The Best Stuff to Do in Banff Winter
Just because it’s cold, that doesn’t mean there isn’t a lot of stuff to do in Banff winter. In fact, the breathtaking town in the Canadian Rockies is built to be a 4-season destination, and visiting in the winter provides unique opportunities to get outside and explore the mountains.
Here are a few of our suggestions for the best things to do in Banff in winter:
Key Takeaways
- Go skiing at top resorts like Sunshine Village, Mount Norquay, and Lake Louise.
- Experience tubing at Mount Norquay and Nakiska, perfect for all ages.
- Take the Banff Gondola for stunning views of the Canadian Rockies.
- Hike Johnston Canyon for breathtaking winter scenery and a frozen waterfall.
- Try curling at the Banff Curling Club or Canmore Golf & Curling Club.
- Enjoy dog-sledding tours in Canmore for a unique winter adventure.
Why Is Banff a Winter Destination?
Canadians don’t just stay inside and hibernate during the winter. They love warming up by getting outside and enjoying everything that nature around them has to offer. That’s especially true in the Rocky Mountains, so you’ll never struggle to find stuff to do in Banff winter.
The snow that blankets the peaks of the Rockies only adds to their majesty, and whether you’re looking for stunning landscapes or hoping to get active, there are Banff winter activities that you’ll love.
The Best Stuff to Do in Banff in Winter
Go Skiing
Let’s start with the most obvious option for people looking for things to do in Banff in winter. The Canadian Rockies are an international destination for skiers and snowboarders and feature some of the best resorts on the planet. Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn or an expert looking for new big mountain challenges, you’ll find them at Sunshine Village, Mount Norquay and Lake Louise.
Whether you’re staying in Banff or Canmore, there are shuttle buses to the resorts themselves and lots of shops where you can rent the gear you’ll need to enjoy your day on the mountain. Families will love the Nakiska Ski Area, too, which is located just to the east.
Go Tubing
Not everyone loves skiing and riding, and that’s perfectly okay. It doesn’t mean that your family or group of friends can’t head to the ski hills, though. Both Mount Norquay and Nakiska have amazing tubing parks where both kids and adults can slide down pre-built lanes.
You get the excitement that comes with racing down a mountain without needing any of the skills that can take years for skiers and snowboarders to build. Be aware that tubing is extremely popular, so it can be smart to book in advance.
Check Out Spectacular Views
Anyone looking for stuff to do in Banff winter should make sure they add a trip up the Banff Gondola to their list. People come from all over the world to take in the spectacular Canadian Rockies, and the Banff Gondola offers views that simply can’t be beat.
The gondola takes guests up to the top of Sulphur Mountain, where they’ll be able to revel in the panoramic winter wonderland that stretches out as far as the eye can see. It’s the perfect place to snap some Instagram pictures and should be on any list of stuff to do in Banff winter.
Go Hiking
Yes, it gets cold in the Canadian Rockies during the winter, but don’t let that keep you inside. The best Banff winter activities get you outside and moving around. You’ll barely notice the cold once your heart starts pumping if you’ve packed the right clothing for the weather.
Johnston Canyon is one of the most beautiful and famous hikes in the Canadian Rockies and will take you to a stunning waterfall that’s often covered in ice. There are lots of great hikes in nearby Canmore that can be done year-round.
It’s important to monitor avalanche conditions, so ask the staff at your hotel for recommendations.
Try Curling
Canadians love curling in the winter. The sport always gets an international spike in popularity every 4 years when the Winter Olympics roll around, but curling clubs across the country are community hubs and great places to get out and explore some authentic Canadian sporting culture.
Both the Banff Curling Club and the Canmore Golf & Curling Club have opportunities for newcomers to try out the sport for the first time, and they’re great ways to have some fun and stay active. That’s especially true on frigid days, when staying inside might be desirable and you’re looking for fun stuff to do in Banff winter.
Go Dog-Sledding
If you’re looking for a unique way to explore the Canadian Rockies, why not try dog-sledding? In nearby Canmore, both Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours and Howling Dog Tours offer amazing opportunities for guests to check out the mountains while getting pulled along on a sled by a pack of healthy, athletic dogs. When it comes to winter activities in Banff, Canada, nothing is more authentically Canadian than a sled dog tour.
Why Staying in Canmore Can Be Your Best Option
There’s so much stuff to do in Banff in winter, but many visitors to the Canadian Rockies find that it’s actually better to stay in nearby Canmore. Only a 20-minute drive from the idyllic town in Banff National Park is Canmore, where you tend to get smaller crowds, and prices don’t tend to be as high. Visitors can easily fill their itineraries with fun winter activities in Banff, and there are amazing coffee shops, restaurants, breweries, shopping and art galleries.
Staying at the Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre means you’ve got a comfortable, convenient home base to explore everything that the Bow Valley has to offer, and with a heated indoor pool, hot tub and modern fitness centre, you’ll love warming up at the hotel after spending your day checking out the best stuff to do in Banff winter.
Stay at the Coast Canmore for Your Next Winter Trip to Banff
There’s so much stuff to do in Banff in winter, and staying at the Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre makes it all easy to access. You’ll have a warm and comfortable bed to rest your head after busy days in the winter wonderland of the Canadian Rockies.
FAQ
How cold does it get in Banff during the winter?
During winter, Banff typically sees temperatures ranging from -5°C to -15°C (23°F to 5°F), with colder snaps dropping below -20°C (-4°F). Thanks to occasional Chinook winds, warmer days above freezing can still happen, even in mid-winter. It’s important to check the forecast in advance and make sure you pack lots of layers so you can adjust to the weather as it comes.
Is Banff expensive?
Staying in Banff can get expensive, though prices are generally lower in winter than during peak season in the summer. Staying in nearby Canmore is often more affordable, and it’s only a 20-minute drive away.