Winter in Banff is magical — snow-covered peaks, frozen lakes, steaming hot springs, and world-class skiing. Far from a dormant season, winter offers some of the most memorable experiences in the Canadian Rockies. Here are 30 things to do when the snow flies.
Skiing & Snowboarding
- Ski Sunshine Village: Over 3,300 acres of natural snowfall, the most in the Canadian Rockies
- Ski Lake Louise: One of Canada's largest resorts with stunning mountain backdrops
- Ski Mount Norquay: Banff's local hill, 6 minutes from town. Night skiing available
- Cross-country ski: Nordic trails at the Banff Springs Golf Course and Spray River loop
Ice & Snow Experiences
- Johnston Canyon ice walk: Walk to frozen waterfalls on steel catwalks. The blue ice is stunning
- Skate on Lake Louise: The frozen lake becomes a natural skating rink. Free, bring your own skates
- Walk on frozen Lake Minnewanka: An enormous frozen lake surrounded by peaks
- Ice climbing: Guided ice climbing on frozen waterfalls in the park
- Ice fishing: Guided trips on frozen lakes for trout and whitefish
- Dog sledding: Mush a dog sled team through the winter forest
Hot Springs & Wellness
- Banff Upper Hot Springs: Soak in mineral water while snow falls around you
- Willow Stream Spa: Full spa at the Fairmont Banff Springs
- Kananaskis Nordic Spa: Hot and cold hydrotherapy circuits with mountain views (1 hour drive)
Winter Hiking
- Tunnel Mountain: Maintained in winter. Crampons recommended
- Spray River Loop: Flat trail along the Spray River. Beautiful in snow
- Sundance Canyon: Easy winter walk with snow-covered canyon walls
- Fenland Trail: Short, flat forest loop. Good for snowshoeing
Snowshoeing
- Snowshoe to Ink Pots: Beyond Johnston Canyon, snowshoe to the turquoise springs
- Snowshoe at Sunshine Meadows: Guided snowshoe tours through alpine terrain
- Snowshoe along Lake Minnewanka: Lakeside winter walking
Winter Events & Culture
- SnowDays Festival: Snow sculpture competition, skating, and ice art on Banff Avenue (January)
- Ice Magic Festival: International ice-carving competition at Lake Louise (January)
- Banff Mountain Film Festival: World-class adventure films in autumn/early winter
- Visit the Whyte Museum: Warm up with Rocky Mountain history and art
- Banff Gondola winter ride: 360-degree views of snow-covered peaks from the summit
Dining & Après
- Après-ski at Park Distillery: Campfire cocktails after a day on the slopes
- Fondue at the Fairmont: Walliser Stube serves Swiss fondue in a cozy alpine setting
- Warm up at Whitebark Cafe: Hot chocolate and coffee on a snowy day
- Wild Flour Bakery: Fresh sourdough and pastries to start a cold morning
- Winter sunset at Vermilion Lakes: The snow-covered peaks glow pink and purple at dusk
Find winter hotel deals on Expedia and book winter activities and tours.
Winter Tip: The Johnston Canyon ice walk is the single most magical winter experience in Banff. Go early morning (before 10 AM) or late afternoon (after 3 PM) to avoid crowds. Wear ice cleats — the trail is icy. The frozen blue waterfalls are otherworldly.