In Banff, which transforms into a winter paradise from December through March, winter activities are easy to find. You might find it difficult to decide things to do in Banff in the winter because there are so many options available. Simply be ready with the appropriate winter clothing to keep you cozy and comfy all day!
1. Is visiting Banff in the winter worthwhile?
Without a doubt, a winter trip to Banff, Canada, is worthwhile. You can expect to find excellent skiing at the ski resorts in Banff. You may almost certainly find a white Christmas in Banff or Canmore if you’re hoping for the traditional white Christmas.
2. How is winter in Banff?
If you are unprepared, the wintertime temperatures in Banff might significantly reduce your enjoyment.
You can easily find average winter weather information for Banff online, which will let you know that the average high temperature is -4 degrees Celsius and the average low temperature is -14 degrees Celsius. That won’t warn you that the weather in the mountains is incredibly unpredictable. An accurate forecast of the weather in Banff during the winter is practically impossible.
Temperatures can rise above freezing when the Chinook winds blow, a warm breeze that causes abrupt temperature swings. Snow begins to melt, and it can even feel like spring for a day or two.
On the other hand, the temperature might drop below -30 degrees Celsius and stay there for days. When you factor in the wind chill, your skin will start to freeze in seconds.
Do you want to camp in Banff? Read this article: Helpful Tips For Camping In Banff National Park 2022
3. Things to do in Banff in winter
Winter Hikes in Banff
A winter trek is arguably among the easiest things to do in Banff during the winter. All fitness levels can find a winter walk that suits them in Banff and its surroundings. Don’t disregard Banff winter hiking as a worthy excursion, even though you only need appropriate winter boots and warm winter clothing.
You’ll experience some breathtaking sights and the sensation of entering a winter wonderland as you walk among snow-covered trees. The Surprise Corner to Banff Hoodoos Trail, which allows hikers to enjoy two of the town of Banff’s top vistas, is one of our favorites.
Banff Winter Festival
Include this Banff winter festival on your itinerary if you go there in January.
This winter festival in Banff National Park features an Ice Magic section that takes place in Lake Louise (POSTPONED FOR 2023). Ice carvers from all around the world gather to compete with the Victoria Glacier as their backdrop. The ice sculptures on Lake Louise are simply incredible! If at all possible, go before the snow starts to fall to get the greatest pictures of amazing works of ice sculpture. The greatest time of year to stay at the famous Chateau Lake Louise is now.
Visit the town of Banff to see the snow sculptures on Bear Street if you’re in the mood for more sculptures. This winter festival will occur from January 18 to January 29, 2023. Explore all winter activities in Banff during SnowDays.
Post for you Banff Christmas Market 2022: Don’t Miss One Of Canada’s Best Christmas Markets!
Ice skating on a Lake
The fact that you can skate in Banff on glass-like ice while being surrounded by towering, snow-covered mountain peaks is what makes this once-in-a-lifetime chance so fantastic. Ideally, the winter weather will be exactly right so that the water freezes without becoming snow-covered.
Don’t worry; there are other possibilities for outdoor skating if skating on the Banff lakes doesn’t work out. Ice skating on Lake Louise should be on your bucket list. The lake is ready for skating by mid-December in this enchanted location. All winter long, the pond in the neighboring village of Canmore is likewise prepared for skating.
Visit a wildlife reserve
Even though the winter months in Banff may not be ideal for observing wildlife in the park, the effort is still rewarding. Wildlife viewing is still possible because there are many animals around. Elk and large horn sheep can be seen frequently. An extremely uncommon sighting of a wolf, cougar, or lynx is possible.
Since bears hibernate throughout the winter, it’s extremely unlikely that you’ll encounter one. However, it is feasible in late fall or early spring if they haven’t hibernated yet or have awoken earlier than planned.
Please respect all animals by never approaching them up close, never feeding them, and keeping your distance.
Read more Expert Tips and Places to Spot Banff Animals Wildlife
In the Banff National Park, fat biking
If riding a bike appeals to you more than hiking or snowshoeing, give fat biking a try. It’s a relatively recent activity. The only challenging aspect of fat biking in Banff, Canmore, and Kananaskis will be finding a day with ideal winter weather. It must be cold enough to prevent ruts from being created by your fat tire bike sinking into the snow. In Banff, Canmore, and Kananaskis, you may hire fat bikes.
Banff and the Surrounding Area Snowshoeing
It’s possible that snowshoeing in the Canadian Rockies will make you joyful, so be careful. Snowshoeing in the heavy snow as big flakes fall all around you is incredibly tranquil and beautiful. Imagine moving around in your own snow globe.
It’s simple to rent snowshoes and set off on your own because there are so many clearly marked paths available for hikers of all experience levels. Both many of these Banff snowshoe paths and these simple Kananaskis snowshoe trails are ideal for novices.
Try one of these top Lake Louise snowshoe routes if you want to spend a lot of time there.
Check out this beginning snowshoe tour to Marble Canyon, a 40-meter-deep limestone gorge, if you want to join a small-group snowshoeing excursion close to Banff. After enjoying Marble Canyon’s striking hues, indulge in your guide’s homemade hot maple taffy, a specialty of Canada.
Travel to Lake Louise
Even though you won’t be able to see the renowned Moraine Lake in the winter, you may still visit the equally well-known Lake Louise. All winter long, parking is available, and everyone can enjoy the lake’s beautiful lakeside stroll.
Even though it is popular even in the winter, Lake Louise is worth visiting for winter activities.
Useful information for your trip 10 Things About Lake Louise That You Probably Didn’t Know
Look around Banff Townsite
The view of Cascade Mountain from the center of town is unbeatable. Visit the numerous stores in Banff and locate a restaurant with a breathtaking view for lunch.
Take a stroll across the town to Surprise Corner if shopping isn’t your thing for a breathtaking vista of the Banff Springs Hotel. As an alternative, stroll along the river to see Bow Falls.
Ride in a horse-drawn sleigh
Don’t miss Top 5 Unreal Lakes in Banff, Canada
In the meadows close to the Town of Banff, you can take a horse-drawn sleigh ride for fun. As you cuddle up with your loved ones, take in the stunning views of Mount Rundle, and the majestic Cascade Mountain coated in snow. Enjoy a warm beverage near a roaring campfire after your sleigh ride. It’s also advisable to make bookings in advance.
In the Banff National Park, let’s go nordic skiing
Cross-country skiing, also known as nordic skiing, is the ideal way to stay active while enjoying Banff National Park’s winter splendor. The hardest thing will be deciding where to go, with so many trails in Banff National Park and the surrounding area. We suggest these simple cross-country ski tracks in Banff as sources of inspiration.
Canmore Nordic Center is a top-notch Olympic facility that provides lessons through Trail Sports if you’re new to the sport. The Lake Louise region offers cross-country skiing instruction and a variety of trails that will test skiers of all abilities.
In Banff, visit a frozen waterfall
There are various possibilities to witness a frozen waterfall in Banff and the surrounding area, some closer than others. The Upper Falls can be seen by ascending Johnston Canyon, while the Louise Falls at Lake Louise’s Lakeshore trail’s end or Troll Falls in Kananaskis are also stunning.
Whichever one you view, we’re sure the ice climbers and the magnificent blue color will leave an impression on you.
Banff dog sledding
In Banff National Park, are you looking for a winter pastime that is only Canadian? There is no better option than dogsledding at Lake Louise or Banff. In the winter, dog sledding is a wonderful family sport in Banff National Park because even children over 2 years old can participate. To make the event as joyful as possible, just make sure everyone is dressed extra warmly.
Climbing Ice
Give it a go yourself if you are sick of seeing everyone else do the ice climbing or are just feeling particularly daring. The Canadian Rockies are the ideal location to try this sport. Ice climbing tuition is available from Alpine Air Adventures for all skill levels, including beginners.
It is advisable to visit Banff from December through March if you want to try ice climbing.
4. Can you see the northern lights in Banff in winter?
The northern lights are visible in Banff, yes. Throughout the year, the Aurora Borealis can be seen multiple times. The greatest time for visitors to see the lights is from October through May during the winter season.
5. What should you wear?
- The greatest approach to staying warm and making sure you don’t get wet is to dress in layers. This entails taking off clothes to avoid perspiring excessively and shielding your feet from becoming wet.
- To wick moisture from your body, your base layer should be made of wool or a wool blend. Wool has the unique property of remaining warm even when wet. A down jacket or fleece can be used as your mid-layer, which is a layer of warmth. As your third layer, add a soft shell jacket that is windproof and waterproof.
- For your feet, wear insulated winter boots or waterproof hiking boots together with a decent set of wool socks. Snow can easily be kept out of your boots and off of your feet with the help of gaiters.
- Pack a Buff or scarf, additional gloves, a toque, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
There are so many things to do in Banff in winter to enjoy. This list of over 13 incredible winter activities in Banff was easy to compile. We most likely even overlooked a few. Leave a comment below with your favorite winter activity in Banff!
