Although most people choose to visit Banff while the weather is warmer, winter in Banff is a pretty magical time and if you ever have the chance to visit then, do yourself a favour and don’t pass it up!
There are actually so many incredible things to do in Banff in winter.
And I don’t just mean skiing the slopes.
Banff has all sorts of winter activities that don’t involve stepping foot on a ski hill if that’s not your cup of tea.
So sit back and relax, and let me take you on a journey to discover all of the magical things there are to do in Banff in winter!
BTW – If you’re planning a trip to the Canadian Rockies soon, you might also want to check out these posts:
- 20 Best Spots for Winter Photos in Banff National Park
- The Ultimate Guide to Hiking Johnston Canyon in Winter
- 50 Best Things to do in Banff National Park
- 19 Best Hikes in Banff National Park
- Best Restaurants in Banff – 2022 Banff Dining Guide
- 23 Best Things to do in Jasper National Park
- The Best Hikes in Jasper National Park
Before we get started on the guide of things to do in Banff in winter, here is some important information to help you with your trip.
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.
Winters in Banff tend to be very cold and very snowy.
Expect temperatures to be well below 0 and be prepared for the cold.
This means you’ll want to not only have layers with you, but proper snow gear.
You’ll want snow boots, a proper coat, mittens/gloves, something for your head, and I really recommend making sure you have hot pockets for your hands and feet if you plan on being outside for an extended period of time.
I used these HotHands Super Warmers and they were an absolute godsend during my recent trip to Banff.
They made being outside in -25 to -30 a lot more bearable and kept my toes and hands warm the entire time.
And yes, you heard me right. Temperatures in Banff can hit -30 celsius or even colder.
But don’t let that scare you away from visiting Banff in winter, just be prepared!
I highly recommend making sure to check the weather before you travel so you know exactly what to be prepared for.
Getting Around Banff National Park
Because Banff National park is quite spread out and some places (like Lake Louise and Johnston Canyon) are an hour each way from the town of Banff, I do recommend traveling by vehicle.
There are of course options like shuttle buses if you do not have your own vehicle, but driving yourself will make your visit to Banff a lot more enjoyable.
If you don’t have your own car I recommend renting one for your visit to Banff National Park. Check out Economy Bookings for the cheapest car rentals from your departing city or the Banff area!
Where to stay when visiting Banff
There are a couple of options for places to stay when visiting Banff National Park, depending on which area you want to focus on.
Most people plan most of their activities around the town of Banff and stay there.
A great local’s tip though is to stay in the town of Canmore instead because it’s cheaper and close to Banff!
Staying in Canmore
Although it’s not technically in Banff National Park (it’s just outside of it) Canmore is just a short 20 minute drive from Banff and it’s much cheaper to stay in which is why it’s a favourite for Alberta locals.
Although it’s become much more touristy over the years it’s still a lot cheaper than Banff at this point, and you will save a lot of money staying here and making day trips from Canmore.
Please keep in mind that because Canmore is not technically in Banff National Park this means it is not protected like Banff.
It is important to be respectful when visiting not only to the environment, but to the locals and animals living in the area.
Top Canmore Hotel Recommendation: The Malcolm Hotel
My favourite hotel in Canmore is (by far) the Malcom Hotel.
The Malcolm Hotel has a heated outdoor pool with an incredible view of the 3 Sister’s Mountains.
The pool also stays open year round, only closing when temperatures drop below -30 celsius.
This means that if you stay here in winter, chances are you’ll still get to swim and sit in the hot tub surrounded by a snowy wonderland in the mountains.
You couldn’t ask for a more incredible winter experience in the Canadian rockies!
You can check the best available rates for the Malcolm Hotel in Canmore here
Staying in Banff
If you prefer the convenience of staying right in the town of Banff, there are definitely some great hotel options.
The town of Banff is where most tourists like to stay and it’s definitely closest to all the attractions.
There are still some great and fairly reasonable hotels in Banff.
Top Banff Hotel Recommendation: Mount Royal Hotel
My favourite reasonably priced hotel in Banff is the Mount Royal Hotel which has been in Banff since 1908!
The Mount Royal has so much history in which makes it a unique spot to stay at.
It also happens to be in the heart of downtown Banff right on Banff avenue.
There are tons of great restaurants and shops in the area, within walking distance.
Find the best available rates for Mount Royal Hotel here
Now onto the guide to the best things to do in Banff in Winter!
Best things to do in Banff in winter – In and around the town of Banff
There are just so many fun activities and things to do in Banff in winter.
Whether you’re looking to get your sweat on and try your hand at some winter sports, prefer to dine your way through Banff’s culinary scene, or take in the mountain views from the top of the gondola, this guide has activities that will appeal to everyone in your party.
1. Go skating on a frozen lake surrounded by mountains
Of course there’s no surprise this list is going to be chock full of winter sports, and skating is a great option that doesn’t require too much skill.
There are so many great lakes to go skating on in Banff National Park.
It's important that you always read the safety information in advance and ensure you are well informed and that the surface is safe prior to skating on natural surfaces.
I’ll be talking about my favourite (Lake Louise) a little bit later, but here are some other great options:
- Vermillion Lakes
- Two Jack Lake
- Lake Minnewanka
If you don’t own your own skates there are tons of local rental shops in Banff & Canmore where you can easily rent a pair of skates for the day!
2. Ride the slopes at one of Banff’s world famous ski hills
There are 2 world famous ski hills within a 15 minute drive from Banff, and if you love hitting the slopes you absolutely can’t miss out on visiting at least one of them!
In fact, did you know that these 2 ski resorts together with Lake Louise are called “The Big 3”?
You’ll know exactly why when you get there!
These ski hills are no joke and have a ton of different runs you can do.
Plan to spend a full day on the slopes to really get the most out of your day, and I advise to start your day early!
Each ski hill also offers lessons which is a great opportunity to get some practice in (with a little help) before heading down some of the bigger slopes.
Here the 3 Banff National Park ski hills to add to your list:
- Mount Norquay: 60 runs and 6 lifts
- Banff Sunshine Village: 137 runs and 12 lifts
3. Go tubing at Mount Norquay
If skiing or snowboarding isn’t your cup of tea but you still want to experience that downhill thrill, then tubing at Mount Norquay is definitely for you!
Tubing is a thrilling activity that makes for a great family-friendly activity.
The tubing lanes at Mount Norquay are the longest and fastest in all of Alberta, and they are a thrill for kids and adults alike!
Prices aren’t too bad either. You can expect to pay approximately $42 per adult, $36 per youth, and $28 for kids.
This is one activity that your kids will be talking about for weeks after!
4. Go snowshoeing on one of the many hiking trails
Snowshoeing is a super fun winter activity that allows you to experience the great trails in Banff during the winter.
Due to how much snow they get in the Canadian rockies, it’s next to impossible to hikes without snowshoes.
You can rent snowshoes for the day (they’re only $15 per day at Banff Adventures) and head out to one of the many great hiking trails in the area.
Expect to see incredible scenery, snow covered trees, mountains, and perhaps even some local wildlife!
Here are some great trails that are perfect for snowshoeing in the winter:
- Tunnel Mountain
- Johnson Lake
- Surprise Corner to Hoodoos
- Upper Stoney Loop
- Sulphur Mountain Westside
More about each of those trails here!
5. Check out the incredible view at Surprise Corner
Surprise Corner has such a fun name and is one of my favourite viewpoints in Banff.
Surprise Corner gets it’s name from the “surprise” incredible viewpoint you get along Tunnel Mountain Road of the Banff Springs Hotel.
Surprise Corner is a very popular viewpoint to visit and there’s a parking lot right there so it’s easy to access.
Park your car and head across the street and up the staircase to access the viewpoint.
There is also another viewpoint down below, which you can access by walking along the road from the parking lot.
You’ll quickly be able to tell why it’s no surprise that lots of engagement and wedding shoots happen here.
It really is such a beautiful viewpoint!
6. Visit Banff’s Famous Castle, the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel
Did you know the Banff Springs Hotel is lovingly called the Castle of the Rockies?
Well, it is! And that’s basically what it is, a giant castle that overlooks the town of Banff and is an incredible place to visit.
The Fairmont 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 Fairmont 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!
If you have the opportunity to stay here a night, I highly recommend it.
You can check out the best available rates for the Banff Springs Hotel here.
Or if you’d just like to visit, make a reservation in one of the bars or restaurants for cocktails, lunch, or dinner!
7. Explore the local shops in downtown Banff
Downtown Banff is so incredibly charming and oh so Canadian!
Banff Avenue is loaded with all sorts of shops and restaurants for you to explore.
You’ll find classic Canadian stores like the Hudsons Bay, as well as souvenir shops, candy shops where you can get classic Canadian fudge, and all sorts of places offering authentic Canadian goods.
This is a great activity to do on an especially cold day because you can pop into shops along the route to warm up!
8. Dine your way through Banff’s incredible culinary scene
The town of Banff has an incredible culinary scene and I’ve been blessed to get to try so many amazing Banff restaurants in my last few visits.
From local staples like the Maple Leaf and Bear & Bison which have been around for years, to Banff’s latest and greatest like Farm and Fire and the Radiant, you have lots to pick from!
I actually have a full guide up on the best restaurants in Banff you can check out.
It should definitely help you narrow down which Banff restaurants you want to try out during your visit!
9. Go on a family-friendly horse drawn sleigh ride
Can you imagine anything more magical that a horse drawn sleigh ride through freshly fallen slow and surrounded by incredible mountain views in the middle of the Canadian rockies?
Create incredible moments your family will never forget with this 40 minute horse drawn sleigh ride that will take you through snowy meadows and valleys in the middle of the rockies.
Your ride will be on the most rustic and charming horse drawn carriage that will make you feel like you stepped right into a Hallmark Christmas movie!
10. Go for a dip at the Banff Upper Hot Springs
Open year, round the Banff Upper Hot Springs are a great place to visit for a relaxing afternoon and are especially one of the best things to do in Banff in winter.
After bathing in the hot springs which were first discovered in 1888 you’ll feel completely relaxed and rejuvenated.
There really is nothing like bathing in hot springs when the temperatures outside are below zero!
The hot pools of the Banff Upper Hot Springs are located outside and have a great view of Mount Rundle.
My favourite time to visit the hot springs is during the winter, it’s such a neat experience being in outdoor hot pools while it’s snowing out.
11. Check out the views from the top of the Gondola
You absolutely can’t visit Banff without taking a trip up the Banff Gondola!
Although it’s not the cheapest activity, it is 100% worth it to see the incredible views at the top and is definitely something you have to do at least once in your life.
With your Banff Gondola ticket, you’ll take a ride up the gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain.
From there you’ll get to experience breathtaking views at the top that include six mountain ranges, the Bow Valley, and the town of Banff below.
When we visited in the fall it was a little smoky due to the fires in British Columbia, but even so the views were incredible.
I would love to go back again on a clear day, and can’t wait to go back during winter time one year.
Once you reach the top of the Banff Gondola there’s lots to do.
You can take the short walk up to the very top of the boardwalk, have a seat and hang out by the fire on the rooftop, visit the discovery centre, and have a meal or cocktails at the incredible Sky Bistro.
12. Dine at the Sky Bistro
I’ll be honest, I used to think that restaurants at tourist attractions (like at the top of gondolas or the top of towers in cities) were a tourist trap that are overpriced and not worth what you pay.
The Sky Bistro blew me away and completely changed my mind on this.
The Sky Bistro was so reasonably priced (no different than the rest of the restaurants in Banff and our mains were $20 or below) and the food was SPECTACULAR.
What an incredible experience to get to enjoy such an amazing meal on top of a mountain.
I can only imagine how it’s even more scenic when the scenery is covered with snow!
13. Visit the Banff Centre
The Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity is a learning organization built upon a legacy of excellence in artistic and creative development.
The aim of the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity is to inspire everyone who attends their campus – artists, leaders, and thinkers – to unleash their creative potential.
As a visitor to the Banff Centre, there are all sorts of events, movie screenings, displays, and shows to explore.
This is an especially great activity to plan for a super cold day where you want to avoid the outdoors!
You can check out the list of current events at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity here.
Best things to do in Banff in Winter – Lake Louise
A great day trip to do from Banff that you absolutely can’t miss out on in winter is to visit Lake Louise!
There are two lakes in Banff National Park that are the most famous lakes in Canada, and one of them is Lake Louise.
Unfortunately the road to the other one, Moraine Lake, is closed in the winter.
You’ll definitely want you make sure you visit Lake Louise if you’re visiting Banff in winter.
During winter Lake Louise is completely frozen over and it’s an incredible sight to see.
Although in the spring & summer finding parking at Lake Louise can be quite the feat, luckily in winter it’s super easy to get parking so you don’t have to worry about showing up early.
14. Go skating at Lake Louise
While you’re visiting Lake Louise you should definitely go for a skate on the frozen lake!
It’s pretty much one of the most incredible places to skate in Canada.
It feels pretty surreal to glide around the frozen lake surrounded by towering mountains overlooking chateau.
There’s also a cute ice castle at the skating rink that makes for a great photo spot!
15. Go skiing or snowboarding at Lake Louise
Of the Big 3 mountains, Lake Louise has the most runs coming in at 143 plus 10 lifts!
With so many different runs to do, surrounded by the incredible scenery that Lake Louise has to offer, you definitely won’t want to miss out on the opportunity to hit the slopes here.
16. Spend a night at the famous Chateau Lake Louise
A visit to Lake Louise is not complete without a chance to explore the stunning Chateau Lake Louise.
I’ve had the opportunity to stay at the Chateau once in my life and I can definitely say it is worth the hype.
Staying at the Chateau Lake Louise is a fairytale experience that you will never forget, and if you have a chance to stay there in winter I highly recommend it!
You can check out the current best prices available for the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise here
Doesn’t the Chateau look so magical at winter time?
It definitely makes me want to go back and spend a couple cozy nights here in winter.
17. Enjoy a meal or snack at the Chateau Lake Louise
Staying at the Chateau Lake Louise can be a little pricey, but you don’t have to stay at the hotel to enjoy some of it’s luxuries!
Make a reservation for lunch, afternoon tea, cocktails, or dinner at one of the Chateau’s many restaurants and lounges.
You’ll get to soak in the luxuries of the Chateau and enjoy the incredible views but without having to commit to a full overnight stay.
It really is a great way to have a fancy afternoon or evening out.
Just make sure to book your reservation in advance.
You don’t want to make the 1 hour drive to Lake Louise only to realize they are all booked up in the restaurants!
18. Catch a train at Morant’s Curve
You’ve probably seen photos from Morant’s Curve at some point, it’s a really famous spot!
Morant’s Curve is a really beautiful spot where the Canadian Pacific Railway passes through in a curve along the Bow River.
Morant’s Curve was actually 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 spot.
Even more magical if you happen to catch a train!
Getting to Morant’s Curve
Although there is no address for Morant’s Curve, it’s in Google Maps so it’s very easy to get to!
Just make sure to download your map of the area ahead of time because there are a lot of dead zones for cellular service between Banff and Lake Louise.
19. Make the short drive to Emerald Lake
Emerald Lake isn’t in Lake Louise, in fact it’s not even in Banff National Park – or Alberta for that matter!
However it is one of the top sights to see in the area, and since it’s a 37 minute drive from Lake Louise it is definitely worth add this extra leg to your journey.
Emerald Lake is a famous lake in Yoho National Park, British Columbia.
During the summer months the lake is a beautiful emerald green colour that truly is a sight to see.
However, the lake is EXTREMELY busy that time of year and it can be very difficult to get parking.
Winter is actually the perfect time to visit Emerald Lake because not only is it basically empty, it looks so incredibly beautiful covered with a blanket of snow.
I visited for the first time this year with my parents and all three of us agreed it was one of our favourite parts of the whole trip.
20. Have a drink and snack at the Emerald Lake Lodge
Once you’ve spent some time walking around and capturing the beauty that is Emerald Lake, you should definitely pop into the lodge for a drink and snack!
Emerald Lake Lodge is so charming and cozy during the winter.
We just loved curling up by the fire and relaxing while watching the beautiful scenery from the windows.
This is the perfect place to relax and unwind before making the drive back to Banff.
Pro tip: Try the grilled cheese while you’re here – it’s to die for!
Best things to do in Banff in winter – Johnston’s Canyon
Johnston’s Canyon, like Lake Louise, is about an hour from the town of Banff.
Because there is so much to see there, it definitely deserved it’s own section!
21. Explore frozen waterfalls at the Johnston Canyon Ice Walk
This is probably my favourite thing to do in Banff in winter.
I even wrote a full guide on everything you need to know before hiking Johnston Canyon in winter, so you’ll definitely want to check it out!
Johnston Canyon is a great half day trip from the town of Banff, and is probably the most incredibly winter activity you can do there.
At Johnston Canyon you’ll get to wander through wooded areas, canyon walls, by waterfalls and deep pools.
The hikes here are incredible and kid friendly (you can’t bring strollers in winter though).
It’s even more magical during the winter when everything is covered with snow!
There is so much to see here at Johnston Canyon in winter, and there are three main trails with different sights so you can choose how far you want to go.
22. Lower Falls Trail
Most of the trails for the lower and upper falls consist of catwalks built into the sides of the canyons which makes it a super unique hike.
During the winter these are covered with a thick layer of snow and there can be slippery areas.
You’ll want to check out my guide on hiking Johnston Canyon in winter for all the tips and tricks you need to do this hike safely and get the most out of your visit.
The trail to the lower falls is a fairly easy trail that’s good for all ages with good mobility.
It’s so incredibly scenic and will definitely be one of the most amazing things you see while visiting Banff in winter.
23. Upper Falls Trail
The Upper Falls Trail at Johnston Canyon is about 2.5km each way and will take you uphill through the snow covered forest and out of the lower canyon to the top of the falls.
This trail is fairly easy although it is a constant incline. It will take you about 1 hour to get to the top if traveling with children.
You can find more information on the Johnston Canyon upper falls trail in my guide to hiking Johnston Canyon in winter.
24. The Johnston Canyon Secret Cave
The Secret Cave at Johnston canyon is something you definitely don’t want to miss seeing if you’re in Banff in winter.
Although it used to be open to the public year round, it’s now closed off for the rest of the year since they discovered it’s a nesting area for rare black swift birds.
It’s actually the only black swift nesting ground in all of Alberta, and sadly in the last few years numbers have dropped down to only a couple birds left.
Do NOT attempt to visit here any other time of year. Parks Canada surveys the area to protect the birds, and they give out tickets of up to $1000.
If you’re visiting in winter though you’re lucky, you will have a chance to explore this awesome place!
For the full directions on how to find the Johnston Canyon secret cave check out my guide to hiking Johnston Canyon in winter!
You definitely won’t want to miss this.
25. Upper falls to ink pots trail
If you’d like to go even further than the Upper Falls you can continue on through the Ink Pots trail!
For this portion of Johnston Canyon you’ll definitely need snowshoes in winter as the snow can get very deep.
The Ink Pots trail continues on for another 3km after the Upper Falls and will take you to some pretty incredible natural sights.
Best things to do in Banff in winter – Other day trips from Banff
On top of Lake Louise and Johnston Canyon, here are a few more amazing day trips you can do from Banff that are 100% worth making the drive out for!
26. Go on an incredible dogsledding tour – Canmore
Can you imagine anything cooler than going dogsledding in the mountains?
It’s an absolute dream come true of an activity and definitely one of the top things you need to do when visiting Banff in winter!
Although dogsledding is not available right in the town of Banff, there are companies in nearby Canmore and Lake Louise that offer dogsledding.
The highest rated and best value dogsledding tour is through Powder Hound, located at Spray Lakes in Canmore.
You’ll get to go on a full 2 hour dogsledding tour with Powder Hound and it will definitely be an experience to remember.
27. Go on an unforgettable helicopter tour to Abraham lake
There is nothing quite like seeing the landscape around you from the sky, and seeing the Canadian Rockies from the air is an experience you will never forget.
With the Canadian Rockies Abraham Lake Ice Bubbles Tour you’ll not only get to experience the incredible landscape from the sky, but you’ll also get to see one of the most famous Alberta winter sights up close!
Abraham Lake is a famous Canadian lake that has frozen ice bubbles in it during winter.
This natural phenomenon alone has made Abraham Lake go viral all over the world. It truly is a sight to see!
Enjoy an extraordinary helicopter flight through the breathtaking snowy Canadian Rockies with Canadian Rockies Abraham Lake Ice Bubbles Tour before heading to see the incredible sight that is Abraham Lake.
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.
This is truly an experience that you will never forget.
Be sure to bring your camera on this one!
28. Head for a drive down the Icefields Parkway
Going for a drive might not sound like it would be one of the most incredible things to do in Banff in winter, but that’s because you haven’t seen the Icefields Parkway!
The Icefields 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.
Although the entire drive along the Icefields Parkway takes a few hours, the Banff portion to the Columbia Icefield is a two hour drive and there is so much to see and do along the way.
Whether you decide to make it a day activity and stop along the way, or just do the scenic drive there and back, you’ll love seeing this famous Canadian drive!
Final Thoughts
Although most people think to visit Banff when the weather is warmer, it’s so beautiful to visit the Canadian Rockies in winter.
There are actually so many incredible things to do in Banff in winter, and it’s a completely different experience than visiting any other time of year.
The landscape in Banff is so beautiful and it’s definitely worth spending at least a few nights here in winter to really explore the area.
If you’re heading to the Canadian Rockies soon you might want to check out these posts:
- 20 Best Spots for Winter Photos in Banff National Park
- The Ultimate Guide to Hiking Johnston Canyon in Winter
- 50 Best Things to do in Banff National Park
- 19 Best Hikes in Banff National Park
- Best Restaurants in Banff – 2022 Banff Dining Guide
- 23 Best Things to do in Jasper National Park
- The Best Hikes in Jasper National Park
I hope you enjoyed this blog post on the best things to do in Banff in winter!
What are you most excited to explore?
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