There are few things more Canadian than going for a skate on a frozen lake in the wintertime. Believe us when we say that feeling the cool air breeze by and hearing the blades cutting the natural ice is damn near therapeutic – luckily, Alberta is packed full of mountain skating spots that are to die for! Here are 10 gorgeous mountain skating spots in Alberta you should check out this winter!
Editors note: Please remember that skating on frozen ponds has its risks. Be sure to check ahead of time to see if these have been opened for the season and are safe for visiting!
TWO JACK LAKE
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Located in Banff National Park (like a lot of spots on this list), Two Jack Lake is famous for crisp ice and breathtaking views. Want to see them in all of their glory? Head over there on a clear day and you might just see tree stumps down at the bottom of the lake!
Where: See directions here
Distance: 130 km to Calgary, 416 km to Edmonton
LAKE MINNEWANKA
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Lake Minnewanka is northeast of the town of Banff, so grab some beers in town and head on over! You’ll find wide-open spaces and mountain views that look Photoshopped. Heads up though, the reservoir’s size and depth means it usually doesn’t freeze over until well into mid-winter!
Where: See directions here
Distance: 129.5 km to Calgary, 406 km to Edmonton
LAKE LOUISE
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Two enormous skating rinks? Check. A gorgeous Fairmont for apres-skate cocktails? Check. Sleigh rides, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and skiing? Obviously! Lake Louise is iconic, so if you’re okay with a less secluded adventure then definitely head here for endless winter fun.
Where: 111 Lake Louise Dr, Lake Louise, AB
Distance: 185 km to Calgary, 474 km to Edmonton
VERMILLION LAKES
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This spot is one in Ver-milion and while we’re sorry for that joke, but we’re not sorry for telling you to skate here. These shallow lakes freeze very early on in winter, so bring a shovel and clear a patch for your Blades of Glory moment!
Where: See directions here
Distance: 128 km to Calgary, 415 km to Edmonton
JOHNSON LAKE
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Minnewanka too busy? Take a little detour off the road loop to hit up this ice skating paradise. It’s got mountain views from all angles, so definitely don’t forget your camera!
Where: See directions here
Distance: 130 km to Calgary, 416 km to Edmonton
MORAINE LAKE
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Moraine Lake isn’t always a good skating spot, mainly because the road to it usually closes before the ice is fully frozen. However, if you’re down to bike or hike in, be our guest! Though it’s half the size of Lake Louise, its spot in the Valley Of The Ten Peaks might make it even prettier.
Where: See directions here
Distance: 197 km to Calgary, 483 km to Edmonton
GAP LAKE
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Already in Canmore? Head east on Highway 1A and check out Gap Lake! It’s only a 10-minute drive from the town, and the mesmerizing frozen bubbles in the ice are totally worth it but – just watch your blades because puckering definitely isn’t uncommon due to its larger-than-life size.
Where: Gap Lake, Bighorn No. 8, AB
Distance: 95.8 km to Calgary, 382 km to Edmonton
MILDRED LAKE
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Surrounding the Fairmont Hotel, this unreal rink has an Instagram-worthy backdrop and even skate rentals for those who may have packed light for their Staycation, or are just out and about for a spontaneous afternoon.
Where: 1 Old Lodge RoadJasper, AB
Distance: 420 km to Calgary, 363 km to Edmonton
PYRAMID LAKE
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With a picnic shelter, a hotel only minutes away, and a scenic backdrop, Pyramid Lake has all the ingredients for a perfect winter day outdoors. Need a break from your skates? This area also offers great snowshoeing and even magical sleigh rides!
Where: See directions here
Distance:417 km to Calgary, 369 km to Edmonton
ABRAHAM LAKE
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Abraham Lake is by far one of the most unique skating rinks in all of Alberta. Known for having orb-like formations under its surface, this winter destination is an absolute must-visit for outdoorsy folk, photography enthusiasts, and adventure seekers alike.
Where: See directions here
Distance:308 km from Calgary, 339 km from Edmonton
So get out there, folks! Your winter won’t be complete without a visit to one of these gorgeous Alberta mountain skating spots. Enjoy yourselves!
