Are you looking for a real-life winter wonderland? Let me introduce you to Banff National Park… Whilst it’s often considered a summer destination, thanks to its glistening turquoise lakes, Banff in winter shouldn’t be missed! It has jaw dropping snow-capped mountains, world-class ski resorts, and a cosy small-town atmosphere.
With so much to see and do, my Banff in winter travel guide is here to help you plan a visit to this spectacularly beautiful part of Canada.
How to get to Banff National Park in Winter –
Getting to Banff in the winter is surprisingly easy! The nearest transport hub is Calgary. I arrived via plane from Vancouver and found many different shuttles from Calgary Airport to Banff. Plus, the journey down the Transcanada Highway only takes around 1.5 hours.
In this way, public transport is by far the most affordable way to travel to Banff. Plus, once you arrive there are plenty of affordable bus routes to all the top things to do below. There are even free shuttles to each of the area’s ski resorts!
Alternatively, you could rent a car, which would provide more flexibility in your itinerary. However, driving in Canada in winter can be dangerous. So, make sure you get snow tyres and have experience driving in icy conditions if you do decide to rent one.
What’s the weather like during Winter in Banff? –
There’s no way to sugarcoat it, winter in Banff is COLD! On average, the temperature sits around -15ºC, but it can dip to -30ºC or more during cold ‘snaps’. These usually last around a week and tend to come around January-February time. However, others say that December is the coldest month…
As a result, whenever you’re visiting, it’s important to come prepared if you want to enjoy all the outdoor activities Banff in winter has to offer! Thermals, hats, gloves, snow boots etc will be your best friends!
Where to stay in Banff in Winter –
Banff has accommodation options to suit all budgets from hostels to 5* hotels! Some top choices at the higher end include the Moose Hotel & Suites, which is sleek and within walking distance of everything downtown, and the Sunshine Mountain Lodge with ski-in ski-out facilities.
I stayed at the more affordable Tunnel Mountain Resort. It’s located slightly out of town, but a free local roam bus pass was included with the booking, and I was very impressed with the woodland views and cosy yet modern facilities in the chalet, which even had self-catering.
Top Things to do in Banff in Winter –
When visiting Banff in winter there’s no shortage of fun things to do! From skiing and snowshoeing to dog sledding, and even simply enjoying a hot chocolate with epic views. As such, let’s get into my top Banff winter activities and places to visit:
Explore Banff Town –
The best place to start any visit to Banff is within the town itself. It is quite simply the most picturesque place I’ve ever visited! The main avenue is framed by the snow-capped Cascade mountain at one end, whilst the slope of Mount Rundle dominates the horizon across the road. As such, a stroll along the town’s streets has to be one of the best things to do in Banff in winter.
Plus, if the weather takes a particularly cold turn during your visit, there are plenty of local stores and cafes where you can spend time shopping and enjoying a cosy hot chocolate indoors. But, don’t let this relaxed atmosphere fool you, as in the evening, Banff also has a lively restaurant and bar scene.
Hit the slopes –
If you’re anything like me, the main draw of visiting Banff in winter is the fantastic ski/snowboarding opportunities. Banff has not one, but three ski resorts right on its doorstep: Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise, and Mt. Norquay. Let’s delve into each in a little more detail!
First up, is Lake Louise; one of North America’s largest ski resorts. The terrain and facilities here are fantastic, but the real star of the show is the views! From every run you are set to enjoy stunning landscapes, none more so than those that look down onto the resort’s namesake lake.
Despite this, Banff Sunshine became my favourite resort! You do need to take a 20-minute gondola up the mountain to reach the base. But, from here there are sprawling runs, making it popular with expert skiers and beginners alike.
The third resort is Mount Norquay, which I didn’t actually visit on my trip to Banff, as other skiers reported icy conditions. However, it is by far the closest mountain to the town centre (just a 10-minute drive) and the least imposing for beginners, due to its smaller scale. You can also enjoy night skiing on Mount Norquay, and other Banff winter activities such as tubing (more on this below).
Whichever resort you choose there’s no denying that the ski passes are expensive! But, you can save money by purchasing a Ski Big 3 pass and booking as far in advance as possible.
Walk Through Johnston Canyon –
Have you ever seen a frozen waterfall? Well, a trip to Johnston Canyon (a quick 20-30 minute drive from Banff) provides a truly magical experience. A short 5km loop, across suspended metal catwalks, allows you to take in contrasting views of lush evergreen forest, a glistening frozen river, and of course, impressive frozen waterfalls (known as the Lower and Upper Falls).
The hike is easy and suitable for most fitness levels. However, make sure you rent some microspikes for your boots to prevent slipping on any ice. Whilst the canyon is easily accessible, you may wish to book a guided experience where you can learn more about its geology, or if you’re feeling adventurous you can even go ice climbing on the frozen waterfalls.
However, one thing I would not recommend at Johnston Canyon is a “Night Ice Walk”. This is something I book imagining a unique experience (and assuming that the canyon would be lit up)… In reality, it was pitch black and we were only given dim headlamps, meaning it was impossible to appreciate the canyon’s true scale and beauty… As such, Johnston Canyon is definitely one of the best things to do in Banff in winter… Just not at night!
TOP TIP: If visiting independently, you’ll find ample parking at the Johnston Canyon trailhead. It’s recommended to visit first thing in the morning to experience the trail all to yourself!
Visit Lake Louise –
Next up is one of the most famous places to visit in Banff, the gorgeous Lake Louise. 2km long and 70m deep, it’s a symbol of the Canadian Rookies. Its turquoise blue water is no doubt iconic. Yet, most people (myself included) are surprised to learn that the lake is frozen solid for most of the year (only revealing those majestic colours in late June through to August).
Despite this, Lake Louise Banff in winter still has much to draw visitors. For one, it’s perhaps the most beautiful place in the world to go ice skating, simply as the mountain backdrop is beyond comparison. The ice is also well maintained by the historic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.
If like me, you’re a bit of a Bambi on ice, you can simply walk across the snow-covered part of the Lake to take in the views. Horse-led sleigh rides are also on offer along with many snowshoeing and cross-country skiing tours. You can even hit up The Ice Bar which serves mulled wine and other warming drinks!
What’s more, the previously mentioned Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is another attraction in its own right. Make sure you head indoors for the Chateau’s famous Afternoon Tea or simply enjoy a hot chocolate from its cafe.
Top Tip: Lake Moraine is another symbol of Banff that is often confused with Lake Louise. Whilst you may want to visit, the road to this lake is closed from mid-October to May/June. This is because of serious avalanche risks. Therefore, even though it’s possible to snowshoe or cross-country ski to Lake Moraine, it’s not advisable to venture past the lookout point unless you have avalanche training.
Go Snow Tubing –
The next of my best things to do in Banff in winter is one for the kids… Or big kids! Snow Tubing is such a fun experience and a great way to enjoy the mountains if you’re not a skier or snowboarder. Essentially you’re pushed down well-groomed lanes in a rubber ring and they pick up a surprising amount of speed!
There are two “Tube Parks” in Banff, the Sunny Tube Park at Lake Louise and the original park (with longer runs) at Mount Norquay. You can also go night tubing as a fun experience here and the adult price is currently $45 CAD (but you can go for free if you have a Ski Big 3 pass).
Take in the views on the Banff Gondola –
Just 5 minutes from the town centre, sail to the top of Sulphur Mountain on the Banff Gondola. From the mountain top boardwalk, you can enjoy world-class 360° vistas, which include views of six mountain ranges and Banff town below. You can also enjoy delicious food at the Sky Bistro and more epic views from the indoor coffee shop.
There’s no doubt that the Banff Gondola provides awe-inspiring moments. Yet, it’s one of the things to do in Banff in winter that I decided to miss, mainly due to the high price with tickets starting at $60 CAD for adults. Plus, the price fluctuates, meaning tickets can be even more expensive during popular days/times.
TOP TIP: You can easily visit the Banff Gondola on public transport. Hop onto the Roam Bus Route 1 which departs from downtown Banff to the Banff Gondola.
Go Dog Sledding –
With so many amazing experiences in Banff, it’s hard to pick a favourite. But, if there’s one thing I love more than epic views, it’s dogs… So, a once-in-a-lifetime Dog Sledding tour through the Canadian Rockies might just take the prize.
Several companies offer Dog Sledding in Banff, but I booked through Discover Banff Tours and I’d highly recommend it. We opted for a 1.5-hour tour across Horse Pass. This included time to get to know the dogs, a ride along the base of giant peaks, and even a hot chocolate break halfway through. But, what I loved the most was that a lot of the dogs were rescues!
TOP TIP: Sitting in the dog sledge can get rather cold! So make sure you wear lots of layers.
Take a helicopter tour –
Speaking of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, seeing the Canadian Rockies snowy jagged peaks from the air has to be the most unique of the things to do in Banff in winter. A helicopter tour gives you a new perspective over the landscape and allows you to take in the scale of the national park.
I booked a helicopter tour through Banff Adventure Tours. Sadly however the weather wasn’t good enough for the flight to go ahead. This unfortunately happens regularly, so if you’re thinking of adding a helicopter tour to your Banff winter activities, I’d suggest keeping several days free in your itinerary.
Enjoy a scenic drive on the Icefield Parkway –
Said to be one of the most beautiful drives in North America, driving a section of the Icefields Parkway, (Alberta’s Highway 93) is another must-do. Linking Banff with Jasper National Park the stunning scenic drive will wind you past sweeping valleys, snowy mountain peaks and more glacier-fed lakes.
The route is ideal if you decide to rent a car! However, alternatively, you can book day-trip tours which take you along Highway 93 to highlights like the icefields and Peyto Lake.
Go on a Winter Hike –
Hiking in Banff is often thought of as a summer activity, yet it can also be enjoyed during the winter months with the simple addition of microspikes on your boots!
Some of the best winter hikes in Banff include Tunnel Mountain, Sulphur Mountain and Johnson Lake. But, if you’re short on time (or fancy a walk with no elevation) the Fenland Trail is an easy 1.5 km loop from downtown Banff. The trail allows you to take in beautiful winter views of the Bow River and surrounding mountains.
I loved being out in the fresh mountain air and have to say that hiking is on my list of the top things to do in Banff in winter for free!
Visit The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel –
Last but by no means least, no trip to Banff is complete without a visit to the historic Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel.
The sprawling hotel has been a Banff focal point for over 130 years. This isn’t surprising since its opulent stone walls and pitched roofs have a castle-like appearance, making it seem straight out of a fairy tale. What’s great is you don’t need to be a guest at the hotel to enjoy its grandeur, as you can explore the grounds and public spaces for free!
For example, I made sure to check out the impressive lobby. With high ceilings and a sweeping staircase, it would not feel out of place in a European palace! The real star of the show however is the rear terraces which come complete with some truly jaw-dropping views.
If you fancy indulging in luxury for a little longer, you can even treat yourself to afternoon tea at the hotel’s restaurant, or unwind with a day pass to the world-famous Fairmont Spa Banff Springs. Complete with mineral pools, the spa is the perfect place to ease sore muscles after a long day(s) hitting the slopes.
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I hope you can see from this post how enjoyable it can be to visit Banff in winter! Whilst there’s an abundance of things to do, and several once-in-a-lifetime experiences up for grabs, the chance to simply take in the epic winter wonderland views is enough to warrant a trip alone! After all, Banff in winter is perhaps the most beautiful place I have ever had the joy of visiting…
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