Best ski adventure destinations
Go cross-country skiing across blanketed meadows, enjoy downhill skiing in the Canadian Rockies, or explore the backcountry on a ski touring expedition! Discover Parks Canada with these suggested ski outings.
Backcountry ski touring and ski mountaineering
Backcountry ski touring and ski mountaineering can be enjoyed in all mountain parks. Skiers must be highly skilled and experienced, or accompanied by local professional guides. Visit our website for more information on backcountry travel and how to stay safe in the mountains.
Newfoundland and Labrador
Location: Gros Morne National Park
Backcountry ski touring
Head out on the ski touring adventure of a lifetime! With its stunning coastal mountains, diverse landscapes, and variable snow conditions from January to April, Gros Morne National Park is the place to be this ski-season. From short roadside excursions to a multi-day tour complete with overnight stays in backcountry ski huts, the winter fun in Gros Morne is endless.
New Brunswick
Location: Fundy National Park
Cross-country skiing
Multi-use winter trails and equipment rentals await at Fundy National Park! Head to the Chignecto Recreation Area to enjoy several groomed trails for classic and skate skiing. Designed for your comfort, rest at the modern and well-equipped Chignecto Pavilion to warm up, change clothes, or even take a hot shower.
Some trails in this area lead to rustic, heated, and insulated cabins that can accommodate up to four people for the night. Wood stove and firewood included!
Location: Kouchibouguac National Park
Cross-country skiing
Head to Kouchibouguac National Park for the ultimate cross-country escapade! Tie up your ski boots in the warmth of the entrance shelter at Pijeboogwek. Embark on over 15-km of pristine trails groomed for both classic and skate skiing techniques. Rest up at the warm up shelters located along the trails. All levels of experience are welcome! Your next ski adventure awaits in this frosty Atlantic beauty.
Quebec
Location: Forillon National Park
Cross-country skiing
Explore the vibrant Forillon National Park as you choose from 3 stunning ski trails! Treat yourself to a moderately difficult cross country trip along the flat La Vallée Trail, taking a break halfway through to rest in the picturesque Répit Nord shelter. Not ready to pack up your skis just yet? Keep the fun going and venture through the beautiful wooded landscape on Le Portage Trail. Are you an experienced skier craving a challenge? Discover La Grande Cavée Trail, a steep route boarded by white pines and impressive oaks leading you into the heart of the park. Be careful, some bends may surprise you!
Location: La Mauricie National Park
Cross-country and freestyle skiing
Discover one of the most beautiful cross-country ski centers in Quebec with a visit to La Mauricie National Park. Begin your journey at the Rivière à la Pêche Service Centre, where you'll find a waxing room and equipment rentals. Then, set off to explore over 70-km of marked and groomed trails equipped with shelters, perfect for classic or freestyle cross-country skiers alike. Looking for a short and easy ski session? Take the Trail No. 3 to the Isaïe Shelter for a 8-km journey along a quaint creek and frozen lake. Make sure to stop at the well-equipped Service Center for a post-ski bonfire or even better, continue the adventure for a night in the comfort of a cabin or an oTENTik tent.
Manitoba
Location: Riding Mountain National Park
Cross-country skiing
Strap on your skis and get ready for a memorable adventure in Riding Mountain National Park! Are you a beginner? Try skiing along South Lake Trail: a journey that begins at the Ominnik Marsh boardwalk, taking you through mixed boreal forest and looping around the stunning Clear Lake shore. More of an experienced skier? Start at the Kinosao/Grey Owl trailhead leading you through 14 km of Boreal forest covered in hoarfrost. Warm up in a cozy warming hut along the way. Not ready for your adventure to end? Top off your outing with the 3.5-km Katherine Lake Trail, making sure to stop in the picnic area to warm up by a fire.
Saskatchewan
Location: Prince Albert National Park
Cross-country skiing
Discover a network of groomed ski trails in Prince Albert National Park, just waiting for you to explore! Canada's boreal forests are the best playgrounds for cross-country skiers. Don't miss the popular Red Deer and Fisher trails located near the Waskesiu townsite. To extend your adventure, tour Saskatchewan’s backcountry and ski to Crean Lake, a frozen winter wonderland!
Alberta
Location: Elk Island National Park
Cross-country skiing
Head into the wilderness and glide along the snow-covered Beaver Pond Trail in Elk Island National Park. Soar through frosty aspen parklands and let the crisp air brush your rosy cheeks. Perfect for snowshoers and skiers alike, these shared, ungroomed trails are bound to leave you with memories to last a lifetime!
Location: Waterton Lakes National Park
Cross-country skiing
Discover breathtaking mountain scenery on your skis at Waterton Lakes National Park! Drive along the Akamina Parkway to the Little Prairie Day Use Area and take advantage of the extra parking to kick off your day of winter fun. Enjoy skiing tracks between Little Prairie and Cameron Lake, as conditions allow. Not done skiing? Explore Red Rock Parkway and its trail network, or Chief Mountain Highway and the Wishbone Trail. Unforgettable winter experiences await in the Canadian Rockies!
Location: Banff National Park
Downhill and cross-country skiing
Banff National Park is iconic for its variety of skiing experiences! Visit one of the 3 world class downhill ski resorts and descend by drawing perfect fall lines in the fresh snow. More into cross-country skiing? Discover the local favourite, Spray River West Trail! This double track also includes a skate skiing lane, ventures along rolling terrain and offers stunning views of a picturesque valley, taking you to the scenic Spray River Bridge!
Location: Jasper National Park
Downhill and cross-country skiing
Explore the Canadian Rockies via cross-country ski in Jasper National Park. Take in the vistas on a casual ski with the whole family around one of the easy campground trails or ski to the red chairs lookout on the picturesque Whirlpool River. Seeking a more exhilarating outing? Treat yourself to a day of downhill skiing at Marmot Basin, one of the resorts in the Rockies!
British Columbia
Location: Yoho National Park
Cross-country skiing
Ski among the Rockies and weave through the valleys of Yoho National Park as you explore the beautiful cross country ski trails around Emerald Lake. Keep an eye out! The chance to spot wildlife is high as you traverse gently sloped tree-lined glades sheltered between the President Range and Wapta Mountain.
Yukon
Location: Kluane National Park
Backcountry ski touring
Discover Kluane National Park and Reserve’s vast wilderness! For an easy ski, head to the Dezadeash River Trail and ski through stands of poplar and spruce. Ready for a challenge? Explore the Auriol Trail for a hint of adventure and glide through everything from open meadows to alpine zones! This 15-km loop offers remarkable views of the Shakwak and Dezadeash River Valleys. Make sure you have the knowledge and skills in order to practice proper avalanche safety. Practice safe behavior at all times and keep in mind that the trails in Kluane are neither groomed nor marked!
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