Banff in the wintertime is seriously magical. The Canadian Rocky Mountains and surrounding pine trees are covered in snow, the famous blue lakes have frozen over, Christmas lights fill downtown Banff, and there are so many winter adventures to be had. I have lived 4 hours away from Banff my whole life, and have been so lucky to visit during the winter months!
In this article, you will learn about all of the amazing Banff winter activities you can do during your visit, as well as important information for visiting Banff during winter time.
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The Best Things to do in Banff This Winter
1. Dog Sledding
Dogsledding in the Canadian Rockies is an iconic adventure to have in Banff during winter. It is such a unique experience that I correlate with either Canada or Finland, so why not knock this winter activity off your wishlist while in Banff!
I went dogsledding for my 26th birthday with Howling Dog Tours and had a phenomenal time. This particular tour was outside Banff, in Kananaskis Country nearby, however there is a company that operates in Banff National Park as well.
- Accessible by public transport? Most companies leave from Canmore and shuttle you to their staging area in Spray Lakes Provincial Park (Kananaskis) or they leave from Lake Louise. There is a ROAM Public Transit Bus that goes to Canmore from Banff (Route ) and a ROAM Public Transit Bus that goes to Lake Louise (Route 8X). These busses will get you close by the departure area, but may require some walking.
Dogsledding Companies in Banff and Canmore:
- Howling Dog Tours: The tour company I went with! The dogs were excited and we had a blast. This tour meets at their office in Canmore and shuttles you out to the staging area where you go dogsledding. It says on their website there is an option to be picked up in Banff before the tour begins, for an additional charge.
- Snowy Owl Dog Sledding: Another company that operates in Canmore/Kananaskis. From Canmore, this company will shuttle you out to their staging area.
- Kingmik Dog Sledding: This tour company leaves from the Lake Louise area. Lake Louise is around a 45 minute drive from Banff in good road conditions, so keep this in mind when planning your departure time if you choose this company!
2. The Hot Chocolate Trail
Throughout the Banff and Lake Louise area there are a ton of incredible restaurants and coffee shops, and each year a lot of them will participate in Banff’s hot chocolate trail.
Each restaurant/cafe will have its own specialty hot chocolate that is only available for a limited time. If you’re looking for a fun thing to do in Banff this winter, you can’t miss this!
This year, the hot chocolate trail is running from November 15 – December 31, 2024. I didn’t have a chance to try them all, but my favourite that I had is the Minty White Chocolate Caffe Mocha from Good Earth Coffeehouse inside Elk + Avenue Hotel on Banff Ave.
3. Wild Ice Skating
Another thing to do in Banff this winter is to try out wild ice skating, which is essentially ice skating on a frozen lake in the “wild”. These lakes are unmaintained and not monitored by Parks Canada, meaning you have to use your own caution and judgement when choosing to skate.
Because they are unmaintained, when it snows, the only people that clear the lakes of the snow to make room to ice skate are fellow wild ice skaters, or yourself. If you have one handy, I would recommend bringing a shovel to gaurantee a spot to skate.
However, when I went wild skating for the first time, it didn’t occur to me that there would be snow all over the lake! I was still able to find a spot to skate on at Two Jack Lake and Johnson Lake, so don’t panic if you don’t have a shovel. You can also just go and see if you can find a spot!
Check out this guide on how to wild ice skate in Banff, or find out the best lakes to skate on for more!
- Accessible by public transport? Unfortunately, the ROAM Transit Bus to Two Jack Lake, Johnson Lake, and Lake Minnewanka does not run during the winter months. However, Vermillion Lakes are about a 30 minute walk from Downtown Banff, meaning you can still get here without a car if you’re eager.
4. Ice Magic at Lake Louise
Lake Louise is FILLED with winter magic all winter long. There is so much to do just at this iconic location!
The Ice Magic Festival at Lake Louise is a super fun thing to check out this winter in Banff. It’s an ice carving competition, where skilled Canadians come to carve out amazing ice sculptures. At night the sculptures light up and it’s so so beautiful.
This year the Ice Magic Festival runs January 26-28 & Feb 2-4, 2024 at Lake Louise from 6-9pm.
You will need to purchase tickets to access the event this year! Tickets go on sale starting December 12, 2023. Keep an eye on the website for when tickets go on sale at the end of 2024, for 2025!
- Accessible by public transport? Yes, on ROAM Transit Route 8X. Make sure to plan timing in advance, as the 8X route runs almost every hour during the day, but in the evening departures from Lake Louise can be 3 hours apart. The last bus leaves Lake Louise around 11:05pm!
- The Parks Canada Shuttle Bus does not run during winter.
5. The Ice Castle at Lake Louise
There is a small ice castle that is built on the ice during the Ice Magic Festival in January, and stays up for the rest of the winter at Lake Louise. It’s right on the lake, which makes a great winter photo spot with either the mountains in the background or the Fairmont Hotel (depending on which direction you face!).
It is more like a castle wall instead of an actual castle, but it’s super pretty and a great spot to take photos. Get there early in the morning to try to snap a photo with limited people in it!
- Accessible by public transport? Yes, on ROAM Transit Route 8X.
6. Take a Sleigh Ride
Hop on a horse and carriage to enjoy a sleigh ride in the Canadian Rockies!
There are sleighs you can book in advance around Lake Louise, which typically starts running mid-December, and can run all the way into April depending on snow and weather. Find information on booking the sleigh rides at Lake Louise here with Brewster Adventures.
Another option is to book a sleigh ride around the meadows just outside of Downtown Banff at Banff Trail Riders Stables. This tour includes a hot drink after the ride, and there are typically less tourists around compared to Lake Louise. It’s also a great option if you don’t want to drive all the way to Lake Louise from Downtown Banff.
Whichever you choose, this is a great activity for any age, just make sure to bundle up because it can get chilly in the mountains!
- Accessible by public transport? Yes, by taking ROAM Transit Route 8X to Lake Louise if you book that tour. Or, you can get to Banff Trail Riders Stables by walking from Downtown Banff, or taking ROAM Transit Route 1 or 2 to the Banff Park Museum and walking the rest of the way there.
7. Ice Skate on Lake Louise
If you’re looking to ice skate, this is one of the best lakes to do it on! The Fairmont Hotel maintains the ice here and keeps it in great condition (the other lakes are truly wild and for the most part, unmaintained).
Skating on Lake Louise can get quite busy so be prepared! But, if you visit early to try to beat the crowds, make sure to bundle up because the sun is blocked by the surrounding mountains for the first few hours of the day, leaving you in the shade and probably chilly.
The lake surface has to freeze and be thick enough to skate on, which is usually by mid-late December. Plan your trip accordingly 🙂
- Accessible by public transport? You can get to the lakeshore on ROAM Transit Route 8X from Downtown Banff.
8. Ride the Banff Gondola
If you’re looking for an amazing view of Banff without the work (meaning, hiking up a mountain!), you can ride up the Banff Gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain.
At the top, there are restaurants and incredible viewpoints to see. Plus, riding up the gondola is an adventure in itself!
Book tickets to the Banff Gondola during the daytime to be able to see the snow-covered trees in the sunshine, or plan your visit to watch sunset and see Downtown light up below you. The sunsets in the mountains around 4:30pm in December – be sure to look up the proper timing depending when you are visiting if this is your plan!
- Accessible by public transport? Yes, you can take ROAM Transit Route 1 to the Banff Gondola from Downtown Banff.
Book Tickets to the Banff Gondola at Get Your Guide!
9. Experience Nightrise at the Banff Gondola
A special activity that happens in Banff during the winter is Nightrise at the Banff Gondola. It is a multi-sensory art instillation with beautiful light projections at the top.
Nightrise is in collaboration with the Stoney Nakoda People to connect with the mountain in a different way.
The light projections do not continue all the way down the boardwalk at the top, in order to respect the animals that live there!
This year, Nightrise at the Banff Gondola runs from November 18, 2023 to March 30, 2024. Make sure to book in advance, and select the ticket that includes Gondola Admission + Nightrise. You will need to go up the Gondola around 5pm and explore after the sunsets if you choose this option.
Make sure to dress warm as it can get really chilly at night during winter in Banff National Park, especially on the top of a mountain!
10. See the Northern Lights if You’re Lucky!
Winter in Alberta is one of the best times of the year to see the Northern Lights. If you’re visiting Banff in winter, make sure to have some way to know if the aurora will be out!
Because the Northern Lights are semi-predictable, you might know that night if there is a chance for them, depending on what the conditions are like. You cannot accurately predict them days in advance.
A great website and email notification service to know if the lights will be out is Aurora Watch, which is ran by the University of Alberta. You can check the website to try to predict if they will be out that night, and they will send you emails if they are likely as well.
Another great resource I like to use are Facebook Groups. Be sure to join one that is based in Alberta. Typically if the conditions are right, there will be a main thread talking about the chances of seeing them, and people reporting where they are and what the skies are like, and if they are lucky enough to see the lights in real time.
A lot of science goes into it, but also you need a clear sky (limited clouds) and a dark sky (away from light pollution and hopefully not a full moon). The Northern Lights can appear at anytime as well, whether it is 11pm or 3am. So tracking them in some way is helpful to know the timing!
Having a car in Banff will also help you to see the lights as you can drive out to a dark spot and wait to see if there is a show. If you’re visiting Jasper in the winter, it is a Dark Sky Preserve and a great spot to watch the lights.
11. Ski or Snowboard the Mountains
An awesome thing to do in Banff in the winter is hitting the mountain slopes for a day of skiing or snowboarding. Either option is super fun and memorable!
There are three ski hills in the Banff area:
- Sunshine Village: This ski hill offers both skiing & snowboarding and rentals. It’s around 25 minutes by personal vehicle from Downtown Banff. There is also a Free Sunshine Shuttle Bus from Banff if you did not want to worry about driving, or do not have a car! You can check out conditions of the hill on their webcams on their website.
- Lake Louise: At Lake Louise Ski Resort you can go skiing, snowboarding & snow tubing. This hill also offers rentals and has webcams for current conditions. Lake Louise Ski Resort is around 40 minutes of driving from Downtown Banff. They also offer free shuttles from some hotels in Banff as well as Lake Louise Village.
- Mt. Norquay: Another great spot to ski, snowboard, or snow tube in Banff! This resort also has a webcam on their website to check conditions, they offer rentals, and they offer a free shuttle from some hotels in Banff as well!
- Accessible by public transport? These ski hills are accessible by free shuttle! Roam Transit Bus does not stop at any of these spots. However, Route 8 stops at Lake Louise Village, which is one of the spots you can get on the Lake Louise Ski Resort Shuttle.
12. Go Snow Tubing at Mt. Norquay or Lake Louise
I wanted to include a separate section for snow tubing in Banff in case some don’t know what it is! Plus, it is my preference as I am not the best skiier or snowboarder! This is also a great activities to do with kids (minimum age is 3 at Lake Louise or 4 at Mt. Norquay).
Snow tubing is essentially a part of the Ski Resort with dedicated lanes for adventurers to ride an inflatable tube down the hill. Similar to sledding, but with a huge tube and you’re in the mountains!
You can also go down in multiples, meaning if you are with a friend, you can each take your tube and try to hold hands as you tube down the hill.
There are dedicated tubing lanes, meaning that you may have to wait a bit if the tube park is busy that day. They will also sell out of tickets to try to keep numbers and wait times in control; so if you are really wanting to go snow-tubing, buying tickets in advance is the best option!
You can snow tube at Lake Louise Ski Resort or at Mt. Norquay Ski Resort. Each resort has a different set of rules and different admission prices, so make sure to look both up before you choose!
13. Johnston Canyon Icewalk
Exploring frozen waterfalls is a super fun winter activity to do this year in Banff, and the best place to do that is at Johnston Canyon. This is a super popular trail in the summertime, so why not explore it in the winter? You’ll see 2 waterfalls on this roughly 2 hour trek, but I would recommend bringing some ice cleats with you because it can get kind of slippery on the trail!
If you’re up for even more adventure, you can schedule an ice walking tour during the morning or afternoon, or visit the canyon on an evening tour instead. Otherwise, walk the trails at your own pace (for free) and watch the ice climbers in action from a distance 🙂
- Accessible by public transport? Yes, on the weekends. The ROAM Transit Bus Route 9 will take you to Johnston Canyon from Banff, however in the winter it only runs on weekends and stat holidays (except it does not run on Christmas Day). During the weekdays, there is no public transport option here.
14. Try Out Ice Climbing
Walls of ice form all over Banff during the winter time, and an exhilirating activity that comes from this is climbing up the wall of ice with an ice axe and crampons!
You’ll want to hire a guide or join a tour for this activity, as it can be quite challenging for beginners.
Personally, I have never gone ice climbing! But some companies that offer it in Banff are Yamnuska Mountain Adventures, Alpine Air Adventures, and Banff Adventures.
Each company offers different levels of tours, depending on if you’re a beginner or not.
15. Banff Christmas Market
If you’re visiting Banff around Christmas time, you can check out the Banff Christmas Market!
The actual market functions similar to a farmers market, and runs on Fridays and weekends (November 17-19, November 24-26, and December 1-3) from 10am – 8pm on Friday and Saturday, and 10am – 4pm on Sunday.
There are also a bunch of photo opportunities at the market, live music, and a chance for photos with Santa.
There is a cost for admission and you need to buy tickets in advance. You can do this on their website!
- Accessible by public transport? Not really, as no ROAM bus stops here. However, it is just outside of Downtown Banff at Warner Stables. You can walk here from Downtown or drive (although parking is limited!).
16. Banff Craft Beer Festival
Every year there is a craft beer festival that runs in Banff sometime during the winter season. In 2024, the Banff Craft Beer Festival is November 21-23 2024.
The festival is a sampling event with different vendors and there is also usually live music, games, and food too. Visitors can purchase sampling tokens to redeem for different beer samples around the festival and try to find your new favourite beer!
This event is located at Cave and Basin, and you will need to purchase tickets in advance as the event does sell out! Different ticket combinations are available, including an admission ticket and hotel bundle, admission with sample tokens and commemorative mug combo, or admission and mug combo, along with different days and time slots for you to visit. Check out their website for what types of tickets are available.
There are shuttles that transport you from Banff to the Cave and Basin as there is no parking at the Cave and Basin for personal vehicles during the festival.
If you love beer, this is a great activity to check out in Banff!
17. Explore Downtown Banff and Banff Ave
During winter, Downtown Banff is decorated with Christmas lights and is dusted with snow. Cascade Mountain is stunning and lines up perfectly with Banff Ave as well.
If you’re visiting Banff in winter, you need to spend at least a little bit of time exploring Downtown. Pop into different adventure shops for new gear like Patagonia or Atmosphere, or stop at Evelyn’s Coffee House for a warm drink .
There is also a Christmas Store located Downtown, so if you’re on the hunt for some fun Christmas things to take home with you, make sure to stop into Canada’s largest year round Christmas store, The Spirit of Christmas!
18. Relax in a Pub or Brewery
Banff has a great beer scene, and if you’re seeking warmth on a cold winter day, stopping in at a pub or brewery is a great choice!
Banff Pubs and Breweries:
- Banff Ave Brewing Co.
- Rose + Crown Pub
- Three Bears Brewery and Restaurant
- Park Distillery Restaurant and Bar
Park Distillery on Banff Ave even offers free craft distillery tours!
19. Explore the Frozen Waterfalls
In the winter time, most of the rushing waterfalls of the Canadian Rockies freeze over due to the cold temperatures. This makes them look unique, and a great place to visit in winter!
There are waterfalls all over Banff National Park. An easy one to see if Bow Falls, which is just outside of Downtown Banff and an easy one to walk to. Popular frozen waterfalls to visit are the Upper and Lower Falls at Johnston Canyon (mentioned above), and the Ice Falls at Lake Louise (accessible if you walk all the way across Lake Louise, or walk the shoreline trail to the end.
In Canmore, Grotto Falls is a popular hike, just make sure to bring crampons so you don’t slide around.
If you’re driving the Icefields Parkway, stop at Tangle Falls (on the side of the road) or make the hike to Panther Falls or Bow Glacier Falls.
20. Snow Shoeing
Nothing says winter in Canada like a snowshoeing adventure through Banff’s stunning mountains. Rent a pair of snowshoes and hit one of the amazing trails Parks Canada recommends in either Banff or Lake Louise.
I would recommend looking up your planned trail on AllTrails before setting out, as sometimes the snow is super packed down and wearing crampons with your boots would be more beneficial than snow shoes.
I have seen some visitors bring snowshoes to popular, packed down trails like Johnston Canyon, and instead of a nice walk they are sliding around in their huge snow shoes!
For an enjoyable snow shoe experience, you need non-packed down, fluffy snow that the snow shoes can sit on top of.
21. Cross Country Skiing
Another fun activity to do in Banff this winter is to grab a pair of cross country skis and explore the ski trails.
This is a really fun activity and super easy to get the hang of, even if you’ve never skied before.
Cross country skiing is a relaxing way to enjoy the picturesque beauty and serenity of Alberta’s winter while getting exercise at the same time. Parks Canada also has a list of Banff cross country ski trails and ski trails in Lake Louise.
22. Go Fat Biking
A great winter activity, fat biking is essentially riding bike that has super fat tires! The fat tires allow you to ride on snow better and give your bike extra grip.
There are fat biking trails from Parks Canada with varying difficulties that you can look at to plan your trip!
Or, although I’ve never done it, there is an electric fat biking tour in Banff that looks like a lot of fun as well!
23. Surprise Corner Viewpoint of The Castle
A magical scene in Banff is the castle on the mountain, AKA, the Fairmont Chateau Banff Springs.
Not to be confused with the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, The Banff Springs Fairmont is another hotel that is closer to Downtown Banff, and looks like a castle!
You can get an amazing view of the hotel at a lookout called “Surprise Corner”. In the wintertime, it is even more magical (especially if it’s snowing!).
You can hike to Surprise Corner via the Hoodoos Trail, or you can drive right up to it on Buffalo Street.
If you type Surprise Corner into Google Maps, it will show you exactly where it is and how to get there.
- Accessible by public transport? No, Roam Transit doesn’t travel near here, so you will have to walk from Downtown Banff to get here. Or hike the Hoodoos Trail!
24. Check Out the Banff Hot Springs
Open year-round, the Banff Upper Hot Springs are the perfect place to relax on a snowy day. There is a beautiful view from the Hot Springs and relaxing in hot water during the winter is the ultimate feeling in my opinion!
If I’m being honest though, I personally wouldn’t prioritize the Hot Springs if you are tight on time or budget, or if your hotel has an outdoor hot tub. The hotel hot tub would be free and it is just as great!
I say this because during the winter, the Springs are supplemented with heated municipal water because there isn’t enough natural spring water flowing when everything is cold and frozen. Also, due to health laws, the hot springs are chlorinated.
The municipal water supplement and the chlorine are out of the control of Banff Town, however I personally would be disappointed to find it is essentially a large pool. It just doesn’t match my idea of a Hot Spring!
However, I think they are still worth visiting if you’re looking for somewhere hot to soak with a beautiful view. Because like I said, that is the best feeling in the world! Especially in winter.
But just know these two things before visiting to curb your expectations!
- Accessible by public transport? Yes! ROAM Transit Route 1 connects Downtown Banff to the Upper Hot Springs. There is also a parking lot if you have a car!
25. Get a Spa Day Pass
Spending time at the spa is the perfect way to escape the cold and take some time for yourself.
At the Fairmont Banff Springs, you can book a service at their spa (facial, massage, or body experience) and gain access to their outdoor heated pool, indoor pool, sauna, steam room and more, for up to 3 hours after your treatment. This is a great way to experience the luxury of the Fairmont without needing to pay the price to stay there (although the treatments are still pricey).
A more affordable option is to book a spa access day pass at the Moose Hotel & Spa. In 2024, the current price of the day pass is $50 and includes access to the lounge, roof top pools, sauna, and fitness facility. Access to these things are also included if you book a treatment at the spa, so make sure to take a look at their price list if you’re interested!
*Price is current as of the time of updating this article in March 2024!
26. Go Winter Hiking
Just because it snowed and is a little chilly, doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy some winter hiking in Banff!
Make sure to bring crampons along with you in case there is ice in some sections, and pack enough water and clothing with you. It can get cold!
Some great winter hikes in Banff are Sulphur Mountain (and then riding the gondola back down for half the price 🙂 ), or Tunnel Mountain for a pretty view.
Whatever trail you have in mind, make sure to look it up beforehand. Some popular summer hikes in Banff are actually dangerous in the winter. One example of this is Big Beehive. There is risk of avalanche on the Big Beehive Trail and it should not be hiked during certain times of the year.
Do your research and be prepared for the cold winter conditions, and you’ll have a great winter hike!
- Accessible by public transport? Sulphur Mountain is accessible by ROAM Transit Route 1, and Tunnel Mountain can be accessed from Downtown Banff. For other winter hikes, a quick google search will tell you!
27. Take a Distillery Tour
I briefly touched on this above, but a great indoor activity in Banff is taking a Distillery Tour! Park Distillery on Banff Ave offers free Distillery Tours. There is the option to pay for a guided tasting after the tour as well, which is a great way to support the business!
On the tour, you get to see how everything is made on site. It’s a super cool learning opportunity! Plus, the interior of the restaurant is beautiful!
Accessible by public transport? Located in Downtown Banff, you can walk here! ROAM Transit runs down Banff Ave.
28. Drive to All of the Frozen Lakes
During the winter, all of the electric blue lakes in Banff freeze over. Although frozen, they are still beautiful to visit and the frozen ice actually provides a great opportunity to explore!
If the ice is thick enough, you can walk out onto the lake for views you wouldn’t be able to achieve in the summertime. Some lakes are also great for wild ice skating if you have a pair of ice skates!
Popular Banff lakes to visit include Lake Louise, Johnson Lake, Two Jack Lake, Lake Minnewanka, Vermillion Lakes, Bow Lake, and Peyto Lake.
Accessible by public transport? Unfortunately, the ROAM Transit Routes to Johnson, Two Jack, and Lake Minnewanka do not run in the winter. You can access Lake Louise via ROAM Transit 8X. There is no public transportation that runs the Icefields Parkway where Bow Lake and Peyto Lake are. Vermillion Lakes is walkable from downtown Banff, although make sure to dress warm cause it is a bit of a walk!
29. Morant’s Curve and the Bow Valley Parkway
Something on every Photographer’s Banff Bucket List is to photograph the pretty red train as it travels around Morant’s Curve through the snow dusted mountains. It’s a beauitful shot that needs to be timed right if you want the train in your photo!
Also plan to arrive before the train if you want a good spot to photograph from, as others gather here and somedays it can be busy if everyone is planning to try to get the shot of the train.
If you’re not a photographer, it’s still a pretty view to stop at, whether there is a train or not, and worth a stop of you’re on the Parkway!
You can drive the Bow Valley Park as the “scenic route” on your way from Downtown Banff to Lake Louise. This is also the road that Johnston Canyon is on, and the Silverton Falls hike.
In the summer and fall, you can even cycle part of the Bow Valley Parkway when it is closed to vehicles!
- Accessible by public transport? ROAM route 9 runs during the winter only on weekends, however it only stops at Johnston Canyon. There is no public bus that stops at Morant’s Curve.
30. Drive the Icefields Parkway
I included this because it is an amazing winter activity in Banff, however driving the Icefields Parkway can be quite treacherous in the winter. This is the road that connects Banff/Lake Louise to Jasper.
Before setting out, please check road conditions on 511.alberta.ca. The roads get icy on the parkway and there is no cellphone reception. Winter tires are also required on this road during the winter time.
On this road, you will find Iconic Bow Lake and Peyto Lake, as well as some waterfalls, the Columbia Icefield, and more! You can drive the Parkway all the way to Downtown Jasper to experience a second mountain town during your trip to the Canadian Rockies.
- Accessible by public transport? No, public transportation does not run on the Parkway. To access it without a car, you will need to join a tour.
31. Check Out a Museum or Other Historic Sites
The perfect indoor activity is spending some time in a museum. The Whyte Museum is located in Downtown Banff and offers visitors access to artwork by Canadian Artists, a chance to learn about the history of Banff, as well as rotating exhibitions.
The cost of admission isn’t too much, and it’s a great activity if the weather is especially cold and you’re looking for something to do inside!
Another cool site to check out is the Cave and Basin National Historic Site. It is a thermal pool (although you can’t go in), but it is the reason Banff initially became a National Park and is an important part of Indigenous culture.
There are exhibits and activities throughout the year here. In the winter, the Banff Winter Carnival also runs here!
- Accessible by public transport? The Whyte Museum is walkable as it is in Downtown Banff. ROAM Transit does not run to Cave and Basin in the winter (Route 4 runs there in the summer). But, you can walk from Downtown Banff!
32. Visit the Beautiful Viewpoints
Another great year-round activity is stopping at the many viewpoints around Banff National Park. Visiting these spots is best if you have access to a car, as many of them are just road side turnouts that you can pull over to stop and enjoy.
You will see these viewpoints all over Banff while you’re driving, so be sure to factor in extra driving time so you can stop as some of these pretty places!
33. Enjoy Sunrise or Sunset Somewhere Beautiful
The best thing about visiting Banff in the winter, is that the sunrises later in the morning and it sets earlier in the day! Because of this, it’s easier to catch both the sunrise and the sunset compared to the summer.
Beautiful spots to see the sunrise in Banff is at Vermillion Lakes, Two Jack Lake, Mt. Norquay Lookout, or even Banff Ave. Vermillion lakes, Mt. Norquay Lookout and Two Jack Lake will give you a beautiful view of Mt. Rundle. If the sunrise is good, the clouds will turn pink and light up the sky. At Banff Ave, you will have a pretty view of Cascade Mountain and you can still catch a glimpse of Mt, Rundle as well, although its not as stunning from here.
For sunset, Lake Louise can be a stunning spot if the weather is right. Another great place is at the top of Sulphur Mountain. If you plan accordingly, you can ride the gondola to the top and see the sunset over Banff. Vermillion Lakes, Two Jack Lake, and Mt. Norquay Lookout are also a beautiful spot for sunset as well.
- Accessible by public transport? You can walk to Vermillion Lakes from Downtown Banff, just be sure to bring a headlight and warm clothes!
34. Snap a Photo at the Banff Sign
There are now two Banff Signs in Downtown Banff! The original is by Fenlands Recreation Centre as you’re entering Banff on Mt. Norquay Road. The second is on Banff Ave located right beside the Banff Visitor Centre (pictured above).
You can’t come to Banff and miss snapping a photo at the Banff sign!
- Accessible by public transport? You can walk to both Banff Signs. One is a longer walk, on the way to Vermillion Lakes. The other is right in Downtown Banff!
Winter Activities Nearby Banff
There are a ton of other winter activities that are not in Banff National Park, but they are nearby and could be a great addition to your Banff Itinerary!
35. Abraham Lake Ice Bubbles
A great side adventure if you have access to a car and are already driving the Icefields Parkway is to see the Ice Bubbles at Abraham Lake.
This is a unique phenomenon that happens every winter, where methane bubbles from decaying matter under the water rise to the surface, and in the winter time, the bubbles get trapped in layers of ice!
It is quite windy here, which keeps the snow off the ice surface but also can create dangerous conditions. Be sure to bring a pair of crampons so you don’t blow away while exploring the ice!
If you’re short on time or don’t have access to a car, I wouldn’t bend too much on your itinerary to get here. It is super cool! However, it eats up time and if you only have one day to explore the Icefields Parkway, I would spend more time exploring that then worrying about getting here!
You can also find some bubbly ice at some frozen lakes inBanff too, although it’s not as predictable as it is at Abraham Lake. But regardless, keep your eyes peeled while exploring!
- Accessible by public transport? No public transportation goes to Abraham Lake. You would need either a car or to join a tour.
36. Downtown Canmore
In winter, Downtown Canmore lights up with different christmas lights and is overall just a charming town to visit! You can also stay in Canmore if you’re looking for a cheaper alternative to Downtown Banff.
While visiting Canmore in winter, you can’t miss Rocky Mountain Bagel Co. for a coffee or bagel (which are homemade!) and Rocky Mountain Soap Company for some great natural products that are made in Canmore.
If you’re looking to spend even more time outside, the Policeman’s Creek is a nice walk and the Engine Bridge a fun place to explore and a great photo opportunity.
- Accessible by public transport? ROAM Route 3 connects Banff to Canmore. Be sure to check the schedule as it is different on weekdays and weekends!
37. Take a Cave Tour
A super unique and not often mentioned activity to do in the Canmore area is to explore the inside of a cave! You can sign up to tour Rat’s Nest Cave in Canmore and have an adventure like no other!
Unfortunately you cannot explore the cave on your own, so if you’re interested in this activity (which is available year-round), you’ll have to pay to enter.
38. Marble Canyon and Kootenay National Park
Bordering Banff National Park is Kootenay National Park in the province of British Columbia. One of the best things to do in Kootenay is explore Marble Canyon. This is an easy hike/walk (1.4km with 42m elevation gain) through a beautiful canyon with various bridges throughout.
Crossing the bridges allow you to look down into the canyon below. This is a great alternative to Johnston Canyon, although it may be a bit of a farther drive since Johnston is located inside Banff National Park.
Remember to stay safe while exploring. It is a canyon! Having a pair of ice cleats or crampons just in case would be great depending on trail conditions.
- Accessible by public transport? No, public transportation does not run to Marble Canyon!
39. Emerald Lake and Yoho National Park
Another beautiful National Park that borders Banff on the BC side is Yoho National Park. Yoho is home to the popular backcountry camping and hiking spot, Lake O’Hara. It is also home to a stunning place called Emerald Lake!
Emerald Lake is a pretty place to spend some time, with its frozen lake and the Lodge, it is incredibly picturesque. You can also cross-country ski or snowshoe here in winter.
If it’s in the budget, you can also stay overnight at Emerald Lake!
Ice skating on Emerald Lake is only possible once the lake has completely frozen over, but before there is too much snow on it to skate. Its a small 2-3 day window! Unless you bring a shovel, and try to carve away some of the packed down snow (people like to walk on the frozen lake!).
In the winter, I honestly wouldn’t go out of my way to get here, unless you are planning to stay overnight or you are dying to visit. I think there’s so many other great things to do in Banff that driving here will take a big chunk of the day (especially depending on road conditions).
- Accessible by public transport? No, public transport does not run to Emerald Lake!
40. Ski & Stay at Sundance Lodge
For an incredible winter adventure, grab some cross-county skis and ski to Sundance Lodge to stay overnight in the backcountry! It is only accessible by trail (you cannot drive in), and you can also snowshoe in, or fat bike in, if you’re not interested in cross-country skiing. .
Your nightly rate includes your accommodation, as well as dinner, breakfast, and a packed lunch!
I’ve never done the trail, but it is on my bucket list! Be sure you are physically fit enough to get yourself here though, as the website reports the route in is almost entirely uphill.
If you’re looking for a unique and fun getaway in Banff during winter, this is a great choice! (Not to confused with Sundance Lodge at Sun Peaks in BC, which is over 6 hours from Banff).
41. Snowshoe or Cross Country Ski into Shadow Lake Lodge
Another backcountry stay near Banff is Shadow Lake Lodge, although this one requires quite the hike to get there. During the winter, you can get to the Lodge via the Red Earth Creek Trail in Banff, and it will take 14km with 440m of elevation gain in one direction. Not for the faint of heart!
There is a small backcountry kitchen at the cabin and you would stay in beautiful little log cabins, that are a little pricey depending on your budget, and do need to be booked in advance. Nonetheless, it is a beautiful, quaint little spot that you can get to by either snowshoeing or cross country skiing in the winter.
42. Relax at the Kananaskis Nordic Spa
A sanctuary in the Rockies, the Kananaskis Nordic Spa is the perfect place for a winter escape! Here, there are multiple saunas, a cold plunge, outdoor hot pools, and a steam cabin. You can also book a massage at the spa, which includes access to all of the facilities.
Cellphones and cameras are not allowed, and the spa is ages 18+. The Nordic Spa is the ultimate place for relaxation! It is recommended to reserve your spot ahead of time, as there can sometimes be a day-of waitlist and there is limited cell reception in Kananaskis.
- Accessible by public transport? No, public transport does not run in Kananaskis. You will need a car, and therefore you will need to purchase a Kananaskis Pass to park, as the Nordic Spa is located in Kananaskis Country outside of Banff National Park and requires a different pass.
43. Hike Grotto Canyon
A spot I mentioned above, this pretty hike is located in Kananaskis Country, about an 11 minute drive outside of Canmore. You will need crampons for this hike as the trail does get slippery in the winter.
Here, you can hike through a canyon to frozen waterfalls. You can also keep an eye out for different pictographs left behind on the canyon walls!
By signing up for a tour to explore Grotto Canyon, you can learn about the pictographs, history, and geology of the place.
If you’re not looking to sign up for a tour, it is still a pretty winter hike to do and worth your time even without a guide!
- Accessible by public transport? No, public transport does not run to Grotto Canyon. It is also located in Kananaskis, meaning you will need to purchase a separate pass, the Kananaskis Pass, to park here as well.
44. Head out to the Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary
About a 1 hour drive from Banff is the Yamnuska Wolf Dog Sanctuary. At this sanctuary, you can meet wolfdogs and learn about them. This is a non-profit organization that makes a great stop if you’re travelling between Calgary and Banff, as you can plan your trip to make it “on the way”!
45. Take a Helicopter Tour Over Banff
If you’ve dreamed from seeing the Canadian Rocky Mountains from above, flying in a helicopter over them is the best way to do it! Book a helicopter tour over the Rockies for the ultimate experience and adventure.
In the winter, the mountains will be dusted in snow, making them look extra magical! Keep in mind the lakes below will also be frozen and covered in snow, unless you’re catching the very beginning of winter.
You are able to choose between 20, 30, and 55 minute flights depending on your time and budget. And, round-trip transportation from Banff is included if you don’t want to worry about driving!
46. Continue on to Jasper National Park
Add another Alberta Rockies town to your itinerary and make the trip up the Icefields Parkway to spend some time in Jasper during winter as well! Close to Jasper there are stunning waterfalls, such as Athabasca Falls and Sunwapta Falls. Also be sure to ice skate on Pyramid Lake and do the icewalk at Maligne Canyon.
You will need a car to get to Jasper, or join a tour. There is no public transportation to Jasper, or in Jasper!
Where to Stay in Banff
Or check out Canmore, the prices are usually cheaper!
How to Get Around Banff in Winter
If you’re visiting the Canadian Rockies without a car, there are still ways to access a lot of these winter activities using ROAM Public Transit or walking! Under most of the winter activities in this list, I mentioned if they were accessible by public transportation or not.
For the most freedom, it’s best to rent a car. Although make sure you are used to winter driving, as the roads can get icy and you will most likely be driving your rental car on the highway if you’re coming from Calgary.
When to Visit Banff in Winter
The best winter month to visit Banff National Park really depends on what you’re hoping to see and do. If you’re really wanting to go on a sleigh ride, ski/snowboard, and enjoy the Christmas lights, coming in December would be a great option.
If you have your heart set on specific activities, do some research to ensure they’re open when you’re looking at visiting. Lakes may not be frozen enough to skate on until early December, and the Ice Castle at Lake Louise won’t be until the end of January/early February depending on the year.
It can be hard to predict the best month to come for winter, as it really ranges depending on the year. It has been -30C and freezing all of December, and then February is mild. Whereas in other years, December is semi-mild and February is hit with a deep-freeze.
In terms of budget, you would have a better chance at finding accommodations in Banff for a cheaper price after Christmas, in late January, February, and March.
Resources for Visiting the Canadian Rockies
- Check the Road Conditions at 511.alberta.ca
- Find information on ROAM Public Transit
- See the current weather conditions on different Banff webcams
Banff Winter Tours at a Glance
- Sleigh Ride at Banff Trail Riders Stables
- Lake Louise Sleigh Ride
- Banff Gondola Daytime Admission
- Banff Gondola + Nightrise Admission
- Johnston Canyon Icewalk Tour (morning or afternoon tour)
- Johnston Canyon Icewalk Evening Tour
- Grotto Canyon Icewalk Tour
- Cave Tour in Canmore
- Helicopter Tour Over the Canadian Rockies
Banff in the Winter Summary –
Visiting Banff during the winter season is a great option if you are looking to do exciting winter activities like snowboarding, snowshoeing, ice skating, or even snow-tubing! There are so many fun and exciting activities to check off your Banff bucket list, even if some of those activities involve going slightly out of Banff!
ROAM Public Transportation for the most part still runs in the winter season, although some routes are limited or do not run at all. Make sure to do your research beforehand if you are planning to use public transportation to navigate the park.
Even though Banff in winter is less busy, it is still a popular place to visit during this time! Some activities and tours might sell out, so be sure to book the ones you absolutely cannot miss in advance.
And, dress warm for chilly weather! Especially if you plan to be outside at night (or on top of a mountain, like the Banff gondola to Sulphur Mountain!).
Please know, you cannot visit Moraine Lake in winter, as the road is closed due to avalanche risk for the season!
Have you been to Banff in the winter? What’s your favourite winter activity in Banff?
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Keep Reading:
- 13 Things to do in Canmore in Winter
- What to do in Jasper in Winter
- The Maligne Canyon Ice Walk: An Incredible Winter Hike in Jasper
- Dogsledding in Canmore: Your Guide
Hey! I’m Kat. Based in Alberta, Canada and just 4 hours from the Canadian Rocky Mountains, I love to travel to Banff and Jasper frequently and also explore new places around the world. Follow along for my tips based on my real adventures!
