Banff National Park offers a brisk playground in the winter months with snowy landscapes, icy waterfalls, and frozen lakes. If you’re looking for the best things to do, these unique attractions will keep you coming back both in summer and winter.
Also, within a short drive from Banff, you can go dog sledding in Canmore, visit Lake Louise, hike through Johnston Canyon, and explore the surrounding area for hidden gems. I love Banff and its surrounding attractions in the off-season when a fresh blanket of snow glistens in the sunlight.
However, with temperatures ranging from -10 to -30 Celsius (14 to -22 Fahrenheit), you need to dress warmly in the right gear! If you’re driving, you’ll need snow tires.
The Banff area has some incredible ski resorts and ski hills for locals who live in nearby Calgary. While Karen and I are not skiers, we traveled to Banff to experience the winter wonderland as we had been there just a few months earlier during the summer.
Getting To Banff National Park In Winter
While we took a Vancouver to Banff road trip in September, we weren’t prepared to take on the challenge in winter. Also, snow often covers the Trans-Canada Highway even though it is frequently plowed.
The best way to get to Banff in the winter is to fly into Calgary and rent an SUV with winter tires. From Calgary International Airport, it’s a relatively easy 90-minute drive (140 km or 87 miles) to Banff National Park.
Driving In The Canadian Rockies
Since we flew into Calgary from our home in Vancouver, British Columbia, we needed a rental car. If you’re doing the same, rent an appropriate vehicle for the types of places you’ll be visiting. We picked a mid-size SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle) with all-wheel-drive (AWD) and snow tires and were so glad we did!
In Alberta, the law does not require vehicles to use snow tires in winter strangely enough. We found that a little odd coming from Vancouver, where we barely get a snowflake. Even the main highway in Banff can have packed snow and ice, not suitable for a small car with all season tires.
Remember, you’re driving in the mountains during winter, and once you leave the main highways, it’s easy to end up on roads that have just had a foot of snow overnight. Even parking at our hotel during our winter trip was sometimes a challenge.
As we drove to Lake Louise and Peyto Lake, there were several times that we might have gotten stuck if we didn’t have an SUV.
On our last morning, we experienced whiteout conditions on the Trans-Canada Hwy which was scary. We could barely see anything. For reference, that’s a semi-truck in front of us.
Since the pandemic rental vehicles have sky-rocketed in price. But, since you’re traveling in the off-season, pricing should be cheaper than in the prime summer months.
Staying In Banff National Park
The small resort town of Banff has a population of just 8,000. While super touristy, you’ll discover lots of great restaurants and a variety of places to stay in Banff. During the peak months, hotels command high prices and sell out fast. Since we visited in December, prices were less than 50%.
While we had stayed at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel a few months earlier, we decided to try somewhere new. We chose to stay at the Moose Hotel and Suites on Banff Avenue.
Our suite had a cozy fireplace, making it feel like home after a cold day of exploring. Just a block from Banff’s restaurants, dinner was always close by.
For budget-friendly stays, Canmore offers easy access to Banff and nearby activities.
Activities In Banff In Winter
Banff, in the heart of its national park, is within an hour’s drive of many world-class attractions. In the off-season, some top spots like Moraine Lake close once the snow falls. Winter days are short, so check sunset times before skiing or snowshoeing.
With the right gear and adventurous spirit, here are top Banff winter activities to try.
1. Attend In Search of Christmas Spirit
In Search of Christmas Spirit, hosted by Banff and Lake Louise Tourism, is a free outdoor event held in December. Through storytelling, illuminated wildlife displays, and guides, visitors discover the magic of Christmas.
Featuring glowing figures of Banff’s wildlife—owls, moose, wolves, and more—the experience takes place entirely outdoors. So bundle up, because we found it especially cold at night.
Launched in 2020 for locals, it opened to non-residents in 2021. Tickets are complimentary but must be reserved online in advance and sell out fast.
Held at Cascade of Time Garden, attendees can park in town and walk across the bridge to start the tour. We were given a lantern to light our way.
Despite the freezing night, the show was fantastic. Expect a 30-minute walk on snowy, sometimes icy paths, so shoe spikes and hand warmers are helpful. If you’re spending Christmas in this Canadian destination, remember to reserve your complimentary tickets.
2. Ride The Banff Gondola
Riding the Banff Gondola up Sulphur Mountain offers stunning views of Bow Valley and peaks like Mount Rundle and Cascade Mountain.
Summer lines are long, but in winter, private gondola cars (max four people) are quicker. Tickets must be booked online. At 2,281 m (7,486 ft), expect frigid weather.
The gondola climbs 700 m (2,300 ft), offering scenic views. At the summit, Northern Lights serves casual fare, while Sky Bistro offers fine dining with panoramic windows, but reservations are required.
From December to mid-March, Nightrise combines multimedia storytelling with mountain views. The evening show, held indoors and on the decks, is worth attending.
3. Visit Abraham Lake
Abraham Lake, a man-made reservoir from 1972, is famous for its rare frozen methane bubbles. Located off Highway 11 (David Thompson Highway), east of the Icefields Parkway, winter drives can be challenging. Since days are short, plan to arrive in daylight for safety.
Methane from decaying plants creates bubbles that freeze in layers, forming a unique visual effect. The best viewing is from January onward, as the lake may not freeze until December.
4. Go Snowshoeing
Kick off your Banff adventure with snowshoeing, available December to April. Top spots include Sunshine Meadows, Lake Louise (with rentals from CAD 12 at Chateau Lake Louise), Fairmont Banff Springs, and Tunnel Mountain.
The rental shop in the basement of the Chateau has all your winter sports equipment. Skis, snowshoes, ice skates, and hockey sticks.
Check with staff for trail conditions and avalanche risks. If you have your own gear, it’s a budget-friendly family activity. Always follow signs, trail reports, and weather forecasts.
5. Make Snow Angels Like A Kid
Who can resist making snow angels in Banff’s fluffy powder? Living in Vancouver, I hadn’t made one since childhood in Ontario.
At Lake Louise, I couldn’t resist—but the deep snow went down my back! Choose your spot wisely—at Peyto Lake, four feet of snow could swallow you whole.
6. Go Dog Sledding
Dog sledding is a fun winter activity for all ages. After research, we chose Howling Dog Tours in Canmore, a family-run business with 25+ years of experience and well-cared-for dogs.
They offer great service, including hotel pickups in Banff and a shuttle from their Canmore office (20 minutes east of Banff).
We did the 2-hour “Unleash the Musher” tour (CAD 290 per person). The half-day Dog Day Afternoon costs CAD 625. Since dog sledding in Alaska is USD 650+ per person, Karen thought it was quite the bargain.
Budget options include the 30-minute “Narnia” tour (CAD 325 per sled, for two people). Enthusiasts can try Snowy Owl Tours’ two-day trip for CAD 4,500 per pair.
7. Check Out The Ice Castle
Castles aren’t just for royalty! Each December, Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise builds an ice castle on the frozen lake, lasting until March or April. Made from 300 lbs. of ice, it offers stunning views. After skating or snowshoeing, stop by this cool attraction.
When I visited in mid-December, construction had just begun—workers used forklifts to place ice blocks, then fused them with water.
8. Visit A Wolfdog Sanctuary
Yamnuska Wolf refuge in Cochrane, Alberta, is Canada’s only wolfdog rescue, an hour from Banff and 30 minutes from Calgary Airport.
Wolfdogs; part wolf, part domestic dog, are often bred as exotic pets but struggle in homes due to their wild instincts. The sanctuary provides a safe haven and educates the public on this issue, as wolves and dogs wouldn’t naturally breed in the wild.
For an up-close experience, We took the Interactive Tour, which let us enter the enclosures and feed the wolfdogs. It includes self-guided access. Walk-ins are also available without reservations but reserving for the more popular tours is required as they sell out.
9. Go Ice Fishing
Ice fishing is a popular sport in Canada and a great way to chill (no pun intended) with friends. While sitting on the ice waiting for the fish to bite might not appeal to some, if you book with a tour guide, they will ensure you’re equipped with the correct gear and heated hut to stay warm.
Popular locations include Spray Lakes and Upper Bow River, where you might hook a trophy-sized trout. Many tours include pick-up and drop-off at Banff hotels, food, and hot beverages.
10. Enjoy A Canyon Hike
Hiking Johnston Canyon in the winter offers no crowds and easy parking compared to summer. For December hikes, wear ice cleats or shoe spikes for safety on icy trails.
The Lower Falls are 1.2 km (.7 miles) away, while the Upper Falls are another 1.3 km (.8 miles). The Inkpots, 3 km further, are harder to reach due to deep snow and require snowshoes. We turned around at the Upper Falls since the Inkpots aren’t visible in winter.
The frozen waterfalls, snow-covered trees, and quiet trails made for a peaceful winter hike. Carry snacks and hot drinks, as water bottles tend to freeze.
Nearby, the Grotto Canyon Icewalk is a 4.2 km trek along a frozen creek, ending at a frozen waterfall popular with ice climbers.
11. Enjoy Ice Skating On A Frozen Lake
Lake Louise is a magical destination with fewer crowds in winter. The best part? Free parking in nearby lots.
Ice skating runs from mid-December to April, weather permitting, and is free if you bring your own skates. The hotel maintains the ice, drilling holes to create a smooth, thick surface.
I rented skates from the rental shop in Chateau Lake Louise. The ice is a bit rough, but the experience of skating on the frozen lake is exhilarating. Plus, I got to tick ice skating on Lake Louise off his bucket list!
Karen used crampons for safety. If you want to try multiple lakes, Minnewanka, Two Jack, and Johnson Lakes offer skating when conditions allow.
12. Take A Snowkiting Lesson
Snowkiting combines snowboarding or skiing with kite-powered wind. Vermillion Lakes and Spray Lakes near Canmore offer perfect conditions for this thrilling sport. With vast frozen surfaces and the right wind, snowkiters can enjoy hours of fun without lift tickets.
If you’re already skilled in skiing or snowboarding, snowkiting might come easily, though it can be cold.While I’m not a skier, I enjoyed watching snowkiters on Vermillion Lakes.
13. Enjoy A Horse-Drawn Sleigh Ride In Banff
For a romantic sleigh ride near Banff, Karen and I chose a tour on the frozen Lake Louise, operated by Brewster Adventures. You book your ride online or at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise office.
The larger sleigh (12 people) is affordable, while a private sleigh for two costs more. Both take the same 1-hour route to the top of the lake and back.
It was snowing heavily during our ride, and while blankets were once provided, now you must bring your own or purchase one. Dress warmly, as Lake Louise is always cold in winter. We wore snow pants, coats, hats, hand warmers, and brought hot tea.
The ride was magical, and the driver explained how they measure ice thickness. We had to get off at the end of the lake to let the driver turn around, as the ice wasn’t thick enough to support the sleigh’s weight and all its passengers. If the ice is thick enough later in the season, they go across the lake.
14. Go Snow Tubing On Mt. Norquay
Snow tubing is a fun, affordable family activity. Mount Norquay near Banff is one of the best spots. Located at #2 Mt Norquay Rd, it’s a short drive from Banff, but snow tires and AWD are recommended due to the switchback road. Alternatively, take the free shuttle from Banff hotels.
With the longest tubing runs in Alberta, sessions run morning (10 am–12:30 pm), afternoon (1:30 pm–4 pm), and evening (5 pm–7:30 pm) on weekends. Riders must be at least 4 years old and 42″ tall.
You can also tube at Lake Louise Ski Resort’s Sunny Tube Park, where kids must be 3+ years old, with one rider per tube.
15. See Peyto Lake
Located an hour from Banff and 30 minutes north of Lake Louise, Peyto Lake offers stunning views year-round. Road conditions on the Icefields Parkway were poor during our visit, making the drive longer. Check highway conditions before heading out.
In winter, only the lower parking lot is accessible. We struggled to find the lookout trail due to heavy snow, with many tracks leading nowhere or in circles.
After an hour-long trek in -29°C, we reached the viewpoint, enjoying the frozen lake. Note: the snow is deep. When we stepped off the trail, we sank up to our hips!
16. Try Ice Climbing
Ice climbing is popular in Banff and Canmore during winter. Canyons like Johnston Canyon, Grotto Canyon, and the frozen waterfall at Lake Louise are prime spots. Experienced climbers scale ice walls with axes, ropes, and crampons. If you’re new to the sport, book with a guide.
While we aren’t climbers, we watched some groups tackling the ice walls in Johnston Canyon.
17. Warm Up At The Hot Springs
After a day on the slopes or trails, warm up at Banff Upper Hot Springs, located at 1 Mountain Ave. Open daily from 10 am to 10 pm, admission is under CAD 20. Swimsuits, towels, and lockers are available if you forget your gear.
Soak and relax while enjoying views of snow-covered mountains. Accessible via Roam buses from downtown Banff, it’s magical to sit in the hot tub while watching falling snow.
18. Try To Spot Wildlife
Wildlife spotting in Banff can be unpredictable, especially in summer when animals blend into the landscape. In winter, it’s easier to spot elk, bighorn sheep, and deer as they contrast against the snow and migrate to lower elevations.
Drive slowly, stay alert, and scan between trees. No bears are visible in winter due to hibernation.
In Canmore, Spray Lakes Road is great for wildlife, while Banff offers sightings along Bow Valley Parkway, near Banff Stables, and Tunnel Mountain. We saw deer at Vermillion Lakes and the Marsh Trail during our winter visit.
19. Take A Helicopter Tour
The Canadian Rockies are stunning from the sky. Choose from Canmore or Columbia Icefields tours.
Canmore flights may include Three Sisters Peaks, Mount Assiniboine, and the Continental Divide. Icefields tours may cover Abraham Lake, Wilson Icefield, or the entire Columbia Icefields. Either way, you’re in for a thrill!
20. Take A Winter Photography Tour
Winter offers a fresh perspective on the Canadian Rockies. On a photography tour, you’ll learn how to capture winter scenes, with tips on composition, lighting, and technique, from an expert.
The 3-5 hour tours visit multiple scenic locations. Dress warmly and bring an extra camera battery. You’ll leave with a new appreciation for the landscape.
Where To Get Your Discovery Pass
To visit Banff National Park, visitors need a Discovery Pass issued by Parks Canada. You can purchase the pass online at Parks Canada.
Day passes cost CAD 10.50 per person per day, so the annual pass is the best value. The yearly Discovery Pass is CAD 151.25 for a family (up to 7 people in a car), CAD 75.25 for adults, and CAD 64.50 for seniors.
Final Thoughts
Banff is a world-class destination year-round, but many avoid winter due to harsh temperatures, unpredictable weather, and challenging roads. In winter, parking and overcrowding are not a problem, unlike in summer.
While some attractions like Moraine Lake may be closed, many others take on a stunning winter wonderland charm. With fewer visitors and lower hotel prices, winter is the best time to visit. Just be sure to pack warm clothing, proper gear, and have a safe vehicle with snow tires for smooth travel.
Karen and I can’t wait to go back again in the winter to take in all of Banff’s stunning beauty.
Happy Banffing ~ Brian and Karen