35 BEST Things To Do In Banff In Winter
While most people think of the Canadian Rockies as a summer destination, I believe that winter in Banff is what it’s all about. There are so many amazing things to do when the snow starts falling that I actually get a bit sad when spring rolls around.
The truth is, I love winter in the mountains. I love snowboarding, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing, and there’s nothing like that cozy feeling when you walk through the door after a long day out and have a hot chocolate by the fire. Banff is great for that feeling.
You may have heard about how cold a Canadian winter might be, particularly in Alberta. However, we urge you not to let the fear of an Alberta winter deter you from traveling in the winter. You will surely be blown away by the beauty if you sacrifice palm trees and beaches in the south and head north to see snow-capped mountain peaks. If you choose the right hotel, activities, and ski resort, you’ll count down the days until winter in Banff rolls around again.
Book This Tour!
One of the most popular tours in the winter is snowshoeing on Top of the World! If you’ve never snowshoed before and want to in the most beautiful place in the world, you won’t regret this tour!
Things To Do in Banff in Winter
Ski/Snowboard Big Mountain Terrain
SkiBig3 is a collection of three mountain resorts, all within Banff National Park. Within the collection, you have Lake Louise, Banff Sunshine, and Mt. Norquay – all fantastic and unique Banff ski resorts. Skiing or snowboarding in the Rockies is one of the best things to do in Banff in winter. If you have the time, consider spending a day at all three resorts, but if you only have one day for skiing in Banff, we recommend heading to Lake Louise Ski Resort.
We Recommend Lake Louise Ski Resort
There is arguably no ski resort in the world with a better view than Lake Louise Ski Resort; that photo above is what we’re talking about. We visited dozens of ski resorts across the globe, and the views from Lake Louise are hands down some of the best in the world.
It is also one of North America’s largest ski resorts. The terrain ranges from beautiful groomers to challenging steeps and expert-level chutes. The longest run here stretches for nearly five miles, so start working out your leg muscles now.
We love Lake Louise so much that we are regular season pass holders every year. They have a very long season, challenging terrain, and in general, it’s quieter than Banff Sunshine. Also as snowboarders, we find that Banff Sunshine has too many flat cat tracks.
Favorite Runs: Brown Shirt Main, Swedes, Juniper Jungle, Men’s Downhill, Saddleback, Sunset Terrace, Jerry’s Jungle and E Chute.
NOT A SKIER? We break down the best things to do in Banff in the winter for non-skiers.
Hit the Photography Hotspots of Banff
Multiple national parks make up the Canadian Rockies, and countless scenic mountain peaks, alpine lakes, and glaciers. Banff, in particular, is one of Canada’s most picturesque places; you’ll definitely want to take a large share of photos.
There are many great spots to take photos in the winter. Vermilion Lakes, Two Jack Lake, Lake Minnewanka, Cascade Ponds, Bow Valley Parkway, and Lake Louise are great places to snag a great picture. Alternatively, you can drive all the way up to Jasper for a multitude of more locations along the Icefields Parkway!
Johnston Canyon Ice Walk
The Johnston Canyon walk is the best thing you can do in Banff in winter for free. Have you ever stood on a frozen waterfall before? We hadn’t either until we hiked Johnston Canyon one February – and now we go up every winter! Because of the region’s elevation and winter’s sub-zero temperatures, the waterfalls at Johnston Canyon freeze around December. Seeing this is a pretty surreal experience and entirely accessible for all.
We suggest picking up some microspikes in town as the trail can turn into a vertical ice rink in the winter. You can rent microspikes from Snowtips Bactrax in Downtown Banff or at Wilson Sports in Lake Louise. Once you reach the end of the trail and the most impressive frozen fall, you might even find some ice climbers!
Book a tour! This winter tour to Johnston Canyon will handle everything!
Go Tubing
Tubing at Mt. Norquay or Lake Louise Ski Resort is an enjoyable activity for families with kids in Banff. The tubing park offers two 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 are notably extensive, ranking as the longest in Alberta, and they provide an exhilarating, high-speed experience. Tickets are around $50 for adults and include the tube, making it a more affordable alternative to skiing with the family.
The Tube Park usually opens around mid December.
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 Bow Valley and Mount Rundle.
The hike climbs slowly through several switchbacks and offers viewpoints out over 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, yes – even in winter! It’s one of the easiest winter hikes you can do, with just about 250 meters of elevation gain.
Snowshoe Around Banff
A great thing to do for families visiting Banff in the winter 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 in Kootenay National Park. You can rent snowshoes at Snowtips Bactrax if you want to explore on your own, or book a guided snowshoe tour to the Top of the World at Sunshine Village!
Marble Canyon
Visiting Marble Canyon is one of the best things to do in neighboring Kootenay National Park. It’s a lovely hike through a canyon often filled with thousands of wildflowers in the summer; however, my favorite time to hike it is in the winter. The trail follows the canyon and features a series of bridges crossing the rushing Kootenay River, where you can see frozen waterfalls in winter.
It’s one of the best trails for families or anyone looking for something easy and straightforward, right off Highway 93S. You can easily stop at Marble Canyon on your way to Lake Louise, as it’s just a short detour off the Trans Canada.
Ice Skate on Lake Louise
One of the best things to do in the winter in Banff is to ice skate on Lake Louise. It’s one of the most beautiful places in the world, so even if you’re not a skater, you should still take a whirl around Mount Victoria and the lake.
The best part about ice skating on Lake Louise is that it is always skatable in the winter, as the Fairmont resurfaces it every night. This is great compared to other unmanaged lakes in Banff that are no longer good for skating as soon as the snow covers the ice. You can easily rent ice skates at the Fairmont Chateau or from Wilson Sports in Lake Louise Village.
If you’re not much of a skater, don’t worry – Lake Louise freezes completely every winter around mid-December (season dependent), allowing you to walk on the lake and explore the area.
Enjoy the Lake Louise Ice Bar
The Ice Bar is open from around December 20th to mid-April (no set dates, every year is different). They dish up all kinds of hot chocolate goodness and even have special maple syrup treats for the kids. What’s impressive is that 20+ blocks of ice, each weighing 300 lbs, are used to make this bar, so it’s truly a special place to visit in Banff in the winter.
Ice Magic
Between February 3-7, 2027, there is an extraordinary event at Lake Louise. The Ice Magic event embodies the essence of winter in Canada. 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. Ice Magic is an exclusive experience for guests of participating Lake Louise hotels and local community members from Mînî Thnî to Field.
Nordic Ski/Cross Country Ski
Nordic skiing is a low-impact sport that gets your heart racing and allows you to slide across the snow. It’s very popular in Banff, and locals love to enjoy the sport in the winter. One thing you can’t argue against is the pristine wilderness beauty that Nordic skiers will find themselves in, especially in Banff.
Cross-country skiing is a serious hobby here, and plenty of people get out there and stretch their legs. The Nordic Center near Canmore is a popular place to go cross-country skiing and is great for visitors who wish to try the sport. However, there are plenty of other trails you can enjoy, including the Pipestone Loop, Spray River Loop Trail, and Fairview Loop!
Drive the Icefields Parkway
The Icefields Parkway, or Hwy 93, is a scenic drive that attracts visitors from around the world. If you’re driving from Banff to Jasper or vice versa, you’ll be taking the Icefields Parkway.
However, you don’t have to drive it end to end (though I recommend it), and you can stop and turn around whenever you feel like it. The parkway is where one can come to enjoy a drive in nature, surrounded by waterfalls, rock spires, ancient glaciers, and turquoise lakes in the summer. But the road and stops are just as beautiful in the winter!
If there’s been a significant recent snowfall, check conditions and make sure you have a sturdy 4×4 with winter tires. This road is not often plowed in the winter, and can get icy and dicey after a snowstorm! There are also no services on the parkway in the winter. That means no fuel, no cell phone service, and no food stops, so you must be prepared and knowledgeable.
Your vehicle should have winter tires if you’re driving in Alberta in the winter anyway and should have an emergency kit in case you are stranded. There’s no cell service along the Icefields Parkway. Winter conditions last from November to April, but even October will see some snow in the Rockies. If you aren’t sure about your winter driving skills, we recommend booking an Icefields Parkway tour instead!
There are plenty of beautiful stops on the Icefields Parkway, but a few of our favorites to enjoy in the winter are Bow Lake, Peyto Lake, Mistaya Canyon, and Tangle Creek Falls!
Admire Bow Lake
Bow Lake is a tremendous stop on the Icefields Parkway and one of our favorite lakes to head to in the winter and take in the scenery. While it’s not a super large lake in the scope of the world, it is significant for the Canadian Rockies. Bow Lake sits at an elevation of 1920 meters and spends most of the year locked away in ice.
This makes it a popular spot for winter activities like snowshoeing and ski touring. Bow Lake is a great place to head for the average visitor, as it’s not too far away from Lake Louise on the Icefields Parkway. Meaning you can easily head here solely to admire the sunset from the shore and take in views of glaciers.
Peyto Lake
Peyto Lake is a turquoise blue glacier-fed lake 40 km north of Lake Louise and a popular stop on the famous Icefields Parkway. The brilliant blue in the summer comes from the Peyto Glacier high above the lake and is part of the Wapta Icefield.
In the summer, you’ll find bright blue water here, but in the dead of winter, you can still see a beautiful frozen wonderland. If you get here in October, right after the first snowfall, but before the lake freezes, it makes for an extra memorable sight as you’ll see the peaks covered in snow, but the lake shining bright blue! The rest of the winter, the lake will be covered in snow. It’s a great place to snowshoe in Banff, but be mindful not to continue to Bow Summit, as it is avalanche terrain.
Soak in the Banff Hot Springs
Don’t let the frigid Canadian temperatures deter you; there are plenty of ways to warm up around Banff. Just outside of Downtown Banff lie the Banff Upper Hot Springs, which are among the best hot springs in Alberta. These hot springs make for one of the best places to relax those stiff muscles after a ski day. Just be warned, afternoons can draw a crowd, so head there in the morning for a quiet experience.
Hike Up Sulphur Mountain
Hiking Sulphur Mountain is a fun half-day adventure not too far from Downtown Banff! Sulphur Mountain is a beautiful hike to the Banff Gondola boardwalk, which offers visitors astonishing views over the Bow Valley.
Due to its proximity to Downtown Banff and the fact that you can take the Banff Gondola up to the peak instead of sweating it out on the trail, means Sulphur Mountain can become very busy – but not in the winter! With a pair of microspikes and some hiking poles, you’ll be able to tackle the trail up in just a few hours.
Head Up the Banff Gondola
If you don’t want to hike up Sulphur Mountain, the next best thing is to take the Banff Gondola up. The Banff Gondola allows visitors to ride to the summit station in gondola cabins with large windows that will enable 360-degree views from the base.
A ride to the top takes eight minutes and climbs to 2281 meters (7486 ft) above sea level. You climb 698 meters very quickly, and when you reach the top, you are on Sulphur Mountain. Once at the top, you can enjoy dinner at the Sky Bistro (reservations recommended), an indoor coffee shop, an interactive learning center, and the fantastic boardwalk, allowing for excellent viewing.
The Banff Gondola isn’t cheap, starting at $80+ for adults, with prices fluctuating depending on day and time. However, if you have young kids or grandparents with mobility issues, the Banff Gondola is a great way to get them to the summit of a mountain easily, especially in winter!
Get Those Mount Rundle Views
Mount Rundle is one of the most famous mountains in Canada and a top sight to see in Banff in the winter. It’s an icon of Banff and will make you feel incredibly small at any time of day. It’s seen in many photographs from the Rockies, and is best seen at sunrise and sunset.
Thankfully, in the winter, the sun rises late (sometimes 9 a.m.!). You can catch sunset between 4:30 and 6:30 p.m., depending on the month, so you never have to wake up too early or stay out too late like you do in the summer for great photos. My favorite spot to see Mount Rundle is from Vermilion Lakes or the Mount Norquay Lookout.
Spot Wildlife
The wildlife doesn’t leave Banff when summer ends. Apart from bears, you’ll still find moose, elk, deer, owls, foxes, sheep, wolves, and coyotes here all year round. I actually love spotting these animals in the winter more than in the summer – they look so much more majestic in the snow!
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 can spot wildlife on your own, but if you want the knowledge and info of a guide, it’s best to book a wildlife tour.
Ice Skate on Frozen Lakes
One of the main reasons I love Banff in winter is ice skating on frozen lakes! There’s a fantastic period in the Rockies when the ice freezes over on the lakes, but a significant snowfall has yet to happen. This creates the most natural and beautiful ice rink in the world, and every local loves it when it happens.
Different lakes freeze over at different times, but you can expect the lakes to start freezing over sometime in November, and they typically stay frozen until May. The best time for skating on them is right after the freeze in November and December. As a visitor, it’s hard to know when this will happen, so we suggest joining our Facebook group to stay up to date.
A few of my favorite lakes to skate on are Johnson Lake, Goat Pond, Two Jack Lake, and Lake Minnewanka. Lake Minnewanka is a highlight no matter if you’re skating or not.
Enjoy Two Jack Lake
Just a five-minute drive away from Lake Minnewanka is Two Jack Lake. It’s another fantastic lake with jaw-dropping Mount Rundle Views. Two Jack is one of the most photographed lakes in the Canadian Rockies, but in winter, you can arrive with a tripod and be all by yourself.
Two Jack is also another great to skate on while in Banff in the winter if you arrive and the conditions are just right. A few years ago, Two Jack froze over just before Christmas, which added to the Banff holiday spirit!
Enjoy the Town of Banff
If you want a day of shopping, cappuccinos, and breweries, stay in the town of Banff and enjoy a day of walking around. Banff Ave has tons of restaurants, boutique shops, and cheesy souvenir stores to entertain all.
Are you visiting Banff around the holidays? Make sure to pop into The Spirit of Christmas store on Banff Avenue! They do the whole Christmas thing just right!
Check Out Bow Falls
Bow Falls is a must-see waterfall when in Banff. The falls are only a short walk away from the town and take you into magnificent nature. Depending on when you go to see them in the winter, they may be frozen, but we’ve been lucky and seen the beauty of the half in ice and half water. There are pleasant walkways for visitors so they can view Bow Falls safely. (Also, you can type Surprise Corner Viewpoint on Google Maps when near here for a doubly amazing view nearby.)
Enjoy a Sleigh Ride
It’s possible to take a horse-drawn carriage ride inside an actual snowglobe when you visit in the winter. The best place to do this is at Lake Louise, with operations running from mid-December to early April, however you can take one around Downtown Banff too!
Go Dog Sledding
Howling Dog Tours in Canmore offers dog sledding adventures in Kananaskis, while Kingmik Dog Sled Tours runs tours around Lake Louise. If you want to do something truly unique and different in the winter, this activity should not be skipped.
We’ve done this four separate times around the world, and it’s always a fantastic experience. I particularly love how quiet the ride is, with only the sound of the dog team’s steps against the snow.
Drive the Bow Valley Parkway
The Bow Valley Parkway, also called the “1A”, and is a scenic alternative to driving the Trans Canada Highway and connects Banff to Lake Louise. It’s beautiful to drive in the winter, when all the trees are freshly covered with snow.
There are plenty of beautiful stops like Castle Junction, Storm Mountain Lookout, and the famous Morant’s Curve. It will take a bit longer to drive this route than the Trans Canada, as it isn’t plowed as often, speed limits are lower, and it’s more scenic. However, it’s worth driving at least once in the winter! Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife.
Stop at Morant’s Curve
Speaking of the Bow Valley Parkway, one of my favorite spots along the route is Morant’s Curve. This is a photography spot where many photographers hang out in the freezing cold, hoping to see the bright red Canadian Pacific train come around the tracks under Mount Temple.
There are no train schedules, so if you want to catch a train coming around the bend, you’ll have to wait until…however long your body has in you in the freezing cold! Typically, trains run every hour, but you honestly never know! We’ve waited 1.5 hours before, only to never see a train. We ended up giving up just as we lost sensation in our toes. It’s best to stake out here with a hot chocolate from Trailhead Cafe nearby!
Spend Christmas in Banff
There really is nowhere more beautiful to spend Christmas than Banff National Park. Christmas events start as early as mid-November and last until early January. It’s a magical time of year for everyone!
My favorite thing to do around Christmas time in Banff is visit the Banff Springs Hotel and enjoy In Search of Christmas Spirit, but there is so much more! Here is a rundown of all that is on offer for Christmas in 2026.
Banff Christmas Market
The Banff Christmas Market is at the Banff Trail Station. It’s actually in late November/early December each year, as the town of Banff becomes too busy during the holidays to host it. However, I figured I should mention it here in case you visit in both November and December.
The Christmas Market is a fun event where you can enjoy local food, shop from local artisan booths, and take a few photos with Santa.
Entry is $15 a person, and events take place on November 19-22, 27-29, and December 4-6 and 11-13, 2026. Tickets must be pre-purchased. Find the schedule here.
Christmas at the Castle
Christmas at the Castle takes place at the Banff Springs Hotel, aka “The Castle.” Each year, they host a ton of fun holiday events. The best part is you don’t have to be a guest to enjoy them all!
Their North Pole is where you can bring the kids to enjoy crafts like building a Gingerbread House. They also have the Christmas Concert Series featuring various Canadian musicians performing on different dates throughout December. And new this year is the amazing outdoor space that has a skating rink, fire pits with s’mores, and even a curling rink. Beer and wine will be served to the adults!
You can book a Christmas at the Castle package that runs between December 14, 2026 to January 5, 2027. The package includes luxury accommodation, access to all the hotel events and activities in-room decorated Christmas Tree, and complimentary self parking.
In Search of Christmas Spirit
This live Christmas story is told by an impressive light display that starts from Banff Avenue Square and runs through Cascade Gardens. This free experience typically takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour to complete, so grab a hot chocolate and enjoy. In Search of Christmas Spirit happens at the Cascade of Time Garden on select dates. Keep in mind that although it’s free, you still need tickets to enjoy.
In Search of Christmas Spirit happens at the Cascade of Time Garden on select dates from Nov. 12, 2026 – Jan 3, 2027 from 4:30pm – 9:30pm
Banff’s Hot Chocolate Trail
The Banff Hot Chocolate Trail runs from Nov. 12, 2026 – Feb. 7, 2027, and will have you and the family stuffed with whipped cream and sprinkles. The trail highlights the best places to grab a hot chocolate in Banff; if you are staying for a few days, challenge yourself and try them out!
Santa on the Slopes
Head to the SkiBig3 resorts any day five days before Christmas and be on the lookout for Mr. and Mrs. Claus. They are frequently seen shredding on the days leading up to Christmas.
Spot the Northern Lights
Yes, it’s possible to see the Northern Lights in Banff! However, I wouldn’t plan a trip around seeing the northern lights on your trip to Alberta, as it’s not an everyday occurrence, but you might get lucky on your visit. In all the time we’ve been in the Rockies, I can count on one hand the number of times we’ve seen a really great aurora show.
What I’m trying to say is, don’t expect to see them, but feel extra special if they make an appearance. The northern lights are most commonly seen from September to April. December is often a fantastic time to view them since night skies are often clear, and nights are very long. See all our tips for viewing the northern lights in Banff!
Enjoy the SnowDays Festival
SnowDays is a fun annual festival in Banff that will take place from Jan 21 — Sun Feb 7, 2027. This winter event involves many attractions, including seeing talented ice and snow carvers heading to Downtown Banff to work their magic. They typically display their work to the public on Bear Street and in Central Park.
During the SnowDays festival, you’ll also be able to witness Ice Magic, as well as take the kids to SnowDays Play Zone while the adults enjoy the Bear Street Live Entertainment.
SnowDays Events 2027
- Hot Chocolate Trail: Nov. 12, 2026 – Feb. 7, 2027
- Snow Sculptures: Jan. 21 – Feb. 7, 2027
- SnowNights: Jan. 21 – Feb. 7, 2027
- SnowDays Play Zone: select days, Jan. 21 – Feb. 7, 2027
- Weekend of Wonder: Jan. 29 – 31, 2027
- Ice Magic: Feb. 3 – 7, 2027 (Lake Louise)
- Art of Ice: Carving Competition: Feb. 5 – 7, 2027
Not Quite in Banff – But Close!
Enjoy a Helicopter Tour
Although the average visitor can’t summit a mountain in Banff in winter, it’s still possible to get a great view of the Rockies from above. One of the best things to do is enjoy a helicopter tour during this season.
Helicopter tours run out of Canmore and often go to the Three Sisters and sometimes back to Marvel Pass and there are also popular heli tours based out of David Thompson Country (off the Icefields Parkway). It’s certainly not a budget experience, but the memory of seeing these colossal peaks covered in snow should last you a lifetime.
Head Out to Abraham Lake
Abraham Lake is about two hours away from Banff towards Nordegg, but people flock there in the winter for one main thing. Ice bubbles. Yes, this is the most famous place in all of Canada to see frozen methane bubbles. It’s best to head here around January and February to see the bubbles.
The lake is typically completely frozen by this time, though it is frigid and extremely windy at Abraham Lake. It’s said to be one of the windiest places in Canada! Dress appropriately and be safe on the ice. The ice should be more than 4 inches thick before humans walk or skate on it, and it’s always best to check safety with an ice screw. One of the most accessible places to see the ice bubbles at Abraham Lake is Preacher’s Point!
Don’t want to drive? Book this Icefields Parkway + Abraham Lake tour!
Spend a Few Days in Jasper
I highly recommend adding a few days onto your Banff itinerary to head to Jasper if you have the time. Jasper National Park is about a four hour drive away from Banff in the winter and is just as beautiful as Banff, but it sees far fewer visitors.
Jasper is wonderful in the winter and is when you will find cheaper rates on accommodation, and plenty of great things to do, like play ice hockey on Pyramid Lake, ski at Marmot Basin, or spot moose at Maligne Lake. Jasper is well worth three days of exploration – although longer is always better if you can swing it!
Head to 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.
Canmore is another mountain town just outside of Banff National Park. It’s not nearly as touristy or popular as Banff, making it much more enjoyable.
There are so many things to do in the winter in Canmore! You can walk down the main street here without fighting through crowds, and there are plenty of great restaurants, bars, and shops to venture into. The views are just as impressive as well, with constant views of the Three Sisters wherever you are!
Visit the Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary
The Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary, home to more than 35 wondrous wolfdogs, is located in Cochrane, at the foothills of the Canadian Rocky Mountains, and is just a quick detour when driving from Calgary to Banff.
This sanctuary allows you to learn about and observe wolfdogs and even interact with them by sharing treats and pats. It provides a safe haven for displaced wolfdogs and greatly spreads awareness for the species.
Emerald Lake
Emerald Lake is a stunning lake in nearby Yoho National Park, and walking around the lake makes for a great family-friendly hike in the winter. Emerald Lake freezes over in the winter, and you won’t see any of that dazzling emerald color. However, the natural shape of the surrounding mountains and the lake’s elevation create a microclimate that encourages a heavy amount of snowfall in the winter. So, a visit to the lake feels like stepping into a winter wonderland.
Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the lake, snowshoe, or cross-country ski. Or book one of the cozy romantic cabins at the Emerald Lake Lodge and stay overnight.
Where To Eat in Banff
- Brazen Banff: If you’re looking for a nice upscale meal in Banff, our favorite place to go to is Brazen in the Mount Royal Hotel. They have fantastic cocktails, top notch service, and creative dishes.
- Hankki: If you are after cheap and quick eats, you will love Hankki Korean street food kitchen. Here, you can get a famous Korean BBQ bowl for under $12, or try their delicious fries!
- Whitebark Cafe: Hip coffee shop serving delicious coffee and freshly baked treats. It’s the perfect post ski pick me if you’re not into the alcoholic apres ski scene!
- Nourish Bistro: This healthy cafe is the perfect lunch spot in town with reasonably priced lunch combos and coffee.
- Bear Street Tavern: Winter activities often mean you’re burning plenty of calories, so if you’re looking for a laid-back atmosphere and some tasty grub, head to this tavern to replenish. Our favorite thing to get here is pizza!
Where to Stay in Banff in the Winter?
Fairmont Banff Springs
Easily the most sought-after and luxurious place to stay in Banff. If you’re looking to stay in a castle, this is for you.
Elk & Ave
E&E is a comfortable and modern hotel on Banff Ave.
Banff Caribou Lodge
More affordable, but basic hotel option on Banff Ave.
Stay in a Cabin!
I’ll always recommend staying in a beautiful Banff cabin, but in the winter, I think staying in a cozy cabin is essential in the mountains. There’s nothing better than snuggling up next to a fire in your log home for a few days. A few of my favorites are:
- Baker Creek Mountain Resort: Located on the Bow Valley Parkway, this is the best place to enjoy the best of Lake Louise and Banff.
- Storm Mountain Cabin: Right off of Highway 93, close to Castle Mountain, is this home away from home. They do great meals here as well. You can see our full review of Storm Mountain.
- Mount Engadine Lodge: Not in Banff, but in Kananaskis, Mount Engadine is one of the most sought-after cabins in the Rockies. They do great all-inclusive options here, and it’s the perfect place to stay if you’re going to go snowshoeing in Kananaskis.
Map of the Best Winter Activities in Banff
If you’re heading to Western Canada soon, make sure to check out our interactive map with over 450 spots to help you plan!
