Where to cross-country ski across Alberta, BC

Posted: Thu. Nov. 27/25

There is something so zen-ful about moving across the land on cross-country skis. Once you have a pace, the rhythm and flow of your skis as you glide through the spare white landscape will calm and restore your mind.

Ready for some Nordic Zen? Here are a few tips on where to cross-country ski your way across Alberta and/or BC.

Alberta and BC are full of gorgeous winter landscapes to deliver you into cross-country skiing zen.

First, part of the beauty of Nordic skiing is you can find trails almost anywhere, or you can set your own!

Choose any major city in Alberta or BC for cross-country skiing—Edmonton, Calgary, Kelowna or Vancouver—all offer cross country skiing adventures either within city limits or within a 45-minute drive.

If you are looking to get out beyond the urban environment and into nature, as well as experience some exceptional rural hospitality, here are some Nordic ski communities who've really nailed the experience.

Where to cross-country ski in Alberta

Kananaskis Country (Canmore, AB) is well-known for its excellent cross-country skiing, including the Canmore Nordic Centre, a 1988 Olympic host venue. The region features over 300 kilometers of groomed trails.

Vermilion Provincial Park (Vermilion, AB) includes the Vermilion Nordic Centre, with a ski club that offers rentals and deep roots; this is where Olympian Beckie Scott cut her teeth as a skier.

Vermilion Provincial Park in Vermilion, AB, has a cross-country scene worthy of a visit, home to former Olympian Beckie Scott.

Cypress Hills Provincial Park (Medicine Hat, AB) set in a unique forest landscape on a raised plateau above the prairies in Alberta's southeast, you'll find a network of trails.

William A. Switzer Provincial Park (Hinton, AB), where you can ski in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains.

Ski with mountain views in William A. Switzer Provincial Park near Hinton.

Sir Winston Churchill Provincial Park (Lac La Biche): ski hut to hut in a provincial park built around an island set within the lake of Lac La Biche. You can also several other regional trail networks around Lac La Biche.

Lac La Biche features lots of lake-side skiing on groomed trails, or you can break trail on Lac La Biche itself.

Other areas for cross-country skiing in Alberta include: Grande Prairie, Grande Cache, Cold Lake, Edmonton (including Elk Island National Park) and Calgary, and of course Banff and Jasper National Parks.

Where to cross-country ski in BC

From ski resort trail networks to backcountry options, BC has tons of cross-country areas.

SilverStar Mountain Resort and Sovereign Lake Nordic Club, which many say is the best in BC, offers up over 105 kilometers of cross-country ski trails groomed daily.

One of Canada's top spots for cross-country skiing is the one-two punch of SilverStar and Sovereign Lake.

Whistler, BC, is a given, featuring the Whistler Olympic Park, rentals and lessons.

Revelstoke Nordic Ski Club has 30 kilometers of groomed trails, and a day lodge and trail head on Highway 23.

find YOUR zen

Hallis Lake (Quesnel, BC) boasts 80 kilometres of trails, including night skiing, maintained by the active Cariboo Ski Touring Club.

Hallis Lake was the cross-country ski venue to the 2025 Lhtako Dene BC Winter Games.

Wells, BC, famously known as the launch destination for the Bowrun Lakes in summer, has groomed and maintained trails, overnight huts and backcountry options galore.

For a more remote cross-country ski experience, head to Wells.

Sun Peaks Resort (near Kamloops BC) offers true Alpen charm in a resort village where you can ski in and out, connecting backcountry huts on finely maintained trails.

Resort village to backcountry warming huts, Sun peaks has you covered.

Other BC cross-country ski areas to check out include Smithers, Kimberley—check out their night skiing—and for Vancouver area, Cypress Mountain about an hour from downtown Vancouver, but a winter world away and features lessons and Nordic gear for rent.

One quick note, before you head out: check if any trail fees apply. Those fees (where applicable) go back into trail maintenance, which is largely a volunteer effort, so you know it's money well spent.

Off our full list here, which ones have you hit, and which ones are on the list? Let us know on our ZenSeekers Facebook page.

Flights Daily

Edmonton, Calgary, Kelowna and Vancouver are the major airports any Nordic ski snow seeker would use to get into Alberta and/or BC's cross-country scene. Know each of these airports are full service with car/SUV rentals on site, and/or shuttle service to major ski resorts.

If you do have to fly into Alberta or BC to go Nordic skiing here, consider carbon offsets to minimize your impact. We @ZenSeekers recommend LESS, a carbon tax credit company powered by Bullfrog Power—a leader in alternative energy sources since 2005.

Get Stoked

You can always DM us on Facebook or Instagram as we are happy to provide advise on how to make the best Alberta and/or BC cross-country ski trip, ever.

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Do your homework and get inspired through this series of Alberta and BC SnowSeekers stories.