The Canadian Rockies are known for their spectacular and striking scenery. Considered to be some of the most beautiful mountain ranges on Earth, this majestic chain of summits draws millions of visitors every year.
But to truly get the most out of the experience, it’s important to take a few things into account before taking your trip. And one of the primary things to consider is being prepared for the ice-cold Canadian winters.
With that in mind, here are 7 things you should know before exploring the Canadian Rockies in winter.
1. Dress appropriately
Okay, so this kind of goes without saying; I mean, it is Canada after all. But it’s still worth noting because not only do Canadian winters bite under normal circumstances, but once you’re elevated a few thousand feet on a mountain ridge, you can imagine how that bitter cold will be amplified.
It’s not uncommon for these cordillera regions to experience cold snaps of minus 30 degrees Celcius — with a windchill factor of minus 40 or minus 50! (The Arctic air from the North can be brutal). So be sure that you’re dressing appropriately for the weather.
Do your due diligence; check the weather reports, ensure that you have the toques, jackets, gloves, scarfs, boots, etc, all lined up and ready to go.
As long as the proper precautions are taken, your trip to the Canadian Rockies in the winter will be an incredible experience that you’ll never forget!
2. The Northern Lights are visible
The spectacular Northern Lights will take your breath away, and guess what… They can be seen from the Canadian Rockies! Although they aren’t quite as vivid or colourful as they are in areas further north such as the Northwest Territories or the Yukon, they are still a sight to behold in the Rockies.
The Aurora Borealis will provide you with an awe-inspiring experience that you’ll treasure for the rest of your days.
3. It’s inexpensive during the winter months
Because the Canadian Rockies are such a popular tourist destination, the price is increasing quite rapidly. During the warmer months of Spring and Summer, most hotels, hostels, etc, are booked out months in advance. As you can imagine, this can cause a lot of frustration among travelers.
However, during wintertime, it’s a whole other story. Not only are lodgings and accommodations easier on your wallet, but so is the cost of travel as well.
The price of plane tickets drops inordinately during those chillier months. So while everyone is hunkering down for winter, you’ll be taking advantage of great deals while enjoying some of the most perfect, pristine, and panoramic views that Mother Nature has to offer in the Canadian Rockies!
4. The sights are remarkable
Few things are as majestic and magnificent as the monstrous mountains of the Canadian Rockies! It will make you feel infinitely small in a very humbling way. Whether you’re in the lower mainland of BC treading down the slopes at Whistler or trekking the hiking trails of Southern Alberta in Banff National Park — the stunning views will give you a new appreciation for the world around you.
5. There are elite ski resorts
If you’re athletic and love the rush of adrenaline, then the Canadian Rockies is the place for you! With elite and world-class ski resorts, you’ll never have a dull moment. The multitude of powder highways in the Canadian Rockies will keep your heart pumping and your adrenaline soaring!
6. Activities are plentiful during the wintertime
There is never a shortage of activities during winter in the Rockies. In fact, this is when the area comes to life! The plethora of activities are so plentiful that you could never do it all in a single trip.
Let’s take a look at a few of these pastimes.
You have the obvious recreational pursuits that include snowboarding and skiing, but then you also have a myriad of others that can add to your Canadian Rocky experience.
Activities such as snowmobiling, ice-climbing, sledging, snow tubing, snowshoeing, dog sledding, cave tours, and if you’re really brave — there’s even ice diving!
7. The wildlife is incredible
Canada is known for its diverse wildlife, and nowhere else will this become more apparent than in the Rocky mountains during wintertime! While many species of animals do hibernate during this season, many others continue to remain active and can be seen and admired through the cordillera regions.
Animals such as moose, goats, caribou, lynx, cougars, and even beavers (which is Canada’s national animal) can all be found during the winter in both the higher and lower elevations of the Canadian Rockies.
Are you ready for your Canadian Rocky winter experience?
The Great White North has a lot to offer, and the people who visit leave with a trove of experiences that they will cherish and treasure for the rest of their lives. And this now begs the question: Are you ready to create your Canadian Rocky winter experience?
