Christmas is over, but alas, winter is not. As all the holiday excitement settles, it's important not to forget there are still plenty of ways to enjoy winter. We are here to help you get through these next few cold months with some ideas for super fun winter activities. Whether you’re able to escape the city or if you just need some ideas closer to home, we’ve got you covered.

Cathedral Mountain Lodge

Just minutes from Lake Louise and central to everything Banff and Yoho National Parks offer, Cathedral Mountain Lodge has luxury log cabins for your ideal Rocky Mountain getaway. The lodge itself is constructed from reclaimed Douglas Fir beams and offers a massive rock fireplace to warm you up as you overlook the Kicking Horse River.

With more than 30 luxury log cabins to choose from, you’ll enjoy a unique, unsurpassed level of comfort and attention to detail. Take an Icefield helicopter tour, snow coach tour, or any number of other exciting activities. Dine and lounge in the resort’s multi-award-winning Riverside Dining Room. Cap off the evening with a traditional S’mores roast. This resort is nothing short of spectacular.

Visit the Wolfdogs

Try something you (likely) have never done before! Just outside of Canmore, you’ll find the Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary, where you can mingle with these majestic creatures. Working to promote responsible wolfdog ownership, this sanctuary educates the public on how to preserve wild wolves in their natural habitat—what to do and what not to do—and how to ensure domesticated wolfdogs are handled properly.

With the popularity of wolfdogs as pets in Canada, it's important now more than ever to learn more about these animals and to prevent future disturbance of the natural lives of wild wolves. Plus, proceeds from your tour directly fund the sanctuary and its continued educational efforts.

Kingmik Dog Sled Tours

Have you ever wanted to know how exhilarating a dog sled tour could be? Now is your chance! Located near Lake Louise, Kingmik Dog Sled Tours offer a variety of tours to choose from, including basic 30-minute Mushing 101 tours to full-on six-hour Winter Adventurer packages.

These sweet, hardworking dogs will take you across magnificent terrain where you will feel at one with nature. Learn about the lifestyle of these special canines and how they benefit from hard work and exercise in the beauty of the Rocky Mountain landscape.

Fairmont Sleigh Ride

For a little bit of romance, enjoy a sleigh ride at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Starting at the chateau, this picturesque tour takes you across stunning terrain to arrive at the mouth of the glacier. Quiet and serene, nothing is as romantic as this for a winter activity.

Avalanche Skills Training

If you are an avid skier, snowboarder, or take on any activity where there is a concern of an avalanche, consider taking avalanche skills training from Yamnuska Mountain Adventures. Learn basic to advanced skills as well as the principles of safe winter backcountry travel.

These skills will equip you with the knowledge to keep your winter activities safe and fun. Classes are offered in both Calgary and Canmore for your convenience, and a special add-on “Plus Day” gives you the option to put your new training into practice with route selection, terrain negotiation and assessment, and safe travel practices.

Make Your Own Snow

If you are looking for simple activities to do at home with the kids, making your own snow is a great way to enjoy the outdoors without actually going outside. Great for days when the conditions outside are just not ideal. With only two ingredients, you and the kids will have a simple and fun time creating your own snow and crafting fun things like mini snowmen or snow forts!

Home Bath Spa

Winter can wreak havoc on our skin and hair with the severe lack of humidity in the air. You may be thinking about how you'd create a relaxing ensuite in your new home, but any bathroom can become your personal spa with a few creative touches. This is great for both men and women (we both experience winter dryness!)

Be sure to schedule time where you can enjoy your spa uninterrupted. Schedule "Home Spa Day" for a time when you know the house will be quiet and serene. Fill your bathtub with warm water, natural sea salts, essential oils, or any of your favourite bath products.

Eliminate any artificial lighting and light some candles throughout the room. The ambience needs to be perfect! Tealights are great for this as they are unscented and won’t make a waxy mess.

Fluff and heat your towels in the dryer prior to your spa session. Purchase a towel heater if you prefer to keep them hot while you soak.

Prepare yourself a healthy, soothing snack such as fresh cut fruit. If you prefer not to eat while in the tub, consider using fresh strawberries or grapes to naturally flavour water. Drinking fresh water while in the tub will prevent your body from overheating as well, allowing you to enjoy your soak longer. Of course, wine is fine too.

Place a bouquet of fresh flowers in the room with you to add a soothing, beautiful scent. Add some of the flower petals to the tub, too. Background music can softly add to the ambience as well.

Take care of yourself this winter. In Canada, we experience some of the most daunting months of the year, and we must plan ahead to keep our spirits high through the cold and snow. Have a fun and relaxing winter season!

Photo credits: snow heart, dog sledding, bubble bath