Best Places to Visit in Winter: The Canadian Rockies

Swirling snow, hushed pine forest, and, of course, towering mountains overhead. This is the Canadian Rockies in winter.

Canada is, undoubtedly, one of the best places to visit in winter. The country isn't called the 'Great White North' for nothing. But, within that, the Canadian Rockies are something special.

Their towering peaks become dusted in snow, the vast lakes — so vibrantly green-blue in summer months that they draw visitors from around the world — freeze over entirely. When you add in cozy mountain towns, rejuvenating hot springs, and some of the best skiing in North America, you’ll see why the Canadian Rockies are one of the best winter vacation destinations in Canada.

And, even as some wildlife retreat to hibernate — you won't see bears in the Canadian Rockies in winter — others flourish.

These are the best destinations in the Canadian Rockies for a winter retreat.

In Short:

• The Canadian Rockies are best for visitors looking for the quintessential winter experience
• Places to visit include Banff National Park, Jasper National Park, Lake Louise, Canmore, and Calgary
• Activities include ice skating, snowshoeing, wildlife watching, sleigh rides, Christmas markets, and more

Winter activities are often weather-dependent and require a certain amount of snow or ice to operate. Because of this, some activities listed below may have varying dates. If you are unsure if your activity will run, please check with your Travel Designer either when booking or prior to travel.

Credit: iStock

Banff in Winter

Banff is the most popular destination in the Canadian Rockies year-round and is a must-see on any Canadian Rockies winter vacation itinerary. The national park is often ranked among the best winter destinations in Canada thanks to its charming town, festive events, and stunning alpine scenery.

Twinkling lights, horse-drawn sleigh rides, and snow-dusted streets straight out of a Hallmark movie (Hallmark films have even been shot at the Fairmont Banff Springs) all define the holiday season, cementing Banff as one of the best winter holiday spots in Canada.

Things to do:

• Banff Christmas Market — late-November to mid-December
• The Spirit of Christmas Store — year-round
• Fairmont Banff Springs Christmas at the Castle — mid-December to early January
• Banff Upper Hot Springs — year-round
• SnowDays Festival — mid-January to mid-February
• Hot Chocolate & Boozy Hot Chocolate Trails — mid-November to mid-February
• Banff National Park tours — year-round

Credit: Banff & Lake Louise Tourism (BLLT) / Paul Zizka @paulzizkaphoto

Christmas in Banff

Banff is perfect for travelers searching for the best places to celebrate Christmas in Canada. It’s a destination that takes the season seriously, and delivers with twinkling lights, horse-drawn sleigh rides, and the ever-magical Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel now laden with Christmas decorations. The atmosphere feels truly magical.

Banff Christmas Market is an annual Christmas tradition and one of the most festive holiday events in Canada. It features more than 175 artisanal vendors, mulled wine, and handmade treats. The market takes place at Banff Heritage Train Station — a short walk from downtown — which provides a charming backdrop to the event. You can buy tickets online or at the gate when you arrive.

And, showing the town's commitment to the festive season, The Spirit of Christmas is a holiday store that operates year-round. No matter when in the year you visit Banff, you can pick up Christmas decorations and goods. But, naturally, it is best experienced during December.

Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel

It makes perfect sense that a stay at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel ranks among the best Christmas getaways in Canada for families. From mid-December onward, holiday spirit is in full swing at the castle.

Nestled in the mountains, it feels every bit like a castle in the snow. There are few better places to spend Christmas Day.

And, after Christmas has passed, the hotel continues to be magical.

As snow settles on the trees around it, Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel continues to offer warm respite, 12 restaurants, bars, and pubs — in winter, we recommend Waldhaus Restaurant — and the signature Fairmont service all wrapped up in a jaw-dropping location.

Credit: Travel Alberta, Banff Lake Louise Tourism, Noel Hendrickson

Banff Gondola

Banff Gondola is beautiful in the winter months, with sweeping views over a snowy Bow Valley from the top. There, you'll find an interpretive boardwalk path along Sulphur Mountain's ridge to the Cosmic Ray Station at Sanson’s Peak and an indoor discovery center — complete with hot chocolate for purchase — to warm up with.

And at night, from mid-January to mid-February, Nightrise — a dramatic light show on Sulpur Mountain’s summit — lights up the peak. Or, if you want to go all-out, the mountaintop Sky Bistro overlooks the valley from the gondola's peak, while accompanied by fine dining.

SnowDays Festival

The SnowDays Festival is a fun event that takes over Banff's streets in January and February. Large snow sculptures find their home on Bear Street and in Central Park, skijoring demonstrations race along Banff Avenue, and activities and lights illuminate the nights.

Credit: Rocky Mountaineer

Banff Upper Hot Springs

For those who want to relax, the Banff Upper Hot Springs stay open all winter long, offering the rare chance to soak in steaming pools of healing mineral water surrounded by snowfall. Located steps from the base of Banff Gondola, or just 10 minutes from downtown Banff, it’s the perfect way to unwind from a day of exploration.

Banff Upper Hot Springs is currently closed for maintenance work and will re-open in December 2025.

Hot Chocolate Trail

As a part of the SnowDays Festival, visitors can also explore the Hot Chocolate Trail (and its spirited sibling, the Boozy Hot Chocolate Trail). You'll take a self-guided tour through the best of Banff's local coffee shops and eateries, sampling the season's exclusive offerings while you're at it.

The participating locations can be found online.

Credit: Travel Alberta

Winter Activities in Banff National Park

Day trips into Banff National Park invite you to try snowshoeing through vast forests, fat biking across frozen lakes, taking ice walks into deep canyons, or adventuring on wildlife discovery tours.

With so many winter activities to choose from in Banff, you can immerse yourself in the natural landscape in the way that suits you best. All these experiences can be included in your winter itinerary with Canada By Design. Your Travel Designer will help you find the ones that work for you, and then seamlessly weave them into your Canadian Rockies winter vacation.

Credit: Fairmont Hotels & Resorts

Winter Banff Tour: Christmas in Banff at the Castle

With one departure date each year, this trip is specially designed to coincide with the holidays, bringing you to the Canadian Rockies and spending Christmas Day in the castle.

The big day will include a horse-drawn sleigh ride around the town of Banff, and a grand evening feast in Banff Springs' beautiful Vermillion Room.

But, as well as a magical Christmas Day, this trip includes a day tour to Lake Louise and your choice of adventures in Banff National Park, making it a spectacular way to see Banff at its most festive.

Credit: Destination Canada

Lake Louise in Winter

If you're looking for a truly magical winter getaway in Canada, Lake Louise is one of the best winter destinations in the Rockies. The lake itself freezes over, becoming a glorious outdoor ice rink surrounded by snow-capped peaks and topped with a luxury chateau.

Unlike Banff’s lively town, Lake Louise feels quieter and more intimate. The lake is known for being busy in summer, but in winter, there are fewer visitors — even fewer if you stay at the lakefront hotel.

Things to do:

• Ice Skating on Lake Louise — mid-December to mid-April
• Horse-Drawn Sleigh Rides — mid-December to early April
• Ice Magic Festival — February
• Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise — mid-December to early January

Ice Skating on Lake Louise

Ice skating on Lake Louise is just one of the reasons the lake is such an incredible year-round destination.

While you won't find the iconic turquoise waters in winter, the lake instead freezes over and becomes a one-of-a-kind skating rink. The rink is maintained daily by the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, letting you safely skate over the natural ice.

Credit: Travel Alaska

Horse-Drawn Sleigh Rides

If you want to see a frozen Lake Louise, but aren't comfortable walking on or skating over its surface, a serene horse-drawn sleigh ride around the lakeshore is the perfect way to experience it.

You'll settle into your sleigh, complete with heavy, warm blankets, for a 1-hour ride through the snow pulled by majestic draft horses. We recommend the evening rides to glide around the lake lit by the glow of the chateau. Once at the furthest part of your ride, you'll be able to look up at the stars hanging over Victoria Glacier, uninterrupted by light pollution.

Ice Magic Festival

As a part of Banff's SnowDays Festival, the Ice Magic Festival transforms Lake Louise into a frozen art gallery and is one of the most unique winter festivals in Canada.

Artists from around the world carve intricate sculptures from massive blocks of ice, with the frozen lake and the Victoria Glacier as a backdrop. And, each evening, the works are illuminated.

This event is exclusive to guests of select hotels in Banff and Lake Louise. Please check with your Travel Designer if you are looking to attend the event.

Credit: Fairmont Hotels & Resorts

Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

Even if you're not staying the night, Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is the perfect place to warm up with a hot drink and take in the view.

We recommend reserving a spot in the Lakefront Lounge and indulging yourself with their signature afternoon tea. You'll enjoy rounds of delicate sandwiches, flavored scones, and delightful pastries, along with, of course, endless cups of tea.

Credit: Travel Alberta

Winter Lake Louise Tour: Luxury Winter Train Tour to the Canadian Rockies

Our feature luxury tour in winter includes an added night at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, letting visitors spend time overnight in one of the must-see places in Canada in winter: Lake Louise.

Choosing to stay at Lake Louise overnight means choosing to stay right on the tip of the lake, relish in a quiet evening long after day-trip visitors have left, and enjoy the lavish comforts of one of the best Fairmont hotels in Canada.

Credit: Travel Alberta / Mike Seehagel @mikeseehagel

Jasper in Winter

Jasper offers a quieter, more laid-back experience than Banff or Lake Louise, making it perfect for travelers seeking an off-the-beaten-path winter vacation in the Rockies.

Nestled deep in Jasper National Park, the town feels entirely authentic. The local community is slower and more relaxed, inspired by their closest neighbors: vast wilderness, wandering wildlife, and bright stars.

But, among its relaxed atmosphere, all manner of winter activities and outdoor adventures can be found in Jasper National Park.

Things to do:

• Dog Sledding — mid-December to mid-March
• Canyon Icewalk — December to April
• Dark Sky Stargazing — year-round
• Snowshoeing — December to March
• Wildlife Viewing — year-round
• Christmas in Jasper — December

Credit: Travel Alberta / Jay McDonald

Dog-Sledding

Dog-sledding is a quintessential winter activity in the mountains. You can experience one of the oldest forms of winter travel in the world, as you mush through Jasper's valleys with your own team of sled dogs.

Canyon Icewalk

Winter canyon icewalks are a Jasper National Park staple.

While Maligne Canyon Icewalk is Jasper’s signature winter experience, it was unfortunately affected by the 2024 Jasper Wildfire and is still closed for safety. However, our partners in Jasper have found another hidden gem in Pleckaitis Canyon.

Related Post: Winter Activities in the Rockies: the Ultimate Guide

Alongside local guides, you'll adventure across the canyon floor, looking up at frozen waterfalls and forest arching above. This is a winter experience unique to the Canadian Rockies, and one we're glad is continuing.

Credit: Travel Alberta / META Productions

Dark Sky Stargazing

As the world’s largest accessible dark sky preserve, Jasper offers extraordinary stargazing all winter long.

The long winter nights make constellations, planets — and even the northern lights, if you're lucky — visible to the naked eye.

Snowshoeing

Snoeshoeing in Jasper makes you really appreciate the quiet atmosphere the area possesses.

Along the snowy trails, noise from the town just fades away. As you venture through untouched landscapes with a local guide, you'll learn what makes winter in Jasper as special as it is.

Credit: Travel Alberta / Mike Seehagel @mikeseehagel

Wildlife in Winter

While bears are hibernating, many animals remain active in Jasper’s valleys. That means even in winter, elk are everywhere in Jasper. Whether in the townsite itself or in the surrounding national park, you are highly likely to see a herd wandering through.

Though they look similar to reindeer (or caribou), elk are in fact a different species. Despite that, they make for a festive delight for visitors. Deer, bighorn sheep, and moose are also commonly spotted against snowy backdrops, making wildlife viewing a highlight of winter visits.

For the best chance of spotting wildlife, we recommend taking a Jasper wildlife tour. Moose-crossing sites and bighorn sheep spots are difficult to know alone. Your guide will be a local who knows the area best and will take you to hidden spots where certain animals are known to frequent.

Christmas in Jasper

Like Banff, Jasper is one of the best holiday destinations in Canada. But, instead of a grand castle, here you'll find a cozy Canadian cabin getaway.

Just minutes outside of town, over the Bow River, a collection of cabins is a perfect Christmas retreat. And, you'll still have easy access to the town and the nature beyond.

Credit: VIA Rail

Winter Jasper Tour: Best of the Canadian Rockies Winter Train Vacation

On our feature tour, arrive at Jasper's quaint train station on VIA Rail's Snow Train — the winter service of its legendary Canadian train across Canada — to snow-capped mountains and a quiet mountain town. It is one of our favorite rail journeys across snowy Canada.

After arriving, you'll have time to explore the town at your leisure before spending your second day here, touring the surrounding area however you please.

Credit: Martin Pedersen on Unsplash

Canmore in Winter

Canmore in winter is ideal for those looking for authentic Canadian winter experiences without the bustle of Banff. It offers classic Canadian Rockies mountain scenery and small-town charm.

Canmore is a picturesque mountain town just outside Banff National Park. It offers perfect access to the Canadian Rockies' best experiences — it's just 20 minutes from downtown Banff — as well as a wonderful culture of its own.

Not only does Canmore have a walkable downtown, thriving food scene, and easy access to snow-covered trails, but it is backed by towering snow-capped mountains (the Three Sisters Peaks can be seen from almost anywhere in town), set alongside the Bow River, and surrounded by dense pine forest.

The result? Canmore feels both adventurous and authentically cozy.

Things to do:

• Winter Hikes — December to March
• Cave Tours — year-round
• Cute Mountain Town — year-round

Credit: Ashley Drody @ashleydrody

Winter Hikes

From December through March, Canmore’s surrounding trails are transformed by snow. These trails can be as easy or difficult as you please.

The Higashikawa Friendship Trail runs alongside the Bow River just two blocks from downtown Canmore. It offers a peaceful wander away from the center of town. And, at one end, you'll see the historic Canmore Engine Bridge, which you can continue over on the Spur Line Trail, and follow the other side of the river back to Canmore Pedestrian Bridge, and back downtown from there.

For more of a challenge, snowshoeing routes like Grassi Lakes or the Spray Lakes area let you adventure further away from town through quiet forests to frozen lakes and waterfalls.

Canmore Cave Tours

Cave tours feel even more magical in winter. And, at Rat’s Nest Cave, you explore underground chambers filled with limestone formations. It’s a unique experience that pairs perfectly with snowy days above ground and is an excellent activity for both adults and families.

Credit: Travel Alberta

Cute Mountain Town

Canmore has a unique local culture. The town is still undeservedly under-the-radar for international visitors, meaning it has retained a truly authentic atmosphere.

Locals gather in its cozy restaurants, craft breweries, and neighborhood stores. It’s the kind of place where you can spend the morning exploring the Rockies or wandering trails, and the evening sipping local beer by a fireplace.

Credit: Travel Alberta / Roth and Ramberg

Calgary in Winter

If you're visiting the Canadian Rockies in winter, there's a good chance you'll spend time in Calgary.

Calgary may be best known as the gateway to the Canadian Rockies, but in winter, the Alberta city transforms into a destination worth exploring in its own right.

Here, you'll find festive lights, lively winter festivals, and plenty of ways to warm up indoors. And, of course, you're just an hour from the mountains.

Things to do:

• ZOOLIGHTS at Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo — mid-November to early January
• Ice Skating at Olympic Plaza — late-November to mid-March
• Calgary Christmas Markets — mid-October to mid-December
• Dining in Calgary — year-round

Credit: Travel Alberta

ZOOLIGHTS at Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo

Each night in winter, the Calgary Zoo comes alive with a display of more than two million twinkling lights.

Not only will you gain after-hours access to the zoo — though many of the animals will be asleep by then — you'll wander through seemingly endless light installations, from festive forests to polar palaces to holiday gardens.

Ice Skating at Olympic Plaza

In the heart of downtown Calgary, Olympic Plaza becomes one of Calgary’s most beloved outdoor skating rinks. Open from December through February (weather permitting), it’s a chance to skate beneath city lights in the same plaza that once hosted medal ceremonies during the 1988 Winter Olympics.

Credit: Tourism Calgary

Calgary Christmas Markets

Calgary has a range of Christmas markets and craft fairs where you can purchase locally-made gifts, with most taking place from late October to mid-December.

Related Post: Canada's Most Enchanting Christmas Markets

The largest Christmas market in Calgary is Spruce Meadows International Christmas Market. It hosts over 200 vendors selling all manner of festive wares, decorations, and foods.

The market runs Friday through Sunday, and tickets can be purchased online in advance or when you arrive.

Credit: Travel Alberta

Dining in Calgary

Calgary has a strong culinary scene, perfect for the cold winter months.

For an excellent winter choice, we recommend River Cafe. Hidden in Prince's Island Park steps from downtown Calgary, River Cafe serves farm-to-table cuisine in a charming log-cabin retreat from the city.

Or, for a more urban atmosphere, Bridgette Bar downtown offers delicious casual fare and creative cocktails in a cooly-designed industrial bar. And, it has another location in Canmore, in case you're interested in sampling it there.

Wherever you go, we recommend trying the world-famous Alberta beef. It's the perfect hearty meal for the place you are and the time you're here.

Credit: Canada By Design

Book your Winter Trip Today

Book with Canada By Design and let us introduce you to the winter wonderland we call home.

Reach out to a Travel Designer to begin planning your winter trip to Canada. They'll work with you to design and arrange everything you need for your journey. Or subscribe to our newsletter to stay in touch.

FAQs

How do you get to the Canadian Rockies in winter?

There are two ways of getting to the Canadian Rockies in winter.

One is by taking VIA Rail's winter train. This train trip is one of the best Canadian winter vacations, and a journey we highly recommend. You'll start in Vancouver, on Canada's Pacific coast. We suggest taking a day here to explore the historic city's cobblestone streets in Gastown, now strung with twinkling lights.

Related Post: Top 27 Things to Do in Vancouver: Best of Winter

Then, travel by Snow Train to the Canadian Rockies, where you'll find snow-capped mountains, vast frozen lakes, exciting outdoor activities, and sweetly decorated mountain towns.

The other way to get to the Canadian Rockies is by driving from Calgary to Banff, and exploring from there. While we don't recommend driving yourself — the winter road conditions are best driven by a local — our package arranges for your transfers between each destination.

Where should I go in Canada in winter?

One of the best places to go in Canada in winter is the Canadian Rockies. Within it, the top places to visit include Banff, Lake Louise, and Jasper.

What are the best things to do in Canada in winter?

The top things to do include skiing and snowboarding, outdoor ice skating, snowshoeing, dog-sledding, and Northern Lights viewing. Much of this can be found in the Canadian Rockies. In fact, the Rockies are home to the most beautiful outdoor ice rink in Canada — Lake Louise — and some of the most scenic ski resorts in Canada. But for other experiences like Northern Lights viewing, it is best to venture outside of the Rockies.

For more information, see: Canada in Winter: Best Destinations, Adventures & Northern Lights

When should I go to the Rockies for winter?

The best winter months in the Canadian Rockies are either December or March.

By early December, snow is typically falling, and by the middle of the month, winter activities are running. And, with Christmas around the corner, you'll have a chance to experience the festivities in the mountains.

On the other hand, while March might sound late for a winter trip, it is a great time to experience snow in the Rockies. March is one of the quietest times in the Canadian Rockies, making it the perfect time to travel to avoid crowds, and the winter weather and experiences are still in full swing.

Feature Image Credit: Travel Alberta / Mike Seehagel @mikeseehagel