Everything you need to know about Winter in Banff

A winter in Banff is the ultimate indulgence.

Whether it's Banff National Park, miles upon miles of the country’s most impressive scenery, or downtown Banff, a picture-perfect mountain town, this area tucked into the Canadian Rockies is one of the most beautiful places in Canada.

In summer, Banff is decked in green pine forest, vibrant turquoise-blue water, and slate-gray mountains.

And in winter, Banff transforms.

In this guide, we'll introduce you to winter in Banff, full of snow-capped mountains, frozen lakes, and exciting winter activities.

Ready to explore Banff in winter? Let's begin.

Winter in Banff Summary

• Winter in Banff is cold (ranging between 7°F and 39°F across the season) and snowy
• The ample snow allows for classic winter activities like dog-sledding, sleigh rides, and snowshoeing
• You'll find some Banff-exclusive activities here too, including riding Banff Gondola, Christmas at Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, and driving the Icefields Parkway

Credit: Travel Alberta / Richelle Watson @richelle_watson

Why Visit Banff in Winter?

Banff is one of the best places to experience winter in Canada. Winter in Banff is known for being a winter wonderland in the heart of the snow-capped mountains of the Canadian Rockies. Fun winter activities, outlandishly scenic drives, and incredible skiing call people here from across the world.

And all this is true, but we know it for something else.

Winter is the time to indulge in a slower, more intimate pace. While exciting winter activities are found in ample supply — and something we invite our guests to enjoy year after year — our true love is the way the town and national park quiet at this time of year.

To us, quiet winter vacations in the Rockies mean sleeper trains trundling through the backcountry, touring canyons whose waters have been silenced by ice, bathing in Banff hot springs, and saying yes to dessert, set against a mountain panorama like no other.

So, as well as exciting activities and snowy mountain views, you can enjoy quieter off-peak travel and cheaper rates.

Quite simply, winter is one of our favorite times to enjoy Banff, and we hope that, after this, it will be yours too.

Credit: Travel Alberta / Mike Seehagel @mikeseehagel

Weather in Banff in Winter

In the Canadian Rockies, winter weather typically begins in late November and continues until the end of March. That means a long winter season and ample opportunities to get out and enjoy it.

In Banff National Park in winter, you can expect snow on the ground, cold temperatures, and dry air.

According to Banff and Lake Louise Tourism, the average daily temperatures by month are:

	December	January	Febuary	March
Average Daily High	-5°C / 23°F	-4°C / 25°F	0°C / 32°F	4°C / 39°F
Average Daily Low	-14°C / 7°F	-14°C / 7°F	-12°C / 10°F	-8°C / 18°F

Each winter month also sees around one foot of snowfall in Banff National Park. It begins to settle on the valley floor and downtown Banff by December. December also has the highest snowfall of any month.

Despite the snow, the weather in Banff and the Canadian Rockies is very dry — snow comes all at once rather than consistently. We recommend bringing moisturizer and lip balm to protect against the dry air.

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

What to Do in Banff Town

Banff town is one of the most charming mountain towns in Canada. It balances this classic charm with amenities, activities, and accommodations — exactly what you need in a home base for a Rockies vacation.

These days, Banff is often known for being busy, though that undersells its welcoming bustle and the pristine nature surrounding it entirely.

But winter in Banff is another story.

After the holiday season ends, Banff empties out and offers visitors a much more private experience.

This is what to do while you're there.

Credit: Banff Lake Louise Tourism (BLLT) / Silver Fern Productions

Banff Christmas Market

From coast to coast, there are a number of exceptional Christmas markets in Canada. But, for a cozy mountain retreat, it's difficult to beat the Banff Christmas Market.

While other markets take inspiration from German tradition, Banff leans into mountain nostalgia unapologetically.

Canadian staples like hot chocolate, apple cider (both of which can be spiked for the grown-ups), and s'mores join over 175 local vendors at the Banff Heritage Train Station.

2025 Banff Christmas Market Dates: Nov 13, 2025 - Feb 8, 2026

Hot Chocolate Trail

Throughout town, more than 30 cafes, coffee shops, and eateries compete for the best hot chocolate, ranging from imaginative inventions, boozy additions, and classics perfected.

You can find a full list of hot chocolate flavors on their website if you're looking to seek out a specific flavor, or use it as a guidebook for a self-directed walking tour of town. Stops take you all along Banff Avenue, neighboring Bear Street, and even up to the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel.

2025 Hot Chocolate Trail Dates: Nov 13, 2025 - Feb 8, 2026

Credit: Travel Alberta / Josh Segeleski

Banff SnowDays Festival

If you're looking for a winter event in Banff after Christmas, then look no further than Banff SnowDays.

Across January and February, Banff hosts a celebration of winter, making the most of the long season.

Downtown Banff is filled with grand snow sculptures (lit after dark), hosts Skijoring exhibitions, and sees street performers take over the nights.

Each weekend, the town hosts different events and experiences, so check their online calendar to make sure you see what you're looking for.

2026 Banff SnowDays Dates: Jan 16 - Feb 8, 2026

Credit: Moose Hotel / Banff Lodging Company

Rooftop Hot Tub

We think there's no better time than to enjoy an outdoor hot tub than on a snowy winter's day. Falling snow meeting rising steam is meditative to watch, especially as you relax into the hot waters.

Several hotels across Banff have rooftop hot tubs and heated pools. And, as it happens, some of these are our favorites to recommend to guests.

From the Otter Hotel, you're treated to front-row views of Mount Rundle from either the large rooftop heated pool or neighboring hot tubs. The hotel is at the far end of Banff Avenue, meaning you're closer to the quiet of the surrounding nature than in the center of town.

The Otter Hotel has an intimate ambiance, and its rooftop hot pools have stunning mountain views. Alongside fire pits and lounge areas to relax between dips.

Carli, Travel Designer

Closer to downtown, the Moose Hotel & Suites also has a heated rooftop pool with both town and stunning mountain views, right from the water.

Mountainside Hot Springs

On the other hand, just a stone's throw from downtown Banff are the Banff Upper Hot Springs, which offer absolutely incredible views over Bow Valley.

The outdoor mineral hot springs let you sink into a warm, steaming bath of healing waters. And, as the main hot springs open over winter, Banff Upper Hot Springs warmly welcomes you to the unique experience of bathing in natural geothermal waters as snow falls around you.

Credit: Travel Alberta / ROAM Creative, Travel Alberta

Stay in a Castle

Of course, when you talk about Banff, you can't avoid mentioning the ever-iconic Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. And Christmas at the Castle is one of its most magical events of the year.

Retreating to the beautiful castle this holiday season offers easy access to the coveted white Christmas (Banff receives its highest monthly snowfall across December — 43.9cm or nearly 1.5ft according to Parks Canada). And, alongside a picture-perfect setting, you'll enjoy all the perks of the season free from their often-associated stress.

Even after Christmas, Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel continues to be a winter destination in its own right, and our favorite stay to recommend in Banff.

Banff Gondola

From the base of Sulphur Mountain, you'll take a gondola ride between snow-laden pine branches to the mountain peak, overlooking icy Bow Valley all the while.

At the summit of Banff Gondola, a rosy-cheeked walk along the mountain ridge is made easy with an interpretative boardwalk to Sulphur Mountain Cosmic Ray Station.

Once you're ready to warm back up, explore the indoor Above Banff Interpretive Centre and mountaintop dining waiting at the summit.

Credit: Banff Jasper Collection by Pursuit

Amazing Dining

Speaking of mountaintop meals, Sky Bistro is something else. The restaurant is perched on the very edge of Sulphur Mountain at the top of Banff Gondola. That means you'll be enjoying fine dining amid some of the world's most impressive peaks.

This isn't a hidden gem by any means, so book your Sky Bistro reservation ahead.

If you'd rather keep your feet on solid ground, Banff town is similarly full of incredible winter dining options.

A favorite of both our travelers and team is the Grizzly House, which is gloriously kitschy and delicious in equal parts. For a more refined meal, we recommend making your way up to the beautiful Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel and choosing from one of the eight on-site restaurants — 1888 Chop House and The Vermillion Room are our recommendations.

And always say yes to dessert. At Grizzly House, that's chocolate fondue. And along Banff Avenue, stops like BeaverTails and COWS specialize in sweet treats.

What to Do in Banff National Park

Winter activities in the Rockies are plentiful, and each as exciting as the last. And, luckily, many of our favorites are in Banff National Park.

We can include any of these in our Banff winter vacations. Just say the word, and your Travel Designer will arrange for the activities of your choice to be integrated throughout your stay.

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

Skiing Banff Sunshine

You can't talk about winter in Banff National Park without mentioning skiing. And while we're not ski experts, Banff's world-class runs speak for themselves.

Banff Sunshine is actually one of three ski resorts in Banff National Park, the other two being Lake Louise Ski Resort and Mt Norquay.

If skiing is your jam, we can arrange your pass for all three mountains — SkiBig3 — and from our partner properties in Banff, you can be at the lifts in under 20 minutes.

Credit: Alec Favale on Unsplash

Frozen Lakes

Seeing vast glacial lakes freeze over is one of the most remarkable things about Banff in winter. Just as they draw guests from around the world in summer for their startlingly blue waters, in winter, travelers visit Banff National Park to walk across the ice, surrounded by mountain peaks and forest.

Aside from Lake Louise, which we will cover in a moment, there are several other frozen lakes in Banff to visit.

Abraham Lake finds itself the subject of an extraordinary phenomenon in winter. As it freezes, bubbles of air get trapped, forming its now iconic 'ice bubbles.' Other beautiful lakes, like Bow Lake, freeze enough to let you walk across the surface.

Lake Louise

Lake Louise is an incredibly popular destination year-round. In summer, it's known for its turquoise-blue water. In winter, Lake Louise has frozen over, been covered in snow, and is absolutely glorious to behold.

Lake Louise is the most popular lake in the Canadian Rockies, and has several activities and attractions on or around its shores in winter.

You can walk (or ice skate) out across the ice, enjoy the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise's ice bar on the lake edge, or take a sleigh ride along the shoreline. And, during select dates in February, the Ice Magic festival occurs, and hand-carved statues spring up on the ice.

To warm up, step inside the chateau to enjoy a comforting drink — coffee, tea, hot chocolate, or something boozy, depending on when you're there — or book ahead for a traditional afternoon tea, enjoyed with views of the frozen lake.

Credit: Kei on Unsplash

Ice Skating

As we mentioned, winter at Lake Louise means the water freezes. A natural ice rink forms, and outdoor ice skating is welcome.

Ice skating on a frozen lake is a magical experience, and there are few better places on Earth than at the iconic Lake Louise, where the surrounding mountains and glaciers make your backdrop.

You can rent skates by the hour from Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. The hotel also maintains the rink throughout the season, making sure it is safe and beautiful all winter long.

Credit: Travel Alberta / Mike Seehagel @mikeseehagel

Sleigh Rides

Alongside the shore of Lake Louise, horse-drawn sleigh rides make for a storybook kind of winter.

Pulled by beautiful draft horses, you'll journey away from the bustling hotel to the far side of the lake. There, the snow muffles what little noise exists, and you'll be surrounded by towering mountain peaks, snow-laden pine forests, waterfalls frozen in time (and ice), and an up-close view of Victoria Glacier.

We include an evening sleigh ride along the frozen lake banks in many of our winter packages — we find it's the perfect way to end your day before relaxing into a night at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise — but recommend them to visitors whenever they find themselves at the lake.

Dog Sledding

Dog sledding is one of the most iconic winter activities in the Rockies.

Whether in Banff or the town of Jasper, local dog mushers will help you into sleds to zip through frozen forests on an epic trip, enjoying one of the oldest forms of winter travel.

Credit: Discover Banff Tours

Canyon Icewalks

Exploring Banff by foot in winter can take several forms. We think the most unique is its canyon icewalks, where you'll see frozen waterfalls climbing the rock walls beside you.

In Banff National Park, the best canyon for winter hiking is Johnston Canyon.

Alongside an expert guide, you'll walk down to the canyon's floor — the water that usually rushes through is frozen in winter — and marvel at the world from a new angle.

Snowshoeing

Another way to experience winter hiking in the Canadian Rockies is by snowshoeing. Unlike a canyon icewalk, you can explore all manner of paths on snowshoes, including over frozen lakes, flat trails, or going trail-free through fresh powder.

Snowshoeing, especially when done with a naturalist guide, helps avoid the challenging conditions that Rockies hiking trails in winter may have. It's perfect for beginners, and you'll have the chance to learn about winter in the Rockies from your local guide.

Credit: Travel Alberta / Mike Seehagel @mikeseehagel

Icefields Parkway

Icefields Parkway is stunning in summer, and somehow even more stunning in winter. The mountain pass fills with snow, making the entire trip look like something from a postcard.

I’ve driven Icefields Parkway in both summer and winter. It’s beautiful any time, but seeing it covered in snow and ice was something else entirely.

Rowan, Team Member

In winter, we don't recommend driving the Icefields Parkway yourself. Road conditions can be variable, and are not suitable for people who aren't used to driving in the snow.

However, we include a transfer along the Icefields Parkway in each one of our winter trips in the Canadian Rockies. That way, you can enjoy the scenic drive entirely stress-free.

Credit: Travel Alberta / Mike Seehagel @mikeseehagel

Helicopter Tours

For the most exclusive access to Banff's frozen landscapes, you can't beat a helicopter tour.

You'll get a bird's-eye view of the mountains as you soar between snowy peaks and over plunging valleys.

The flightseeing trip by helicopter we recommend — and include in our packages as an upgrade option — touches down for an alpine snowshoe tour and the chance to walk to Abraham Lake's ice bubbles.

Credit: Travel Alberta / Cakewalk Media, VIA Rail

How to Get There

Most visitors get to Banff via either Calgary or Vancouver.

Calgary International Airport is the closest major airport to Banff. The trip from Calgary to Banff takes just 1.5 hours, and the Trans-Canada Highway is incredibly scenic as you approach the majestic Canadian Rockies.

In winter, we include transfers between the two for all our guests. That means no driving in the snow, no need to worry about winter tires, and the chance to really enjoy the view as you arrive.

On the other hand, Vancouver is further away, but connected by 'the Canadian,' VIA Rail's train across Canada. You'll get to spend time in Vancouver — which has its own plethora of wonderful things to do in winter — and a magical night onboard a sleeper train through snow-capped mountains and wondrous frosty forests.

Credit: Travel Alberta / John Price @johnpricephotography

What to Wear

When packing for Banff in winter, you're packing for temperatures ranging from a low of 7°F to a high of 39°F, and snowy conditions.

Pack layers for warmth, including a base layer of Merino wool or synthetic material, a thick sweater mid-layer, and a water- and wind-proof coat.

Bring accessories like a toque (warm hat), scarf, and gloves or mittens to keep your extremities warm, and waterproof (or, more accurately, snow-proof) shoes or boots are best for any excursions.

Specialist equipment, like snowshoes or crampons, is usually provided by your tour. If in doubt, ask your Travel Designer, and they can let you know any specifics you need to bring.

Best Winter Tours in Banff

The best winter tours in Banff combine winter activities with sightseeing. After all, you're in one of the most beautiful and iconic parts of Canada. So, naturally, we've curated our best packages for winter trips to Banff.

Each one below has been hand-selected to spend at least two nights in Banff itself.

We've made sure to include all the highlights, including magical winter train trips, and a festive option as well.

Credit: Travel Alberta / Paul Zizka @paulzizkaphoto

Winter Delights in the Majestic Canadian Rockies

This week exploring Banff, Jasper, and Lake Louise is the perfect introduction to all that winter in the Rockies has to offer.

We've treated you to at least one full day in each iconic location, as well as your choice of tours in both Banff and Jasper. Not sure what to choose? Your personal Travel Designer will help guide you to the excursion that you'll love most.

Credit: Travel Alberta

Christmas in Banff at the Castle

Christmas in Canada is a thing of magic. And, more magical still is the chance to spend it in an honest-to-goodness castle on the side of a snow-covered mountain.

In Canada's 'Castle in the Rockies,' Christmas takes on the qualities that seem reserved for nostalgia — effortless Christmas day magic and a Christmas feast free from dishes to clean...

In addition to a truly special day, you'll make the most of five days in this remarkable location with excursions through Banff, a guided tour of Lake Louise, and an evening ride on a horse-drawn sleigh.

Credit: VIA Rail

Luxury Winter Train Tour to the Canadian Rockies

Arrive in the Canadian Rockies onboard Canada's Snow Train, before heading to Banff by way of private tours and transfers, custom experiences, and a magical night at Lake Louise.

We've provided ample opportunity to savor the details — a private cabin onboard the sleeper train is only the beginning of your adventure. And, while the train is typically our slow-travel vehicle of choice (which it truly excels at), the rest of this winter vacation is full to the brim of excursions and activities introducing you to Banff National Park in style.

Credit: VIA Rail

Trans Canada Winter Train Tour | Vancouver to Toronto

This is a slow-travel masterclass in the form of a winter train tour across Canada.

On this grand rail vacation, you'll indulge in 12 days of winter scenery.

Your cross-Canada winter train tour includes a seven-day detour through the snow-covered peaks of the Canadian Rockies, and two nights in Banff, in addition to six days onboard the sleeper train.

And, once you leave the Rockies, watch snowy mountains turn to vast white fields and to frozen lakes from the domed-glass viewing car onboard the train.

Credit: Canada By Design

Book Today with Canada By Design

If we've convinced you that Banff in winter is not something to miss, then reach out to a Travel Designer to begin booking your winter vacation.

In the meantime, subscribe to our newsletter for more seasonal inspiration, curated packages, and feature offers. We'll be in touch soon.

Feature Image Credit: Travel Alberta / Paul Zizka @paulzizkaphoto