awesome photos from your holidays? Share them in the comments! I would love to see them.

More on Canada

Photography and outdoor Guide to Visiting Mount Assiniboine Provincial park in Canada

Amazing photography spots in the Canadian Rockies

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

I am Marta Kulesza - the photographer and creator of www.inafarawayland.com. I come from Poland, but I've been living, travelling and working around the globe since

I turned 18. A few years ago, during one of my trips to Scotland, I bought my first DSLR and my adventure with photography began. When I am not stuck to my computer editing photos, you can find me hiking somewhere in the mountains.

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