30+ Epic WINTER Activities in Banff
Although summer is the most popular time of year to visit Banff, there are many exciting winter activities in Banff that make November to December an appealing time to visit. In this post I’ll outline all the best things to do in Banff in winter to help you plan an epic and frosty escape to the mountains.
In the colder months Banff transforms into a winter wonderland, frozen paradise – whatever you want to call it. Think frozen waterfalls, wild ice skating, skiing, snowshoeing, hot chocolate, and everything in between. I lived in Banff for years and have spent multiple winters in Banff so in this post I’ll outline all my favourite Banff winter activities – as a local – to add to your itinerary.
This post outlines 50+ summer activities in Banff for those visiting during the warmer months
Skip Ahead:
- “Best” month to visit Banff in winter
- Things to know before visiting Banff in winter
- Where to stay in Banff
- Banff Snow Days Festival
- 30+ epic winter activities in Banff
- Banff Christmas Events
- Winter Activities near Banff
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My Featured Banff Blogs
Travel Guides
Banff Activities
Quick Banff Guide
First time visiting Canada? This page outlines all my travel tips for those new to Canada.
When to visit: this post breaks down each month in Banff with average temperatures and corresponding activities.
How to get to Banff: fly into Calgary International Airport. From here, rent a car (what I recommend), RV, or take one of the following shuttles to Banff:
- Budget: On-It runs during the summer months and Pop-a-Ride is a ride-share program. You can use my Poparide link to save $5 on your first trip.
- Professional shuttles: Banff Airporter and Brewster.
- Car rental: having access to a car is the best way to travel to/from/within Banff. This site compares the best local rates.
Best Activities in Banff: here are all my recommendations for the best tours, activities, and unique experiences in Banff & beyond.
Moraine Lake or Lake Louise: read my guide for how to get there with the new road closures. If you want to see Moraine Lake at sunrise, you can book a shuttle here.
Lodging & Camping: Here’s my guide for hotels in Banff (Organized by Category). If you’re visiting during peak summer (mid June to early September), make your lodging reservations FAR in advance. Front country and backcountry camping reservations must be made on the Parks Canada reservation system. The system typically opens in January and it’s recommended you make reservations then.
Reservations: for activities and restaurants should be made well in advance during summer. Get Your Guide and Viator are popular tour booking platforms whereas OpenTable is used for restaurants.
Parks Pass: You’ll need a National Park Pass for your vehicle for each day you’re in Banff. Passes can be purchased at the East Parks Gates, the Visitor Centre, or online. If you’ll be in any of Canada’s National Parks for more than 7 days in a 365 day period, an annual Discovery Pass offers a better rate than purchasing individual day passes.
Roam Transit: once you arrive in Banff, use the local transit service as much as possible to avoid parking issues. There are bus lines within town, plus lines to popular spots like Lake Louise and Johnston Canyon. The bus to Lake Louise should be reserved in advance.
Parking: the best spot to park is the free lot next to the train station. More information about parking in town can be found here and parking fees can be paid here. Bylaw is strict, so ensure you’re following parking rules exactly.
Wildlife Safety: 11 ways to stay safe from wildlife, bear safety, & bear basics.
Banff winter activities for tourists.
Best Months to Visit Banff in Winter
Each month of winter in Banff brings something new and exciting to the table. Skiers and snowshoers vs skaters and ice climbers will all want to plan their trips at different times to take advantage of the varying snow conditions and temperatures.
In this post I’ve broken down what Banff is like during each month of the year
Based on your chosen winter activity in Banff, plan the time of your trip according to the following:
November – lots of grey skies, snow starts falling at lower elevations, and ski season begins early in the month. Banff’s snow conditions for skiing vary in November, so it’s recommended you wait until later in winter to plan a ski trip.
December – typically the lakes freeze over sometime in December and you can skate on “wild ice.” This is a busy time of year with Christmas and New Years, but a great time to visit if you’re hoping to experience Banff’s Christmas magic.
January & February – these are the coldest months of winter in Banff. Heavy snowfall and great skiing, cold snaps down to -40, and frozen waterfalls are at their peak.
March to May – “Spring” skiing conditions emerge in Banff. Temperatures and snow conditions vary widely during this time and every year seems to look different. Ski season continues until the end of May when lower elevation hikes are accessible without snow.
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Things to Know Before Visiting Banff in Winter
Banff lies in the heart of the Canadian Rocky Mountains where weather and driving conditions can change rapidly in the winter. Read these tips to ensure you’re prepared for your trip to Banff in winter.
Banff Winter Driving Tips
Winter roads in Banff can be treacherous after any kind of weather rolls through. If you’re a first time winter driver it may be wise to make use of public transportation in Banff rather than rent a car as there’s frequently snow and ice on the roads in and around Banff.
If you’re hoping to rent a car while you’re in Banff I recommend using this site to find the best rates.
Here are some tips for driving in Banff in winter:
- Check the weather forecast before you drive – I like using this site in combination with a few others.
- Check 511 Alberta for road closure/condition updates.
- Start your drive early to ensure you can complete your route in daylight hours.
- Be aware that black ice commonly exists around bridges and water sources.
- Cruise control is not recommended.
- Always have a full tank of gas prior to hitting the road.
- Snow tires or chains are required by law for travel on all roads except highway #1 and #16 between November 1 and March 31.
- Cell reception is minimal outside the town of Banff. I recommend carrying a Garmin Inreach Mini 2 in case of emergency.
- If possible prepare an emergency kit for your car with: extra snacks and water, a flashlight, warm blankets, candles & matches, and a shovel.
Winter driving in Banff.
Banff Winter Weather
Banff winter weather is typically a dry cold. Temperatures steadily stay below 0 degrees in the winter with very cold nights and mornings. Every January/February there’s a cold snap around -40 degrees which lasts for a week. It’s so cold the ski resorts typically close for a few days.
Avalanches are prevalent in the Canadian Rockies due to a weaker snow pack and colder temperatures. If you plan to do any winter hiking, snowshoeing, or backcountry skiing it’s best to check in with the visitor centre for avalanche safety tips.
Where to Stay in Banff
From hostels to camping to luxury hotels – Banff has accommodations for everyone. Here are my top recommendations for where to lodge in Banff based on budget.
I recommend giving this post a read as I’ve listed every Banff hotel worth staying at and organized them by category.
- Hostels – Samesun Banff (best location + bar/restaurant on-site), Banff International Hostel (second best), and HI Banff.
- Budget hotels – Bow View Lodge and High Country Inn.
- Mid-range stays – Banff Park Lodge, Mount Royal, Elk & Avenue, and the Banff Caribou & spa.
- Luxury stays – Fairmont Banff Springs and the Rimrock Resort.
- Cabin retreats: Johnston Canyon Bungalows, Baker Creek, and Castle Mountain Chalets.
- Camp – reservation information can be found here. Ensure you book campsites far in advance as they’re full during summer.
- For those on ski trips: lodge on-mountain at Sunshine Village, stay near Norquay, and see my Lake Louise suggestions below.
Lodging Options Near Banff
Enjoy that nature and activities of Banff National Park, but lodge away from the busy tourist town centre at any of the following:
- Lake Louise – Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise (luxury), Paradise Lodge & Bungalows (500m from the lake), Lake Louise Inn (value stay), HI Lake Louise (hostel).
- Canmore – Malcolm Hotel (luxury), Stoneridge Mountain Resort (condo suites with fully equipped kitchens), Mountain View Inn (budget), Canmore Downtown Hostel & the Canmore Hostel (party hostel).
- Johnston Canyon – Johnston Canyon Lodge & Bungalows, Castle Mountain Chalets, and HI Castle Mountain Hostel.
- Yoho National Park – Emerald Lake Lodge and Cathedral Mountain Lodge.
- Kootenay National Park – Storm Mountain Lodge & Cabins.
- Kananaskis Country – Mount Engadine Lodge and Kananaskis Mountain Lodge (luxury), Crosswaters Resort (mid-range), and HI Kananaskis Wilderness Hostel (budget).
Banff Snow Days Festival
The Banff snow days festival runs yearly and hosts all sorts of unique winter activities in Banff.
The Banff Snow Days Festival typically runs in January and February with some/all of the following events:
- Skijoring is an epic event fuelled by horses and cowboys – very “Alberta” style and my favourite Snow Days event.
- Snownights is an assortment of activities and culinary experiences. This event occurs daily for a couple weeks consecutively so there’s plenty of time to check it out.
- Weekend of Wonder happens on Bear street where you’ll find all kinds of performances, workshops, crafts, and sculptures. The kids will love this one.
- Impressive snow sculptures are created around Banff by various artists and are free to see for a couple weeks.
- Ice Magic happens at Lake Louise. There are beautiful ice sculptures at the edge of the lake crafted by world famous ice carvers. Attending this event requires advance booking.
- SnowDays Playzone is located in the centre of town. Here you’ll find all kinds of games, play equipment, and activities.
You can find an updated Banff Snow Days schedule here.
30+ Epic Winter Activities in Banff
These are the best things to do in Banff in winter. From cozy activities to skiing to snowshoeing – this post has all the best Banff winter activities.
Top Tours & Excursions in Banff
Banff Gondola – epic views from the top of Sulphur Mountain.
Banff Hop on Hop off – explore the park at your own pace.
Lake Minnewanka Cruise – take a scenic boat ride down the largest lake in Banff.
Moraine Lake sunrise – chartered bus to see alpenglow on Canada’s most beautiful lake.
Norquay via ferrata – epic beginner friendly climbing route across iron bars on Mt Norquay.
Sunshine Meadows Gondola – find wild alpine flowers and hike around pristine alpine lakes.
Click here for a complete list of the Banff tours I recommend:
Go Skiing or Snowboarding in Banff
Without surprise, the first thing on this list of things to do in Banff in winter is skiing and snowboarding. Ski season in Banff lasts from early November to late May. Banff has the longest ski season in Canada.
There are 3 ski resorts in Banff: Sunshine Village, Lake Louise, and Norquay. Each resort offers something different, so I’ll link my guides below to help you make a decision on which resort is best for you to ski:
- Which Banff ski resort is best? A full review of SkiBig3
- Local’s Guide to skiing Sunshine Village
- What it’s like to work at Sunshine Village + how to find a job in Banff
Avalanche Safety
Due to cold temperatures, geography, and a few other factors the Canadian Rockies can be volatile when it comes to avalanches. If you plan on doing any hiking or backcountry skiing in Banff, taking an avalanche safety course (AST) is a great idea. You can book your courses here: AST 1 (for beginners), and AST 2 (for those who’ve already taken AST 1).
There are plenty of Banff activates in winter.
Go for a Winter Hike or Snowshoe in Banff
There are plenty of hikes you can add to your Banff winter bucket list.
These 25+ easy hikes are mostly all suitable for winter hiking in Banff with little to no avalanche risk.
Tunnel Mountain and Sulphur Mountain are two summit hikes you can access right from the town of Banff. In nearby Canmore you’ve got Ha Ling peak.
A couple popular snowshoeing routes in Banff are Taylor Lake and Boom Lake which both have no avalanche risk as long as you stick to the marked trail and don’t wander too far around the lakes.
If you need to rent snowshoes, crampons or any other equipment, you can do so at Bactrax in the town of Banff.
You can find every Banff trail guide I’ve written here
Hikes and things to do in Banff in winter are plentiful.
Avalanche Safety
Due to cold temperatures, geography, and a few other factors the Canadian Rockies can be volatile when it comes to avalanches. If you plan on doing any hiking or backcountry skiing in Banff, taking an avalanche safety course (AST) is a great idea. You can book your courses here: AST 1 (for beginners), and AST 2 (for those who’ve already taken AST 1).
Rockies Hiking Gear: Winter
If you’re planning to hike the Rockies in winter, you’ll need to add a few more items to your gear arsenal. The below are my personal favourites.
Spikes: I love Hillsound’s trail crampon which provides killer traction and long-lasting durability.
Snowshoes: I use TSL’s sustainable Symbioz Hyperflex snowshoe, however any snowshoe from TSL is top of the line. This one is their midrange model which offers similar features at a light weight and better price point.
Gaiters: this is my top pick for gaiters which are great for keeping water and snow out of your boots. If you’re on a budget, these ones are a little more cost effective and have plenty of great reviews.
Warmth: I struggle with Raynaud’s disease and use Aurora Heat’s reusable, fur hand + ultra foot warmers which have made a massive difference for both winter hiking and skiing.
Softshell Pants: these are my favourite pants (men’s sizing) for cold weather hiking. They’re water resistant, wind resistant, and warm. If you’re reading from the USA, these REI pants are equivalent: women’s sizing | men’s sizing.
Find the Hermit’s Cabin of Inglismaldie
The Hermit’s Cabin of Inglismaldie is located just off the main trail around Johnson Lake which is one of my favourite winter walks in Banff. The trail to the cabin is not marked from the main path so a bit of exploration is required to find it.
The cabin belonged to a historic recluse who lived in Banff. There are signposts at the building with more information and you can go inside to check it out.
More information about the trail can be found in this post
Visit Lake Louise
Lake Louise is located 45 minutes outside the town of Banff. There’s a trail to the back of the lake to a frozen waterfall, a ski resort close by, and a quaint town centre. A Banff winter favourite is the skating rink they clear on the lake each year. It’s free to use and they even have a zamboni to keep the ice smooth and clear.
Lake Louise can be accessed via the 8X Express with Roam Transit or via personal vehicle. There are no parking fees at Lake Louise in the winter, unlike summer where you’ll pay $30+ per day.
Chase Banff’s Frozen Waterfalls
One of the Banff winter activities I look forward to each year is chasing frozen waterfalls in and around the park. The waterfalls all vary in colour and size making each of them special in their own way.
Some easy waterfalls to access in Banff in winter are: Johnston Canyon, Panther Falls, Silverton Falls, Cascade Falls, and Tessa Falls. I’ve listed more frozen waterfalls near Banff at the bottom of this post.
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Spot the Northern Lights
Spotting the northern lights in Banff in winter is not uncommon – although some years you see it much more frequently than others. Typically December, January, and February are the best months for spotting the aurora in Banff.
Some of the best spots to see the northern lights in Banff are from Lake Minnewanka, Tunnel Mountain, and Peyto Lake. Although many times you’ll see them in random places like on the side of the highway.
A great winter activity in Banff to add to your bucket list is spotting the northern lights.
Visit the Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary
The Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary is a non-profit wolfdog rescue dedicated to providing education and awareness about wolfdogs and wolves in the wild. This is a unique winter activity in Banff that typically isn’t busy or crowded like many other attractions in the area.
They offer experiential education to promote the well-being and understanding of wolfdogs within our domestic world. You’ll have the chance to interact with and see the wolfdogs up close on this tour.
You can book the Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary tour here
Go Skating in Banff in Winter
There are plenty of skating opportunities in Banff – both wild and groomed ice. If you need to rent skates or get yours sharpened, you can do so at Bactrax in town.
For outdoor groomed ice you can visit the Fenlands Recreation Centre, the Banff Recreation Grounds, or Lake Louise. There’s also an indoor rink at the Fenlands Centre.
If you’re planning to go wild ice skating there are plenty of options – *IF* the ice formation “cooperates,” so-to-speak. Wild ice is typically bumpy and varies in thickness, so this isn’t the best place for first time skaters. If you’re new to wild ice skating or need refresher, see these ice safety tips from Parks Canada.
Wild ice season typically happens early to mid December, but I’ve seen winters in Banff where the ice freezes in November or early in January too. There’s no “timing your trip” to hit wild ice as the ice freezes out of nowhere and is covered by snow just as quick. The rule of thumb is if the ice freezes safely, get out there ASAP because it could be snowed over or ruined by elements the following day.
Wild ice locations near the town of Banff: Lake Minnewanka (typically the last to freeze), Johnson Lake, Two Jack Lake, Gap Lake.
In Kananaskis there’s Spray Lake and the Upper and Lower Kananaksis Lakes. Arguably the most famous lake for skating in the Rockies is Abraham Lake for its frozen methane bubbles.
Ride the Banff Gondola
The Banff Gondola is among one of the most popular Banff winter activities. The gondola is the fastest way to get up Sulphur Mountain but you can hike up too. The Gondola offers incredible views over the Bow Valley, multiple restaurants, and a walkway to a neighbouring peak.
Typically from November to March the Gondola runs the Nightrise Festival which has interactive displays, live performances, and moon celebrations.
You can book a ride up the Banff Gondola or read my Sulphur Mountain trail guide here
Go Tubing and Night Skiing at Norquay
Norquay is my favourite ski resort in Banff when it comes to diverse activity options. You can go tubing at Norquay and it’s the only ski resort in Banff that offers night skiing.
Go Sledding
The “DIY approach” to tubing at Norquay is sledding (and it’s free)! You can purchase sleds at Canadian Tire in Canmore or do it the “old school way” – grab cardboard from the recycling and go.
My favourite place for sledding in Banff is up on Tunnel Mountain Dr by the Upper Tunnel Mountain trailhead. The road is sloped and it’s not cleared in the winter months.
Explore Bow Falls and the Bow River in Winter
There’s a walkway from downtown that follows the Bow River to Bow Falls; a beautiful waterfall that freezes over in the winter months.
This is an easy Banff winter activity to add to your itinerary as it’s just a quick 45 minute walk. The path can be slippery though so spikes are helpful.
Go Dog Sledding
Dog sledding seems to be a stereotypically northern activity, so it’s perfect to add to your Canada or Banff winter bucket list. Here are the dogsledding tours offered in both Banff and Canmore.
Take a Self-Guided Photography Tour
If you’re looking for a free Banff activity in winter, take yourself on a self-guided photography tour. There are plenty of photography spots directly in town that don’t require a car to access and even more if you opt to rent a car during your visit.
I’ve marked all my favourite Banff photography spots on my Banff & Lake Louise map.
Visit Johnston Canyon & the Ink Pots
Another very popular thing to do in Banff in winter is explore the frozen walls of Johnston Canyon. This tourist friendly trail ventures over steel walkways passing by frozen waterfalls of all shapes and sizes. It’s one of the signature things to do in Banff in winter, so be sure you don’t miss it.
If you’re feeling adventurous you can go past the frozen waterfalls to the Ink Pots which are 5 blue/green pools that bubble.
The trail through Johnston Canyon usually requires crampons and if you opt to hike to the Ink Pots after a fresh snowfall you may need snowshoes. I’ve linked my favourite crampons and snowshoes above here.
More information and winter pictures of the Ink Pots can be found in my Johnston Canyon guide
Try Ice Climbing
Ice climbing is one of the more extreme winter activities in Banff, but if you’re hoping to try something new or get out of your comfort zone this is the perfect choice.
You can book a beginner-friendly ice climbing course here
Find Wildlife in Banff in Winter
If you’re hoping to spot wildlife, I’m happy to share that winter in Banff is one of the best times of year to spot elk, longhorn sheep, and deer. I’ve also seen moose, wolves, and coyotes in areas scattered around the Canadian Rockies during winter.
The Lake Minnewanka scenic drive and Norquay road have been my most “successful” areas when it comes to spotting Banff’s wildlife in winter, but you’ll also frequently see elk and deer wandering the streets of Banff too.
Early morning and evenings are the best time of day to spot Banff’s wildlife in winter. If you go wildlife searching, please be sure to give the animals space and don’t be “that tourist” that borderline harasses the animals.
Go to the Spa in Banff in Winter
If you really want to “treat yourself,” head to one of Banff’s spas. There are a few hotels offering spa treatments or hot tubs, however the Fairmont Banff Springs has an epic spa with everything you can imagine a spa having. The spa is a great way to relax sore muscles after a day out exploring Banff’s winter activities like skiing or snowshoeing.
If the Fairmont’s spa is full there’s also the Kananaskis Spa at the Kananaskis Mountain Lodge. I’ve been here and didn’t love it as I found the price was SUPER high for what it offered, but it’s still a great option.
Hit the Banff Hot Springs
If the local spas are too pricey, but you still want to relax your muscles after a day of exploring Banff in winter you can always opt to hit the Banff Upper Hot Springs. This is a more cost-efficient alternative.
Beware the Banff hot springs in winter can be very crowded – it feels like what I call “human soup.” I like to visit at odd times of the day or at least during the week to minimize the amount of people around.
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Go Fat Biking in Banff
If you want to try winter fat biking in Banff you can join this guided tour to explore the local highlights or rent a bike from Bactrax or Banff Cycle and create your own route.
Cross Country Skiing
If downhill skiing isn’t quite your thing or you’re looking for a more affordable activity in Banff in winter, try your hand at xc skiing. There are many trails accessible from town like the Sundance Canyon road, the Spray River Loop, Tunnel Mountain Campground 2 road, or the Lake Minnewanka scenic drive.
You can rent xc skis from Bactrax or Ultimate Sports.
Banff Hot Chocolate Trail
The hot chocolate trail is one of Banff’s cutest winter activities. The hot chocolate trail usually occurs mid November to the end of December. Many of the restaurants in town curate their own take on hot chocolate which means there are plenty of funky alcoholic and non alcoholic options to taste.
Information about the Banff hot chocolate trail can be found here.
Winter in Banff: Christmas Events
In Search of Christmas Spirit is my favourite winter activity in Banff when it comes to Christmas. There’s an interactive light display and story set up at Cascade of Times Garden which takes 15-30 minutes to walk through. Tickets need to be booked in advance.
The Banff Christmas Market typically runs on weekends from mid November to early/mid December. There are live performances, local artisan goodies, and all the hot chocolate you could imagine. This is a great place to pick up Christmas gifts, souvenirs, or tasty goodies. More information about the market can be found here.
Banff has a large and well stocked Christmas store on Banff ave called The Spirit of Christmas. The store is open year round and it’s a great place to grab a Banff Christmas ornament.
The CPKC Holiday Train runs mid November to December and stops at many places – like Banff – along its route between the USA and Canada. The train is lit up with Christmas lights and there are live performances. The mission of the train is to bring holiday joy and collect donations for local food banks. More information about the Holiday Train can be found here.
These are the best winter activities in Banff when it comes to Christmas.
Winter Things to do Near Banff
Although not directly within the boundary of Banff National Park, these winter activities are close by and add variety to your Banff winter activity options.
Walk Through Grotto Canyon
Grotto Canyon is located only 30 minutes by car from the town of Banff. The canyon walk is full of frozen waterfalls, plus there’s a cave and an Inukshuk rock garden. This is a great spot for ice climbers as well as hikers looking to discover a frozen winter wonderland.
There’s a guided tour of the canyon which is a great thing to do in Banff in winter as the tour provides transportation and a knowledgeable guide.
Here’s my Grotto Canyon guide and a link to the guided tour
Hike to Wapta Falls in Yoho
Although not in Banff, this is a great activity to add to your Banff winter bucket list. The Wapta Falls hike in Yoho is a bit lengthy in comparison to some of the other small canyon walks around Banff, but it’s beautiful.
The hike is best completed toward the end of January and into February when the falls reach their most frozen point.
Here’s my guide to hiking Wapta Falls which has more information about the trail
Banff activities in winter for travellers.
Drive the Icefields Parkway
The Icefields Parkway is one of the most beautiful roads in the world, connecting Banff National Park and Jasper National Park. From November to April the Icefields Parkway is a winter wonderland full of glaciers, frozen lakes, snowy peaks, and icy waterfalls.
The road can be dangerous to drive in winter, so you really need to check the weather reports ahead of time and make sure there are no incoming storms. Be sure to read these driving tips as well. Weather on the parkway can be vastly different compared to the weather in Banff.
There are many stops along the Icefields Parkway to see like Peyto Lake, Bow Lake, Panther Falls, the Columbia Icefields, Athabasca Falls, and many more.
Here’s my complete guide to the
Drive the Icefields parkway in Banff in winter for beautiful views.
Wander Through Marble Canyon
Marble Canyon in Kootenay is another quick and easy walk near Banff suitable for everyone making this a great winter activity for Banff visitors.
There are multiple bridges crossing over a canyon allowing you to see the frozen water and waterfalls beneath you. There’s also minimal-no avalanche risk here if you stick to the bridge area making this one of the safer winter activities outside the town of Banff.
Hike to the Kananaskis Waterfalls
There are a handful of epic frozen waterfalls in Kananaskis which are within 1.5hrs from Banff. Some of these waterfalls include Troll + Marmot Falls (accessed form the same trail) and the Green Monster
Maligne Canyon
Maligne Canyon is one of the the most epic spots in the Canadian Rockies for canyons and frozen waterfalls. Maligne Canyon is located in Jasper National Park so it is unfortunately a bit far to be considered a “winter activity for Banff,” but many visitors add Jasper to their Banff trip so I thought I’d add it to this list too.
The canyon can be a bit dicey to explore on your own, so I’ve linked a guided tour as well as my complete guide below.
Visit British Columbia’s Hot Springs
If you’re willing to go for a bit of a drive, there are a handful of natural hot springs within 3hrs of Banff. Radium Hot springs has been made into a tourist attraction and I found the water not to be as warm as I like it.
Lussier Hot Springs is more secluded and requires a bit of mountain driving to access (4×4 highly recommended in winter). The Fairmont Hot springs is the coolest option, but a bit chilly in the winter. There is a paid tourist-friendly hot spring at the Fairmont Hot Springs Resort, but the runoff from the springs flows through a tube and dumps off a small cliff into a ravine which has created a waterfall hot spring effect.
and that concludes my Banff winter activity recommendations. Enjoy!
Winter activities in Banff
Banff Google Map: 600+ Pins
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Outdoors: hiking trails, campgrounds, ski resorts, waterfalls & lakes
Planning: lodging, restaurants, public washrooms & transit hubs
Things to do: tours, viewpoints & unique activities
I lived in Banff for years and know all the best spots!
These are the best Banff winter activities for visitors. Enjoy!
Happy adventuring!
Taylor ♡
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About the Author
HI, I’m Taylor – the voice behind The Holistic Backpacker.
After moving to Banff National Park in 2020 I became an outdoor adventure enthusiast and vowed to never stop exploring.
I now spend my days travelling the world, climbing mountains, and spending nights under the stars in the Canadian Rockies backcountry.
I created The Holistic Backpacker so I could share my adventures and help connect people like you with the same amazing experiences.
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