Rebecca Engel
Banff National Park turns into a snow globe every winter. The lakes freeze into giant skating rinks, the waterfalls turn to ice, and the mountains above the town of Banff stay white for months.
These things to do in Banff National Park in winter cover the frozen lakes, the hot springs and the ski hills, plus a few quiet drives and walks that most summer visitors never see. Banff, Canada, is about 90 minutes from Calgary, so it works for a long weekend or a full week in the Rockies.
1. Skate On Frozen Lake Louise
Skating on Lake Louise is the classic Banff winter moment. Once the lake freezes solid, the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise clears a rink on the ice, with the glacier and mountains rising right behind it.
The rink is free and open to everyone, not just hotel guests. You can rent skates at the Chateau if you didn’t bring your own.
Skating usually runs from around mid December into early spring, depending on the weather. In the heart of winter, the lake also hosts Ice Magic, a festival where carvers turn huge blocks of ice into sculptures along the shore.
2. Ride A Horse Drawn Sleigh Along Lake Louise
A sleigh ride along the shore of Lake Louise feels like something out of a holiday card. Big sleighs pulled by horses leave from the Chateau and follow a trail along the lake toward the glacier at the far end.
The ride lasts about an hour, and blankets keep you warm on the way. Evening rides are especially pretty when the snow glows under the lights.
Sleigh rides run through the snowy months, roughly mid December to early April. Book ahead around the holidays, when they fill up quickly.
3. Soak In The Banff Upper Hot Springs
There’s nothing quite like sitting in hot mineral water while snow falls around you. The Banff Upper Hot Springs sit high on Sulphur Mountain, and the outdoor pool looks straight out at the peaks across the valley.
The water stays warm all winter, so you can soak in comfort even on the coldest days. Steam rises off the pool, and your hair may frost over while the rest of you stays toasty.
Go in the evening after a day of skiing or sightseeing. You can rent a swimsuit and towel there if you forgot to pack them.
4. Ride The Banff Gondola Up Sulphur Mountain
The Banff Gondola carries you up Sulphur Mountain in a few minutes, rising high above the town. At the top, you get a 360 degree view of six mountain ranges, the Bow Valley and the town of Banff far below.
A boardwalk runs along the ridge to an old weather station, with views the whole way. The summit building has restaurants and a warm spot to watch the sunset.
Winter is one of the best times to go, since the peaks are covered in snow and the lines are shorter. The gondola closes for a short maintenance break each November, so check before you plan around it.
5. Walk The Frozen Catwalks Of Johnston Canyon
Johnston Canyon is a narrow limestone gorge, and in winter its waterfalls freeze into tall columns of blue ice. Steel catwalks bolted to the canyon walls let you walk right through it, just above the frozen creek.
The trail to the Lower Falls is short and fairly flat, and the Upper Falls are a little farther on. Ice cleats make a big difference on the packed snow, and guided ice walk tours provide them along with a ride to the trailhead.
Parks Canada closes the canyon from time to time for rockfall safety work, usually in the fall. Check the trail status on the Parks Canada website before you go.
6. Ski Or Snowboard At Sunshine Village
Sunshine Village sits high on the Continental Divide, and it’s known for deep, dry snow and a long season. A gondola carries you from the parking lot up to the village, where the lifts spread out across three mountains.
There’s terrain for every level, from wide, gentle runs to steep expert lines. Even on a cloudy day, the high alpine views are something special.
It’s about 20 minutes from the town of Banff, and shuttles run from town in the ski season. It’s one of the most popular things to do in Banff National Park in winter.
7. Hit The Slopes At Lake Louise Ski Resort
The Lake Louise Ski Resort is one of the largest ski areas in Canada, spread across several mountains facing the Lake Louise valley. The views from the top of the lifts take in the Chateau, the glacier and a long line of peaks.
With so much space, the resort works well for groups with mixed abilities. Beginners have their own gentle area, while stronger skiers can head to the open bowls on the back side.
Pair a ski day here with skating on the lake in the evening. Both are just a few minutes apart.
8. Go Tubing Or Night Skiing At Mt. Norquay
Mt. Norquay is the small ski hill right above the town of Banff, and it’s the easiest one to fit into a busy trip. It’s only about ten minutes from downtown.
The tube park is a hit with families, with groomed lanes and a lift that pulls you back up the hill. On Friday and Saturday evenings, Norquay also runs the only night skiing in the Canadian Rockies.
Skiing under the lights with the town glowing below is a fun way to end the day. Check the schedule, since evening sessions run only part of the season.
9. Stroll Banff Avenue After A Snowfall
Banff Avenue is the main street through town, and Cascade Mountain rises right at the end of it. After a fresh snowfall, the whole street looks like a postcard.
Shops, cafes and restaurants line both sides, so it’s easy to duck in and warm up. Grab a hot chocolate, browse the outdoor gear stores and pick up a few souvenirs.
The town is small and walkable, and many hotels sit within a few blocks of the main street. Wander after dark, when the lights in the trees glow against the snow.
10. Warm Up At The Fairmont Banff Springs
The Fairmont Banff Springs looks like a Scottish castle set down in the mountains. It opened in 1888, and it’s still one of the most famous hotels in Canada.
You don’t need to stay there to enjoy it. Walk through the grand halls, stop for a drink by the fire or book a meal at one of its restaurants.
Just outside, a short walk leads to Bow Falls, where the river tumbles over the rocks between snowy banks. It’s an easy add on before or after your visit.
11. Visit The Cave And Basin National Historic Site
The Cave and Basin is where Canada’s national parks began. Railway workers found warm springs inside a cave here in 1883, and the government protected the area two years later, creating the country’s first national park.
You can walk into the steamy cave to see the spring bubbling up, then step outside to see the blue green pool. Exhibits tell the story of the park and the people who have lived in the valley.
In winter, the site keeps shorter hours and isn’t open every day of the week. It’s an easy stop just outside downtown Banff.
12. Catch Sunrise Over Vermilion Lakes
The Vermilion Lakes sit just west of town, with Mount Rundle rising across the water. It’s one of the most photographed views in the park, and winter makes it even more dramatic.
Warm springs keep small patches of water open even in deep cold. On frosty mornings, mist rises off the water and coats the trees in white.
Drive out on the Vermilion Lakes Road at sunrise for the best light. Bring a warm drink and plenty of layers, because early mornings here are cold.
13. See Frozen Lake Minnewanka
Lake Minnewanka is the largest lake in Banff National Park, and in winter it freezes into a huge sheet of ice under the mountains. Wind often sweeps the snow away, leaving clear ice with cracks and patterns you can see from the shore.
It’s a peaceful spot for a winter walk along the shoreline. Bighorn sheep and other wildlife are often seen nearby.
Part of the loop road to the lake closes for the winter to protect wildlife, so use the eastern side of the loop. Lake ice in the park isn’t tested, so enjoy it from the shore unless you’re with a guide.
14. Mush A Dog Sled Near Lake Louise
Racing through the snowy forest behind a team of excited sled dogs is a winter thrill. Kingmik Dog Sled Tours is the only company that runs dog sled tours inside Banff National Park, with trails near Lake Louise.
The shorter ride winds through the woods and across an open meadow with mountain views. The longer tour climbs to the Continental Divide, where the water starts flowing to two different oceans.
Tours are popular and space is limited, so book early. Dress warmly, since you’ll be sitting still in the cold while the dogs do the work.
15. Drive The Icefields Parkway To Frozen Bow Lake
The Icefields Parkway is one of the most beautiful drives in the world, and in winter it’s quiet and white. The road runs north from Lake Louise past glaciers, frozen lakes and rows of jagged peaks.
Bow Lake is about 40 minutes up the road, and it’s a perfect turnaround point. In winter, the lake is a wide frozen plain under a ring of mountains.
Winter tires or chains are required on the parkway from November to April, and there are no gas stations or cell service along the way. Fill your tank before you go and drive it in daylight.
16. Look For Elk Along The Bow Valley Parkway
The Bow Valley Parkway is a quieter, slower road that runs between Banff and Lake Louise alongside the main highway. With fewer cars and lots of open meadows, it’s one of the best places in the park to see wildlife.
Elk are common in winter, and lucky drivers sometimes spot deer, bighorn sheep or even wolves. The road also passes the trailhead for Johnston Canyon.
Drive slowly and keep a safe distance from any animals you see. Stay in your car, and never feed or approach wildlife.
17. Snowshoe Or Cross Country Ski Around Lake Louise
The area around Lake Louise has groomed cross country ski trails and snowy forest paths that are perfect for snowshoeing. It’s a quiet way to get out into the winter scenery without a ski lift.
If you’re new to snowshoeing, a guided tour is a great way to start. The guides bring the gear, pick safe routes and share stories about the park along the way.
Some trails near the back of the lake cross avalanche terrain, so stick to marked routes. Check conditions with Parks Canada before heading out on your own.
Tips For Visiting Banff National Park In Winter
Every visitor needs a Parks Canada pass to stop in the park, whether for an hour or a week. You can buy one online before you go or at the park gates.
Winter here is cold. Temperatures often sit well below freezing, and cold snaps can be extreme, so pack a warm parka, insulated boots, gloves, a hat and layers you can add or remove.
Days are short in December and January, so plan the drives and hikes for the middle of the day. Winter tires are a smart choice on any road in the park, and they’re required on the Icefields Parkway.
Only skate on rinks that are cleared and maintained, like the one on Lake Louise. If you love winter trips like this one, these things to do in Quebec City in winter make a great second Canadian adventure.
Final Thoughts
Banff in winter is quieter, colder and in many ways more beautiful than in summer. Frozen lakes, steaming hot springs and snowy peaks make it feel like a different place than the one in the summer photos.
Pick a few of these things to do in Banff National Park in winter, pack warmer than you think you need, and leave time to simply stand still and take in the view. If you’re dreaming of more snowy trips, these bucket list things to do in Lapland in winter are a great next pick.
