Ron Stern | Global Gumshoe

Canada in the winter? Who knew? While most people cozy up in front of their fireplaces, that’s the time the fun is just starting for many Canadians. I had the opportunity to see for myself, and while I was only able to visit Edmonton and Jasper in Alberta, both offer diversions galore that will have travelers from the United States booking flights to their northern neighbor.

I found there are so many things to see and do that it was hard to include all of them. To make things simple, here are my favorites:

Fairmont Hotel MacDonald, Edmonton

This magnificent hotel opened in 1915 and overlooks the expansive North Saskatchewan River Valley. You can hike, walk or bike in what is North America’s longest, most continuous urban park system, even larger than Central Park in New York City. This is a lovely property with great views and a good base from which to explore Edmonton, dubbed the Festival City. During various times of the year, you can find such diverse festivals as those for accordion players, fringe film buffs and street performers.

Edmonton Mall, Edmonton

The Edmonton Mall is the largest indoor mall in North America. In addition to retail shops, restaurants and kiosks, you will also find a sea lion park, roller coasters and a huge water park. When temps dip outside, you can learn how to train sea lions, pull five G’s on the Mindbender or shoot through colorful tubes for a watery splashdown. When done, check into the Fantasyland Hotel, also on site, and relax in one of their 140 themed rooms, with everything from a Roman emperor’s digs to a Polynesian paradise. My Hollywood suite came with colorful LED lighting, a huge bed, an oversized wall-mounted television and even a jetted hot tub that could seat four or just me.

Zinc, Edmonton

Located inside the Art Gallery of Alberta, this restaurant derives its name from the fact that most of the interior structural beams are made from this expensive metal. There is an unusual painting of somebody named Otto behind the bar – ask about this, for an interesting story – and the food is worth the visit. Chef Dave Omar is truly passionate about what he calls open concept cuisine. His small plates of scallops, orzo and salmon were fabulous. Afterwards, step into the gallery for some of the best art in the province.

VIA Rail, Nationwide

This is a grand way to see all the country, or just part of it. My trip took me from Edmonton to Jasper, about a five and a half hour ride. Along the way, I was treated to some of the most spectacular scenery of the Canadian Rockies, all from the comfy confines of my sleeper unit, which I would highly recommend as it is well worth the extra cost. These units come with a seating area that converts to a bed as well as a sink and bathroom. There is even a shower down the hall.

Jasper Park Lodge, Jasper

This iconic hotel is situated on the shores of Lake Beauvert and has hosted many VIP’s over the years, including the Queen Mother. Guests stay in individual log cabins that made me feel as if I was living in a cozy home rather than a hotel. With several restaurants on site as well as a spa, you can have all the creature comforts without ever having to leave the property. My massage session at their spa was just the thing to finish off any lingering stress or muscle tension I brought with me.

Maligne Canyon Ice Walk, Jasper

For something completely different, you have to try this at least once. Guides take you into a frozen wonderland along ice-covered riverbeds and towering, translucent ice falls. During the day, the sunlight glistens off the ice crystals providing stunning visuals. You can also do this at night where the landscape dramatically changes and the only light and shadows are created by your headlamps.

Marmot Basin, Jasper

Located smack dab in the Canadian Rockies, this is the place to go for skiing, snowboarding or just people watching with a cup of hot chocolate. Chairlifts will take you to four mountain faces, each of which has enough powdery snow to keep you happy and giggly. The prices are affordable, the slopes are less crowded than many others in the U.S. and there is a terrain to match every skill level.

Resources

Edmonton Tourism: edmonton.com
Fairmont Hotel Macdonald: fiarmont.com/macdonald
Zinc Restaurant: zincrestaurant.com
VIA Rail: viarail.ca
Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge: fairmont.com
Jasper Tourism: jasper.travel
Alberta Tourism: travelalberta.us

—Ron Stern can be contacted at [email protected] or by visiting ronsterntravel.com and globalgumshoe.com. All accommodations, airfare, attractions and food were sponsored by the providers mentioned in this article, as well as Tourism Alberta, Tourism Edmonton and Tourism Jasper.