Looking for a scenic adventure in the Rocky Mountains? Peter Lougheed Provincial Park in Alberta is a snowy paradise with a little something for every nature-loving fun-seeker.

Located southwest of Calgary, this lesser-known gem offers sweeping views and outdoor excitement surrounded by pristine wilderness and magical frozen lakes.

In fact, it was named among the “13 Most Beautiful Places on Earth You’ve Never Heard Of” by the popular travel publication, Outside —but what is there to do once temperatures drop?

What to do in the winter

Cross-Country Skiing

As one of Alberta’s largest provincial parks, there is plenty to see and do in the area.

One of the best? Cross Country Skiing!

Featuring a magnificent groomed trail system, Peter Lougheed Provincial Park is an incredible place to work up a sweat once the snow starts to fall.

Check out Elk Trail or the Pocaterra, which has a dramatic view of Mount Wintour and the Opal Range.

Photo via Shutterstock

Ice Skating

Want to glide into the new year?

While the water may not be fully frozen just yet, later this winter you can check out the Spray Lake Reservoir, which has 19 square kilometres of ice, or Barrier Lake, which rests beneath the peaks of Mount Baldy and Yates Mountain.

You’re in for a magical time — but, please stay smart and be safe.

Snowshoeing

Prefer to go snowshoeing?

The Lower Lake Snowshoe Trail has 3.9 kilometres of beauty that follows the shoreline and starts at the Canyon Day Use Area.

Alternatively, there is also the Boulton Creek Trail, which starts from the Boulton Bridge Day Use area.

Want to extend your stay?

Those who would like to extend their stay overnight won’t be able to do so within the park, however, there are some amazing hotels nearby including the Kananaskis Mountain Lodge.

After a full day of snowshoeing or skating, why not spend a night at the Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge and its Nordic Spa?

Here you can totally unwind, disconnect and relax with facials and a massage.

This alpine sanctuary has everything you’ll need to revamp before heading back outdoors, after all, there’s no shortage of things to do.

As always, please plan ahead, check for any current advisories, and dress warm!

You’re in for a winter treat.

There’s no place quite like Peter Lougheed Provincial Park!

Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, Alberta

Where: Directions here

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Cassandra Stefanic

Regional Editor, Prairies –Cassandra is a Calgary-based journalist with a deep appreciation for music, film, food, travelling, and storytelling. When she’s not chasing a story, writing, or editing, you’ll likely find her in the mountains, binge-watching a new series, at a speakeasy, cooking, or getting lost in a Taylor Swift re-record.

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