15 Things To Do in Banff in Winter if You Don’t Like Skiing
There’s no doubt that skiing is one of the top things to do in Banff in winter. With a multitude of world-class ski resorts in Canada’s Rocky Mountains, how could it not be?
But if you don’t ski, you might be wondering what else there is to do in Banff in winter.
As it turns out, there are plenty of winter activities in Banff for non-skiers. And I don’t just mean crashing the après ski party like you own it (although you should).
You deserve your own share of exhilarating activity, gorgeous mountain scenery, crunchy snow and crisp air on your winter itinerary for Banff National Park and the surrounding areas.
If you’re planning to visit Banff in winter, let the fun begin.
Here’s your complete guide to Banff winter activities for non-skiers, including my local tips.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
How to get from Calgary to Banff
Getting around in Banff
15 Things to Do in Banff in Winter
1. The Banff Gondola
2. Ice Walk at Johnston Canyon
3. Walk or Hike in Canmore, Alberta
4. Tobogganing
5. Snow tubing
6. Dog sledding
7. Romantic Winter Sleigh Ride
8. Winter Wildlife Watching
9. Wolfdog Rescue Sanctuary
10. Winter Nature Photography
11. Helicopter Ride
12. The bubbles at Lake Abraham
13. Skating or hockey on Lake Louise
14. Snowshoeing
15. Banff Hot Springs
Where to stay in Banff in winter
Where to eat in Banff
How cold is it in Banff in winter
What to pack for Banff
Banff Bliss Tips
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How to get from Calgary to Banff
Banff is 145 kilometres (90 miles) west of the nearest international airport in Calgary, Alberta. In good weather and light traffic, it takes about an hour and 40 minutes to get there via the TransCanada Highway 1 (divided highway).
Driving to Banff in Winter
It’s easy to rent a car at the airport, or a nearby rental agency (where it’s cheaper). I often use Auto Europe to find the best price (it’s not just for Europe).
For driving to the mountains in winter, you should confirm that the car you’re renting is equipped with snow tires.
Keep in mind that you’ll also need to buy a National Park Pass if you’re driving, which you can get online here or at the gate when you enter Banff National Park.
It’s also important to keep an eye on the weather forecast. The weather in the mountains is highly variable, and you may encounter icy roads or drifting snow.
If you’d rather not drive:
Although you’ll have more flexibility with a car, you can still plan a fun visit if you don’t want to drive.
The most reliable bus transfer service from the Calgary Airport (or Calgary hotels) to Banff or Lake Louise is with the Brewster Express, which you can book here.
If you’re in a group, you can also book a private transfer for a group of up to 3 here or check out this full list of options to get from Calgary to Banff.
In the Banff area, you can use public transit and tours to take part in most of the activities.
Getting around in Banff
The town of Banff is small, and parking can be a challenge.
Walking around town is usually the best option.
You can also use the Roam bus to get around in town and to sites in the area. See the Roam Transit website for information about routes, schedules, and fares.
Things to do in Banff in Winter (other than skiing):
1. The Banff Gondola is a must-see attraction
One of the best things to see in Banff is the view from the summit of Sulphur Mountain.
You can get there with minimal exertion by riding a gondola to the top of a mountain. There’s a boardwalk along the mountain ridge and lookouts onto six incredible mountain ranges. You can even go at night for star gazing or for a meal at the Sky Bistro restaurant.
Gondola rates have gone up in recent years, but the views are worth it.
Remember to take your warmest clothes because the temperature at the summit can be as much as 10 degrees colder than at the base.
Book the Banff Gondola in advance here.
Banff Gondola Location: 100 Mountain Ave, Banff. There is parking on site. For public transit, the Banff Roam Bus – Route 1, Sulphur Mountain stops at the base of the gondola.
Imagine dining with this view!
2. Take an ice walk at Johnston Canyon
Johnston Canyon, near Banff, Alberta, is transformed into an icy wonderland in the winter. A stunning 2.5 kilometre ice walk over a series of steel catwalks and trails provides incredible views of the canyon and two beautiful frozen waterfalls.
It’s truly like a scene from the movie, Frozen.
The trail isn’t difficult, but ice cleats provide some much needed traction. I definitely recommend them.
If you go with a tour, ice cleats, walking poles and transportation from your Banff hotel will be provided for you.
Book the 4-hour Johnston Canyon ice walk here.
You can also take an incredible ice walk on a frozen creek bed in Grotto Canyon in Canmore on this tour from Banff.
Johnston Canyon Location: Bow Valley Parkway, Improvement District No. 9 . Follow the Bow Valley Parkway west from the TransCanada Highway for 17.5 kilometres to Johnston Canyon.
The Upper Falls at Johnston Canyon, Banff
3. Take a scenic walk or hike in Canmore, Alberta
Many people pass by Canmore on the way to Banff and keep on driving, but I definitely recommend you shouldn’t miss it.
It’s just as beautiful as Banff and less touristy.
The town of Canmore maintains 70 kilometres of trails in the area.
And you don’t have to do difficult hikes to get a gorgeous view. My favourites are these two easy walks:
- The Bow River Loop – A 2-kilometre flat trail along the river. Join the trail by walking from downtown to the Rundle Bridge.
- Policeman’s Creek Boardwalk – A 1.7 kilometre trail and boardwalk that takes you along the creek, past some ponds and through a forested section. You can access it from downtown Canmore on Main Street (8th Street) by Spring Creek Drive.
After the walk, I like to warm up with tea and scones and Cafe Books, a cozy bookshop and cafe at #100 – 826 Main Street in Canmore.
Canmore location: Canmore is on the TransCanada Highway , a 20-minute drive east of Banff. You can also get there from Banff on the Roam regional bus.
4. Go tobogganing in Banff
Where else can you go tobogganing with mountain views like this?
This is the sledding hill behind the famous Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, Canada’s castle in the Rockies. It’s just one of the great places to toboggan in and around Banff National Park.
Sleds and toboggans can be rented at the Banff Springs Hotel or at the Snowtips-Bactrax shop on Bear Street in Banff.
Banff Springs Hotel Location: 405 Spray Avenue, Banff
5. Try snow tubing in Banff in winter
When I was a teenager, we used to go sliding on giant inner tubes at Mount Norquay, near Banff. Tubes are more difficult to steer and stop than toboggans, which resulted in some chaos and tons of fun.
Now, it’s an organized activity, with designated sliding lanes (to keep you away from the trees) and the added bonus of a towing system to take you and your tube back up to the top.
Don’t miss the fun and check out the tubing hills at Banff and Lake Louise.
6. Enjoy dog sledding in Banff or Canmore
Dog sledding is an exciting winter activity in Banff. I had an incredible adventure of a lifetime with Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours near Canmore.
You can even have the opportunity to drive your own sled, if you like!
I have also heard good things about Kingmik Dogsled Tours in Lake Louise.
No matter who you tour with, be sure to thoroughly review any tour operator that works with animals to ensure that they provide good care for them.
7. Take a romantic sleigh ride in Banff
A horse-drawn sleigh ride through the snow is a classic winter experience in Banff.
You can enjoy a 40-minute ride through spectacular mountain scenery and then warm up by a campfire.
Sleigh rides usually need to be booked well in advance, and don’t forget to bring your warmest clothes.
Book your Banff sleigh ride here, or you can also arrange for a romantic sleigh ride for two.
Sleigh rides depart from: Warner Stables, 100 Sundance Road, Banff
8. Go winter wildlife watching in Banff National Park
Wildlife watching is a fantastic thing to do in Banff in winter! While the bears will be sound asleep in the winter, you still have a chance to see elk, moose, mule deer and bighorn sheep.
The less traveled roads and quieter areas are the best places to spot wildlife. Early morning and before sunset usually provide the best opportunities.
Some of the best places for seeing wildlife in Banff are:
- the Vermilion Lakes
- the Bow Valley Parkway
- the Minnewanka Loop
- Norquay Road
Be sure to look up at the cliffsides to spot bighorn sheep.
You can also book this Banff Winter Wildlife and Sightseeing Tour to increase your chances of seeing wildlife in the area.
And for safety, remember to always keep your distance from wildlife!
9. Visit a wolfdog rescue sanctuary
The Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary, a non-profit rescue centre for wolfdogs, is a great stop (with a slight detour on Highway 1A) between Banff and Calgary.
Sometimes, irresponsible breeders produce dogs with wolf content because of their beauty. Unfortunately, if they have too much wolf content, they’re not good pets.
The wolfdog rescue sanctuary looks after abandoned or mistreated wolfdogs, and it provides education about these animals by offering tours, which can include an opportunity to get up close and personal with the wolfdogs. See my post on why you should visit the wolfdogs.
Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary location: 263156 Range Rd 53, Cochrane, Alberta
10. Practice some winter photography in Banff
The Vermilion Lakes viewpoint at sunrise is a very popular Banff Instagram photo spot.
The lake is likely to be frozen over during the coldest winter months, but sometimes you can still get reflections on the ice.
The best way to get there is to drive out of Banff toward the TransCanada Highway, but turn left onto the Vermilion Lakes Road before reaching the highway.
Most of the other activities and locations listed in this post will provide excellent photo opportunities.
Pro tip: The morning is best for photos, because the sun dips behind the mountains quickly in the afternoon, creating dark shadows.
And don’t forget to protect your camera from condensation by placing it inside a ziploc bag when you bring it back inside.
For a private photography tour in the Rockies, I recommend workshops by Kristin Repsher.
11. Take a bucket list helicopter ride over Banff National Park
One of the most unforgettable experiences I have ever had is a helicopter tour over the Rocky Mountains.
I took the tour in the summer with Alpine Helicopters in Canmore, but they operate in the winter too.
12. See the bubbles at Lake Abraham
Each winter, pockets of methane gas freeze in layers in the ice that coats the lake. They look magical and create an amazing photo opportunity.
The best time to visit is in January and February when the ice is more likely to be frozen solid.
For another bucket list experience, you can also take a helicopter tour over Abraham Lake and the Canadian Rockies.
Abraham Lake Location: Clearwater County, Alberta. It takes just over two hours to get to Abraham Lake from Banff, via the Transcanada Highway to the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93) to the David Thompson Highway (Highway 11).
13. Go skating or play hockey at Lake Louise
For a classic Canadian experience, you have to skate outdoors on a frozen lake, and there’s no better place than Lake Louise.
Why not join in on a game of pick-up hockey?
All the gear can be rented on site. But remember, unlike the NHL, there’s no fighting in pond hockey!
This is a great gift idea for the hockey player or skater in your life!
Lake Louise location: Lake Louise is a 40-minute drive from Banff, west on the TransCanada Highway. You can also get there on the Roam bus.
14. Try snowshoeing in the Banff area
Snowshoeing is a classic thing to do in Banff in winter, and a great way to enjoy the beautiful winter landscapes.
There are many Parks Canada trails to choose from, ranging from easy to lengthy back country treks.
If you don’t have your own snowshoes, you can rent some at the Snowtips-Bactrax shop in Banff.
Always check the avalanche risk before you head out on the trails.
You can also take a “beginner-friendly” snowshoeing tour, which includes the gear and transportation from Banff.
Book this 4-hour snowshoeing tour to the Paint Pots in Kootenay National Park or this one to Marble Canyon in Kootenay National Park.
15. Soak in the Banff Hot Springs or at a spa
After you’ve tried the other activities on this list, you’re going to be ready for some relaxation.
At the Banff Upper Hot Springs, travelers have been coming to “take the waters” for more than a century. The minerals and the water temperature (close to 40 ºC or 104 ºF) are guaranteed to soothe aching muscles and get you back in shape for more winter adventure.
You can soak in the same waters at the spa at the Banff Springs Hotel. It has a great deal to access the facilities after 7 p.m. for $35.
Banff Upper Hot Springs location: 1 Mountain Ave, Banff. There is parking on site. The Roam bus, route 1 also stops there.
Where to stay in Banff & area
The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel
Due to limited space in the Banff and Lake Louise area, hotels can be pricey, and you should try to book at least two to three months in advance.
For the iconic winter fairy tale experience, stay at the “castle hotels”, the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel or the Fairmont Château Lake Louise.
I also like the Moose Hotel and the Mount Royal. The Juniper Hotel & Bistro, a couple of kilometres from downtown Banff, can be a more affordable option.
For a romantic cabin in the woods experience, try Storm Mountain Lodge in Banff National Park or the Mount Engadine Lodge in Kananaskis (see my review here).
If these options don’t suit you, you can check pricing and availability on all hotels in Banff here.
Bliss Tip: Stay in Canmore
You’ll find many good choices and more affordable prices, in Canmore, which is only a 20-minute drive from Banff. Check pricing and availability on hotels in Canmore here.
Where to eat in Banff
In Banff, I like the Wild Flour Bakery for breakfast pastries. You also don’t want to miss the luxurious breakfast buffet at the Fairmont Banff Springs hotel.
For lunch or dinner, try the Park Distillery Restaurant and Bar for its “campfire cuisine”.
For local Canadian specialties for dinner, Juniper Bistro and the Three Ravens Restaurant & Wine Bar are among the best places to eat in Banff.
There are also some great restaurants in Canmore.
For breakfast, locals grab a coffee at Rave Coffee Roasters or a meal at the Summit Cafe.
For a leisurely lunch, the vegetarian restaurant Communitea or Le Fournil Bakery are good options. Locals also recommend the Harvest Cafe, where you must try the carrot cake.
The best restaurants in Canmore for dinner include: Tapas, the Market Bistro, Crazyweed and the Trough Dining Co.
How cold is it in Banff in winter?
On average from December to the end of February, the high temperatures range from -5° to 0°C with lows around -15°C (5°F). At times, the temperature can drop into the minus thirties Celsius, especially at night in January, the coldest month.
As mentioned, the weather is quite variable, with occasional warm westerly winds called Chinooks. The air is dry, so it’s possible to bundle up against the cold.
There is usually a lot of snow, particularly at higher altitudes.
What to pack for Banff in winter
The key to dressing for the weather in Banff is to pack layers – – lots of layers.
If you’re going to take part in winter activities, make sure you have the following basic essentials:
- Long underwear. I always wear a merino wool as a base layer.
- Snow pants (I like these ones from Arctix)
- Insulated jacket
- Insulated boots
- Thermal winter mittens
- Woolen thermal socks
- Fleece jacket
- Woolen hat (called a tuque in ‘Canadian’)
In general, check out this essential packing list for a Canadian winter getaway.
Stay warm and enjoy the winter wonderland in the Rockies!
Banff Bliss Tips:
Hotel worth a splurge: The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, a winter castle experience.
When to go to Banff: You can’t time the unpredictable weather in Banff in winter, but if you don’t like crowds and higher prices, avoid the Christmas holidays and the March school break (which unfortunately varies per year and province, but it’s generally in the second week of March).
Best Banff Instagram moment: The photo opportunities are endless, but on a sunny day, the view at the top of Sulphur Mountain is priceless.
Overrated: Banff Avenue has a collection of touristy shops and restaurants. Once you’ve seen it, go over to Bear Street for more interesting choices.
Best souvenir: Check out the Buffalo Nations Luxton Museum Shop at 1 Birch Ave, Banff, for authentic souvenirs made by First Nations People. I like the hand-made moccasins.
Tourism Information: Banff & Lake Louise Tourism, Travel Alberta
Recommended reads: Lonely Planet Banff, Jasper and Glacier National Parks Travel Guide, Handbook of the Canadian Rockies, Summits and Starlight: Images of the Canadian Rockies
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