Banff doesn't shut down in winter — many trails remain accessible for hiking, snowshoeing, and winter exploration. While high-alpine trails are buried under metres of snow, lower-elevation paths in the Bow Valley offer stunning winter scenery, frozen waterfalls, snow-covered forests, and a quieter experience than the summer crowds. Here's what stays open and how to enjoy Banff's trails in the cold months.
Trails That Stay Open in Winter
Johnston Canyon (Ice Walk)
Johnston Canyon transforms in winter. The catwalks remain open, and the waterfalls freeze into massive ice sculptures. The Lower Falls and Upper Falls become towering pillars of blue and white ice — a completely different experience from summer.
- Distance: 5.4 km return to Upper Falls
- Conditions: Icy catwalks (ice cleats essential), packed snow on trails
- Highlight: The frozen Upper Falls — a 30-metre curtain of turquoise ice
- Tip: Go with a guided ice walk tour for safety and interpretation
Tunnel Mountain Trail
This short summit hike near downtown Banff is accessible year-round and offers panoramic views of the Bow Valley, Mount Rundle, and Cascade Mountain.
- Distance: 4.3 km return
- Conditions: Packed snow and ice in winter. Ice cleats or microspikes recommended
- Highlight: 360-degree winter mountain views from the summit
Bow River Trail & Fenland Trail
The flat trails along the Bow River and through the Fenland old-growth forest are walkable in winter. The paths may be packed snow rather than cleared, but the terrain is flat and manageable.
- Conditions: Packed snow, occasionally icy. Microspikes helpful
- Highlight: Elk are often visible in winter along these trails, and the frosted trees are beautiful
Sundance Canyon (to the trailhead)
The paved road to the Sundance Canyon trailhead (3.7 km from Cave and Basin) is a popular winter walk. The canyon trail itself may be icy and challenging, but the road section is flat and scenic.
Lake Minnewanka Lakeside
The initial section of the Lake Minnewanka trail is accessible in winter. The lake often freezes, creating stunning ice patterns, and the mountain views across the frozen expanse are spectacular.
Spray River Trail
A flat, wide trail that runs along the Spray River from the Fairmont Banff Springs hotel. Popular with cross-country skiers and fat bikers, the packed trail is also excellent for winter walking.
- Distance: Variable (up to 12 km return)
- Conditions: Packed snow, flat terrain
- Highlight: Views of Mount Rundle, Sulphur Mountain, and the Spray River valley
Essential Winter Hiking Gear
- Ice cleats or microspikes: Non-negotiable. Every winter trail in Banff has ice. Microspikes (like Yaktrax or Kahtoola) slip over your boots and provide traction on packed snow and ice
- Warm layers: Temperatures in Banff regularly drop to -20°C or colder. Dress in moisture-wicking base layers, insulating mid-layers, and a windproof outer shell
- Insulated boots: Waterproof, insulated winter hiking boots. Your summer hiking shoes won't cut it
- Hand and toe warmers: Chemical warmers are cheap insurance against numb extremities
- Headlamp: Winter days are short (sunrise around 8:30 AM, sunset around 4:30 PM in December). Carry a headlamp if hiking in the afternoon
- Thermos: Hot tea or cocoa on the trail is a winter hiking luxury
- Trekking poles: Helpful for balance on icy sections
Safety Considerations
- Daylight: Plan hikes for the middle of the day when it's warmest and brightest
- Avalanche terrain: Stay off steep slopes and avoid avalanche paths. Lower-elevation valley trails are generally safe, but any trail entering mountain bowls or steep terrain requires avalanche awareness
- Wildlife: Elk and deer are more concentrated in the valley bottom in winter. Keep your distance — they're stressed by cold and deep snow
- Hypothermia and frostbite: Know the signs. If skin goes white or numb, seek warmth immediately. Don't hike alone in extreme cold
- Tell someone your plans: Even on short hikes, let someone know where you're going and when you expect to return
Snowshoeing
If you want to go beyond packed trails, snowshoeing opens up the winter backcountry. Popular snowshoe routes include the Spray River loop, Marble Canyon (in Kootenay National Park nearby), and guided snowshoe tours in the Sunshine Meadows area.
Book a cozy winter stay in Banff on Expedia. Explore guided winter hiking, ice walks, and snowshoe tours on GetYourGuide.