Wander With WHIT: Banff, Canada
While visiting Banff National Park is stunning every month of the year, it’s particularly dreamy in the winter. If you can handle the frigid temperatures, you’ll be rewarded with some of the most mesmerizing scenery and truly special activities unlike any other place in the world.
Pristine wilderness, frozen waterfalls and snow-capped peaks await you in this winter wonderland. While Banff National Park is famous for its glimmering turquoise lakes and lush green forests, all of which are popular warm weather activities, we have fallen in love with visiting during the chillier seasons of the year. While it does take a bit more planning, the blanketed mountaintops and iceskating among the valleys is worth it. Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Banff National Park in the winter.
STAY
Banff offers a range of accommodation from rustic cabins to luxe 5-star hotels. If you’re not renting a car, staying closer to town will help with navigating to dining options and with locating transportation. Although, for a truly special stay, some of the resorts a bit on the outskirts of town are worth the journey.
Not one, but two of the world’s most notable hotels are near Banff. Fairmont Banff Springs is perched on a hill and overlooks the valley just minutes from downtown. Château Lake Louise is a 45 minute drive north and sits right on the water.
If you’re looking to stay downtown, Peaks Hotel & Suites opened last January, and is near all of Banff’s shopping and dining. The hotel’s modern, clean aesthetic is a fresh change from some of the more traditional styles in town, as are their welcoming community spaces with cozy fireplaces.
SNACK
SALTLIK Banff It doesn’t get more classic than an aged steak served next to a roaring fireplace as snow falls quietly outside the window. SALTLIK is upscale yet cozy, and offers some of the best cuts in town. You’ll find all the familiar favorites on the menu, but if you leave room for desert, the handmade apple pie is a standout.
The Maple Leaf Right in the heart of downtown, The Maple Leaf is an iconic landmark for Banff. Offering a fresh twist on classics like game stroganoff and braised bison short rib, plus an expansive Canadian wine list, it’s a solid choice while you’re in town.
PARK Distillery & Restaurant Known for their glacier water spirits distilled in house, PARK also offers some great eats. Burgers piled high and parmesan fries towering over their container, plus an impressive charcuterie spread. Of course, the cocktail menu is top tier, and uses both PARK and off site spirits.
The Bison This farm-to-table newcomer is one of our favorites in Banff. With a rotating menu that changes with the season, there are plenty of options for vegan and vegetarian diners. They also have an impressive cocktail menu plus a well designed interior.
SEASON
Banff is one of those destinations where it feels like a completely different place each season you visit. While summer, spring and fall are all gorgeous in their own right, we have a thing for Banff in the winter. The crowds have thinned and the charming mountain town is filled with locals and a few brave tourists. Aside from skiing, there are so many activities in the winter that make Banff special. It is important to keep in mind that Banff and much of Canada experiences extremely cold temperatures during the winter and early spring months. It is so important to pack for the weather and to know the risks of frostbite and hypothermia.
SEE
Skiing Of course, this might be the obvious choice for a winter getaway to Banff, but there’s a few options to choose from. Banff offers 3 ski lifts, Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise and Mt. Norquay. Sunshine is known for its natural snow and long ski season, Lake Louise for incredible glacier views and variety of slopes perfect for families, and Mt. Norquay is popular among local skiers and has excellent beginner terrain.
Johnston Canyon Icewalk At 7.5 miles roundtrip at its longest point, this can be an all-day hike. Microspikes can often come in handy here if the trail is icy, and when covered in snow is best for experienced hikers. Much of the trail is paved, and follows along the river which offers a nice view even before you reach the viewpoint of the Ink Pots.
Hike Hoodoos Viewpoint This 6.25 loop trail features a waterfall (that looks gorgeous frozen in the winter) and is more of a moderate trail for experienced hikers. It follows along the river and opens up to Bow Valley before circling back.
Skating on Lake Louise A wintertime classic! If you’re visiting during the winter months this is a must. Skating is available December to mid-April, and rentals are available at the hotel near the lobby.
Ice Magic on Lake Louise Each year between January 19th and 30th the 12-day Ice Magic ice carving exhibition draws crowds at the iconic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Even if you don’t make it for the events, the stunning sculptures are left for everyone to enjoy for weeks after the event.
Dogsledding Dashing through the snow with the Banff landscape surrounding you is a pretty epic experience. Kingmik is the only local tour operator that offers dog sledding in Banff. Tours can range from a quick 30-minutes to a complete day.
Banff Gondola Really an activity for all seasons, the Banff Gondola takes you up Sulphur Mountain in just 8 minutes, where you can sit back and enjoy the valley views for miles. At the top, the rooftop observation deck has more to explore about the surrounding landscape and history of the mountain range. The outdoor mountain boardwalk leads to a slightly higher elevation at Sanson’s Peak, and offers visitors soaring views of the snowcapped mountains.
Ready to wander on a trip of your own with a curated itinerary, tailored to you? Get in touch with our team of travel advisors here.
