Alberta's one of Canada's three prairie provinces, a province so large it would take a good 15 hours to drive straight through the furthest north parts down to Montana, a straight through trip of 15 hours to reach Montana. It's in the bright and snowy southern region of Alberta, however, and the culture that exists there, that left our senior features writer, Hannah Foster-Roe, awestruck on her latest trip. Most Albertans can ski as readily as they can walk, considering the presence of the famous Banff Sunshine and the equally well-known Mount Norquay in their back yards. If skiing isn't your thing, though, never fear! There are countless other ways to entertain yourself, as non-skier Hannah learned.
Visit a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Of all Canadian provinces, Alberta boasts the most UNESCO sites, six to be exact. And to find most of these UNESCO gems, look south, where you'll discover the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks - which include Jasper and Banff National Parks (along with parks located in neighboring B.C.). Get lost in the surreal landscapes of Dinosaur Provincial Park - home to some of the richest dinosaur fossil sites in the world. The Writing-on-Stone/snaipi (shown here) provides sanctuary for the largest collection of Native rock art in all of North America. The Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump will offer an intriguing glimpse into how the Blackfoot nation hunted buffalo to sustain themselves and their spirituality.
Enter the spirit of the Calgary Stampede
Every July, the thunder of hooves fills the city of Calgary as the largest outdoor rodeo on the planet kicks off with a bang. For a little over a week each summer, locals and tourists put on white cowboy hats and boots as they shovel plates of pancakes cooked out on the street in one of the many pancake breakfasts. The event is now more than 100 years old, but to truly embrace the vibe of Calgary's Stampede, pick up a hat at Smithbilt Hats; they crafted the city's first, signature white hat back in the 1940s.
Try a different spin on poutine
You've probably already heard about it: Canada's national food. We're talking about poutine, usually French fries smothering in rich gravy with soft, squeaky cheese curds sprinkled in. But now restaurants across Calgary are throwing out the rulebook and reimagining this cultural favorite. University District favorite OEB for brunch serves breakfast poutines brimming with everything from confit duck to short rib beef to lobster scramble and even tuna crudo, and downtown's CHARCUT (co-founded by Top Chef Canada contestant Connie DeSousa) elevates its poutine with truffle oil.
Learn the art of candle making
From the smallest of shops to becoming a name we know and love, Milk Jar is now giving you the chance to make your own candle or diffuser from Calgary's most vibrant (and fragrant) warehouse. You will be taken through the simple yet amazing process of creating two bespoke scents by blending fragrance oils that tell stories and awaken memories. The candles themselves are made of coconut soy wax, free from harsh chemicals and come with a crackling wooden wick that sounds like a tiny campfire when you light it. Milk Jar's founder, Hollie Singer, also creates inclusive employment opportunities for those with disabilities and donates $1 from every sale towards their cause - win!
Scale the Calgary Tower
The 1968 structure, which they built to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the confederation of Canada, has arguably dwarfed its more modern Downtown brethren, but none offers better city views than Calgary Tower. A 360-degree revolving restaurant and a glass observation deck that gives you vertigo? It's definitely for the vertically inclined 626ft (191m) behemoth, but the views that span the cityscape, out towards the prairie and up towards the Rocky Mountains are definitely worth the vertigo, especially as the sun begins to set.
Taste the province with Alberta Food Tours
Cookbook author and former nurse, Karen Anderson, launched Alberta Food Tours "to build healthier food and healthier people across Alberta." Along the way, she and her team provide a number of delectable and informative tours across the province. We enjoyed the guided Sunday brunch tour at Calgary Farmers' Market West that kicks off our day with a breakfast sandwich, fruit, juice and coffee to tantalize the palates of avid gourmands. Afterwards, you can tour Alberta's seven signature products and learn about some of the talented people behind these ingredients. Make sure you come hungry - you'll make stops for various samples along the tour, from freshly baked cookies and mead-laced cocktails to bison jerky.
Stay in Calgary’s University District
Located west of the University of Calgary's campus, this vibey new development caters to more than just students. The area brims with chic restaurants and boutiques, and at 40 acres, it's the perfect launch pad for experiencing the "coolest" side of Calgary. Alt Hotel Calgary University District (pictured above) sits at the centre of it all. Each room is beautifully appointed and minimalist, and a select few have spectacular views of the Rocky Mountains. And did we mention that the much-loved CHARCUT roast house recently opened on the ground floor? Dining out couldn't be easier.
FAQ's
Here are the top 5 short FAQs focusing on exploring Southern Alberta without hitting the ski slopes:
1. What are the best non-skiing winter adventures in Southern Alberta?
Top off-slope winter activities include scenic snowcat tours and headlamp-lit snowshoeing at Castle Provincial Park, fat biking through Crowsnest Pass, ice fishing on regional lakes, and exploring the serene, frozen landscape around Waterton Lakes National Park.
2. Which bucket-list outdoor attractions can I visit year-round?
You can explore iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump and Dinosaur Provincial Park, marvel at the massive rock field at the Frank Slide Interpretive Centre, or stargaze at the Cypress Hills Dark Sky Preserve.
3. Are there beginner-friendly winter hiking and snowshoeing trails?
Yes. Waterton Lakes National Park offers safe, low-avalanche-risk paths like the Townsite Loop and the trail to frozen Cameron Falls. Castle Provincial Park and Kananaskis also feature designated, marked snowshoe routes perfect for all skill levels.
4. Do I need specialized winter gear or transport for these experiences?
While standard winter layers are essential, many non-ski activities don't require heavy gear. Fat bikes, snowshoes, and guided tours (such as snowcat rides or stargazing sessions) can be easily rented or booked through local outfitters in Crowsnest Pass, Waterton, and Castle Mountain.
5. What unique cultural or indoor experiences exist off the slope?
Southern Alberta boasts rich Indigenous heritage at cultural centers, relaxation at local thermal spots and winter spas, craft brewery tours in Lethbridge, and historic sites like the Remington Carriage Museum in Cardston.
