Visiting Banff in February? Here’s All You NEED to Know

If you plan on visiting Banff in February, don’t arrive with shorts and a T-shirt in the suitcase. February is a wonderful, but chilly time to visit. So not everyone may think it’s the best time to visit Banff, however we are firm believers that there are no bad times to visit Banff – as long as you are prepared!
This is Alberta, after all, and Alberta winters can be brutal. If you visit, you’ll quickly be reminded of that in February. Don’t worry though, there are so many wonderful things to do in Banff in February! From visiting Lake Louise, to skiing at Lake Louise, to hitting up a hot chocolate bar, and dressing in a cozy sweater here is all you need to know before you visit the Canadian Rockies in February.
Things to Know Before Visiting Banff in February
What’s the Weather Like?

The average temperature of Banff in February is around -1°C, but trust me when I say that’s the average, and it typically feels like at least -15°C. It’s definitely one of the coldest times to visit Banff, but also one of the best times to visit if you like winter sports.
While January was more of a “locals” month, February means many tourists are now showing up for their winter adventures. This means you may find higher season prices than in November, early December, and January, and it will probably be busier than you might think in town. Don’t worry – it’s still nothing like Banff in the summer!
There is one week in February that is Family Week, typically around the middle of the month. This is when the towns of Canmore and Banff fill up with visitors, and the ski resorts can be particularly busy. It’s still manageable though, and nothing like the big mega resorts like Whistler, Breckenridge, Aspen, Park City, or Mammoth.
February nights are still super cold, with temperatures hovering at -12°C or even lower. This means that February in Banff is the perfect time to book a Banff cabin and sit around a cozy fireside with a hot chocolate. Snowfall is a little unpredictable. Some winters, it’s heavy and can provide epic powder days, while other Februarys have seen little snowfall.

Nevertheless, you should arrive to Alberta fully prepared for winter. Cross your fingers for sunshine, February in Banff means longer days so when the sun is shining it can make for a glorious day. It’s a great time of year to spend days on the slopes, go Nordic skiing, or enjoy ice climbing around Johnston Canyon.
How Much Does It Snow in February?

It snows quite a bit in February, but surprisingly, not as much as in March. On average, it snows 11 cm over 4 days per week in February near the town of Banff.
You can, head up towards Lake Louise and the Icefields Parkway for more snow—on average, about 15 cm per week. I must reiterate that you should come to Banff with a good pair of snow boots and an even better winter jacket, or you’ll be doing a little shopping on Banff Avenue. I prefer Sorels and a down parka most days.
February Festivals

The festivals in Banff start to wind down in February, but if you’re visiting at the beginning of the month you’ll be able to enjoy the end of Banff Snowdays.
Ice Magic
Between Jan. 29 and Feb. 2, 2025, Lake Louise will host an extraordinary event. The Ice Magic event is what winter in Canada is all about. This is where ice comes alive and serves as a form of art and architectural design. During this time, you can watch artists from around the world carve different frozen figures.
While it used to be free for all to visit the ice carving events and wander around, you’ll now need tickets to join in the fun; these are available starting in December for guests of specific hotels only. Those hotels include Baker Creek by Basecamp, Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, Lake Louise Inn, The Moxy, the Royal Canadian, Canalta Lodge, Mountaineer Lodge, and many more, so make sure to contact your hotel if you are interested in Ice Magic.
Banff Snowdays

SnowDays will happen from January 17 to February 2, 2025. Many events revolve around SnowDays. While the famous Skijoring event will take place on Banff Avenue in January, you can still bundle up and follow the trail of snow sculptures throughout on Bear Street and Banff Avenue Square until February 2nd.
Family Day 2025
Family Day is a holiday in Canada that is usually on the third Monday in February. In 2025, this means February 17th, but I expect Banff to be busy from February 15th to the 24th.
What to Pack for February?

Layers, layers, and layers. February in Banff is one of the coldest months of the year and you’ll want to prepare accordingly. That means a proper winter jacket, thermal underwear, merino wool socks, winter boots, gloves, and a hat at the very least.
For indoor time, you’ll want to pack things like a sweater and long sleeve pants. Don’t bother with any kind of summer gear during this time, and unless you plan on having an extravagant dinner out I wouldn’t advise bringing a dress or dress shoes. Honestly, you may even feel out of place dressing up a lot in Banff.
Here’s an essential list to go off. The left column is for general winter packing, and the right is for partaking in snow sports.
- Winter Down Jacket
- Sweater
- Flannel
- Casual Pants
- 1 x Top Base Layer
- 1 x Bottom Base Layer
- 2-3 x Wool Sports Bra
- 2-3 x Wool Ski Socks
- Mittens
- Warm Hat
- Winter Boots
- 1 x Mid-Layer Jacket
- 1 x Shell Jacket
- 1 x Shell Pants
- 1 x Insulated Jacket*
- 1 x Snow Pants*
- 1 x Mitts or Gloves
- 1 x Balaclava
- 1 x Buff Headwear
- 1 x Goggles (if skiing or snowboarding)
- 1 x Helmet* (if skiing or snowboarding)
Can You Visit Lake Louise in February?

Yes, you can visit Lake Louise in February and it’s beautiful! I absolutely love Lake Louise in the winter. Although expect Lake Louise to be cold and have a lot of snow – it is February after all.
The best thing to do in Lake Louise around this time is ice skate, take a sleigh ride, snowshoe, walk around the lake, or enjoy a coffee inside the Fairmont. Pack warm weather clothes for Lake Louise in February, it’s higher in elevation than the town of Banff and spends the majority of the day in the shade, so you can expect it to be quite a bit colder.
Don’t think that just because Lake Louise is frozen it’s not beautiful or not worth visiting. Lake Louise is amazing in the winter, and some would argue it is more stunning than in the summer.
Can You Visit Moraine Lake in February?
Moraine Lake is not accessible in February. It will not be accessible to the public until Moraine Lake Road opens up on June 1st.
Things to do in Banff in February
Johnston Canyon Ice Walk

The Johnston Canyon walk is the best thing you can do in Banff in the winter for free. Have you ever stood on a frozen waterfall before? Neither had we until the Johnston Canyon hike. Due to the elevation of the region and the sub-zero temperatures of winter the waterfalls of Johnston Canyon freeze in time. It’s a pretty surreal experience and completely accessible for all.
We suggest picking up some microspikes in town. Although the trail is well managed, it can get icy and it’s better than slipping everywhere on the trail – ours were very handy. Once you reach the end of the trail and the most impressive frozen falls, you’ll probably even spot some ice climbers.
Want to book a tour so you have a guide that shares all the magic of Johnston Canyon with you? Check this one out!
Kananaskis Nordic Spa

For a relaxing day out in luxury, the Kananaskis Nordic Spa is what you want. Located in the Kananaskis Mountain Lodge in Kananaskis Country, right near the base of Nakiska Ski Resort is this beautiful hotel and inside is the Nordic Spa is the ultimate space for relaxation in the mountains.
Here, they have an Eucalyptus Steam Room, an Alchemist Steam Room, a Finnish Sauna, an Exfoliation Cabin, and so much more. You could easily spend a whole February day here enjoying the pools and other amenities.
If you really want to have a fabulous wellness weekend in the Rockies, book a stay at the Kananaskis Mountain Lodge, so you never have to hop in the car.
Ice Skate on Lake Louise

There’s no more iconic ice-skating area in the world than Lake Louise. Heading to Lake Louise in the winter is one of the best things to do in February in Banff. The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise clears and maintains the “rink” so visitors can enjoy ice skating here all winter, and February is prime time!
Hike Tunnel Mountain

Tunnel Mountain is right in the heart of Banff. It’s beloved by locals for its accessibility and you can hike it year-round. It may be one of the smallest mountains in Banff National Park, but it still offers tremendous views of the surrounding valleys and Mount Rundle.
The hike moves slowly up the mountain through several switchbacks and offers various viewpoints out into the Bow and Spray Valleys. It’s great for sunrise or sunset, and it rarely disappoints. The best part is it’s only a 4.5 km round trip hike and shouldn’t take more than one hour up. It’s one of the easiest Banff winter hikes you can do, with less than 300 meters of elevation gain.
Ski/Snowboard

SkiBig3 is a collection of three mountain resorts all within Banff National Park. You have Lake Louise, Banff Sunshine, and Mt. Norquay which are all unique Canada ski resorts. Snowboarding at all of the SkiBig3 resorts was our primary reason for heading to Banff in the winter before we settled on moving here.
Mt. Norquay is the closest ski resort to town, while Banff Sunshine is about 20 minutes from Banff and Lake Louise is about 40 minutes from the town. They are all great options, but we honestly love Lake Louise the most.
Snowshoe

A great thing to do for families visiting in February is snowshoe! Just because there is snow on the ground doesn’t mean you can’t leave the well-trodden path. You might not be able to walk through the snow on foot, but a quality pair of snowshoes allows you to float across the snow.
They’re super easy to get the hang of and you’ll be moving along in no time. Two popular snowshoe hikes are to the Paint Pots or Marble Canyon, but you’re free to explore the wilderness on your own if you rent a pair, just make sure you don’t get yourself in avalanche terrain without proper avalanche safety knowledge. You can rent snowshoes at Snowtips Bactrax.
Want to enjoy a snowshoeing tour? Snowshoeing on Top of the World is one of the most popular winter tours. It takes place at Sunshine Ski Resort!
Catch the Northern Lights

If you’re lucky, and I mean really lucky, you may catch the Aurora while visiting Banff. It’s rare, and I wouldn’t plan on seeing the northern lights while visiting, as the good shows only happen a few times per year.
But if the sky is clear and the aurora forecast looks promising, it’s best to make your way to a really dark area of the park and keep your eyes open. The darkest days are in December, but it’s possible to see the Northern Lights in February.
We often get asked about northern lights tours, and there are none that are offered in Banff, as the aurora is too unpredictable. However you can book a Sunset and Stars night walking tour to see the stars!
Snowshoe Back to Sundance Lodge

Sundance Lodge is a beautiful cabin in Banff managed by Discover Banff Tours. In the summer, you can book a horseback trip back to the lodge, while in the winter, it’s possible to snowshoe back to the lodge and stay overnight! Once back at the lodge, the excellent staff will treat you to a delicious meal in a traditional log cabin away from modern life.
Banff Nightrise

Book a trip up the Banff Gondola at night in February and immerse yourself in Nightrise, which is included in the Banff Gondola ticket price. What is Nightrise? Banff Nightrise is an interactive experience created by multimedia studio Moment Factory in partnership with the Stoney Nakoda Nation. Nightrise is an immersive and interactive journey that transforms Sulphur Mountain after dark with lights, projections, and riveting soundscapes from mid-November to mid-March only.
It allows visitors to “listen to the view,” and each level of the complex is transformed, with the viewing deck allowing visitors to view Banff in a new way. It’s a beautiful experience, especially since it is partnered with the Indigenous peoples who contribute music, words, and stories. We particularly loved the “Tales from the Elders” section.
Sleigh Ride

If you missed Banff at Christmastime and had riding in a sleigh on your bucket list, don’t worry—you can still enjoy this experience in February! When you visit Banff in the winter, you can take a horse-drawn carriage ride inside an actual snowglobe. The two best places for this experience are Lake Louise and Warner Stable in Banff.
Go Dog Sledding

Howling Dog runs dog sled tours out of Canmore and into Kananaskis. If you have never experienced this, it is one of the best things to do in Banff in February. We’ve done this four separate times around the globe, and it’s always a fantastic experience. I particularly love the quiet ride, with only the sound of the dog team’s steps against the snow.
Venture into Canmore!

Okay, this isn’t really a thing to do in Banff, as it’s a 15-minute drive away. We may be biased to our home base, but we think Canmore is the bee’s knees. There’s plenty to do in Canmore in the winter, including Nordic skiing at Canmore Nordic Center, hiking to Grassi Lakes, and enjoying the Grizzly Paw Brewery downtown.
Celebrate Valentines Day

February 14th is the day of love, so if you are visiting with your significant other and want to enjoy a romantic day, there’s no better place to do so than in the mountains. Some of the most romantic things to do include booking a romantic sleigh ride, followed by dinner at Eden, the Sky Bistro, or The Bison. Then book a stay at Storm Mountain, the Banff Springs, Baker Creek, or The Rimrock – the most romantic places in the area.
Go Tubing

Tubing is available at both Mt. Norquay or Lake Louise Ski Resort and is an enjoyable activity for those kids in Banff. The tubing park offers a few daily time slots, and on weekends, there’s often night tubing—just be sure to check the schedule in advance.
The tube parks at Mount Norquay rank as the longest in Alberta, and provide an exhilarating, high-speed experience for the whole family! Tickets start at $47 for adults, inclusive of the tube.
Wildlife Tour

The winter is still a great time to see wildlife. You’ll might get lucky and spot a moose, elk, deer, owls, foxes, sheep, or coyote. I love spotting these animals in the winter more than in the summer – they look so much more majestic trodding along a fresh blanket of white.
Please remember, if you want to pull over to take photos of wildlife, to do so safely and make sure you are out of the way of traffic. Of course, you might always get lucky and spot wildlife on your own, but if you want the knowledge and info of a guide, it’s best to book a wildlife tour.
Is February a Good Time to Visit Banff?

Banff in February is a great time to visit Banff if you love winter, and don’t mind being cold. Ski season is in full swing in February, so if you are a skier or boarder expect to scream your way down Banff Sunshine, Mt Norquay, or Lake Louise.
Winter sports are abound right now, and you can enjoy snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and fat biking. However, it is cold, and you should be prepared for very cold temperatures, possibly some of the coldest you have ever experienced. If you are expecting warmth, you should book a trip South; otherwise, you’ll be miserable. A great parka can work wonders for just strolling through town in February.
If you are more of a warm-weather person, save your Banff trip for the summertime. Visiting in February has some perks, although it’s high season for the ski resorts, you can still get winter deals on Banff accommodation. Downtown Banff is also much quieter during this month than in the summer!
Keep in mind that you need winter tires to drive in the mountains in February. When renting a car, it’s imperative that you get a car with winter tires. Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean your rental comes with winter tires either; you must specify this before hand.
Is it Safe to Drive in the Canadian Rockies in February?

It is safe to rent a car and drive in February, however be aware that winter is in full effect in February and you should be prepared for winter driving and potential snowstorms. It’s important to note that:
- Canadian winters can be extremely harsh and dangerous for driving. If you are not an experienced winter driver and are planning a magical Canadian winter trip, you should exercise caution.
- First, it’s important to get the right kind of vehicle for winter travel. A four-wheel drive truck or SUV might seem excessive – but there is a reason everyone has them here! If you don’t feel comfortable renting a larger car at least make sure your vehicle has winter tires.
- Pay attention to road closures in the winter. Avalanches and high mountain passes pose a serious threat and if a road is closed, there is always a reason. 5.11 Alberta is the best source of up to date traffic and road information.
- If conditions are poor, don’t tailgate cars in front of you. Maintain a safe distance and only drive as fast as you are comfortable with. We’ve seen way too many accidents in the winter here.
- If it is snowing too heavily and you don’t feel comfortable driving pull over and wait out the storm. Better yet – don’t leave your hotel! Getting in an accident is not worth your life so better to bundle up by the fire with a hot chocolate instead!
If you don’t have a car, these tours are great for exploring
Driving in Alberta in the winter can be nerve-wracking for those new to snow. While a rental car will allow you to see more, it’s not 100% necessary. Plenty of tours will pick you up in Downtown Banff and take you sightseeing for a day!
- Discover Lake Louise and Yoho In Winter: Explore the Bow Valley Parkway, Lake Louise, and Emerald Lake!
- Lake Louise Wonderland: Visit Kootenay National Park, hike Marble Canyon, and finish at Lake Louise
- Bow Valley Parkway, Johnston Canyon, and Lake Louise: Radventures runs this winter tour which includes hiking at Johnston Canyon.
- Lake Louise and the Icefields Parkway Full-Day Tour: This famous summer tour also runs in the winter for those wanting to see Lake Louise and drive the Icefields Parkway!
- Lake Louise, Emerald Lake and Peyto Lake: Drive part of the Icefields Parkway and see the famous Emerald Lake in Yoho!
Where to Stay
Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
One of the most sought-after places to stay in Banff. It’s the only hotel actually on Lake Louise and in the winter there are some fun events at the hotel. The good news about winter here? It’s slightly cheaper than in the summer!
Mount Royal Hotel
One of the best hotels to stay in Downtown Banff. It’s right in the heart of the action on Banff Avenue, and rooms have been recently updated with new modern touches.
Baker Creek Mountain Resort
A great cabin that is a super cozy place to stay in the winter. There’s nothing better than sitting in front of the fire with a cup of tea here.
↓ Ask Your Questions ↓
The Banff Blog Private Facebook Group is your headquarters for Canadian Rockies travel advice and information, including hike and off-season travel information. You can also meet new adventure buddies.
Plan Your Trip to the Canadian Rockies
- Recommended Experiences: There are many things to do in the Rockies, but our top recommendation is the Banff Gondola – a must do experience! If you want to get active, consider snowshoeing on top of the world. Lastly, enjoy nighttime in Banff on this Sunset and Stars Tour!
- Want an all in one tour? Pursuit is running this special Winter Wonder tour on weekends!
- Transport in the winter: If you don’t want to drive to Banff in the winter, we totally get it. To avoid this book with the Banff Airporter.
- Hotels in the Rockies: There are many places to stay, from luxury hotels to wilderness cabins. See all our favorites here.
- Get Around: We suggest renting a car to get around. You can search for rental cars on Rentalcars.com. For a campervan trip, you can check prices and compare on Outdoorsy.
- We can help you plan your 2025 trip to Western Canada! If you’re feeling overwhelmed by planning we can assist! We’ll personally go over your itinerary, hop on a 1 on 1 phone call, or create a bespoke itinerary just for you! See our services here.
I’m traveling in February 2022 and staying in Lake Louise💙
Enjoy!
We are going to have a 10 day vacation trip to Banff on February, and this page has been really helpful to me.
You have a great Blog. Thanks for the information.
Have a great trip!