How to Plan for the Summer in Winter
It might be snowy outside, but winter is the perfect time to start planning your next big Alberta adventure. Whether you’re dreaming of camping under the stars in Dinosaur Provincial Park, dipping your toes into the lakes of Waterton, or road-tripping along the Icefields Parkway, early preparation can save you money, reduce stress, and build excitement. Plus, it’s a great way to get the whole family involved! Here’s how to start plotting your ultimate Alberta road trip this winter.
1. Dream It: Decide on Your Destination
Start by brainstorming where you want to go and what kind of trip you’re after:
- Adventure-Focused: Consider the Canadian Rockies for hiking, kayaking, and mountain vistas.
- History Buffs: Head to Drumheller’s Badlands or explore Fort Edmonton Park for a step back in time.
- Relaxation: Waterton or Sylvan Lake offer peaceful getaways with stunning views.
- Wildlife Enthusiasts: Elk Island or Wood Buffalo National Parks are perfect for spotting bison, elk, and more.
Pro Tip: Don’t try to cram too much into one trip. Pick 2–3 main stops to give yourself time to explore without feeling rushed.
2. Budget It: Plan Smart to Save Big
A little winter planning can go a long way in cutting costs:
a. Set a Budget
Figure out how much you’re willing to spend on the trip, breaking it into categories like accommodations, gas, food, and activities.
b. Book Accommodations Early
Popular summer spots like Banff, Jasper, or Waterton fill up fast. Many campgrounds and hotels open bookings months in advance.
- When to Book: Parks Canada campsites open reservation systems as early as mid-January. For hotels or cabins, aim for February-March to snag the best deals.
- Budget Tip: Look for free or low-cost camping spots in Crown Land areas or consider private campgrounds, which often have fewer crowds and more availability.
c. Save on Meals
Packing your own food or planning a mix of campfire cooking and occasional dining out can save you hundreds.
- Start watching for deals now on portable coolers, reusable food containers, or even fun camping cookbooks.
3. Map It: Get Kids Involved in the Fun
Planning is half the adventure, and kids love feeling part of the process. Here’s how to make it interactive:
- Get a Map or Atlas: A big Alberta road map (or even Google Maps) can help kids visualize the trip. Let them mark stops with stickers or highlight the route with a marker.
- Research Together: Assign each family member a destination to research. Kids can look up fun facts about animals in Elk Island, hikes in Jasper, or dinosaur digs in Drumheller.
- Make a Countdown Calendar: Create a countdown to your trip date with fun daily tasks like picking snacks, testing camping gear, or watching travel videos.
4. Pack It: Gear Up Without Breaking the Bank
Winter is a great time to stock up on supplies and take advantage of sales:
5. Plan for Fun Along the Way
Road trips are just as much about the journey as the destination! Add some fun pit stops and scenic routes to your plan:
- Icefields Parkway: One of the most breathtaking drives in the world, with glacier views and pull-offs for photos.
- Abraham Lake: Known for its magical frozen methane bubbles in winter but equally stunning in summer.
- Frank Slide Interpretive Centre: A quick and fascinating stop to learn about Canada’s deadliest landslide.
- Lesser-Known Gems: Add hidden gems like Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park or the quiet beauty of Kananaskis Country to your itinerary.
6. Winter Prep for Summer Fun
Use the cold months to prep your trip stress-free:
- Test Your Gear: Set up your tent indoors or in the backyard to make sure it’s in good shape. Test sleeping bags or air mattresses for leaks.
- Make a Packing List: Start jotting down everything you’ll need for your trip—this will save you from last-minute packing panics come summer.
- Create a Travel Playlist: Compile road trip tunes that will keep the whole family singing along (bonus points if you let the kids pick a few tracks).
7. Bonus: Use Apps and Websites to Stay Organized
There are plenty of free tools to make planning easier:
- Parks Canada Reservation System: For campsites in national parks.
- GasBuddy: Find the cheapest gas along your route.
- AllTrails: Research family-friendly hikes and download maps.
- Pinterest: Use it to save road trip recipes, travel games, and packing tips.
8. Don’t Forget the Winter Savings Perks
If you plan early, you’ll have extra time to save for any splurges:
- Start a Trip Jar: Make it fun for the kids by letting them add spare change. By summer, you could have extra gas or ice cream money!
- Look for Alberta Resident Discounts: Some attractions offer reduced rates for locals—keep an eye out for deals as you plan.
Planning a summer road trip now means you can focus on the fun when the warm weather hits. Alberta is filled with incredible destinations, and winter is the perfect time to dream up your family’s next great adventure. So grab a map, make some hot cocoa, and let the planning begin! 
