While it may feel like we’re still freezing away in the depths of winter, we want to remind you that spring is just around the corner. Before we know it, the snow will melt, the days will get longer, and the ice scrapers can get put back into trucks for a few months. But, in the meantime, we can’t have you hiding away. The indoors may shield you from the cold, but they also shield you from a lot of beauty and dozens of winter wonders that need to be discovered while Mother Nature still does her darndest to keep us inside. So, let’s explore some of the most unforgettable places for your winter 2025 bucket list. Get ready to see those sights, and be sure to dive in quickly. Time is running out.
Abraham Lake
You are seriously slacking if you haven’t visited Abraham Lake in the winter. If you haven’t seen this place in person, we’re willing to bet that you’ve seen photos of it online. Abraham Lake is the largest reservoir in Alberta, and it can be found near Nordegg, which is along the David Thompson Highway. This place is unique because of the thousands of beautiful ice bubbles that can be seen just beneath the lake’s frozen surface each winter. The bubbles form because of methane gas getting trapped in the ice. But we care a lot less about the science behind it than we do about the beautiful phenomenon we get to see. Whether you’re walking around the parameters of the lake, just stopping in to take a look, or ice skating on the glistening surface, you will be in awe. There’s no time like the present to go check it out and add your photos to the ever-growing collection online.
Banff Gondola
While we could absolutely add the whole of Banff to this list as its own winter wonder, we’ve opted to get a little bit more specific. But, of course, do a little bit of exploring if you find yourself in Banff because there is so much beauty to discover both in the town itself and throughout the national park. The destination we’re zooming in on here is the Banff Gondola. Not only is a gondola ride fun and novel, but the views–both on the way up and once you reach the top–are nothing short of spectacular. The short, 8-minute gondola ride will have you 698 metres (2,292 feet) in the air as you make your way up to the summit of Sulphur Mountain. Once you reach the top, you’ll be treated to panoramic views from the deck, lots of walking trails, and even more cool experiences, such as interpretive exhibits, two restaurants to dine at, and a number of can’t-miss events that pop up each season. Whether you’re just riding the gondola and heading back down or you’re spending an entire evening at the summit, you will absolutely love it.
Lundbreck Falls
In the winter, Lundbreck Falls transforms into a breathtaking frozen wonder, so beautiful that it looks like a natural abstract ice sculpture. Located along the Crowsnest River, just 26 km from Pincher Creek, this 12-metre waterfall is easily accessible off Highway 3, with parking and an observation platform offering spectacular views.
Unlike in summer, when visitors can walk down to get closer to the falls, winter showcases a stunning mix of frozen formations and flowing water. The falls don’t freeze solid but instead form intricate icicles and thick ice sheets, creating a surreal contrast against the rugged limestone cliffs. For the safest and best views, the observation platform is ideal, offering an unforgettable glimpse of Alberta’s winter beauty. Whether you're a photographer, nature lover, or just passing through, Lundbreck Falls in winter is a sight to behold.
Crescent Falls
Tucked away in the Crescent Falls Provincial Recreation Area, this 30-metre two-tiered waterfall is one of Alberta’s most breathtaking winter sights. Located 22 km west of Nordegg off Highway 11, it’s a must-see before the snow melts. In winter, Crescent Falls transforms into a frozen spectacle, with icy cascades shimmering against the rugged cliffs of the Bighorn River Valley. The best way to experience it is with a 5.6 km out-and-back hike, an easy trek with the right winter gear. Poles and spikes make the descent safer for those venturing closer, but the formal viewing platforms offer incredible panoramic views without the need for extra equipment.
For an unforgettable adventure, Nordegg Adventures offers guided tours that combine a visit to Crescent Falls with a stop at the famous Abraham Lake ice bubbles. Whether you hike in or opt for a tour, this frozen waterfall is a must-visit Alberta winter wonder.
The Northern Lights
There’s nothing like standing beneath Alberta’s vast winter sky as the northern lights ripple in waves of green, purple, and pink. This breathtaking phenomenon is at its most vibrant in the long, dark nights of winter, making it a must-see before the season ends. Crisp, clear conditions provide the perfect backdrop for the aurora borealis, turning the sky into a mesmerizing light show that feels almost otherworldly.
Some of the best places to see the northern lights in Alberta include Elk Island National Park, just outside Edmonton, and the remote Wood Buffalo National Park, home to the world’s largest dark sky preserve. Waterton Lakes, Lesser Slave Lake, Cypress Hills, and Cold Lake also offer stunning, light-pollution-free views. For a truly unforgettable experience, visitors can book a dome tent or cabin designed for aurora viewing, letting them watch the magic unfold in warmth and comfort.
To catch the best display, bundle up, head away from city lights, and check the aurora forecast before venturing out. A hot drink, a little patience, and a cold, clear night are all you need for a front-row seat to one of Alberta’s most spectacular winter wonders.
The Green Monster Icefall
If you're looking for an awe-inspiring frozen waterfall that requires a bit more effort to reach, the Green Monster Icefall in Kananaskis Country is the ultimate winter adventure. This isn’t a quick roadside stop. It’s a moderate-to-challenging winter hike that rewards those willing to go the distance with a stunning green-hued frozen cascade hidden deep in the Evan-Thomas Creek area. At roughly 11 to 14 km round trip, the trek takes you through breathtaking canyon landscapes, past frozen waterfalls, and into a winter wonderland unlike any other.
While most of the trail is relatively gentle, a technical section with chains and ropes adds an element of adventure. Proper winter gear like microspikes, poles, and layers is essential, especially for navigating the narrow canyon bypass. But for those up for the challenge, the Green Monster is an unforgettable sight, with towering ice formations that look almost otherworldly. Whether you’re stopping to admire ice climbers scaling its frozen walls or simply soaking in the surreal beauty, this hidden gem is one of Alberta’s most rewarding winter wonders.
Badlands Interpretive Trail
The Badlands Interpretive Trail in Drumheller is a must-visit year-round, but in winter, it transforms into a surreal, otherworldly landscape. The famous hoodoos and rugged rock formations, already striking, take on an entirely new character under a dusting of snow, resembling something straight out of a sci-fi movie. The contrast of white against the deep reds, browns, and ochres of the Badlands creates an eerie, almost Martian-like beauty that’s unlike anything else in Alberta.
While the official 1 km loop is short and family-friendly, visitors can extend their hike by exploring the Drumheller Badlands River Parks System, which offers scenic views along the Red Deer River. The crisp winter air, near-total solitude, and the stillness of the snow-covered terrain make this hike a truly unique experience. With fewer crowds than in summer, this is the perfect time to take in the region’s stunning geological formations at your own pace. Bundle up, bring your microspikes if it’s icy, and get ready to see the Badlands in a whole new light.
Britanny Burr is a freelance writer and a contributor to Great West Media. This story was written for the Great West Media & Southern Alberta Newspapers Cool Winter Guide advertising feature. The Cool Winter Guide is a special feature about winter activities, bucket list adventures, winter attractions, events, and road trip-worthy food & beverage destinations across Alberta. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of the editorial staff.
