20 Best Spots for Winter Photos in Banff National Park

Planning a winter trip to Banff National Park and hoping to take some amazing winter pictures while you’re there? This guide to the best spots for winter photos in Banff is for you!

Banff in winter is absolutely magical.

There’s something so incredible about seeing the mountains, lakes, and forest completely covered by a blanket of white that truly makes you feel like you’re in a postcard.

Before we get to the list of great places for Banff winter pictures, you might also want to check out these posts:

And be sure to follow me on Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest. I share a lot of travel content on those that never make it to the blog!

Before we get started, let’s go over two very important things: What to expect weather wise in Banff in winter, and how to dress for the weather!

Weather in winter in Banff National Park

Weather in the Canadian Rockies can be extremely erratic so it’s best to be prepared for anything!

Random snow falls can even happen in summer, so always bring lots of layers with you no matter what time of year you plan on visiting.

How cold does it get in Banff in winter?

Winters in Banff tend to be very cold and very snowy.

Expect temperatures to be well below 0 and be prepared!

Temperatures can easily drop as low as -35 degrees celsius or even colder!

Of course some days will be much warmer and you may even see temperatures slightly above zero.

It is always best to check the forecast well in advance so you know how to prepare.

How to pack for Banff in winter

The best advice I can give you is to make sure you bring lots of layers with you when visiting Banff in winter, and make sure you have proper snow gear!

Here are some of my top recommendations for things to bring with you when visiting Banff in winter:

A warm winter coat
Fleece lined nude tights – these are my best hack for staying warm while wearing skirts in winter!
thermals for layering
A toque, hat, or earmuffs to keep your ears warm
A scarf to keep your neck warm
Mittens or gloves
Hand & foot warmers
Wool socks – I find smartwool or merino wool socks like these to be the best for warmth!
Winter boots

Just a side note that throughout this guide you will see photos of me in clothing that aren’t the most appropriate for Banff in winter.

I always keep warm clothes nearby when shooting outside and I do this solely for the aesthetics of my photos.

So please bear in mind that I always have warm gear nearby, and if I am not wearing a coat in my photo you can bet it’s on standby just out of the frame.

Now, onto the guide to the best places to take Banff winter photos!

The Best Spots for Winter Photos in Banff National Park

Banff during winter is absolutely magical and there are so many great spots to capture your next instagram photo.

Here are the best spots for winter photos in Banff National Park!

1. Banff Avenue

We’re starting this guide to the best spots for winter photos in Banff with a classic, one of the most iconic Banff winter photo spots: Banff Avenue.

Banff Avenue is the main street in Banff that is lined with shops and restaurants, with a stunning backdrop of incredible mountain views.

Not only is Banff Avenue a great spot for Banff winter photos, but it’s also a wonderful destination to spend a few hours browsing around.

Here you’ll find all sorts of shops including gift shops, shops offering locally made and artisanal products, pubs, fabulous restaurants, and so much more.

2. View from the top of the Banff Gondola

Another great and very famous Banff photo spot is the view from the top of the Banff Gondola!

Take a ride up the gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain and you’ll get to experience breathtaking views at the top that include six mountain ranges, the Bow Valley, and the town of Banff below.

Up here you will be able to capture some of the most incredible Banff winter pictures from way up high in the mountains.

You really can’t visit Banff without taking a trip up the Banff Gondola!

3. Johnston Canyon Lower Falls

Johnston Canyon is not only a great place for Banff winter photography, it’s also just one of the coolest things to do in Banff in winter.

I have a full guide to hiking Johnston Canyon in winter, so if you’ve never been be sure to check it out!

Johnston Canyon is quite possibly my absolute favourite activity to do in Banff in winter.

If you’re planning on visiting Banff in winter, this is one activity you absolutely won’t want to miss.

Johnston Canyon is truly a sight to see, and it’s even more incredible in winter when everything is covered with snow and the waterfalls are partially (or fully) frozen.

Johnston Canyon is full of great spot to take your Banff winter pictures, and the first spot being the Johnston Canyon lower falls!

4. Johnston Canyon Upper Falls

Beyond the Lower Falls, you will find the Johnston Canyon Upper Falls.

The Johnston Canyon Upper Falls are hands down one of the best spots for winter photos in Banff.

I just love how the icy falls look in photos.

There really is nothing more magical than the frozen waterfalls in the middle of winter!

Be sure to check out my guide to hiking Johnston Canyon in winter for all my top tips to doing this hike.

5. The Secret Cave at Johnston Canyon

The last spot for your Banff winter pictures at Johnston Canyon is definitely the most epic.

This incredible place is closed to the public during every season other than winter, so if you happen to be visiting Banff in winter you definitely can’t miss it!

The reason the Johnston Canyon Secret Cave is closed off for the rest of the year is because it is a nesting ground for rare Black Swift birds.

These birds only lay one egg a year and there are only a few of them left in the area!

For that reason you absolutely cannot visit the Secret Cave during warmer months, and can actually get ticketed a very large amount of money if you do.

But if you’re visiting Johnston Canyon in winter you are free to explore the Secret Cave and it’s absolutely epic!

Be sure to check out my guide to hiking Johnston Canyon in winter which includes all the information you need for finding the Secret Cave.

6. Surprise Corner

Surprise Corner is another very iconic spot for Banff winter photography.

In fact, it’s such a popular Banff photo spot that it attracts photographers from worldwide.

So many professional photoshoots happen here for weddings, engagements, family photos and more.

Upon arriving at Surprise Corner you will quickly see why that is!

Surprise Corner gets it’s name from the “surprise” incredible viewpoint you get along Tunnel Mountain Road of the Banff Springs Hotel.

It is one of the most popular viewpoints to visit in Banff and there’s a parking lot right there so it’s easy to access.

This really is one of the best spots for winter photos in Banff, with the beautiful and majestic Fairmont Banff Springs hotel perched amongst the trees in the distance below the looming mountain range.

7. Lake Louise

A trip to Banff National Park is never complete without visiting the stunning Lake Louise!

And you better believe Lake Louise also has a lot of great spots to take your winter photos.

There are so many great angles you can shoot photos at Lake Louise.

Known for its turquoise, glacier-fed lake that is surrounded by mountains and the beautiful Chateau, Lake Louise is definitely one of the most famous places for Banff winter pictures.

In the winter, the stunning lake freezes over and you can actually walk out on it!

8. Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

Set on the edge of the gorgeous Lake Louise and overlooking the mountains, you will find the beautiful Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.

This stunning Chateau is one of the most iconic hotels in all of Canada.

If you have the opportunity to spend a night here, I highly recommend it.

You can check out the latest rates for the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise here.

But even if you just visit for the day, there are lots of great spots to take amazing photos at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.

9. Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise Ice Castle

Every year the team at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise carves an intricate ice castle from huge blocks of ice.

This incredible ice castle is truly a sight to see, and makes for a great spot for some Banff winter images.

Beyond the stunning ice castle, every year a world class ice carving competition is also held at Lake Louise.

This competition is held in January as part of the Banff SnowDays Celebration.

There is a new theme every year, after which the incredible ice sculptures are left on display on the banks of Lake Louise.

The unbelievable ice castle and unique ice sculptures at the edge of Lake Louise truly make for some beautiful winter photo spots!

10. Moraine Lake

Although the road to Moraine Lake from Lake Louise is closed in the winter, you can access the lake by snowshoeing/cross country skiing to the 10 peaks viewpoint.

Please note that going beyond the 10 peaks viewpoint is not recommended due to the high risk of avalanches.

If you do decide to make the cross country trek to 10 peaks viewpoint you will be in for a real treat, as it truly is a stunning sight to see in winter!

11. Morant’s Curve

You’ve probably seen photos from Morant’s Curve at some point, it’s a really famous Banff photography spot!

Morant’s Curve is a beautiful viewpoint where the Canadian Pacific Railway passes through in a curve along the Bow River.

Morant’s Curve was named after Nicholas Morant who was a staff photographer working for the Canadian Pacific Railway.

He took many famous photos for the Canadian Pacific Railway at this exact spot.

A lot of photographers and visitors alike visit Morant’s Curve each year in hopes they will catch a passing train and be able to photograph it themselves.

It really is such an incredibly beautiful and scenic Banff photo spot, and is particularly magical in winter!

By the way – I have tips on how to find Morant’s Curve in my guide to things to do in Banff in winter.

12. Abraham Lake

Chances are you’ve probably seen photos or videos of the amazing ice bubbles at Abraham Lake.

The frozen bubbles seen in many Alberta lakes at winter time are truly a sight to see.

The most famous lake to see these bubbles though by far is Abraham Lake.

This natural phenomenon alone has made Abraham Lake go viral all over the world. It truly is a sight to see!

Although Abraham Lake is not located in Banff, it is a 2 hour drive from the town of Banff and if you have some free time while visiting it is 100% worth the drive.

One of the best ways to experience Abraham Lake in winter is with an extraordinary helicopter flight through the breathtaking snowy Canadian Rockies with Canadian Rockies Abraham Lake Ice Bubbles Tour.

Not only will you get to see the bubbles on Abraham Lake from the air, but then you’ll get an up close during a guided walking tour on the lake!

Your day trip also includes a complimentary hot lunch and hot chocolate with irish cream.

The Canadian Rockies Abraham Lake Ice Bubbles Tour is truly an experience that you will never forget.

Abraham Lake is world famous for its winter ice bubbles that will be the perfect backdrop for stunning and incredibly unique winter photos and videos.

13. Vermilion Lakes

One of the lakes in Banff that will sometimes also have ice bubbles is Vermilion lakes.

Although, this only happens when plants decay underwater and release methane just as the lake is freezing, so the conditions have to be right!

But even if there are no ice bubbles, Vermilion Lakes is still a stunning spot to take some beautiful Banff winter pictures.

The Vermilion Lakes are a series of 3 lakes located immediately west of the town of Banff.

From here you can expect to get stunning photos of the lakes with the surrounding mountains, including Mount Rundle (the big slanted mountain).

14. Emerald Lake Lodge

Although Emerald Lake Lodge is not actually in Banff, it’s so close that I had to include it on this list of the best spots for winter photos in Banff!

Located in YOHO National Park, which is actually a part of British Columbia, Emerald Lake Lodge is truly stunning during the winter months.

You will find Emerald Lake Lodge just a short 37 minute drive from Lake Louise, and it is definitely worth visiting them both in the same day.

I visited Emerald Lake Lodge for the first time last winter, and I am so glad I did!

It truly is such a gorgeous sight to see and will make you feel like you stepped right into a winter postcard.

If you are visiting Banff in winter, you absolutely have to make the drive out to see Emerald Lake Lodge too!

15. The Icefield Parkway

If you’re surprised to see a highway on this guide to the best places for Banff winter pictures, that’s because you haven’t seen the Icefield Parkway yet!

The Icefield Parkway is such an incredibly beautiful drive.

In fact, it was rated one of the top drives in the world by Condé Nast Traveller.

The Icefield Parkway is a 232 km highway that connects Banff to Jasper.

Along this highway you’ll see soaring rocky mountain peaks, ice fields and vast sweeping valleys that are truly a sight to see in winter.

There are so many places to stop for photos along the Icefield Parkway, so grab your camera, hop in your car, and get ready for one of the most scenic drives in the world!

16. Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel

As if I could write a guide to the best spots for Banff winter photography without including the famous castle of Banff, the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel!

The Banff Springs Hotel opened in 1888 by the Canadian Pacific Railway and was one of Canada’s first grand railway hotels.

To this day the Banff Springs Hotel remains an iconic and loved landmark for the area.

I’ve had the opportunity to stay at the Banff Springs Hotel a couple of times and it is such an incredible experience.

The hotel itself is so grand and exquisite, it makes you feel like you’re in a castle!

There are so many incredible angles to take photos both inside and outside of the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel.

I suggest making an afternoon of it and then visiting one of the bars or restaurants inside for a happy hour beverage!

You can check out the latest rates to stay at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel here.

17. Two Jack Lake

Two Jack Lake is another famous lake in the area that makes for a great spot to take some amazing Banff winter photos.

Two Jack Lake is a beautiful emerald green lake that offers a sweeping view of Mount Rundle.

During the winter months Two Jack Lake freezes over and many people come out to skate along its icy shores.

Grab your skates and head to Two Jack Lake for some adorable skating in the mountains photos, or just grab your camera and get ready to take some incredible scenery photos of the frozen lake and surrounding mountains.

18. Bow Falls

Bow Falls is a very easy to get to and picturesque spot in Banff near the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel.

Although the falls themselves aren’t very tall, they are no less beautiful.

Surrounded by snow and partially frozen over, with a beautiful mountainous background, Bow Falls is a great spot to take your next round of Banff winter pictures.

19. Bow Lake

Bow Lake is a small lake in Banff National Park along the Icefield Parkway that is popular to visit year round.

During the winter months Bow Lake is a popular spot for snowshoeing and cross country skiing.

Bow Lake makes for a great photo stop along the Icefield Parkway in the winter.

There is a very popular bridge here that’s a great photo spot and doesn’t require snowshoes for access.

Bow Lake is also right by another famous Banff lake, Peyto lake, so it’s great to do both in the same day if you’re making the trip out to visit one of them!

20. Peyto Lake

Peyto Lake is another one of the most famous lakes to visit in Banff National Park.

The Peyto Lake viewpoint is easily accessible even in the winter months, and makes for one of the best spots for Banff winter photos.

Chances are you’ve probably seen many photos of Peyto Lake on instagram, as it really is one of the most famous lakes in the area!

Although you won’t get to see the beautiful turquoise color of the lake, as it will be frozen over and covered in snow, it is no less beautiful to see Peyto Lake in winter.

Final Thoughts

Although Banff is stunning year round, there really is something magical about visiting Banff in winter.

If you’re planning on visiting and getting some great Banff winter pictures while you’re here, I hope you found this guide to the best spots for winter photos in Banff useful!

Which Banff winter photo spot are you most excited to check out?

By the way, if you’re headed to Banff soon you may also want to check out these posts:

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