8 Winter Activities In Banff That Are So Fun You'll Forget About The Cold
The winter months in Banff National Park may be freezing, but they sure are beautiful. From snow-topped mountains to frozen lakes, bluebird skies to jaw-dropping sunrises, this place really comes to life in the winter.
Because it’s so chilly, you may not want to set out without a plan and let the day unfold as you would in the summer, so we’ve got you covered. While you’re
planning out your day or weekend in Banff, take a look at this list of winter activities to give you some inspiration.
Dog Sledding
What’s more Canadian than hopping on the back of a sled pulled by a handful of speedy pups? There are a few dog sled operators in the area that are excited to bring visitors and locals on an unforgettable day of invigorating activity. You can either bundle up inside the sled or try your hand at mushing on the back. You’ll learn everything you need to know and get to meet a bunch of adorable dogs while you’re at it.
Wild skating
There are tons of gorgeous lakes in the area that freeze over in the winter and give you a chance to go “wild ice skating.” Grab a hot chocolate, a pair of skates, and bundle up. Be sure to research conditions and safety protocols before heading out. When in doubt, talk to a local to find out the best spots for skating. Some great options are Vermillion Lake, Two Jack Lake, Lake Minnewanka, and Johnson Lake.
Snowshoeing
If you love exploring outside but you’re not much of a skier, rent some snowshoes to explore the walking trails around Banff and the surrounding area. If you’re not familiar with the area, there are a ton of tour operators that would love to take you out on an adventure. Snowshoeing is the perfect way to enjoy the landscape in a casual, approachable setting.
SkiBig3
This area is home to three amazing ski hills that each offer their own unique experience. If you love skiing or snowboarding or you’re looking to take some lessons on the slopes, head to Sunshine, Lake Louise Ski Resort, or Mt Norquay to experience the best of the best in Rocky Mountain resort skiing. You might as well enjoy a beer in the lodge at the end of the day while you’re there, too.
Tubing at Norquay
If you want to check out one of the resorts but you’re not into skiing or snowboarding, you can try snow tubing at Norquay. The tubing hill is like your childhood tobogganing experience but even more exhilarating. A whole new way to experience the slopes and a ton of fun, this is a total must-try when you’re in the area.
Sunrise at Vermilion Lakes
While it may be a bummer that there are fewer hours of daylight in the winter, it does come with one perk: not having to get up at the crack of dawn to see the sunrise. Sunrises are truly something else during the winter in the Rockies, and there are endless amazing places to view the morning sky. But, if you’re looking for the perfect place, Vermilion Lakes never disappoints. Bring a blanket and watch the sky light up from the dock.
Cross-Country Skiing
Nordic sports are a part of the Bow Valley’s culture and cross-country skiing is way more fun than it looks. There are tons of places to rent gear in Banff and Canmore and you can either visit Canmore’s Nordic Center and take advantage of the expertly maintained routes or venture out into the trails in Banff and Lake Louise. You can also find tours and lessons in the area if you’re unfamiliar with the sport or the area.
Eat & Drink Your Way Through Banff
Another way to forget about the cold is to cozy up in one of Banff’s many
amazing bars and restaurants. There are so many incredible food and beverage options, you might as well take yourself on a little food and beverage tour of the town. If you want to go for the full experience, consider booking a food tour with one of our local providers.
