Laura's Canadian Rockies Winter Wonderland

Jasper and Lake Louise: Experiencing an extraordinary ice walk   

I stayed at the beautifully renovated Fairmont MacDonald in Edmonton. The staff were lovely and welcoming, and the hotel is in a great location downtown. Traversing to Jasper, I visited the picturesque Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge where I had a fabulous meal before stargazing at the onsite Planetarium. The staff were extremely helpful and informative about Jasper Dark Sky Preserve. I experienced the Maligne Valley & Pleckaitis Canyon Icewalk tour and it was incredible. The tour guide was excellent, and the Icewalk was the highlight. I was also able to see some bald eagles nesting next to the frozen Medicine Lake. Jasper is one of my favourite areas in Canada, the locals and the scenery here are not to be missed. 

I then had the scenic drive from Jasper via the Icefields Parkway to Lake Louise where I stopped at the world-famous Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Having visited this hotel in the summer when you see the eye-catching turquoise and aqua colours of the lake, to now being frozen and surrounded by snow, I have to say this winter wonderland experience was equally if not more impressive. The Fairmont has a small Ice Bar situated outside where you can enjoy a cocktail or hot drink whilst taking in the ice sculptures and frozen lake before venturing to the lake for a walk and some cracking photos. Moving inside to the bar, we then had a lovely hot chocolate to heat us up whilst overlooking the magnificent views of the lake we had just been out on. Treat yourself to a memorable stay at this iconic hotel! 

Banff and Canmore: Walks with a winter wow factor 

Travelling on to Banff, I experienced the Johnston Canyon Icewalk. It was completely different to the walk in Jasper but just as amazing. Both offer completely different views, so it is well worth doing both. Once again, the tour guide was knowledgeable. During the walk they provided hot chocolate and maple cookies to heat me up and give me a sugar kick before the last part of the walk. Banff is just as stunning in the winter as it is in summer.  

My second-last stop was in Canmore – my first time visiting and it won't be the last. It is a firm favourite of mine. It's similar to Jasper where you feel like you are within touching distance of the nearby mountains, and it is a quirky little town. I highly recommend staying at the Malcolm Hotel and having a meal and/or drink at the Grizzly Paw Brewery. I had a brilliant walking tour of the town and walked along the riverbank to Engine Bridge before taking in some of the awesome murals painted on buildings in the town. 

Calgary: Exciting attractions for all the family 

My final stop was Calgary, which is a great city, but I feel it can be overlooked outwith the famous Stampede. I was surprised by just how much there was to see and do. As well as taking a trip up the Calgary tower, I visited the city’s newest attraction – the Sam Centre, which is based around the Calgary Stampede. It’s interactive, fun for all the family, and not to be missed. I then stopped in Heritage Park Historical Village, which is a living history museum with a steam train, paddle-wheeler, dinosaur digs and so much more.