An Alberta village holds some of the best winter fun to be had

Don’t let the winter blues get you down. With the mountains at our backdoor, we Albertans are primely poised to make the most of the snowy season.

Better yet, Kananaskis Village is an hour’s drive from Calgary, which means a day of fun is less than one listen-through of ABBA Gold away (or whatever your road trip music of choice is. I’m not judging.)

Entry-level moving

You don’t have to be an expert athlete or great outdoorsman to enjoy some fresh air movement. Kananaskis is a hiker’s paradise year-round, with trails for all experience levels. Take a leisurely pace on paved paths, or opt for something on the steeper side. You can even book a guided hike if you’re nervous about heading out on your own.

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Kananaskis is also home to some of the most scenic ice skating opportunities, lush snowshoeing trails, and world-class cross-country skiing. Each of these activities is easy to learn if you’re a beginner, and have equipment rentals available onsite.

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Get your adrenaline rush

Kananaskis is home to Nakiska Ski Area, a skiing and snowboarding paradise that promises unforgettable adventures across over 50km of groomed trails. These slopes hosted the alpine events at the 1988 Winter Olympics, so you know they’re the real deal.

And if skiing isn’t your preferred method of transportation, you can book dog-sledding tours through Boundary Ranch, or try your hand at fat biking, which can be rented from Kananaskis Outfitters.

Kick back and relax

If relaxation is more your vibe, don’t worry, there are opportunities for that as well. The Kananaskis Nordic Spa is the only one of its kind in Alberta and offers a glorious respite from the stress of modern life. Experience the benefits of hydrotherapy with a beautiful view of the Rocky Mountains.

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And while you’re in Kananaskis, why not take advantage of the lack of city lights? The dark winter sky is the ideal backdrop for spotting constellations, galaxies, and even planets. You can even book a starlit snowshoe tour before enjoying one of the longest-curated light shows ever.

Now that you’ve seen how much fun winter can be, get out there and experience it! Adventure awaits.

Kananaskis Village

Where: Directions here