Did you tie the knot in 2020? Congratulations! Chances are you’re now looking for an adventurous winter honeymoon destination that also happens to be COVID-safe. Look no further than Alberta, Canada to make your dreams come true!
Here are some romantic winter honeymoon experiences that you can enjoy outside while social distancing.
⚠️ As of this writing, the following destinations are open and operating with safety measures in place. Things can change quickly, so be sure to check Alberta travel guidelines before planning your trip.
Winter Honeymoon Experiences in Banff, Alberta
Canadian winters are especially breathtaking in Banff. This is when the hustle and bustle of summer tourism subsides and the area becomes blanketed in a layer of snow. For a dreamy honeymoon getaway, plan to spend a few days or a week in this dreamy National Park town.
1. Sightsee in the Mountains
Cozy up together on a horse-drawn carriage ride with enchanting mountain views. Banff Sleigh Rides has you covered for the off-the-beaten trail experience. Two friendly horses and your cowboy guide will take you and your sweetheart on a romantic sleigh ride down and around the Bow River Valley. Cuddle in close and marvel at the spectacular view of Sulphur Mountain.
Depending on whether or not you’re afraid of heights, you might want to take the gondola up Sulphur Mountain. This 8 minute long trip takes you 2281 metres above sea level. The view is amazing, albeit quite terrifying if you’re fearful of heights.
2. Take a Tour of a Luxury Hotel
Afterwards, treat yourselves at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. The place oozes exuberance and old-world charm with festive vibes all year round. You could easily spend half a day touring the hotel and gift shops and taste-testing gourmet food at all the different restaurants and cafes. You may even fancy a little curling match on the terrace.
But nothing compares to feeling like royalty when you spend some time indulging in traditional high tea in the castle’s Rundle Room. You’ll dine on a menu of dainty pinwheel sandwiches, scones, and desserts, each paired with cultivated tea selections from around the world. Pinkies up!
3. Sleep in the Heart of Downtown Banff
Consider booking a cozy Airbnb or hotel close to downtown. This way you’ll be within walking distance to cute cafes like the Wild Flour Bakery and stylish clothing stores. Even if you’re not a big souvenir person, it’s really tempting to fill your closet with Banff emblazoned clothing. Perhaps you’ll even buy a pair of cowboy boots!
As for accommodations, tiny houses are all the rage these days. Book a tiny house in the heart of downtown Banff. The place is incredibly cozy, but there is limited space to roam. You’ll be encouraged to explore the great outdoors.
Perhaps you’d like to stick with Alberta’s signature cowboy theme. Why not settle for the night at Banff’s Original Cowboy Bed & Breakfast? This private apartment is close to all the local hot spots and the hosts provide a continental breakfast before you embark on your morning hike.
Bonus: You don’t need to pack a Selfie Stick for this trip! Book a Scenic Mountain Portrait Experience through Airbnb Experiences. A professional photographer will capture your love in some of the most picturesque places in Banff.
Winter Honeymoon Experiences in Lake Louise, Alberta
Lake Louise is one of my most favourite places on earth. Going there is like stepping into a postcard. The lake! The trees! The fresh mountain air! You can’t help but stare at what nature has created. Many tourists plan a day trip from Banff, but you’ll want to spend a few nights here to truly want to immerse yourself in the fairy tale experience.
4. Skate on Beautiful Lake Louise
First, you need to take a million pictures in front of the gorgeous glacier-fed lake. Then, maybe lie down in the snow and thank your lucky snow angels for bringing you to his wondrous place.
Next, lace up your skates and attempt a Disney On Ice re-enactment of Frozen. You’ll be ice skating in front of a giant castle on a lake that is tucked between towering mountains.
If that’s too corny for you, rent some hockey skates instead and challenge each other to some good old-fashioned Canadian shinny, AKA pond hockey.
While you’re in Lake Louise, be sure to also hike the surrounding trails, pack a winter picnic, and take a shuttle to the local shops for artisan goods and treats.
5. Get Some Winter Exercise
Johnston Canyon is a 30-minute drive from Lake Louise and is a must-hike spot in winter. Normally bustling with tourists from far and wide, it’d be relatively spacious to explore right now.
6. Make Your Log Cabin Dreams Come True
You can rent a romantic log cabin at Baker Creek Mountain Resort. The resort offers a romance package that includes a jacuzzi suite, fireplace, private balcony, and three-course dinner. It’s a close walk to the lake.
Another accommodation choice is Paradise Lodge and Bungalows. It’s 1km away from Lake Louise and offers modern amenities in cozy log cabins.
Winter Honeymoon Experiences in Clearwater County, Alberta
If we had to locate Alberta’s adventure capital, we’d drop the pin in Clearwater County. Banff, Jasper, and Red Deer form a neat triangle around this hidden gem of a region.
7. Take a Glacier Flight Tour and Go Heli Snowshoeing
Clearwater County is the best place to experience an Epic Glacier Flight Tour with Heli Snowshoeing. This winter getaway with Rockies Heli Canada is the perfect way to let loose and have fun with your other half.
Non-adventurous types need not apply. This voyage takes you up, up, up, and away in a private helicopter ride over the glorious mountain peaks, river valleys, and six glaciers of the Canadian Rockies. There’s no better way to see it all than from above.
First, you’ll touch down in a fluffy patch of snow at High Alpine Meadow. Then, you’ll gear up in your snowshoes for a romantic foray into untouched backcountry. Watch your footsteps converge in freshly fallen snow and laugh with each other as you inevitably fall into powder or opt for a playful snowball fight.
8. Walk on a Lake of Frozen Bubbles
The best part of this tour is walking on Abraham Lake. It was made Instagram famous for the methane gas bubbles that form beneath the surface of the otherwise clear frozen lake. Take a million pictures and then enjoy complimentary hot chocolate and Baileys back at the helicopter. Since it’s your honeymoon, bump up to the premier package, which includes a hot lunch back on base with sparkling wine and a photo op. The company provides all the winter gear.
Clearwater County is also known for hiking. You’ll want to check out the winter waterfall at Crescent Falls and wildlife viewing at Ram Falls Provincial Park.
9. Stay at an Eco-Friendly Lodge
If you’re looking for a eco-friendly lakeside lodge to rest up for the next day’s adventures, consider the tranquil Aurum Lodge. It’s only a stone’s throw from the helipad.
Winter Honeymoon Experiences in Jasper, Alberta
Mountains, lakes, streams, hot springs, and wildlife await! Jasper is home to Alberta’s tallest mountain and has some of the most diverse wildlife in Canada. One of the most treasured parts about Jasper, other than the town itself, is the journey getting there.
10. Embark on an Icefields Parkway Road Trip to Jasper
If you’re the type of couple that enjoys long winding drives no matter what the weather, you’ll love a winter road trip along Alberta’s Icefields Parkway, a 235km stretch of National Park road between Banff and Jasper. Say goodbye to billboards and advertisements and traffic. Say hello to wintry fresh mountain air!
Be prepared for jaw-dropping views and amazing photo opportunities as you pass through 8 beautiful stops: Lake Louise, Crowfoot Glacier, Bow Lake, Peyto Lake, Saskatchewan Crossing, Columbia Icefield, Sunwapta Falls, and Athabasca Falls. The natural landscape can turn anyone into a photographer, no filters necessary.
11. See Animals in Their Natural Habitat
Keep your eyes peeled for bighorn sheep, elk, moose, deer, and mountain goats as you make your way through the stunning Crowfoot Glacier.
Then you’ll drive past Bow Lake to Peyto Lake, which will be the highest elevation on your adventure and a perfect place to stop again for some awe-inspiring views.
As you commence your journey northwest, don’t forget to stop for fuel and a snack at Saskatchewan Crossing as it’s the only gas station before you get to Jasper.
Back on the road again, marvel at the vast Columbia Icefield, and plan to stop again at Sunwapta Falls. I had the best breakfast oatmeal ever after a night at Sunwapta Falls Rocky Mountain Lodge. It was a great place to stop halfway.
Top off your driving tour with a peek down into Sunwapta Valley before heading off to Jasper.
When you get to Jasper, check into a well-appointed Airbnb like the May Tree Retreat.
12. Enjoy the Culinary Offerings in Jasper
There are a ton of 5-star restaurants to dine at in Jasper: Sunhouse Café for breakfast and brunch, Harvest Food & Drink for lunch, The Raven Bistro for dinner, and build-your-own sandwiches anytime at Patricia’s Street Deli. And of course, grab a celebratory beer at the local watering hole, which is the Jasper Brewing Company.
Your trip wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Maligne Lake for a Guided Ice Walk through canyons and frozen waterfalls. If you’re anything like me, you’ll still be dreaming of this gorgeous drive years after you experience it!
Alberta provides the perfect setting for a winter honeymoon for those hibernating in Canada. And if you happen to live abroad, be sure to put these activities on your Travel Bucket List for when the world opens again!
