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Discover the Magic of Banff in Winter
Get your snow boots on and pull out your woollen (or better yet, cashmere) scarves, because Banff in winter is amazing.
Gorgeous Alpine Scenery
Winter brings the town a magical edge, with the mountains looking their formidable best draped in snowy capes with their craggy dark ridges slicing through.
Yes, Banff is one of the top ski destinations in Canada, but it’s also canvas for so much more. Snow tubing? Spa? Hot springs? Museums? High end cuisine?
Winter Vacation in Banff
I just returned from a three-night vacay in Banff, and the bracing air brought back great memories of the winter I spent at the Banff Centre of the Arts as a studio artist.
Fun Fact: I also waitressed at a Smitty’s here in my teens for …. a week. (Clearly not my calling.)
But Banff Park is my calling, and it may be yours, too.
A Guide to Visiting Banff During Winter
Here’s your guide to making the most of this incredible Rocky Mountain destination from November to April, with my pick of the top 10 things to do in Banff in winter while you’re here.
1. Explore the Town
Elaborate window displays, sweet-smelling fudge shops and snow-dusted rooftops make Banff Avenue seem like a Hallmark movie during the colder months.
My only complaint is that most of the high-end fashion boutiques have given way to big brand sports stores, which, considering this is an alpine adventure haven, is understandable, but I miss the old Irish-woollen-shop vibe.
Eat Fudge
Luckily the long-running Fudgery on Banff Avenue is still going strong, and I was able to overindulge with caramel apples and naked snails, which, let me assure you, are pecans covered in caramel, not shells covered in snail slime.
❄️ Travel Tip: If you run out of stores to explore there are shops on the lobby level of the Banff Springs Hotel, too.
Walk Along the Bow River
The trail along the Bow River is my go-to stroll for an easy pine-scented mountain fix. You can access this well-used walking trail by the bridge at Banff Avenue.
And look out for wildlife right in the town.
When we were driving down Banff Avenue a deer decided to trot down the road in front of us before making an illegal right turn and leaping a fence. Priceless!
2. Ski and Snowboard on World-Class Slopes
Banff is one of Canada’s top ski resorts, home to the Big 3: Sunshine Village, Lake Louise Ski Resort, and Mount Norquay. These resorts boast over 8,000 acres of skiable terrain, powdery snow, and panoramic views.
Sunshine Village
Known for its long season and abundant snow, Sunshine is good for skiers of all levels.
I’m a fairly (awful) basic skier but I took a lesson here years ago and made some good strides. By that I mean I made it down the hill several times without falling (and I won a writing award for my article in the Toronto Star about it.
My husband and I weren’t skiing this most recent trip, but Mark, who worked at Sunshine a million years ago and wanted to relive the good old days, dragged me up on the gondola anyway and it made both of us long to get out on the slopes.
Lake Louise Ski Resort
Lake Louise is my personal favourite for skiing. It’s huge, with 164 runs, and I love their long green runs (I told you I was no expert) and the pine-filled scenery is unbeatable.
Mount Norquay
Smaller and more intimate than the other two, Norquay is the closest ski resort to the town of Banff, and it’s popular for night skiing.
Snow Tubing at Mount Norquay
Here’s a different way to hit the slopes. Norquay Tubing Park offers the longest tubing runs in Alberta, so if you don’t want to ski or snowboard, but still want the rush, consider a family-friendly tube trip downhill.
3. Take a Gondola Ride
Taking the Gondola up Sulphur Mountain in Banff in summer is a view-laden delight, but a trip up the Banff Gondola is fantastic in winter, too.
Open year round, Sulphur Mountain is one of the top Banff winter attractions with vast views of six mountain ridges at the top.
Stroll along the interpretive boardwalk and cap off your visit with a meal at the Sky Bistro, where locally inspired dishes are served with an unbeatable view.
Book your Banff Gondola ticket in advance here.
Other Gondolas for Winter Rides
You can also take a scenic gondola ride at any of the Big 3 ski resorts to enjoy the views without breaking a sweat, and settle in for lunch at one of the lodges. (We opted for beef dip at Sunshine.)
Ask for a sightseeing ticket up rather than a lift ticket.
❄️ Travel Tip: The gondolas aren’t heated so dress warmly.
4. Soak in the Banff Upper Hot Springs
After a day in the cold, there’s nothing quite like soaking in the steamy waters of the Banff Upper Hot Springs.
Set against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks, this outdoor thermal pool will soothe sore muscles and melt away stress.
Although, to be picky, why don’t they make the hot springs into a beautiful spa like you get at thermal springs in Europe? The change rooms are basic and the pool can get crowded.
That said, it’s the highest hot springs in Canada, and you can’t go wrong with a steamy mineral-rich soak.
❄️ Travel Tip: A soak in the springs is especially handy if:
1) You’re going up the Banff Gondola as it’s just up the road.
2) You’re staying at the Rimrock Hotel, which is across the street from the natural springs and has one of the most esteemed restaurants in Banff.
5. Experience Ice Magic at Lake Louise
Banff National Park’s winter beauty reaches its peak (pun intended) at Lake Louise where the frozen surface becomes a platform for incredible experiences.
Ice Skating
Once the ice is frozen you can glide across the lake surrounded by towering mountains and the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, then head into the chateau for some steamy hot chocolate.
Ice Sculptures
A top time to visit Lake Louise is during the Ice Magic Festival (usually late January) to see the world-class ice carvings and enjoy family-friendly events.
Snowshoeing and Cross-Country Skiing
Trails around the lake offer quieter, equally stunning ways to experience this winter wonderland.
❄️ Travel Tip: Lake Louise is a 45-minute drive from the town of Banff.
No car? You can take a shuttle to Lake Louise from Banff or do a guided day tour.
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6. Explore Banff Museums
Once your toes get cold and your nose turns red, it’s a good time to get inside and check out Banff’s rich heritage.
Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies
This is a topnotch museum that showcases the art, culture, and history of the Rockies.
Here you’ll find a mix of historical displays, Indigenous artifacts, and art inspired by the region’s towering landscapes.
❄️ Fun fact: My mother, sisters and I all have artwork in their collection.
The Rockies have been a huge inspiration for artists over the years, my family included, and growing up in a family of artists meant annual painting trips to the mountains.
Banff Park Museum
Located on Banff Avenue by the Bow River, the Banff Park Museum is a historic 1903 log building that houses a modest natural history museum with displays showcasing local wildlife both past and present.
Walter Phillips Gallery at the Banff Centre
Part way up Tunnel Mountain there is a hidden world of creativity called the Banff Centre, which hosts residencies and workshops for a vast range of art forms, from opera to Indigenous Haute Couture.
Open to the public, the Centre’s Walter Phillips Gallery is worth a stop if you’re interested in contemporary art as thought provoking as anything you’d see in New York.
❄️ Travel Tip: There are plenty of other activities going on at the Banff Centre, like concerts and films so be sure to check out their website.
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Cave and Basin National Historic Site:
The site of the original hot springs, the Cave and Basin offers interactive exhibits about the discovery of its hot springs and how it shaped Banff.
Explore the original cave, take a winter stroll on the Upper and Lower Boardwalks, or take part in some of the many family-friendly activities.
7. Visit the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel
A visit here is a must. The Fairmont Banff Springs is a destination in itself, with a whole menu of activities for hotel guests, and it’s where we stayed for three heavenly days.
It’s my 5th or 6th stay and I’d happily move in if I could.
Known as the “Castle in the Rockies,” this historic hotel is worth a visit even if you’re not staying here.
Its grand architecture, crafted from Rundle Stone (you can see the sharp peak of Rundle Mountain from the terrace) and its lengthy history – the hotel opened in 1888 – make it an enchanting place to explore.
Check prices and availability for the Fairmont Banff Springs here.
Whether you’re a guest or a day visitor, there are several things to do at the Banff Springs Hotel, such as dining, hitting up the spa or shopping in one of the many boutiques on the lobby level.
Unwind at the Hotel’s Willow Stream Spa
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We spent a lot of time at the spa, which is consistently voted one of Canada’s best.
Their thermal pool, infused with mineral salts from Europe, is to die for, the outdoor hot tub a mountain-y delight and my massage was an instant route to relaxation.
Mark, who I booked in for an Executive Foot Grooming for Men treatment, partly because he needed some foot pampering and partly because the name is so funny, also heartily approved of the spa, though he wished the cedar sauna could have been hotter.
❄️ Travel Tip: If you’re opting for a romantic visit to Banff, the Willow Stream is one to put on your list.
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Afternoon Tea
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You don’t need to be a guest to indulge in the time-honoured tradition of afternoon tea at the Banff Springs.
Settle in with a pot of Liza Hill Darjeeling and a tiered tray of scones, dainty finger sandwiches, and delicate pastries. Of course there will be clotted cream. Afternoon tea is nothing without it.
8. Indulge in Banff’s Gourmet Dining
Banff’s culinary scene is as impressive as its scenery. Treat yourself to a classic fondu or opt for a fine-dining experience with local ingredients. Current hot spots include:
Lupo
Everyone we talked to raved about Lupo, a market-focused Italian restaurant on Wolf Street with an open kitchen that specializes in handmade pasta.
❄️ Travel Tip: On a budget? Opt for Lupo’s happy hour pizza and cocktail specials.
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Hello Sunshine Banff Sushi
Cedar-panelled ski chateau meets psychedelia at Hello Sunshine Banff Sushi, a popular stop on the Banff food circuit.
With rave reviews on TripAdvisor, it gets top marks for its Japanese fare and Saturday night private karaoke rooms, making it a fun dining adventure.
Rundle Bar at the Fairmont Banff Springs
True confession: Mark and I spent almost as much time at the casually elegant Rundle Bar as we did at the spa.
Pairing tailored cocktails based on signature Wildlife Rundle Bar Gin with small plate menu items like charred avocado or spicy pork belly transformed our happy hours into full-scale meals.
9. Hike Johnston Canyon
One of Banff’s most iconic winter hikes is Johnston Canyon, which transforms into a frost-filled wonderland when temperatures drop.
Follow the catwalks and trails to see stunning frozen waterfalls, icy caves, and shimmering blue hues of ice formations.
I did a winter tour here years ago and it was like entering the Chronicles of Narnia, straight into the White Witch’s domain.
❄️ Travel Tip: Guided ice walk tours are recommended if you’d prefer expert insights or added safety gear.
This 4-hour Morning or Afternoon Johnston Canyon Ice Walk Tour gets top reviews.
10. Stargaze in the Dark Sky Preserve
Banff National Park is part of a designated Dark Sky Preserve, meaning minimal light pollution makes for spectacular stargazing.
There are so many spots to check out the nighttime views, so here’s hoping for clear skies and northern lights.
Where to See the Stars
Take the Banff Gondola up to the summit of Sulphur Mountain, try night skiing at Norquay or head to quiet Lake Minnewanka for some peaceful night viewing.
❄️ Travel Tip: If all else fails, look up.
Make it easy and sign up for a Banff Sunset and Stars Evening Walking Tour.
Practical Tips for Visiting Banff in Winter
Time your Trip: Coincide with Banff’s SnowDays Festival in January. It’s a celebration of all things winter, with snow sculptures, ice carving competitions, and various activities.
Dress in Layers: Temperatures can dip below freezing, so warm clothing is essential.
Transportation: Make sure your car has winter tires or use shuttles to navigate the park safely. There are convenient buses to Banff from Calgary and the Roam Bus system in town is easy and efficient.
❄️ Travel Tip: Ask at your hotel for a free Roam Bus pass.
Wear Proper Footgear: All that ice and snow can be slippery, so take caution. Consider packing a pair of inexpensive crampons if you want to tramp the trails.
Beware of the Wildlife: Don’t feed them, bother them or get in their way. Elk can be particularly aggressive and this is their park, too.
Use Caution with any activities, especially in winter: Conditions can be icy and weather is changeable. Don’t hike out on your own.
Buy a Parks Pass: Don’t forget to purchase a National Parks Pass, required for visiting Banff. And oh my gosh, if you buy it online beforehand, make sure to print it off before getting to the park. (Whoops! Guilty!)
Is It Worth It To Go To Banff In Winter?
We loved our romantic weekend in Banff, especially because we stayed at the Fairmont Banff Springs. It was a huge hit to our pocketbook, but such an idyllic treat.
Banff during winter has fewer crowds than in summer, sublime snow-crested alpine views, and bone-warming restaurants and lounges.
With hot springs to warm you up, and ski hills to whisk you down, winter in Banff is an incredible way to celebrate Canada’s frosty weather.
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