11 Alberta small towns and cities that become magical in the winter
Winter in Alberta is such a treat with the gorgeous views and snowy open fields, and a stop in some of these small towns and cities is simply magical during winter.
We put together a list of the coziest and most dazzling spots to visit this winter before spring arrives.
There are dozens of adorable Alberta towns and cities that are great for day trips. Or, you could pick a few locations on the list and string together your own unique winter road trip.
Canmore
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Nothing beats time in the Rockies, and Canmore brings the perfect winter views, hikes, and spots to grab something warm to eat and drink. The vibrancy of the snowy mountains and the twinkling lights of the town at night, *chef’s kiss.* We want to go already, and it surely helps that the cast of HBO’s The Last of Us also enjoyed their time in Canmore.
Sylvan Lake
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A town in central Alberta leans into the spirit of winter with a massive skating rink and 300,000 Christmas lights to marvel at. The Winter Village in Sylvan Lake lights up nightly during its run, with activities that include skating, ice fishing, tobogganing, and more. It’s a top winter town in Alberta, that’s for sure!
Okotoks
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Just a short drive south of Calgary, Okotoks has plenty of charm during the winter. The town’s cute old main street has plenty of character, with many lovely shops and stores to browse.
Drumheller
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Enjoy good views in the Badlands when you visit Drumheller this winter. The Badlands already provide a stunning backdrop year-round; however, it just hits differently when the hoodoos become snow-covered, and the Christmas lights are up in town. So much to do and see — it’s a dream!
Diamond Valley
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Formally known as Turner Valley and Black Diamond, Diamond Valley has plenty of mountain views, small-town streets, some breweries to grab a drink, and the cute Sheep River, which is a winter wonderland.
Vegreville
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It’s home to the world’s largest Ukrainian Easter egg, and Vegreville is so pretty in the winter. It’s full of rural Alberta charm, with farmers’ fields all around and wide open spaces galore (cue The Chicks’ Wide Open Spaces album during the drive out, it just feels right). There are some cute spots to check out for a bite to eat, and the massive egg pops even more when it’s against a snowy backdrop.
Spruce Grove
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Just west of Edmonton, Central Park in Spruce Grove goes all out for the holidays, with Christmas lights strung across trees, including one display that has lights hanging from a massive tree. It’s a stunning backdrop for a great holiday Instagram photo with thousands of lights all around you.
Lacombe
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Lacombe’s historic main street is a must-see as it is, but it is made just so much quainter during the winter. So many cute stores, coffee shops, and sandwich shops to check out, and the Flatiron Building in the town is a prime winter Instagram spot. It’s like a baby New York City, and it’s certainly one of the cutest small towns in Alberta to spend some time in this winter.
Banff
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Banff is a total delight no matter the time of year, but it is certainly calmer in the winter months with fewer tourists. Those nearby mountains are even more stunning when there is tons of snow on them. Every January, Banff and Lake Louise come alive with the vibrant SnowDays celebration, too — that is a total must-see!
Camrose
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Camrose is perfectly situated far enough out of Edmonton that it feels like a little vacation, with plenty of trails to check out in the area if you want to admire all the stunning winter views. Grab a coffee from one of the many coffee shops in town, put on your headphones with some Mariah Carey tunes, and take a stroll through town. Trust us, it’s a vibe.
Bassano
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Bassano is bursting with older buildings with tons of character and fluffy snowflakes falling onto the streets. Thanks to a flurry of farmers’ fields, there are endless views surrounding the town; make sure to catch the snowy fields shimmering at golden hour.