If off-season travel is your style and a cold-weather adventure is calling your name, Central Alberta might be just what you’re looking for. While most travellers think of Lake Louise, Banff or Jasper when considering a winter escape to Alberta, the province has much more to offer!
Although its Rocky Mountain terrain is renowned for its dramatic beauty, Central Alberta provides a quieter vacation experience, with an array of landscapes, attractions and events to explore and enjoy.
Here are our top picks for discovering Central Alberta, along with tips to help plan your next Northern adventure!
Red Deer:
From tubing and skiing at Canyon Ski Resort, Alberta’s largest non-mountain family ski area, to exploring the fun zone at Trailhead Climbing or skating, ice fishing and snowshoeing, there’s no shortage of activities in Red Deer.
With its central location, Red Deer is an excellent starting point for your Central Alberta adventures. You can fly into the Red Deer Regional Airport or, if travelling from B.C., Saskatchewan, or nearby U.S. states, consider an exciting road trip. Just be mindful of changing road conditions and ensure your vehicle is equipped for winter driving.
Sylvan Lake:
Located just 23 minutes from Red Deer, the charming community of Sylvan Lake offers a perfect blend of small-town charm and modern amenities. With fewer than 16,000 year-round residents, Sylvan Lake hosts a variety of popular winter and spring events.
Events like the recent Ice Dragon Boat races bring tourists to Sylvan Lake throughout the year. (File photo)
If you’re in the area from Feb. 14 to 16, don’t miss the Ice Dragon Boat Festival. Practice sessions take place Friday and Saturday, with the main event kicking off at 12 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 16.
The community also bids farewell to winter on March 22 with its lively annual “Meltdown” celebration, featuring family-friendly activities to welcome the changing seasons.
For delicious local flavours, take time to visit Sylvan Star Cheese Makers and their farm store, open year-round. Sylvan Lake also boasts picturesque parks, attractions like Woodshed Axe Throwing, cosy coffee shops and local eateries. Dress for the weather and enjoy the serenity of off-season travel.
By early spring, once the snow and ice melt, you can explore three unique golf courses, water-based activities, lakeside go-karts and mini golf.
Lacombe:
A short drive north of Red Deer the city of Lacombe offers a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities made for winter. Try your hand at ice fishing on nearby Gull Lake, test your ski skills without the crowds at Medicine Lodge Ski Lodge, or take a spin around the frozen ice at the outdoor rink in Joffre, a thrilling experience for those unaccustomed to a winter freeze!
Enjoy a self-guided mural tour of historic downtown Lacombe or download the On This Spot app to experience the Lacombe Museum’s Intrigue on the Prairies!
Taste local at Cilantro and Chive, tuck into hearty home cooking at the Prairie Fire Café and Bar, sip “Central Alberta’s craft beer” at award-winning Blindman Brewing, or warm up at Ugly’s Pub & Grill after your outdoor adventures.
The hoodoos near Drumheller, Alta., take on a new look when dressed in snow.
Drumheller:
Travel just one hour and 45 minutes southeast of Red Deer to Drumheller, Canada’s dinosaur capital. This destination is a must for dino-enthusiasts.
The Royal Tyrrell Museum, open year-round, is a highlight of any visit. Don’t miss the world’s largest dinosaur and a tour of the town’s dino-themed attractions. If you’re visiting in spring, check the opening dates for the Atlas Coal Mine National Historic Site for another educational and immersive experience.
Other nearby communities and areas to explore: City of Lacombe, Rocky Mountain House, David Thompson Country.
Travel tips:
When planning a late-winter or early-spring trip through Central Alberta, keep in mind that road conditions can change quickly. Preparing for the unexpected is key to a smooth journey, no matter what Mother Nature has in store. Winter tires, chains and an emergency kit are essential, especially from October to April.
Resources like 511.alberta.ca can help you stay updated on road conditions and travel alerts throughout Alberta.
Plan your adventures throughout the West Coast at westcoasttraveller.com and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @thewestcoasttraveller. And for the top West Coast Travel stories of the week delivered right to your inbox, sign up for our weekly Armchair Traveller newsletter!
Flair Airlines increases flights between Abbotsford and Alberta