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The area near Banff and Lake Louise in Alberta, Canada, had always been on my travel bucket list. If you have ever visited or at least seen pictures of the majestic Canadian Rockies, you can understand why. It is a land of jagged mountain peaks, pristine lakes, and striking natural landscapes. So, when hubby, out of the blue, suggested taking a ski trip there for spring break, I was ready to start packing pronto! However, we didn’t only want to ski; we wanted to find the best things to do in Banff in winter all around.
Without wasting any time, we booked a ski vacation package, and just like that, we were on the way to Winter Wonderland in the Canadian Rockies. Originally, it was going to be just the four of us, but soon we became a party of seven, as hubby’s parents and my mom also decided to join us on this adventure.
Where to Stay: While in Banff, we stayed at Brewster’s Mountain Lodge, which was a great place right in downtown. It offered cozy Western atmosphere and included a hearty continental breakfast, covered parking, and coin-operated washer and dryer. If you want to try something else, click HERE to see the highest-rated accommodations in Banff on Booking.com. We have filtered out the lower-rated ones for you!
Fly to Calgary
It all began at the airport in Calgary where all of us flew in and met. This is the closest major airport to Banff, and the place where most visitors start their journey into the Canadian Rockies.
The first order of business was to pick up our rental car, a mighty Dodge Grand Caravan, which happened to be one of the most capacious vehicles they offered. Even with all that space, we had to employ a great deal of creativity to fit everyone in along with our ski gear and luggage. After the Caravan was packed to the gills, we drove to a nearby restaurant for dinner, then successfully made our way to the town of Banff.
Tip: Banff and Lake Louise are part of Banff National Park. You will need a Canadian National Park Pass when driving in this area. Click HERE to purchase a pass in advance, and avoid waiting in line there or getting a fine.
Best Time to Enjoy the Snow in Banff and Lake Louise
Before I dive into all the details of this epic vacation, I want to mention that during December, January, and February, the weather in and around Banff tends to be quite frigid. You may want to take this under consideration when planning your trip. While the holidays at the end of the year are popular time to visit, the average temperatures are not particularly friendly to those of us that are perpetually cold. This is why we decided to wait until March, and go to Banff and Lake Louise during our spring break. As it turned out, this was a really good call – the weather was fantastic, and we not only enjoyed skiing, but also many other activities out in the snow.
Tip: Click HERE to check out the average temperatures and precipitation for Banff throughout the year.
Things to do in Banff in Winter if You are NOT Skiing
Being the travel fanatic that I am, I knew it would not be enough to just go and enjoy all the fantastic ski options near Banff and Lake Louise. I needed to find out what else there was to do, and make sure our itinerary was completely packed. I mean, really…who wants to just relax while on vacation!? So, I compiled a list of some really great winter activities to check out when we weren’t out on the slopes skiing.
The Most Magnificent Views from Above
When it comes to incredible scenery, Banff and Lake Louise are truly unsurpassed. You will find impressive mountains and stunning natural beauty everywhere you look. Still, there are a few places that offer absolutely mind-blowing sights that you simply have to see to believe.
Take the Banff Gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain
View of Banff from Sulphur Mountain
One of the most incredible experiences for us was riding the Banff Gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain at nearly 7,500 feet (2,286 meters). The panoramas that emerged before our eyes as we ascended to the summit were nothing short of epic! But epic views weren’t the only thing we found up there. The Above Banff Interpretive Centre on top offered a variety of exhibits, a movie theater with a short film about the Canadian Rockies, an observation deck, a gift shop, and different dining options. Oh, yes! There was plenty of good food at the Sky Bistro, well beyond crunchy snacks and fizzy drinks. Just imagine the experience of devouring a delicious meal while overlooking jagged majestic mountain peaks. It’s life at its finest!
Tip: Buying tickets in advance online will save you some money, as opposed to purchasing them at the gondola counter. Click HERE to check the current prices and packages.
A Banff Gondola cabin arriving near the top of Sulphur Mountain
Take in the Views
The absolute best thing of this entire experience, however, were the views, and we made sure to soak up the magnificence from every angle possible.
Follow the Sulphur Mountain Boardwalk
Without question, our most favorite activity was hiking on the Sulphur Mountain Boardwalk to Sanson Peak and the Sulphur Mountain Weather Station. Every step along this spectacular trail lead to more and new incredible panoramas. Feeling awe-struck by the scenery, I kept snapping away hundreds of photos, while hubby and the kids were having a snowball fight behind my back. They loved the views too, but just couldn’t resist the urge to smack each other with cold wet snow, preferably right in daddy’s face!
Tip: The Sulphur Mountain Boardwalk is a well-maintained trail, approximately 0.6 miles (1 km) round trip, which features a considerable amount of stairs. If you have any health issues that could prevent you from enjoying this hike safely, don’t fret! Just take the elevator at the Interpretive Centre to the top floor, and enjoy the views safely from the observation deck.
Dani ready to explore the sights along the Sulphur Mountain Boardwalk
Angie taking a short rest while posing with Mt. Rundle
Some of the amazing views along the Sulphur Mountain Boardwalk
Dani throwing a snowball at her sister somewhere along the boardwalk
Looking up at the weather station on top of Sanson Peak, the highest point on Sulphur Mountain
The kids with daddy, papa, and Mt. Rundle of course
Strolling back on Sulphur Mountain Boardwalk
Mt. Rundle and I
Above Banff Interpretive Centre from the Sulphur Mountain Boardwalk
Climb up to the Observation Deck
After completing this magnificent hike, we got back to the Interpretive Centre, and went up to the observation deck at the top. There, we were overwhelmed by more fantastic views of the town of Banff and the surrounding mountaintops. Several cozy fire pits on the deck and a glass statue of a giant bear added some really nice touches.
Hubby and my lovely mom-in-law on the observation deck of the Interpretive Centre
And here are the kids with the bear sculpture on the observation deck at the Interpretive Centre
One more impressive view of the jagged peaks near Banff
While admiring the stunning beauty all around, we were summoned by one of the employees at the Interpretive Centre. He let us know that we had 15 minutes until the gondola closes. So as much as I wanted to stay, the occasional frigid wind gust subtly reminded me why this might not be such a great idea to stick around!
Taking one final look at the Banff Gondola Main Entrance
Ride the North American Chair at Mt. Norquay
Another great place to see mind-blowing panoramas of Banff and the surrounding area is Mt. Norquay. This is a ski resort just outside of town, which is smaller than the other two major ski resorts nearby, Banff Sunshine Village and Lake Louise. It is, however, a place worth visiting, even if you are not planning on skiing there, for the views and the phenomenal tubing experience they offer.
A beautiful view at Mt. Norquay at the top of the North American Chair
Cliffhouse Bistro
Speaking of the views, take the North American Chair to Cliffhouse Bistro. Hubby and I did just that, and were rewarded with everlasting memories of extraordinary natural beauty! Unfortunately, we went on a Monday, so we couldn’t have lunch at the bistro because it was closed. During the time we were there, it was only open on the weekends. With a little bit of planning, you can definitely enjoy both the views and the food.
Tip: If you are planning on skiing at Mt. Norquay, you won’t need to purchase separate tickets for the North American Chair or the tubing hill. Both are included in your daily pass. Otherwise, you will need to buy tickets. To get a better deal, you may want to do the North American Chair and the tubing hill on the same day. Click HERE to check the prices and see the various packages they offer.
Tip: To get more information about Cliffhouse Bistro, click HERE, and call 1-844-Norquay to find out their current business hours.
On the North American Chair at Mt. Norquay
Arriving to the top of the North American Chair near Cliffhouse Bistro at Mt. Norquay
Here I am, posing with the view at Mt. Norquay
Looking at some really skilled mogul skiers
Once again, the mind-blowing view from the top of the North American Chair at Mt. Norquay
Lake Louise and Banff Sunshine Village Winter Sightseeing
If you enjoy riding gondolas and chairlifts, consider doing some winter sightseeing at the Lake Louise and/or Banff Sunshine Village ski resorts. Keep in mind that your ski pass to either resort includes all the chair and gondola rides. However, if you are not intending to hit the slopes, you can purchase a cheaper sightseeing ticket at either ski resort, and enjoy the landscapes they have to offer.
Lake Louise Winter Sightseeing
My mom, who didn’t come on this vacation to ski, did just that: She joined us at Lake Louise, and rode the Grizzly Express Gondola to the top and back down with a sightseeing ticket. She had a fun time discovering the fantastic panoramas , and watching all the skiers and snowboarders shredding down the mountain.
Tip: To see prices and packages, and to purchase tickets for the Lake Louise Sightseeing Gondola, click HERE. Remember, if you already have a ski pass for Lake Louise Ski Resort, you don’t need a separate ticket for the gondola. Just enjoy it on the day you ski there.
View from Lake Louise Ski Area
My mom near the top of the Grizzly Express gondola in Lake Louise
Banff Sunshine Village Winter Sightseeing
You can also enjoy winter sightseeing in Banff Sunshine Village even if you aren’t planning on skiing or snowboarding there. Your sightseeing ticket here includes not only the gondola, but also a ride up the Standish or Angel Chairlift.
Tip: To see prices and purchase sightseeing tickets for Banff Sunshine, click HERE. Remember, if you already have a ski pass for Banff Sunshine Ski Resort, you don’t need a separate ticket to see the views. Just enjoy them on the day you ski there.
View from Sunshine Village ski area near Banff
View from the top of Sunshine Village ski area…It looks like a different planet!
The Best Winter Hikes
Now that we have covered some of the best panoramas, let’s check out a couple of amazing winter hikes near Banff and Lake Louise! After all, even if you’re not skiing or snowboarding, you may still want to get your heart pumping a little, and experience this Winter Wonderland more intimately.
Tip: Be sure to wear warm comfortable clothes, and DEFINITELY BRING CLEATS (also known as CRAMPONS) to attach to your waterproof hiking boots. These metal spikes will get you through the snow and ice on the trails like nobody’s business. They will make your hike a bit easier, and best of all, you will return in one piece!
Discover the Frozen Waterfalls in Johnston Canyon
Without question, our favorite hike in the Banff and Lake Louise area was Johnston Canyon. My mom joined us for this one, and we had a fantastic time admiring the winter magic together.
The trail was fairly easy, without too many steep ups and downs, and it followed the natural curves of frozen Johnston Creek. All of us were equipped with cleats, which came in very handy, especially in a few icy spots. It was great to feel we could focus on the stunning winter scenery around us, rather than how to avoid slipping and falling.
Dani and hubby strolling on Johnston Canyon Trail
My mom and Angie walking along Johnston Canyon Trail in Alberta
Along Johnston Canyon Trail, simply breathtaking
Getting deeper into the canyon
Dani hiking along the trail…still maintaining good energy and spirit
Lower Falls
Before too long, we came to the first major point of interest along the trail, Lower Falls. This was a beautiful waterfall, rushing down the face of a large rock, but interestingly, it was veiled by a thin sheet of ice. At the bottom of it, there were a couple of pristine blue pools, which stood in contrast to all the surrounding whiteness. We walked over a short bridge, then went through a small tunnel in a nearby rock, which led us to a closer overlook of Lower Falls. To say that this was a magnificent place would be quite an understatement!
The bridge near Lower Falls in Johnston Canyon
Beautiful Lower Falls
Dani about to go into the small cave near Lower Falls
Upper Falls
After staring at the rushing water and its icy shield for some time, we continued following the trail onto new adventures. We climbed a little, zigzagging along a series of switchbacks, then kept on moving through the forest. The idyllic scenery was accompanied by the occasional grumbling of our kids. When we finally arrived to our next and final goal, all of us were awestruck by the incredible sight of frozen Upper Falls. We were standing under massive vertical rocks that were decorated with giant icicles and large streaks of solid ice. On the face of this icy wall, a handful of ice climbers were slowly making their way up the frozen waterfall, chipping away with their ice picks and impressive spiky crampons.
The incredible frozen Upper Falls of Johnston Canyon
Ice climbers on Upper Falls
Check out this woman’s spikes
Another view of frozen Upper Falls
Upper Falls Overlook
Amazed, we stood there for a while and ogled the ice climbers and the incredible winter scenery. At some point, we remembered to look at the clock, and realized it was about time to head back. We hadn’t walked too far when I spotted a sign that pointed in the direction of another trail, which apparently led to an overlook of Upper Falls. Even though we were getting a bit hungry and tired, I knew we had to check this out. So, I led the way towards this overlook. This time we were standing above the waterfall, staring at another breathtaking panorama filled with snow, ice and winter splendor. After we loaded our phones and flash cards with at least a hundred more photos, we started walking back, this time for real.
Tip: Upper Falls is not the end of the trail. It continues onto Ink Pots, seven beautiful cold springs. They are located approximately 2 miles from Upper Falls, but to get to them during the winter, you may need a pair of snowshoes.
The view from above…well, just a small part of it
Making our way back through snowy Johnston Canyon
One final peek back at the stunning winter scenery in Johnston Canyon
Take an Icewalk in Grotto Canyon
Another winter hike you may want to consider in the Banff and Lake Louise area is Grotto Canyon. It starts out in the forest, but then turns into an especially fun adventure as you start walking on top of frozen Grotto Creek. This trail leads to stunning canyon views, historic Hopi pictographs, frozen waterfalls, and eventually takes you to a few hoodoos and a small cave.
Hiking on Grotto Canyon Trail on a warm winter day
View from Grotto Canyon Trail just before reaching the creek
When we attempted to go on this hike, it was a particularly warm day in March. In fact, the temperatures had been unseasonably high for several days. So, Grotto Creek wasn’t exactly covered with solid ice; instead it was rather slushy. We walked on it for a little bit, but didn’t feel too excited about the possibility of sinking through the ice down into the freezing water. The thought of wet, frozen legs made us turn around before it was too late.
Tip: Consider the weather and current temperatures before heading out to Grotto Canyon. Keep in mind that a major part of the trail is the Grotto Creek itself, so it’s good to have an idea whether it will be frozen solid or not.
Starting our hike on somewhat slushy Grotto Creek
Another view from our short walk on the slushy Grotto Creek
Winter Sleigh Rides
One truly amazing way to experience the Winter Wonderland in Banff and Lake Louise is by taking a horse-drawn sleigh ride. You can wrap yourself in warm blankets, sit back, and take in the magic all around. This was something we really wanted to do, so we ended up going not on one but two sleigh rides, one in Banff and one in Lake Louise.
Warner Stables in Banff
After doing some research, I discovered that there were several booking companies that offered sleigh rides in Banff. However, all of them worked with Warner Stables, which is where you show up for the actual ride. I chose to book our ride through Banff Tours mainly because they seemed really friendly and accommodating.
Warner Stables near Banff
Sugar Overload
On the day of our sleigh ride, we showed up at Warner Stables in Banff and checked in. After that, we walked over to a nearby table set up with hot water and packs of hot chocolate. The kids lined up excitedly, and by the time I prepared my drink, they were already asking me for seconds.
Angie and Dani enjoying hot chocolate at Warner Stables
Our next stop before the start of the ride was just as delicious and sugary. The staff at Warner Stables had set up a fire outside and left a whole bunch of marshmallows and wooden skewers. Naturally, we had to try our marshmallow-roasting ability, and in the process ended up devouring more of the squishy things than we intended! Fortunately, it wasn’t too long until the staff called us and we got on the sleigh for the ride.
My mom and Angie roasting marshmallows at Warner Stables
The Sleigh Ride
The pair of horses pulling our sleigh started moving and took us to a field covered in snow from where we could see mountain peaks in the distance. Meanwhile, our guide and sleigh driver introduced us to the horses, and got into some interesting details about their care and daily routine. Being a huge animal lover, I have to say, I was very happy to hear how well Warner Stables treats their horses.
On the sleigh ride
Our ride continued through a snowy forest, and everyone on the sleigh seemed to enjoy this beautiful, sunny, winter day. Some people had picked up blankets from the stables just in case they felt a little chilly, but the sun rays seemed to do the job of keeping us warm. Caught up in the scenic views and the stories of our driver, we didn’t realize how time had passed. Before we knew it, we were back at the stables, thanking everyone and saying goodbye to the staff and our two horses.
Tip: Depending on the weather, you may want to pick up a blanket from the stables and bring it on the sleigh ride. It’s always best to be prepared even if you don’t think you will get cold.
Going through a snowy forest
Lake Louise with Brewster Adventures
The other sleigh ride we went on was at magnificent Lake Louise with Brewster Adventures. As far as I know, this is the only company that offers sleigh rides there, so we booked directly through them.
On the day of our scheduled ride, we checked in at Brewster Adventure’s desk, located inside the luxurious Fairmont Chateau. Then we walked through the hotel and out to the shore of frozen Lake Louise where we found the sleigh, the horses, and our driver waiting for us.
The Magic of Lake Louise
Before we even moved an inch, all of us were completely astounded by the incredible and almost surreal winter scenery in front of our eyes. It is not something I can easily describe with words, so I will just let the photos speak for me. Simply put, this was the most magical composition of phenomenal mountains surrounding an impressive frozen lake, lit by the afternoon rays of the winter sun. On the side of the lake closest to us, there was an ice rink with many lucky visitors gliding across, and right next to it, a small ice castle to top it all off.
Frozen Lake Louise and the ice castle near the ice rink…Yup! This really exists!
The Sleigh Ride
Once we started moving, our driver lead the horses onto a beautiful narrow trail right along the shore of Lake Louise. From the sleigh, we could see some people cross country skiing and others walking leisurely out on the frozen surface. As we came closer to the opposite end of the lake, it got significantly colder. Our driver explained that this frigid change was due to the wind blowing over the nearby Victoria Glacier. At this point, it was definitely time to make use of the blankets that were conveniently left for us on the sleigh.
Frozen Lake Louise and Victoria Glacier in the back
Looking back at the Fairmont Chateau near the shore of frozen Lake Louise
Following another sleigh ride near Lake Louise
Dani appreciating the views from the sleigh ride
Hubby’s parents enjoying the sleigh ride, too 🙂
On the Way Back
At this point, we had reached the end of the horse trail, and it was time to turn around and go back. Our horses pulled us onto the lake, then our driver stopped them and pointed out two frozen waterfalls. One was far in the distance, and the other one – right above us, was glued to the vertical wall of an immense mountain. It was a stunning view – one that I imagined only existed in fairy tales. After we gazed at this miracle of nature for a few minutes, we headed back, cold, but completely awestruck.
Tip: Be sure to dress warmly since it can get quite cold on the sleigh ride. It is best to wear several layers of clothing so you can easily make adjustments according to the temperature.
The sleigh ride in front of us circling back around on frozen Lake Louise
The frozen waterfall near Lake Louise
Heading back towards the Fairmont Chateau
One last look at the beautiful horses
Dog Sled Rides
Another fun experience you can enjoy while visiting Banff and Lake Louise is dog sledding. These rides are powered by teams of adorable huskies, and if you love dogs and gorgeous scenery, this just may be the thing for you. Keep in mind that there are a lot of dog sledding tours to choose from, so do some research in advance, and see which one suits you best. Start by checking out Your Guide to Dog Sledding in Banff and Lake Louise and Kananaskis Dog Sledding Tours.
Dog Sledding
© Pumucl | Dreamstime.com
We didn’t get a chance to try this adventure due to lack of time and our budget. Let’s be honest here, dog sledding can be pricey, and spots are limited, so it wasn’t something we could fit into our already-crazy itinerary. I can only imagine what an awesome experience this would have been!
Go Tubing in Mt. Norquay
One of the really awesome family activities you can enjoy near Banff is tubing at Mt. Norquay. They have the largest tubing hill in all of Alberta. It is enormous! So, if you’re planning on tubing and are looking for a thrill, definitely check this out. Lake Louise Ski Resort also offers tubing, but their hill is considerably smaller.
The tubing hill at Mt. Norquay, the largest in Alberta
We went tubing at Mt. Norquay after hiking in Johnston Canyon, which made for a fantastic day of snow adventures. Fortunately, at the time we were there, Mt. Norquay offered evening tubing, beginning at 5 pm, in addition to their regular daytime hours. So, this is how we managed to fit it all in one day.
The Crazy Ride
The kids, my mom, and I showed up at the tubing hill and bought our tickets. Then, we all picked up a tube and lined up on the magic carpet, which carried us to the top. The course looked really spectacular and a bit intimidating for my mom, who kept expressing doubts and concerns about her survival. The kids were quite entertained by her jitters, and kept trying to calm her down.
My terrified mom and Dani about to go down the tubing hill at Mt. Norquay
Variety of Tubing Slides
There were seven separate tubing slides, and each one had its unique quirks. One featured a bump in the middle. Another one was steeper and faster than the rest. Then there was a slide that swung back around at the end. Our daughters, Angie and Dani, quickly found their favorite runs and kept going back for more. My mom and I came down a few times as well, and then focused our efforts on picture taking. Speaking of my mom, she did survive, but definitely looked a bit phased by the rush. In the end, everyone had fun, especially when we clustered our tubes and came flying down together. It was a blast!
Tip: If you are planning on skiing/snowboarding at Mt. Norquay, you don’t have to purchase separate tickets for the tubing hill. Just be sure to go tubing on the same day you go skiing/snowboarding in order to use your ski pass. Otherwise, buy your tubing tickets separately. Click HERE for more information and to purchase tickets.
The kids flying down the tubing hill at Mt. Norquay
Dani running back, ready to do it again
Angie also going back for more tubing thrills and chills
Warm Up in Banff Upper Hot Springs
Taking a dip in Banff Upper Hot Springs is one lovely and relaxing experience you really shouldn’t miss while there. Imagine soaking in the toasty warm water while breathing cold crisp air and looking at snow covered Mt. Rundle and other majestic peaks in the distance. Get ready because this is exactly what you will get when you step foot in their pool.
People enjoying a soak in Banff Upper Hot Springs
We went to Banff Upper Hot Springs not once but twice. Our kids just wouldn’t leave us alone until we agreed to take them there a second time. Don’t get me wrong, we all really enjoyed it, too, but with everything else we had planned to see, we figured one soak would suffice. In all honesty, I didn’t need much convincing to go back again as it felt fantastic especially after a long day of skiing. Our sore muscles couldn’t have been happier.
The kids and I soaking in Banff Upper Hot Springs
Here is one small piece of advice to keep in mind when planning your visit: Don’t go during the weekend! Banff’s Upper Hot Springs are a popular tourist attraction, and can get crowded. Unless you enjoy feeling like a sardine packed in hot spring water, plan to visit during the week. The first time we went, it was on a Tuesday and the second time, on a Sunday; the difference in the amount of people was…shall we say…palpable!
Ice Skate or Ski on Frozen Lake Louise
As I wrap up this list, I want to be sure to mention a couple more incredible experiences that await you at Lake Louise. If you enjoy ice skating, you will be excited to find out that between mid-December and mid-April Lake Louise can be your ice rink. Just go to the back of the Fairmont Chateau, lace up your skates, and start gliding across the cleared frozen lake surface. If you happen to enjoy playing hockey, there is a designated area on the ice where you can do just that. One more awesome thing to look forward to is checking out the Ice Castle, which sits right near the skating area completing this genuine Winter Wonderland.
A bunch of lucky people ice skating on Lake Louise
Ice skating is not the only activity people enjoy on frozen Lake Louise. Some visitors prefer to go cross country skiing or just taking a relaxing walk.
Tip: If you don’t have your own ice skates or skis, you can rent a pair inside the Fairmont Chateau at the Chateau Ski & Snow, located on the main level. They offer a good variety of winter gear.
Shopping and Dining in Banff
After all the winter fun we covered here, it is important to mention also that the town of Banff itself is a small gem worth exploring. It offers an array of dining and shopping options that are sure to delight anyone who likes good food and fine items.
The incredible Banff Avenue
We found quite a few restaurants and little shops that we really enjoyed in Banff. I am sure, however, that there are many more great ones that we didn’t get to visit. Among our favorite places to eat were Bear Street Tavern (oh, the pizza), Balkan (fresh and deliciously Greek), Tooloulou’s (mmm, the breakfast), Indian Curry House (so flavorful), and Block Kitchen and Bar (creative and tasty but best for small groups of 2 or 3…maybe 4).
Banff in the evening
We didn’t do a whole lot of shopping in town, but did get some Canadian souvenirs. After all I couldn’t go back home without some maple candy, a few bars of maple chocolate, and some maple cookies…and let’s not forget a small stuffed moose wearing a Canada sweater. If you are someone who likes to plan where to shop, HERE is a complete list of all your options in Banff and Lake Louise.
If after all this you still have some time to kill, be sure to check out the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies. There you can learn about the history of the area and the majestic peaks you have been enjoying all around.
Visit This Canadian Winter Wonderland
After spending one unforgettable week in Banff and Lake Louise, we felt refreshed and forever enriched by the beauty of this incredible area. Even if you aren’t someone who likes the cold, this is one part of Canada you absolutely should see under a blanket of snow. You may be surprised to discover that the freezing temperatures become a lot more tolerable when you choose to experience them in a real Winter Wonderland!
Special Thanks
We would like to thank Brewster Adventures and Banff Tours for providing us with tickets and discounts for the sleigh rides. We had an absolutely amazing time and want to be sure to mention that while these rides were sponsored activities, all opinions expressed in this article are our own. Please, refer to our Disclosure Policy for more information.
Disclaimer
This post may contain affiliate links, which means that we will receive a small commission if you purchase something through these links. There is absolutely NO additional cost to you! We are affiliates of Booking.com and sincerely believe this is one of the best websites for booking accommodations. Thank you so much for choosing to use our affiliate links! These small commissions help us continue to update and run this website. 🙂
Resources to Help Plan Your Trip to Banff and Lake Louise
- Banff & Lake Louise – The official destination website where you can find all kinds of information
- Ski Big 3 – A website dedicated specifically to the winter activities in Banff National Park and the three major ski areas – Banff Sunshine, Mt. Norquay, and Lake Louise Ski Resort
- Banff Tours – A great website for getting information and booking various tours and activities, including horse-drawn sleigh rides with Warner Stables near Banff
- Brewster Adventures – The official website for Brewster Adventures where you can book your sleigh ride near Lake Louise; they offer exciting activities year-round
- Banff Gondola – The official webpage for Banff Gondola where you can get information on current packages and book tickets
- Johnston Canyon – A webpage by Banff & Lake Louise with specific information about the hike into Johnston Canyon
Note: Unless otherwise indicated, the photos in this post were taken by Vessy with a Nikon D5600 camera and iPhone X. Please send us an e-mail at vessy@feelgoodandtravel.com if you would like to use any of them. All images are subject to copyright laws.
These activities took place between March 12 and March 18, 2019.
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32 comments
This sounds amazing and your pictures are awesome! We will be in Canada in October!
Thanks, Michele! I hope you get to see the Banff area while in Canada. Have a great time! ✌🏼😊
Thank you for this great write up. We are headed there next June with Adventures by Disney. It looks magnificent!!
Woow! I had no idea Disney organizes trips out there! How fun! It is an absolutely stunning area no matter the season. Have a great time! ✌🏼😊
OMG! The views are STUNNING! You took some amazing photos!!! Breathtaking!!!
Thanks so much, Shannon! I know it’s a really loooong post but there is so much to see…Banff National Park is truly magical! 😊❤️
We love ice climbing and hiking. It is good to know we could do both there. Thank you for the tips too!
You will definitely have a great time in Banff, Missy! There are so many opportunities for ice climbing and hiking, accompanied by awesome views all around! 😉
Wow everything looked amazing! The ice climbers, how cool is that! I haven’t thought winter just summer for a vacation to Banff! Looks amazing!
Thanks so much, Lisa! Banff is gorgeous all the time…winter or summer. It is just a different kind of beauty! 😉
GGGGIIIIIRRRRRRRLLLLLL….. I cannot even begin to tell you how much I miss living there…. Your pictures actually made me tear up. 🙂 In a good way
Awwww, I am really flattered by your nice comment, Jen! You lived there??? How awesome! It’s really hard to match these mountains and views…absolutely incredible! 🙂
How cool! I’m not much for the cold, but these pictures are just amazing and make me want to go there. And the waterfalls too? Yes, I think the waterfalls and views and tubing would make it all worthwhile.
I hear you! I am not a fan of the cold either. This is why we live down here…in the Texas heat. 🙂 However, when a place is this stunningly gorgeous, the cold doesn’t seem to matter much…at least not to me. I also have to mention that it was incredible to take a dip in the hot springs at that time of year! 😉
Wow, what a trip. I have always wanted to go skiing there but the sleigh ride looks so cozy! The ice castle is amazing. Thank you for sharing all the amazing photos!
It is my pleasure…and thanks so much for stopping by! It truly was a magical experience…like being in a fairy tale! 🙂
This list of activities is great since not everyone skis or snowboards. Your photos are simply amazing!
Thanks, Shirley! Yes…I decided to make a separate post for the non-skiing activities. I also have one coming up that is dedicated only to skiing and snowboarding, which is amazing! 😉
Stunning images! This has been on my bucket list and after reading your post, I want to pack up and go now! Thanks so much for sharing the tips on other things to do there besides skiing.
Awww, I am so glad to hear you found all the info helpful! It is a fantastic bucket list destination! You will LOVE it! 🙂
Thanks so much for putting all this information together about things to do in Banff in winter. It looks amazing!
Thanks so much for checking it out, Amanda! It is incredible out there! 😉
This looks so good that I would almost consider visiting Banff in the winter! But I’m not much for cold, even if it’s beautiful. Do you think these hikes would be good in the summer too?
Don’t worry too much about the cold. It is so incredibly beautiful that you will completely forget about the frigid temperatures. Just bring warm clothes and a heavy coat, and you will be fine. Having said that, I should also mention that Banff is gorgeous anytime of year. You will see different kind of beauty in the summer. I do however recommend you consider taking a vacation to a Winter Wonderland sometime! 😉
These views are amazing!! Looks like so much fun!! My youngest would love this kind of trip!!
Oh, yesss, Julie! Our kids didn’t even want to hear about leaving Banff. They loved everything we did and saw there…and so did we, frankly! It is absolutely fantastic! 🙂
How cold does Banff get in the winter?
Hi Marianne. I put a link towards the beginning of the article that includes the average temperatures throughout the year. Here it is again: Banff and Lake Louise Average Temperatures and Precipitation. Hope this helps. 🙂
I have always wanted to go there! I didn’t know there was so much to do. The horse drawn sleigh and the Upper Hot Springs look the most fun!
Thanks so much for the comment, Amanda! 🙂 Yesss! You are totally right! These were definitely a couple of awesome things to do in Banff in winter! 😉
Love all the great ideas and tips in this post! Banff is one of my bucket list destinations and as a figure skater myself I never knew you could skate on Lake Louise, what an amazing thing to do!
Thanks so much, Claudia! It is really incredible to skate next to such phenomenal mountains. You would absolutely love it! We had no energy left to try it since we skied for five whole days, but it looked amazing! I would say, this is definitely one of the most magical, one of the best things to do in Banff in winter! 😉