17 things to do in Crowsnest Pass this winter [2023 updated]

Get off the beaten path this winter and visit the less-crowded side of the Canadian Rockies. Crowsnest Pass is just that—a less travelled alternative to the Banff/Lake Louise/Jasper scene that allows you to get in touch with the wild heart of Alberta’s Rockies.

The trick is knowing what to do in a town that isn’t as busy or developed as places such as Banff. Here’s a quick guide to help you plan activities and adventures in the Crowsnest Pass. Below are 17 things to do in Crowsnest Pass this winter to help you find your next adventure.

This blog post was updated in January 2023 to give you the most current information.

A local’s guide to Crowsnest Pass

Who are we? We’re Crowsnest Pass locals, not transient bloggers passing through the area or hired to write a blog. We live, work, and play in this area, and we love to share its wonders with others. As a small business based in Crowsnest Pass, we’re happy to promote other small businesses to bring you the best experience when you visit the area.

Winter bucket list: Top winter activities in Crowsnest Pass

If you have questions, don’t hesitate to ask. Or add your adventures in the comments below. We love hearing from you.

1. Visit Star Creek Falls for an ice climb or to revel in the magnificence of the Canadian Rockies. At Uplift Adventures, we operate a Science Ice Walk where we explore the world of science as we venture up this creek. It’s an excellent experience for families (and nerds!).
2. Go cross-country skiing at the Allison Chinook Recreational Park. Make it extra special by packing an outdoor picnic with a hot thermos filled with your favourite beverage.
3. Snowshoe the trails less travelled with Uplift Adventures. Get under the stars in our Moonlight Snowshoe, or join us for a weekend Adventure Club.
4. Grab your snowmobile and check out the vast trail network. This map of the Livingstone Public Land Use Zone is an excellent resource for finding trails in the area. Remember to acquaint yourself with the local regulations before you hit the slopes. You can support the local snowmobile club, CrowSnow Riders, which is an important advocate for the sport.
5. Snuggle up to soul-satisfying coffee and soup at one of the amazing cafes in Crowsnest Pass: Stone’s Throw Café, Cherry on Top, Crowsnest Café and Fly Shop, or Cinnamon Bear.
6. Rent a fat bike at Alpenland and head out with Sweet Riders for a fat bike ride.
7. Hit the slopes with the family at Pass Powderkeg. They have an excellent Learn to Turn program for beginners.
8. Visit the Frank Slide Interpretive Centre to learn about the deadliest rockslide in Canada’s history, and then snowshoe around the field of boulders to get an intimate look at this historic event.
9. Go ice skating on Crowsnest Lake near the abandoned Crowsnest Dance Hall. While there, read up on some of the fascinating history at the interpretive sign.
10. Book yourself in for a yoga class to feel recharged and zen at Heart’s Peak Collection or Aura Studios.
11. Challenge yourself with the Mystery Towns game as you discover Pictures of the Past in Blairmore.
12. Decide for yourself which pub has the best wings on Wednesday night or simply enjoy some food at one of our many delicious pubs: Limber Pine Smokehouse & Taberna, Rum Runner Restaurant and Pub, Pass Beer Company, Tin Dogs Pub & Brewery, or Pure Country Bar and Grill.
13. Immerse yourself in Southern Alberta’s history and culture by diving into a self-guided tour at the Crowsnest Museum & Archives.
14. Treat yourself to delicious dinner and wine at Encounters Wine Bar & Small Plate Kitchen.
15. Pull out the ice fishing gear and test your angling skills at Crowsnest Lake.
16. Beat the cold weather by taking the family to Black Rock Pizza & Bakery to play arcade games.
17. Take memories home with you or as a gift for someone else. Find the perfect item at one of these local shops: Emerald and Ash Clothing, Crockets Trading Company, Berta General Store, Kind Rat, spry, Alpenland, Bagatelle, Mountain Mercantile the Boutique, The Gilded Haus, The Pantry.

Local’s tip: Crowsnest Pass is a community who uses Facebook a lot, and often our restaurants, cafes, or pubs will have live music or events. Look them up on Facebook to learn more.

Did we miss mentioning something to do in Crowsnest Pass this winter? Let us know in the comments! If this blog helped you, leave us a comment or tag @UpliftAdventures (Facebook) or @uplift_adventures (Instagram) on your next visit to Crowsnest Pass. We love hearing from you and seeing how you explore.