Your Guide to the Perfect Winter in Banff Canada
Winter in Banff, Canada is pure magic — a mountain retreat where timeless charm meets the breathtaking natural beauty. Picture the pristine views of freshly fallen snow blanketing the landscape, the quaint town adorned with a white dusting, and the serene atmosphere that feels straight out of a storybook. Spending your winter in Banff is one of those bucket list adventures, making it the perfect destination for a holiday escape.
Before I moved to Calgary, Banff was my go to vacation spot, and each visit was an unforgettable time. Now that I live just a drive away, I’ve gained a unique perspective on Banff — seeing it both as a traveler and a local — and I’m so honoured to share everything I know with you.
In this blog, I’ll cover everything you need to plan your perfect winter getaway to Banff, Canada. Whether you’re wondering about the best time to visit, how to get around Banff, or the must-see sights and activities, I’ve got you covered. And if you have any additional questions, feel free to email me — I’m happy to help!
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Is winter a good time to visit Banff?
The winter season is one of the best times to visit Banff, Canada. With the first snowfall that touches the trees and mountains, the landscape completely transforms into a serene winter dreamscape. This is why I personally feel that Banff is the prettiest in winter.
Imagine sipping hot chocolate by a crackling fireplace, with the smell of fresh evergreen trees in the cool alpine air. You overlook the snow-dusted peaks from your cabin and you’ll never forget this beautiful moment in Banff.
I want to add that visiting Banff anytime in the year is completely worth it. Banff is open all year round and you’ll find lots of different things to do each season. I’m only going to address Banff in the winter in this post, so if you found this post helpful, make sure to join my community channel to receive exclusive content not found here on the blog.
So we’ve established that winter is a great time to come to Banff, but there are a few things to consider when planning your visit:
- December to March is the best time to experience the snow in Banff, with ski season lasting even up until April.
- The days are shorter in the heart of winter, especially in December and January. But the lack of crowds compared to the busy summer months can make it more enjoyable.
- It’s important to be prepared for the weather in the Canadian Rockies. Weather in the mountains can change drastically and it can even change by the hour. So being prepared with lots of layers is a must to stay warm and comfortable!
Where to stay this winter in Banff, Canada
When it comes to where to stay in Banff, there are a few things to consider that will influence your hotel choice. This includes thinking about what your travel itinerary looks, your transportation options, what you’re looking for in amenities and travel budget.
I’ve previously stayed at the Banff Boutique Inn, Banff Rocky Mountain Resort and the Sunshine Mountain Lodge, and I loved all of those stays.
I’d suggest that if your hotel is a few minutes drive from the Town of Banff, to look for a hotel that offers free shuttle services. Staying along Banff Avenue will give you the best ease of access to the local restaurants, shops and cafes. And if you are renting a vehicle for your trip, consider staying in Canmore (a 30 minute drive from Banff), as this can be a good option for cheaper hotel rates.
Top recommendations for best hotels this winter in Banff, Canada:
- Fairmont Banff Springs – for the best luxury stay
- Sunshine Mountain Lodge – for the best ski experience
- Mount Royal Hotel – for the best location
- Banff Boutique Inn – for the best boutique with an at home-feel
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How to get around Banff
What’s great about taking a trip to Banff is that there are many transportation options even in the winter. Your choice of how to get around Banff all depends on your budget, where you’re wanting to go and where you’ll be staying.
Walk or Bike
Many areas of interest are easily walkable within the town of Banff. Immersing yourself along Banff Avenue and the many nature trails are best achieved by exploring on foot. Did you also know that you could bike around the trails in the winter time as well? There are many rental shops in Banff that offer bike rentals and E-fat bikes make for an interesting experience in the winter time.
Getting around with Roam Public Transit
Utilizing the Roam Public Transit is a budget-friendly and convenient way to navigate the city. For a local ride within the Banff town, a single adult ticket costs $2. You can find out more about the fare details here. Note that some hotels offer free bus passes for their guests, so be sure to ask your friendly concierge.
The Roam Public Transit also takes you to many of the popular destinations such as Lake Louise, Johnston Canyon and the Town of Canmore. It’s a great option to check out if you want to avoid the stress of driving on the winter roads, finding parking and the cost of renting a car.
Hop on a Shuttle
If you’re here on a snowboarding or ski trip to Banff, take advantage of the free shuttles provided by the three ski areas – Mt Norquay, Banff Sunshine and Lake Louise. They take you to and from the Town of Banff straight to the slopes. If you brought your own gear, they have storage on the shuttle for all of that, so you can just hop on and enjoy the scenic ride.
Rent a Car
If you have a specific itinerary in mind to explore Banff National Park and the surrounding areas such as Canmore, Jasper and beyond, then renting a car may be a good option for you.
Be sure you have a National Park Pass. Your pass needs to be printed and displayed on the vehicle dash while exploring the park.
What to pack for your winter in Banff
As I mentioned earlier, it’s important to be prepared for the weather in the Alberta Rockies. The winter temperatures can really fluctuate, even on an hourly basis. I’ve experienced anything from mild weather (4 degrees C), all the way up to a frigid -40 degrees C!
The quick change in temperature is is especially relevant depending on where you’re going. For example, if you’re planning to take the Banff Gondola up to summit Sulphur Mountain, know that it can be windy up there. Your are on top of a mountain after all! Something that is well known by locals, is that the key to an enjoyable day in Banff is to be prepared with many layers.
“How to Stay Warm in Banff” winter packing list:
- Long Parka or Mid-length down jacket
- Mid-layer jacket
- Cozy sweaters
- Matching sweater & sweats fit
- Fleece lined pants
- Snow pants
- Thermal base layers (long sleeves and pants)
- Crew socks
- Winter boots
- Knit toque
- Mittens or gloves
- Hand warmers
Where to Eat in Banff
When I’m travelling somewhere new, I find that it can be difficult to know which are the note-worthy restaurants to visit. Luckily for you, I’ve curated my top favourites that won’t disappoint:
Rundle Bar – Fairmont Banff Springs
An elegant escape for cocktails, afternoon tea and lunch.
They have the best Quesabirria you’ll ever eat.
A lovely place to gather and indulge in their chalet fondue and prime rib specialities.
House made pasta. What can be better than that?
My go to comfort for a warm bowl of ramen on a snowy Banff day.
What to do in Banff, Canada
When you visit Banff in the winter, it’ll be like you’ve just stepped foot into a town that you only see in Christmas movies. Visualize holiday markets, ice sculptures, holiday lights and the picturesque mountains serving as a gorgeous backdrop in the distance. There are many winter activities to do throughout November to March and you don’t have to only go skiing to have fun in Banff, Canada.
Seasonal Winter Activities in Banff
- Support local and find some unique gifts at the Banff Christmas Market
- Sip warm cocoa at the cafes participating in the Hot Chocolate Trail
- Come during the winter SnowDays Festival
- Bundle up and see all the Snow Sculptures in town
Ice and Snow Activities in Banff
- See the frozen waterfalls at Johnston Canyon
- Snowboard at Sunshine Village Ski Resort
- Have fun tubing down the slopes at Mt. Norquay
- Experience ice skating at the iconic Lake Louise
- Take the Banff Gondola up to Sulphur Mountain
Wellness and Spa
- Unwind with the ultimate luxury experience at the Fairmont Banff Springs spa
- Enjoy the mountain views at the hot pools with Meadow Spa
- Breathe and move in a yoga class with Flow State Yoga Studio
- Relax with a rejuvenating massage at Cedar + Sage Co
Town of Banff Shops Not to Miss
- Stock up on tea at Jolene’s Tea House (pst. the milk oolong is my fav!)
- You can’t miss this BeaverTails pastry when visiting Banff
- Grab some sweet treats at the Banff Sweet Shoppe
- If you need a new cozy fleece, get it at Patagonia Banff
- You’ll find the cutest Christmas ornaments at The Spirit of Christmas
Banff One Day Itinerary
I’ve crafted the perfect one day itinerary for you when you’re visiting Banff.
Morning
Start your day in Banff early with a gorgeous winter sunrise. The sunrises in the wintertime are a lot later in the morning, so you won’t have to wake up at 5:00 am compared to summer. I hope you’ll catch an Alpenglow (the reddish glow on the summit of the mountain as the sunrises).
Stop by The Uprising Craft Bakery in the Town of Banff and enjoy a hearty breakfast with your first sip of coffee. Be sure to grab some pastries to go, incase you get a bit hungry before lunch.
Hop on the Roam Public Transit (1 – Gondola) and make your way to summit Sulphur Mountain via the Banff Gondola. Enjoy the gondola ride up to incredible 360 views of the stunning winter mountain ranges. Take your time as you explore the boardwalk to reach the historic Cosmic Ray Station and up to Sanson’s Peak.
Afternoon
As you finish off your morning exploring the summit of Sulphur Mountain, head back to the Town of Banff for a late lunch. Warm up with a bowl of ramen at Ramen Arashi.
Next walk around and explore the shops along Banff Avenue. My favourite stores that I alway stop by for a visit are Jolene’s Tea House, Patagonia Banff, Banff Sweet Shoppe and The Spirit of Christmas.
Evening
If you’re staying at the Hotel Canoe and Suites, unwind at their rooftop hot pools and soak in the mountain views.
Get ready for dinner and dine at Bluebird Wood-fired Steakhouse. You’ll find the perfect cocktail to end off the evening and an unforgettable food experience.
