Every year around November, Banff transforms into a winter wonderland and one of the best destinations for winter activites in Canada. Planning a trip to Banff in winter yourself and wondering what to do? From world class skiing to soaking in a hot spring, there is something to do for anyone, so let’s dive into it!
SKIING/SNOWBOARDING
With a skiing season that can last up to 7 months, it is no surprise that Banff is one of the North America’s best skiing destinations. Season typically runs from November to May, with ideal conditions from December to mid-April. Banff is home to three ski resorts:
» Banff Sunshine Village
Known as the snowiest resort, Banff Sunshine Village offers lengthy season that lasts from mid-November until late May.
» Lake Louise Ski Resort
One of the North America’s largest ski resorts with a huge variety of terrain.
» Mt. Norquay Ski Resort
Smaller, family friendly resort located just outside of town of Banff. Also the only option for night skiing in Banff NP!
WINTER HIKING/SNOWSHOEING
Winter hiking around Banff is definitely a bit more limited comparing to summer, but not impossible! There is plenty of beautiful trails that you can visit in the winter and everything looks sooo pretty with a layer of snow. That being said, it’s important to keep in mind that avalanche danger exists in the mountains around Banff from November to June. If you have no experience in avalanche terrain, we’d highly recommend sticking to recommended winter hiking trails or snowshoeing trails from Parks Canada website. These trails stay pretty well-trafficked throughout the whole year, making it easy to visit them even without snowshoes. You should however consider packing them after a fresh snowfall. Here are some of the best hikes you can do around Banff in winter:
Amazing hiking/snowshoeing trails to visit in Banff in winter
» Johnston Canyon
» Tunnel Mountain
» Sulphur Mountain
» Sundance Canyon
» Peyto Lake Viewpoint
» Taylor Lake
» Fairview Lookout
Banff in winter: Hiking/snowshoeing safety checklist
» Always check avalanche danger conditions before hitting any trail. Avalanche Canada is a great resource for doing that!
» Check chosen trail conditions on Parks Canada website.
» Bring ice cleats/microspikes! Trails can get slippery and having ice cleats or microspikes on your shoes makes all the difference. You can rent them in Banff, but there is plenty affordable options on Amazon for pretty much the same price as 1-day rental.
» Pack extra layers. Temperatures are dropping quickly once the sun goes behind the mountains and you never know what can happen, so having extra layers is extremely important!
» Beware of wildlife – While bears are denning during the winter, they can awaken any time and other wildlife like cougars or wolfs stay active. Make noise, carry bear spray and do not approach the animals.
» Consider carrying satellite communicator such as Garmin inReach (Amazon Canada or Amazon US) if venturing to poor or no cell service areas.
Guided snowshoeing tours
If you don’t feel like hitting the trails in the winter on your own, you can consider one of these guided tours that include winter hiking or snowshoeing:
» Snowshoeing on Top of the World
» Lake Louise Winterland from Banff
» Banff, Lake Louise & Johnston Canyon | Winter Wonderland Tour
» Banff Nature Walk 2hrs – Winter Edition / Ice cleats included
CROSSCOUNTRY SKIING
Downhill skiing is what typically comes to mind with winter in Banff, but there are some beautiful cross-country skiing trails too and many of them are trackset. Pick one of the recommended cross-country ski trails from Parks Canada website for an amazing active winter day. We personally love the Spray River West Trail as you can easily jump on the Roam bus that will take you to the beginning of this double track-set trail. As we previously mentioned, avalanche danger exists during the winter in Banff NP, so make sure to read through our checklist in the previous article section. Lastly, you can consider taking a beginner lesson if you want to try cross-country skiing for the first time:
SEE THE LAKES AFTER THE FIRST SNOWFALL
We always say that shoulder season in Rockies is so underrated! The first snowfall typically arrives some time before the lakes freeze over. And let us tell you something – the combination of open water and fresh snow is a PURE MAGIC! Late October and first half of November is usually the best time to witness these conditions. We literally can’t believe that this is the quietest time of a year when you can see the scenes like these!
Can't miss lakes after the first snowfall
» Lake Louise
» Peyto Lake
» Emerald Lake
» Bow Lake
HOT SPRINGS
There’s nothing like soaking your body in a hot water after a cold day spent outside. Can’t get much better than that! There are few options to do so in or around Banff:
» Banff Upper Hot Springs
Highest operating hot spring in Canada and one of the must-visit spots while in Banff!
» Radium Hot Springs
If you don’t mind 1.5 hour of driving from Banff or heading that direction anyways, Radium Hot Springs is one of British Columbia’s top natural hot springs located in Kootenay National Park.
» Kananaskis Nordic Spa
Ultimate mountain retreat in beautiful Kananaskis Country, just under 1 hour from Banff.
» Fairmont Spa Banff Springs
Award winning day spa inside of the famous Fairmont Banff Springs hotel.
» Hidden Ridge Resort
Guests of this intimate resort tucked away on Tunnel Mountain can enjoy outdoor hot pools with amazing views.
» Fox Hotel & Suites
Have you ever soaked in a cave-like indoor hot pool? You can do so at Fox Hotel & Suites!
WINTER HELICOPTER FLIGHT
Seeing Canadian Rockies from above is an incredible experience that should be on your bucketlist! Flying in a helicopter was definitely one of the coolest things we’ve done over the years of living here and we were fortunate to experience it twice – in fall and winter. While both flights included landing in a wilderness, we did a little snowshoeing tour and sipped some hot chocolates during the winter one!
We flew with Rockies Heli both times from their base at Abraham lake and booked their 20 minute flight + snowshoeing tour.
BANFF GONDOLA
If you don’t feel like hiking up the Sulphur mountian, you can take the Banff Gondola instead. It is easily one of the best things to do in Banff any time of a year, especially on a clear day. From mid-November to end of March, you can experience Nightrise which is an after dark multimedia experience. That being said, daily spots are limited and booking ahead is highly recommended.
SNOW TUBING
Snow Tubing is such a fun activity with a little bit of adrenaline rush. There are two options to go snow tubing near Banff:
» Snow Tubing at Mt Norquay Ski Resort
Located just 5 minutes from town, this is the largest park in Alberta with 8 high speed lanes!
» Snow Tubing at Lake Louise Ski Resort
Smaller tubing area with 2 lanes, 45 minutes from Banff. Perfect if you’re already planning to visit Lake Louise area.
WILD ICE SKATING
Skating on wild ice is something that always get our hearts pumping! There is something incredibly freeing about being in the middle of the lake knowing you can’t access these places in other seasons and knowing there is a whole other world underneath you. It is easily our favourite thing to do in Banff in winter!
Epic lakes for wild ice skating around Banff
» Vermilion Lakes
» Lake Louise
» Johnson Lake
» Spray Lakes Reservoir
» Gap Lake
» Lake Minnewanka
Banff in winter: Wild ice skating safety checklist
» It’s extremely important to realize that skating on wild life involves some risks. Take safety precautions before venturing onto any frozen lake.
» Check the ice thickness. Recommended minimum ice thickness is at least 4″ (10 cm) for a single person and 8″ (20 cm) for a group of skaters. Ice screws that are typically used for ice climbing can be also used to quickly test ice thickness. You can consider these ice screws from MEC.ca.
» Consider recent weather conditions.
» Remember that every lake needs different amount of time to be safe to skate on. If you saw people skating on a lake, it doesn’t mean that it’s safe to skate on and it certainly doesn’t mean that another lake is safe to skate on.
» Don’t go skating alone.
» Avoid areas that are close to a river or creek entering the lake.
» Consider carrying satellite communicator such as Garmin inReach (Amazon Canada or Amazon US) if venturing to poor or no cell service areas.
FROZEN BUBBLES
Frozen bubbles are cool natural phenomenon that occurs when methane bubbles rise to the surfaces and become trapped as the lake freezes. You can find the bubbles in many different lakes, but Abraham Lake is by far the best place to go! The reason why is because it typically receives less snow and the strong wind typical for the area also helps to keep the snow away from the lake. It is a bit of a drive from Banff, but as you might know – drives in Rockies are pretty scenic and this one is not an exception! Best time to catch the frozen bubbles at Abraham Lake is typically between early January to late February. That’s when the ice is typically safe to walk on and stays clear from the snow. That being said, conditions can vary every year and we’d recommend researching the conditions before the long drive, so you’re not disappointed. Always follow the wild ice safety precautions we mentioned in the previous paragraph and don’t forget to pack the ice cleats/microspikes. You can rent them in Banff, but there is plenty affordable options on Amazon for pretty much the same price as 1-day rental.
COZY CABIN STAY
There is nothing better than staying in a cozy cabin after a day spent outside. And that’s especially true in the winter when you can just watch the snow falling outside a window and listen to the sounds of burning wood in the fireplace. Our number one recommendation for a cozy cabin stay in Banff National Park is Baker Creek Resort (on the photos). This intimate mountain resort located near Lake Louise is a perfect place to soak that winter charm in. You can also checkout these beautiful resorts:
» Storm Mountain Lodge
» Paradise Lodge & Bungalows
» Castle Mountain Chalets
» Johnston Canyon Lodge
» Emerald Lake Lodge
DOG SLEDDING
Dog Sledding is such a unique way to experience the beauty of Canadian Rockies in the winter. The season runs from December to April and it’s a very popular activity that sells out, so make sure to book ahead. There are multiple operators with different tour options:
» Kingmik Dog Sled Tours
» Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours
» Howling Dog Tours
FROZEN WATERFALLS
Canadian Rockies are known to be a home of beautiful waterfalls that you can visit during summer, but they are just as magical in the winter when they freeze! Imagine hiking through a beautiful winter landscape with a real treat in the end! Before heading out, make sure to check our winter hiking/snowshoeing checklist that we’ve mentioned earlier in this article.
Where to see frozen waterfalls around Banff
» Johnston Canyon
» Frozen waterfalls at the end of Lake Louise
» Wapta Falls
» Grotto Canyon
» Troll Falls
CAVING
Caving is a fantastic and unique way to experience Rockies. Now you might be asking – in the winter? Yes! Caves have consistent temperature of 5°C (41°F) year-round, so it’s a perfect activity in any season! These guided tours will take you the surface of Grotto Mountain that hides one of the longest cave systems in Canada! Canmore Cave Tours has been operating in the area since 1992 and has experienced guides that will take you underground. No experience necessary, but note that caving can be physically demanding activity.
SNOWMOBILING
Experience the thrill of winter in Canadian Rockies from a snowmobile seat! While there are no options to go snowmobiling right in Banff (since motorized vehicles are not permitted on trails in national park), it doesn’t take a long drive outside of park to be able to go. The season usually runs from December to April, depending on snow conditions. There are several tour operators near Banff (some of them also provide shuttles to and from Banff) that offer guided snowmobiling tours that cover diverse terrain, from open meadows to dense forests:
» White n’ Wild Snowmobile Tours
» Toby Creek Adventures
» Rocky Mountain Riders
THE ICEFIELDS PARKWAY
Known as one of the most beautiful drives in the world, this 230 km long road between Banff and Jasper is absolutely stunning any time of a year! Parks Canada does incredible job maintaining the road as much as possible during the winter months. That being said, it is a mountain road with high elevation passes and exposed areas, so closures can occur if avalanche conditions are too high. Driving the Icefields Parkway in the winter requires more preparation, so let’s get into it.
Can't miss spots along Icefields Parkway in the winter (as they go from Banff to Jasper)
» Bow Lake
» Peyto Lake
» Waterfowl Lakes
» Mistaya Canyon
» Panther Falls
» Columbia Icefields
» Tangle Creek Falls
» Athabasca Falls
Things to know before driving Icefields Parkway in the winter
» There is no gas or amenities along the Icefields Parkway in the winter (the only gas station on the way is closed in the winter), make sure to fill up your tank in Banff or Lake Louise and stock up on food and water.
» Check the road conditions reports on 511 Alberta before you venture out.
» Snow tires are mandatory on the Icefields Parkway from November 1 to April 1.
» Icefields Parkway is a remote area with no cell service, consider carrying satellite communicator such as Garmin inReach (Amazon Canada or Amazon US).
» Valid national parks pass is required to drive the Icefields Parkway.
» Make sure to check our winter hiking/snowshoeing checklist if venturing to trails along Icefields Parkway.
STARGAZING AND NORTHERN LIGHTS
Watching the night sky in Banff is a memorable experience as you’ll find yourself under one of the darkest skies on the planet! Winter is the best time for stargazing as the nights are long and dark and the air is less humid. And if you’re lucky, you might even see the northern lights dancing on the sky! Your best chances to catch them will be from October to April, but note that Banff is not a prime location for aurora borealis and we’d definitely recommend travelling further up north to witness the best shows. That being said, Lake Minnewanka or Vermillion Lakes are great locations for stargazing in Banff National Park. Or if you don’t feel like going on your own, you can consider one of these guided tours:
» Banff Sunset & Stars – 2hr Walking Tour
» Stargazing Tour – Kananaskis After Dark
YAMNUSKA WOLFDOG SANCTUARY
If you love to seek new experiences that go beyond traditional winter activities or simply love animals, there is one hidden gem that can please both nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. It is the Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary. Located near Cochrane, just one hour drive from Banff, Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary is currently a home for 43 wolfdogs. They are non-profit organization dedicated to driving awareness and education surrounding wolfdog ownership. From a self guided tour where you can observe various packs of wolfdogs, to guided tours with a chance to interact with some of the wolfdogs, they offer variety of tours. They might even take a treat from you! We took the interactive tour which was an unforgettable experience. And the guides were very knowledgable!
ICE CLIMBING
As the temperatures drop and waterfalls freeze into icy sculptures, it’s time for another unique and exhilarating activity – ice climbing. Whether you’re a seasoned climber or a novice eager to experience the thrill from this adrenaline activity, Banff is a perfect playground inviting everyone. Johnston Canyon, Cascade Falls, and the spectacular Icefields Parkway are just a few of the iconic locations where ice climbers test their skills. Never tried ice climbing before? Try one of these beginner-friendly guided tours:
» Banff: Introduction to Ice Climbing for Beginners
» Experience Ice Climbing in Banff, Canada
WINTER EVENTS & FESTIVALS
Some winter months in Banff may definitely feel like there is less to do outside (unless you’re a skier or snowboarder), not even mentioning that evenings may feel way too long with the short daylight we get for the part of the winter. Luckily there is lots of fun events you can attend. Festivals you shouldn’t miss on your next winter trip to Banff:
» Banff SnowDays Festival
» Nightrise at the Banff Gondola
» Ice Magic at Lake Louise
» Banff Mountain Film Festival
» Hot Chocolate Trail
» In Search of Christmas Spirit
» Banff Craft Beer Festival
» Banff Christmas Market
INDOOR ACTIVITIES TO DO IN BANFF IN WINTER
Crazy snow storm or way too cold outside? If you’re planning on staying for couple days orjust simply don’t feel like going outside, there is plenty of indoor activities you can do in Banff.
Fenlands Banff Recreation Centre
From indoor public skating with skate rentals, to other drop in classes like pilates or yoga – Fenlands Banff Recreation Centre has it all. The whole schedule can be found on Town of Banff website.
Eureka Escape Room
For those seeking a fan and brain challenging activity for friends and family, there is an amazing immersive puzzle escape room called Eureka escape room that will challenge 2-8 people to work as a team to get out.
Gyms and workout classes
You don’t have to skip your gym session when you are visiting Banff as there are two crossfit gyms, multiple yoga studios as well as gyms that you can go to:
» Sally Borden Fitness and Recreation (gym, climbing wall, pool, sauna and more)
» Bow Valley CrossFit
» Banff Yoga Practice
» Flow State Yoga
» Summit Lifestyle & Performance (different functional fitness classes)
Banff Museums
Museums are such a great way to learn more about the history and cultural heritage of the area. Escape the cold in one of these Banff’s museums:
» The Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies
» Banff Park Museum
» Buffalo Nations Museum
Bowling
If you can’t decide whether you want to spend rest of your evening being active, sit at the bar or go to a restaurant, consider a locally popular High Rollers for some bowling with probably the biggest selection of beer on tap together with some delicious food.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE VISITING BANFF IN WINTER
» She’s a cold one!
Winter temperatures in Banff can go below -30° on extreme days, so make sure to have the warmest clothes you own!
» She’s a long one!
Winter in Banff lasts much longer than in other parts of the world. If you’re not sure which winter month you should choose for your visit, see our Best time to visit Banff post where we break down each month in a year.
» Winterize your vehicle
Even though winter tires are not required by law in Alberta (with some exceptions such as on Icefields Parkway), we’d absolutely not recommend driving without them.
» Purchase park pass
You’ll need a national park pass for visiting Banff NP or Kananaskis Conservation Pass if venturing to Kananaskis Country.
» Be wildlife aware
Bears can awaken during their winter sleep and other animals stay active throughout the year. Make noise, do not approach them and carry bear spray.
WHERE TO STAY IN BANFF IN WINTER
There is plenty of hotels, lodges or chalets that you can choose from when visiting Banff in winter besides the cozy cabins we mentioned earlier. If we’re honest with you, staying in Banff can get pretty expensive. It is simply the centre of all activities in Banff NP, so there is a price that comes with it. Moose Hotel & Suites or Fox Hotel & Suites are popular options for winter travellers. Keep in mind that Banff gets busy even during the winter months, so make sure to book in advance. You can also try searching on Vrbo if you’re looking for more home-like experience. Lastly, we have a blog post about Unique Places to Stay in Canadian Rockies where we feature some of our favourite stays in the area!
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