A Cozy Winter Retreat in Nordegg: Get Outside With Leah at Expanse Cottages
A First-Time Cabin Stay That Felt Like Home
For outdoor enthusiast and blogger Leah from Get Outside With Leah, the rugged charm of Alberta’s David Thompson Country is nothing new. But this was her first time staying in the Nordegg area—and Expanse Cottages didn’t disappoint. From the moment she stepped inside, the thoughtful touches stood out: chocolates on the pillows, fluffy towels, and a crackling woodstove set the tone for a weekend of comfort and connection.
“The owners of the lodge have gone above and beyond to make you feel cozy and welcome during your stay.”
When the Deep Freeze Strikes, Cozy Up
Leah and her friends arrived during a classic Alberta cold snap—with temperatures plummeting to -45°C. But even in the “ice dome,” they stayed warm, entertained, and well-fed thanks to:
- A full kitchen for cooking hearty meals
- A DVD collection and board games for indoor fun
- A roaring indoor wood stove and outdoor fire pit
- Plenty of stocked firewood and thoughtful extras
With outdoor time limited by the extreme cold, they leaned into old-school connection—laughter, storytelling, and great food.
Making the Most of the Cold
Despite the frigid temps, Leah and her group couldn’t resist trying out the Canadian classic: the boiling water toss. In sub-zero temps, boiling water thrown into the air freezes instantly into ice crystals—and they nailed it.
“It was great!”
They also made time for a bucket list stop: Abraham Lake’s frozen methane bubbles. While weather cut their visit short (and their pup Sophie wasn’t a fan of the chill), they still managed to trek to Hoodoo Creek and catch the bubbles in action—ice cleats and all.
Local Adventures & Family-Friendly Exploration
Leah noted that while the cold kept them from doing longer hikes or snowshoe trails, there was no shortage of options. Expanse Cottages provides guests with local info, guidebooks, and friendly advice to help you make the most of your time in Nordegg—whether it’s hiking, sightseeing, or cozying up indoors.
The Verdict: Winter Perfection
“Overall I couldn’t be more impressed with our stay at Expanse Cottages. Everything was absolutely perfect.”
Leah’s love for mountain getaways shines through in her review—from fireside wine to spontaneous frozen bubble hunts. Expanse Cottages offered the ideal mix of rustic charm, thoughtful comfort, and room to reconnect.
“If you’re looking to unplug and unwind (although there actually is great cell service and Wi-Fi LOL), this is the place for you.”
A Cozy and Convenient Stay for Couples and Explorers
Whether you’re into serious hiking or simply want to unwind with a warm drink and a snowy view, Expanse Cottages offers the ideal winter retreat—comfortable, quiet, and close to adventure.
Escape the Cold Snap in Comfort
Looking for the perfect winter hideaway with friends? Whether you’re chasing frozen lakes, sipping wine by the fire, or throwing boiling water into the air just for fun, Expanse Cottages delivers a cozy, memory-making escape—even in -45°C. Book your weekend in Nordegg and experience what it means to truly unwind.
Related Reviews
Matt & Karla June 2020 & January 2021
During our visit, we stayed at Expanse Cottages. These cottages are located roughly 5 minutes from Nordegg and are situated fairly deep within the forest with no highway sounds to be heard. They’re fully equipped with a living room, kitchen, TV, and a wood-burning stove.
