Are Winter Tires Required in Alberta? Winter Driving and Your Insurance

Written by the team at Alberta Insurance Pro (Acera Insurance), Airdrie. Reviewed by Brent LaRiviere, Owner, Alberta Insurance Pro. Last reviewed: November 2026.

Short answer: No, winter tires are not required by law in Alberta. The province doesn’t mandate them, but Alberta Transportation recommends four winter or all-weather tires for severe winter conditions. Some roads Albertans drive often do require them, including the Icefields Parkway and most highways in British Columbia, so where you drive matters.

The first snow has a way of showing up before most of us book a tire changeover. Here is what the rules on winter tires in Alberta actually say, where they are required, and how your tires and your auto insurance fit together.

Are winter tires required in Alberta?

Alberta has not made winter tires mandatory for passenger vehicles. Alberta Transportation does recommend that vehicles driven in severe winter conditions have four winter or all-weather tires for better traction and control. It notes that winter tires stay flexible at very low temperatures, approaching -30°C and colder, while other tires stiffen as it gets cold.

Not being required doesn’t mean anything goes. Under Alberta’s rules of the road, you must drive at a speed that is reasonable for the road, the weather and visibility, even if that is below the posted limit. You can get a ticket for driving too fast for winter conditions.

Where are winter tires required for Alberta drivers?

If you head to the mountains this winter, check the rules for your route before you go:

• Icefields Parkway (Hwy 93N) and the Banff-Windermere Highway (Hwy 93S) in Banff National Park: snow tires or chains are required by federal law from November 1 to March 31, or any other time the road is snow- or ice-covered.
• Hwy 93S in Kootenay National Park and the Trans-Canada (Hwy 1) in Yoho National Park: Parks Canada says snow tires or chains are required from October 1 to April 30.
• British Columbia: winter tires or chains are required on most B.C. highways from October 1 to April 30, and on some routes to March 31. B.C. requires at least 3.5 mm of tread and the M+S or mountain/snowflake symbol, and drivers who don’t comply can be turned away and fined.

In the national parks, snow tires are marked with either the mountain/snowflake symbol or “M+S.” Always check 511 Alberta or DriveBC before a mountain trip.

Winter, all-weather or all-season: what’s the difference?

• Winter tires are built for cold, snow and ice, with deep treads and siping that help you start, stop and climb hills.
• All-weather tires carry the mountain/snowflake symbol but are designed to be used all year.
• All-season tires often carry only the M+S marking. Alberta Transportation notes their rubber may start to harden below about 7°C.

Do winter tires affect my insurance?

They can. Some insurers offer a winter tire discount in Alberta, but it isn’t required, and whether it’s offered, how much it is, the dates and the proof needed all vary from insurer to insurer. Winter tires don’t change what your policy covers, and they don’t guarantee a lower premium. We can check what your insurer offers and whether you qualify.

Also keep in mind:

• Sliding into a ditch or another car is handled under your auto policy like any other collision. Damage to your own vehicle is generally covered only if you carry Collision or All Perils coverage, and your deductible applies.
• Collisions on or after January 1, 2027 fall under Alberta’s new Care-First system for injuries. See our post What Is Care-First Auto Insurance in Alberta?
• Driving to conditions still matters. Fault is still determined after a collision, and at-fault claims can affect your premium.

Winter driving tips for Airdrie and Calgary-area roads

1. Check your tires and your spare, plus your battery, wipers, brakes, heater and defroster.
2. Slow down. Posted limits are set for ideal conditions.
3. Leave room. The province suggests at least three times the normal following distance on slick roads.
4. Skip cruise control in winter conditions, and watch for bridge decks, which are often icier.
5. Stay back from snowplows until they let you pass.
6. Pack a kit: a phone charger, blanket, warm clothes, water, snacks, a shovel and a flashlight.

Frequently asked questions

Is it illegal to drive without winter tires in Alberta?

No. Alberta doesn’t require them, but you must drive at a speed that suits the road and weather conditions.

Do I need winter tires to drive to Banff or Jasper?

For the Icefields Parkway between Lake Louise and Jasper, yes: snow tires or chains are required from November 1 to March 31, or whenever the road is snow- or ice-covered. Requirements also apply on Hwy 93S and through Yoho. Check Parks Canada before you go.

Do I need winter tires to drive into B.C.?

On most B.C. highways, yes, from October 1 to March 31 or April 30 depending on the route.

Will winter tires lower my insurance?

They might. Some insurers offer a discount and others don’t, so ask us to check your policy.

Do I need to tell my insurer I put winter tires on?

If your insurer offers a winter tire discount, you’ll usually need to tell them to get it, and they may ask for proof. Otherwise, call us if you’ve added expensive custom rims or other upgrades so we can check how they’re covered.

This article is general information only, not legal or insurance advice. Road rules can change, so check Alberta, Parks Canada and B.C. sources before you travel. Coverage, conditions and premiums depend on your policy wording, your insurer and your circumstances. Sources: Government of Alberta, Information About Winter Tires; Government of Alberta, Safer winter highways; Parks Canada, Travelling the Icefields Parkway; National Parks Highway Traffic Regulations, s. 40; Government of B.C., Winter tire and chain-up routes.