Think Waterton goes to sleep when the snow flies?

Nope. It just gets cooler. (Literally.)

Trade the summer traffic jams for wide-open frozen trails. Our guides know exactly where the good stuff is hidden under all that powder. Grab your warmest toque, we’re going exploring.

FREEZE THE DAY!

Wilderness to explore, hot chocolate to earn!

Whether you’re here to decode animal tracks, glide through the snow (mostly upright), or just need a solid excuse to eat your weight in toasted marshmallows, every experience offers a different flavor of the wild. Pick your passion and let’s see what Waterton has up its snowy sleeve.

Waterton Winter Wonderland

Sure, Waterton might look like it’s taking a nap under the snow, but there’s a wild story hiding beneath the frost. After all, there's snow to stomp and mountain secrets to decode! For those willing to bundle up like the Michelin Man and brave the elements, a world of fascinating details awaits.

From carving out the rugged mountains and freezing the lakes to influencing the lives of the plants, animals, and hardy locals, winter leaves a serious mark on every corner of this landscape.

As we wander, we’ll track down how snow, ice, and some serious winter wind have shaped Waterton through time. Prepare to be surprised, this time of year has some epic tales to tell!

Snowprints, Sparks and S’mores

The ultimate winter workshop! There are mountains to roam, snowbanks to conquer!

Calling all winter explorers, young and old! Get ready to track wild critters, master the ancient art of fire-making, and reward your survival skills with a feast of fireside s'mores on this ultimate family-friendly Canadian Rocky Mountain adventure.

First up: winter wildlife detective duty. We’ll figure out exactly who has been wandering through Waterton's snowy wilderness by following footprints, spotting clues, and uncovering secrets hidden in the snow. From tiny toes to mysterious tracks (and yes, puzzling animal pellets), you'll learn to read the wild stories the locals leave behind.

Once we’ve cracked the case, it’s wilderness skills time. Let's be real, learning to build a proper campfire is a Canadian rite of passage. Get hands-on with the tricks of the trade as we figure out what it truly takes to turn a cold pile of sticks into a crackling campfire.

And what Rocky Mountain adventure would be complete without a fireside feast? Once those flames are dancing, we'll break out the marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers to toast up some dangerously gooey s'mores. Because nothing says winter in Waterton quite like a little wilderness exploration followed by a well-earned sugar rush around the fire!

Cross-Country Skiing

Find your winter legs. Discover a whole new Waterton.(There's no time for hibernating! There is wilderness to explore, hot chocolate to earn.)

About the Lessons: Trade your hiking boots for two long, slippery planks and discover the magic of Waterton Lakes National Park in winter. Whether you're a first-time skier still trying to figure out which foot goes where, or you're just looking to brush up on your technique, our cross-country ski lessons will get you gliding with a little more confidence and a lot more enthusiasm.

Our knowledgeable instructors will introduce you to the fundamentals of cross-country skiing, which includes finding your centre of gravity and building the skills that make exploring snow-covered trails actually enjoyable. We'll take the guesswork (and hopefully a good chunk of the falling) out of learning.

With stunning mountain scenery, crisp winter air, and plenty of room to channel your inner explorer, there's no better place to give cross-country skiing a try. No experience necessary. Just bring your curiosity, a sense of adventure, and a willingness to occasionally make close, personal friends with the snow.