Banff Winter Itinerary
Must See and Things to Do in Banff in Winter
Much about the Winter is based around Banff activities.
- Dogsledding
- Banff Upper Hot Springs
- Banff Sightseeing Gondola
- Lake Louise
- Johnston Canyon IceWalk
- Skiing
- Horse drawn sleigh rides
Day 1 – Arrival – Banff Townsite
Begin your Banff vacation with the latest information and suggestions from friendly local guides at the Discover Banff Tour downtown office. Their friendly local experts will help you with things to do and see in Banff with your time. Pick up maps, brochures and what’s on guides.
Day 2 – Skiing
One of the most popular winter activities for Banff National Park is skiing. Our Banff Canadian Rockies ski resorts (Sunshine Village, Lake Louise and Banff Mt Norquay) are well known for their light champagne snow powder and mountains that offer terrain for all level of skiers and snowboarders. Learn more about planning and prices at Ski Big 3.
Expand your Banff ski holiday by endulging in the ultimate ski experience – heli-skiing and surely the Canadian Rockies is the place to finally try it. You don’t need to be an expert skier to participate, blue run skiers will also enjoy the deep fresh powder and long interrupted runs. Visit Purcell Heli Skiing for more details and pricing.
Day 3 – Discover Lake Louise and Dogsledding
Simply a must do for everyone travelling to the Canadian Rockies, whether it is summer or winter. The Full Day Discover Lake Louise Tour combines the highlights of the Bow Valley Parkway, Castle Mountain, as well free time in Lake Louise to try snowshoeing, ice skating on the Lake, or enjoy a hot beverage inside Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise with some time for shopping.
For those looking for a more active day, snuggle into cozy sleds under down blankets, while a team of happy hard working huskies sled you through trails heavy with fresh snow.
The Winter Adventurer Tour in Lake Louise includes 1.5hrs of dogsledding in Lake Louise along the Continental Divide for approx 16 km, as well as 2hr free time at Lake Louise.
Day 4 – IceWalk & Hot Springs
Three different ways to experience a unique winter experience. On the Grotto Canyon Icewalk, walk on a frozen creek past unusual rock formations, ancient Native rock art and icefalls. Hike steel walkways bolted to the walls on the Johnson Canyon Icewalk that give spectacular views of the canyon below and finally to the specacular frozen Upper Falls. Enjoy an Evening IceWalk & Campfire, along the shores of Lake Minnewanka. Listen to the crackling of the frozen lake, wolves howling or just stargaze in silence. Roast mashmallows at the campfire shelter open fire and sip hot chocolate while your entertains you with stories of the wild.
Day 5 – Snowshoeing
Although you will hear stories of past explorers using the traditional wooden snowshoes with rawhide lacings on the Snowshoeing to the Paint Pots Tour, with the new lightweight technology snowshoes, you will find it as simple as walking, and a fun activity for all ages. Considered a sacred site by First Nations today, you can see the orange and red ochre beds, play in the snow fields and enjoy a uniquely Canadian treat – hot maple taffy made on the snow by your guide.
Day 6 – Discover Banff, Sleigh Ride & NHL Hockey
Animals shelter themselves in the valley against harsh winter conditions, but you can still spot, elk, coyotes and sometimes moose and wolves. They can be difficult to find, so go with local guides on the Discover Banff & It’s Wildlife Tour, spotting for wildlife, while you visit Banff’s famous viewpoints. Take a photo from Surprise Corner of the famous Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel with a winter backdrop. Visit Bow Falls, the eerie Hoodoos and Lake Minnewanka.
Take a horse drawn sleigh ride in Banff with family and friends, in the woods surrounding the Banff townsite. Or snuggle on a romantic Banff sleigh ride just for two. Buffalo blankets, chocolates and a liqueur toast all included.
The unofficial national sport of Canada – NHL Hockey. Cheer on our local team, the Calgary Flames at an NHL game and get ready for a fast paced, action-packed night. Games are held in the famed Calgary Saddledome of an evening and are suitable for the whole family. Unsure of the rules? Rest easy, the tour includes expert commentary from your on-board guide on the transfer in.
Day 7 – Snowmobiling
An adrenaline power adventure! Snowmobiling tours from Banff include Paradise Basin or Kicking Horse (both with transportation from Banff), perfect for beginners. If you are an advanced snowmobiler then try out our thrilling Mountaineering X advanced snowmobiling with Toby Creek.
Check out some of the latest Banff deals, the most popular Banff adventures bundled together to save you money.
