There’s something about the Canadian Rockies in winter that completely changes the experience. Snow softens the landscape, frozen lakes replace the brilliant blue water of summer, and the mountains somehow seem even more dramatic. Alison Anderson’s winter journey through Alberta captures that quieter side beautifully, which is one of the reasons we wanted to feature it.

Her trip begins near Calgary with a visit to the Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary, where she gets remarkably close to the resident wolfdogs while learning more about them. From there, the journey heads west toward Banff and some of the most spectacular scenery in Alberta.

Winter in Banff and Lake Louise

One of our favorite parts is seeing Lake Louise completely frozen and covered in snow. Alison visits when there are surprisingly few people around—a very different experience from the crowds that can fill this famous destination during peak travel seasons.

Watching her explore Banff brought back some especially wonderful memories for us. Sonja and I spent our honeymoon at the Fairmont Banff Springs, so Banff will always hold a special place in our hearts. We also stayed at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise in winter, surrounded by the snow-covered Canadian Rockies. Both were incredible experiences, and seeing Alison travel through these familiar places reminded us just how beautiful Alberta can be at this time of year.

Alison also visits Lake Minnewanka and hikes through Johnston Canyon, where winter transforms the waterfalls into dramatic formations of ice. After dark, she experiences Banff Gondola Nightrise, where light, sound, storytelling, and the mountaintop setting create an entirely different way to experience Banff.

From Canmore to Calgary

The journey continues to Canmore, where Alison stays at the Malcolm Hotel surrounded by mountain scenery, before returning to Calgary.

Calgary provides a fun contrast to the peaceful landscapes of the Rockies. One of the highlights is the striking Calgary Central Library, along with downtown sights such as the enormous Wonderland sculpture.

What we especially enjoyed about Alison’s video is its relaxed pace. She doesn’t simply move from attraction to attraction—she gives you time to enjoy the scenery and feel part of the journey.

For us, this video was also a wonderful reminder of a place filled with some very special memories. And for anyone who thinks of Alberta mainly as a summer destination, Alison’s journey shows just how magical the Canadian Rockies can be when everything is covered in snow.