While most people flock to Banff in the summer to marvel at its mountain peaks, ice fields, alpine meadows, lakes, waterfalls, and more, we're not your average tourists. We've decided to shake things up and experience Banff in all its winter glory! Who says we can't take our typically tropical selves to a place with subzero temperatures and see if we can tough it out?
When winter rolls around, Banff transforms into a winter wonderland with fresh snow and frozen lakes, perfect for snowmobiling, skiing, ice skating, dog sledding, and more. We plan to experience the magic of Banff in the winter and then return in the summer to determine the ultimate season to visit. Can you guess which season I typically prefer because I had to purchase a jacket and boots for this trip? This will be interesting, to say the least!
You'll find many stunning national parks along the majestic Rocky Mountains in the US and Canada. Established in 1885, Banff National Park holds the prestigious title of being Canada's very first national park. Like many of its neighboring parks, Banff is recognized under the UNESCO World Heritage program.
know before you go!
In Banff, the primary language spoken is English, but you'll also hear and see a lot of French floating around.
During winter, you can expect around 8-10 hours of daylight. So, make the most of those precious sunlit hours!
Banff deals in the Canadian Dollar. So, make sure to have some loonies and toonies on hand. But tips are gladly accepted in American dollars if that is all you have handy.
Banff's peak winter season runs from December to January. Our trip was in February, which is shoulder season, so we avoided the crowds.
Brace yourself for the cold, my friends. We're talking negative temperatures here—freezing cold! So, pack your parkas, boots, wool socks, thermals, hats, gloves, scarves—basically, the whole winter wardrobe shebang! If you bring the correct gear, you will not be cold. It's true. For the first time, I can say they were right, and it was -6 degrees Fahrenheit!
If you want to snag a budget-friendly lodging option, book early. The early bird gets the cozy room with the best rates! Choose from hotels, hostels, condos, or Airbnbs.
If you really want to save, find a place outside of Banff. We found a perfect condo in Canmore and saved big!
Calgary International Airport (YYC) is a quick 1.5-hour drive along the Trans-Canada Highway. Canadians are pros at handling heavy snowfalls, and the highways are usually well-maintained and snow-free. The drive from Calgary to Banff is a breeze, all on the highway, with no tricky mountain roads to navigate!
If you rent a vehicle, remember to have 4-wheel drive! It is a must for the road conditions!
Snow enthusiasts, rejoice! Banff averages about 3-4 days of snowfall a week, so chances are high that you'll experience a magical Banff snowfall.
Don't forget your Canadian park pass to explore the national park. You can also purchase a daily pass for $10 per day or an annual pass for $70, valid across Canada's national park system. Just pack it instead of leaving it in the drawer at home….ask us how we know!
Always check road conditions before setting out for the day. Weather can be unpredictable and may throw a wrench in your plans. Link in description: Click here to check roads.
Public transportation is an option from the airport and around town, though not all shuttles run in winter. Planning your trip ahead of time will help you decide if you need a car. You could also consider a one—or two-day rental for off-shuttle activities.
Don't forget your sunglasses and sunscreen! The sun reflecting off the snow is no joke - protect yourself!
Share the Chair
Did you know the Canadian National Park system has over 400 red Adirondack chairs in breathtaking parks nationwide? It all started in 2011 in Gros Morne National Park to lure people to lesser-known locations throughout the park. It has become our quest to find as many red chairs as possible! Don’t forget to #sharethechair on social media. Find all the chairs here!
Where to go & What to do
There is so much to see and do around Banff, even in the winter! Here are a few activities we discovered during our short trip!
Eats & Drinks
Grizzly Paw Brewing Co - (Canmore) Cold brew & yummy appetizers
Tank 310 - (Canmore) This restaurant sits above the Grizzly Paw. The food was delicious, and the views were amazing! You will want to linger here.
Where the Buffalo Roam Saloon - (Canmore) We popped into this cozy place our first night in town. The cocktails and spiked coffee were delicious. The food, however, was even better. We tried every appetizer on the menu, and no crumbs remained when we finished!
Lakeview Lounge - Cocktails at the Fairmont with this view will be so worth it! It is the most beautiful window I have ever seen!
Drunken Lobster Oyster Bar - (Canmore) Fresh seafood flown in daily! Delicious!
@vegardbakkes via Instagram
Waldhaus Restaurant - (Banff) Authentic German food with crafted cocktails. The views outside the restaurant are amazing!
Eats & Drinks for our next trip
Shopping
Banff Avenue is the bustling main street of Banff, lined with charming gift shops, local craft stores, and the usual touristy places. But don’t limit yourself to Banff. The surrounding towns offer small-town shops and craft stores worth the stroll.
If you're not a big shopper like Phil, strolling along the avenue for people-watching and soaking in the local charm is a must.
Here are a few of our favorites
Spirit of Christmas Store - (Banff) Christmas all year!
Cafe Books LTD - (Canmore) was Voted one of the top 11 dreamiest bookstores to visit in Canada by Chatelaine.
Stonewaters - Not your typical souvenir shop! Find terrific, unique things here you didn’t know you needed!
BEST WINTER Activities
Brewsters Lake Louise Stables - Take a carriage ride around Lake Louise. It was such a beautiful, relaxing experience. Tip: Bring a blanket to cuddle up!
Banff Adventures Snowmobile Tours - This was my first time driving a snowmobile. Even with low visibility and heavy snowfall, it was so much fun! It is a long drive from Banff (snowmobiles are not allowed in the national park as they disrupt the animals and may cause an avalanche), but it's worth every penny!
Cave and Basin National Historic Site - This hot spring is where the Canadian National Parks system began.
Activities for our next trip - We had a storm blow in for a few days, which limited our outdoor activities but not our fun!
Banff Gondola - Highly recommended if there is good visibility. Unfortunately, the storm killed visibility for a few days.
Johnson Canyon - (Banff) Catwalk suspended over icy canyon
Mount Norquay - (Banff) Tubing
Ice Skate Lake Louise - Rent skates at the Fairmont Hotel and skate at the base of the most beautiful mountains on the planet!
Ice Bar - The Ice Bar is constructed from 20 blocks of ice, each weighing 300 pounds. Spaces in the walls are carved out for the benches. It is open only on certain days and hours. Be sure to check the website ahead of time.
Banff in the winter
After experiencing Banff in the winter, we can absolutely say it should not be missed. Despite our initial doubts, we fell in love with the snowy wonderland. We arrived as tourists but left as adventurers who were pushed out of our comfort zones. From snowmobiling to hiking for red chairs in knee-deep snow, every activity was a new and thrilling adventure.
Banff may be known for its summer attractions, but there is something magical about seeing those awe-inspiring mountains covered in a blanket of snow. So don't let the cold temperatures deter you from visiting Banff during winter. Embrace the beauty of nature’s frozen masterpiece and challenge yourself to try something new. Who knows? You may just fall in love with this winter wonderland like we did.
GET TRAVEL IDEAS, INSPIRATION, TIPS, AND MORE!
Join Phil & Stacy weekly for the exciting Today Is Someday Newsletter! Get ready to embark on epic travel adventures through our carefully curated articles. We're here to inspire, inform, and make your wanderlust dreams come true. But that's not all - we've got exclusive discounts, sales, and freebies just for our awesome subscribers. Don't miss a beat - sign up for our incredible newsletter below and let the travel magic begin!
Meet Stacy! Stacy and her husband, Phil, are a wanderlust couple who have been roaming the great USA for an epic 5 years! They ditched the daily grind to embark on thrilling adventures and inspire fellow dreamers to chase their travel dreams. Curious about how they do it? Check out their awesome YouTube channel, Today is Someday, where they're spilling all the secrets to living a life on the move. Get ready to pack your bags and join them on this incredible journey.