25 Exceptionally Fun Things to Do in Banff During Winter that’s NOT Skiing or Snowboarding
Banff is no doubt one of the most magical places on earth. So much so that I have visited over 3-4 times and am still not sick of it. While there’s a list of never-ending things to do in Banff during summer, the cold winter months tend to turn away visitors for the days get shorter and the lakes freeze over. You may think there aren’t many Banff winter activities besides skiing or snowboarding, but boy are you wrong and are you in for a surprise! Without further ado, here are 25 exceptionally fun things to do in Banff during winter.
1. Skate or play ice hockey on a frozen lake.
Ice skating at Lake Louise.
Let’s start off with the most obvious thing you could do: skating! Or well, a lot of locals here like to play hockey as well. (After all, we are Canadians.)
And yes, you read that right. You CAN skate on a frozen lake! It gets relatively cold in the winter months so rest assured most of the lakes are frozen rock solid hence it’s completely safe. (Do still pay attention to the conditions, however, and make sure you know what to do if the ice cracks.)
A few popular locations are Lake Louise, Vermilion Lakes, Lake Minnewanka, Two Jack Lake, and Johnson Lake.
Don’t own any skates? Not to worry! Below are some rental shops to check out in Banff:
2. Take an aerial tour with Alpine Helicopters.
If you already think the sceneries in Banff are astoundingly jaw-dropping, prepare to be even more mind-blown admiring its beauties from a bird’s eye perspective.
Alpine Helicopters is based in both Alberta and British Columbia and offers aerial sightseeing tours year-round. While they technically don’t operate in Banff per say, they do have a location in Canmore that’s an easy 20-minute drive away. There are a total of 4 different types of tours ranging from 12 to 45 minutes. You can choose between getting up close and personal with the Three Sisters Peaks or witnessing the magnificent Mount Assiniboine (otherwise known as the “Matterhorn of the Canadian Rockies”).
Complete list of tours can be found here.
3. Marvel at the ice sculpture spectacle at Lake Louise Ice Magic Festival.
Every January, talented ice artists from all over the world gather together at Lake Louise to compete in Ice Magic Festival. Come explore mythical ice castles and various unique ice carvings, and don’t forget to grab a drink at the ice bar too!
More information can be found on Banff & Lake Louise Tourism site.
4. Get steamy at Banff Upper Hot Springs.
Steamy as in hot spring soak steamy – duh!
One of the most popular things to do in Banff during winter is to relax at a hot spring.
At an elevation of 1,585 meters, Banff Upper Hot Springs is the highest operating hot spring in Canada. In addition to unparalleled views, one of the best things about it is its retro swimsuit rental with darling styles dating back to the 1880’s.
Its hours of operation are as follows:
- 10:00am to 10:00pm Sunday to Thursday
- 10:00am to 11:00pm Friday and Saturday.
Admission prices are:
- $8.30 for adults
- $6.30 for youth
- $7.30 for senior
5. Go dog sledding with the most adorable huskies you’ll ever meet.
Dog sledding had been on my bucket list for awhile and I was beyond excited to finally cross that off my list with Mad Dogs & Englishmen Expeditions Inc.
6 tours are available during winter and they range from 1.5 hours to 1 night/2 days. Prices and further information can be found on their site.
Now it is 2019. People get offended by the tiniest of things and animal cruelty is an apparent no no. While I understand that huskies are traditionally bred to be active and trained as sled dogs, a main concern for me was still whether or not these animals were treated with care. Needless to say they definitely are and my heart simply melted when they’d stare at me with their big puppy eyes.
This was no doubt a highlight of my Banff trip in January and I highly, highlyyyyy recommend booking a tour with them!
6. Catch up with girlfriends over high tea at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.
Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is perhaps one of the most beautiful Fairmont properties in the world. Its architectural charms give off a fairytale vibe and makes for the perfect venue for afternoon tea with the gals. Oh and of course, can’t forget about its panoramic views of Lake Louise and Victoria Glacier!
7. Photograph the famous Morant’s Curve.
You ever see those trending photos on Instagram of a train passing through a winter wonderland scene with trees dusted in snow on both sides? Well, that, ladies and gentlemen, is Morant’s Curve.
To photograph this well-known sight, however, requires patience. And I mean you better grab a chair and hot chocolate and roast some s’mores while you wait kinda patience because there isn’t a set schedule for these cargo trains. I remember reading online that someone saw one every 20 minutes. Uhh ya no. We waited for what felt almost like an hour and only saw one. (Plus another tiny one without any freight cars attached, which obvs doesn’t even count.) Do try your luck though and if anything, it’s still a nice little rest stop.
8. Enjoy the most epic tube ride of your life.
Whoever said tubing is only for kids clearly doesn’t know how to have fun.
While Mount Norquay is known for skiing and snowboarding, you can experience a different type of downhill thrill here in a giant snow tube.
The Tube Park opens from 10:00am to 4:00pm and 5:00pm to 9:00pm for night tubing. Below are ticket prices:
Yet another one of my January in Banff highlights. Love love love!
9. Hunt for methane bubbles at Lake Minnewanka.
If you’ve done your Rocky Mountains research, I’m sure you’re familiar with Abraham Lake and its methane bubbles phenomenon. Sad news is, it takes about 2 hours by car to get to from Banff. Not to mention, the road conditions aren’t exactly the best during winter. Good news is, you don’t need to travel far to witness this magical sight because Lake Minnewanka is the perfect alternative.
Friendly tip: check the weather of the night before. If it has snowed, chances are the lake will be covered. You will want to wish for strong winds.
10. Rent a pair of snowshoes and explore Banff’s trails.
Photo from Banff & Lake Louise Tourism by Noel Hendrickson.
From late December to early April, visitors can explore Banff’s most enchanting trails on snowshoes. A fantastic route is Marsh Loop. Not only does it have spectacular views of the Bow Valley, it’s great for birdwatching as well.
Other options in the Banff area can be found here. For Lake Louise trails, head on over to this list here. Also remember to check out Parks Canada’s Trail Condition Report!
For snowshoe rentals, see below:
11. Put on your ice cleats and venture out to Johnston Canyon.
Snowshoeing not for you? Go for a morning stroll instead at Johnston Canyon.
Johnston Canyon is separated into upper and lower falls. The lower falls is 1.1km one way at an elevation gain of 30 meters while the upper falls is 2.6km one way at an elevation gain of 120 meters. Depending on your physique, it may take approximately 30 minutes to reach the lower falls and an hour to reach upper.
Below are two ice cleat rental options:
- Banff Adventures $15 daily
- SNOWTIPS-BACTRAX $15 daily (these are crampons)
12. Take the Banff Gondola up to breathtaking views at Rooftop Observation Deck.
On your list of things to do in Banff during winter, you definitely can’t miss out on the famous Banff Gondola.
With views of the gorgeous Bow Valley in addition to 6 stunning mountain ranges, you are sure to be wowed here at the Rooftop Observation Deck.
Winter (January 19th to April 18th) hours of operation are as follows:
- 10:00am to 4:30pm Monday and Tuesday
- 10:00am to 8:30pm Wednesday to Sunday
See admission prices below:
For those of you that are suckers like me who can’t say no to restaurants with a view, head on over to dinner at Sky Bistro for an unforgettable date night with the babe.
Photos from Banff Jasper Collection.
13. Watch a performance at Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity.
During my January stay with the Creator House, I discovered some amazing arts programs at Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity. From dance, music, and theatre to indigenous leadership, literary arts, and visual arts, they offer courses for not just artists but leaders, and thinkers alike. Each student’s work is showcased through performances and exhibitions and a complete calendar of events can be found here.
14. Shop ’til you drop in Downtown Banff.
Okay fine, this isn’t limited to the colder months only, but if you’re going to be visiting Banff during winter, you might as well hit up the shops and treat yourself!
Handmade natural soaps at Rocky Mountain Soap Company.
Great tea collection at Banff Tea Co.
15. Enjoy mulled wine by the fire at Juniper Bistro.
Winters are meant for getting cozied up by the fireplace and there’s absolutely nothing better than enjoying a nice cup of mulled wine while you’re at it too.
Juniper Bistro is hands down my favorite restaurant in all of Banff. My first time here was actually for brunch and oh my goodness, don’t even get me started on their grilled avocado… We just HAD to come back again for dinner to try their three-course meal ($39 + tax). I mean, good food, stellar views, what else could you ask for!?
16. Take a horse drawn sleigh ride.
Not really a dog person? Try a horse drawn sleigh ride instead.
Banff Adventures runs sleigh ride tours starting at $38 per adult. ($29 for children ages 4-12.) Further details can be found on their website.
And if you much prefer a private tour, Banff Trail Riders has 45-minute tours for just $95 per person. More information on their site here.
17. Go on a thrilling snowmobile adventure.
On the list of things to do in Banff during winter, you can’t forget snowmobiling.
Whether you are a beginner or advanced rider, organized tours allow you to zoom along winding alpine trails and get a taste of that adrenaline rush.
Here are a few recommendations:
- Toby Creek Adventures starting at $49
- Rocky Mountain Riders starting at $100
- White N Wild starting starting at $195.00
Keep in mind that these tours generally operate outside of Banff National Park in Golden or Panorama.
18. Observe wild life.
Photo from 2016. (That’s how often I visit Banff, yup.)
One thing you should be aware of when visiting Banff during winter is the amount of wildlife on the road. No, I’m not kidding. It’s actually common to see bighorn sheep crossing in the middle of a 110 km/h highway. Always have your camera ready and you might even spot other wild animals like deer or elk.
Please do not, I repeat do NOT feed wildlife.
19. Admire the Bow and Spray Valleys from Mount Norquay Sightseeing Chairlift.
Photo from Banff Norquay.
You don’t have to know how to ski or snowboard in order to enjoy epic views from a chairlift. At Mount Norquay, sightseeing rides start at $35 for adults ages 18+. ($30 for youth ages 13-17, $24 for children ages 6-12, and $30 for senior.) Ascend 7,000 feet above the clouds and discover Norquay’s panoramic views.
Hours of operation are 10:00am – 3:30pm.
20. Indulge in hot chocolate with a view.
Once you arrive at the top of the Mount Norquay Sightseeing Chairlift, don’t forget to grab a cup of hot chocolate at Cliffhouse Bistro.
Photo from Banff Norquay.
Originally a tearoom in the 1950’s, Cliffhouse Bistro was a social meeting spot where even the gorgeous Marilyn Monroe herself visited during the filming of River of No Return. It has now been transformed into a retro-cool European chalet that specializes in Albertan flavors with a twist.
21. Toboggan down the Spray Meadows Hill.
Photo from Banff Sunshine Village Ski & Snowboard Resort.
Situated right behind the Fairmont Banff Springs is a local fave: Spray Meadows Hill. While the hill itself isn’t maintained, there are often times trails created by locals for tobogganing.
For rentals, check out the physical rental shops at SNOWTIPS-BACTRAX and SkiBig3. (Their online sites specify that they have toboggan rentals, but do not allow you to make advanced reservations for them. I would suggest calling first. If anything, Sunshine Village Ski Resort will have toboggan rentals too.)
22. Hike the winter trails to Grassi Lakes.
Here’s an easy trail you can hike without any snowshoes or ice cleats!
Located in Canmore (30-minute drive from Downtown Banff), Grassi Lakes is a collection of two majestically turquoise lakes: Upper and Lower Grassi Lakes. The lakes receive their water from Spray Lakes Reservoir and were named after Lawrence Grassi, an Italian miner who later built many trails in the area, including this one to Grassi Lakes.
The hike itself took no more than 20 minutes going up and 10 to 15 minutes coming back down. Keep in mind though we took the easy trail and stopped at Lower Grassi Lakes onlytranslate.goo. The difficult one closes during winter, but makes for a nice challenge during the warmer months.
23. Experience mountain fishing and try to catch a trout.
Learn ice fishing techniques from pros and taste test your catch for lunch. Novice and experts all welcome. More information on Banff Adventures’ website.
24. Ice climb at Marble Canyon.
Ughh okay, I’m sorry, I’m sorry. Yet another activity that’s not in Banff (and actually in BC, not even Alberta), but a close 30-minute drive away. I mean it’s still in the Rockies and it’s so close it’d be a shame to pass it up.
Marble Canyon is a canyon surrounding Tokumm Creek and gets its name from the microcrystalline limestone on its canyon walls. Its frozen waterfalls and clean rock walls make it a favorite amongst climbers. Even if ice climbing’s not for you, an afternoon stroll here will leave you speechless and not wanting to leave!
25. Watch the sun rise, breathe in the crisp winter air, and be reminded what a blessing it is to be alive.
I’m sorry, is that too cheesy? LOL!
The number one best place for sunrise in Banff is at Vermillion Lakes. Of the two times we’d come to photograph sunrise, the sky unfortunately did not co-operate and give us anything interesting to shoot. Needless to say, it’s still an amazing spot. No wonder you can always find photographers camped out here!
Putting photography aside, sunrise anywhere in Banff is and will be out of this world. You may just have to go see for yourself 😉
Ready for your Banff trip? Book a hotel today!
Booking.comThere you have it! 25 exceptionally fun things to do in Banff during winter!
For those planning a trip to Banff, I hope this guide provides helpful insights as to what you can do on your vacation. And if Banff isn’t already on your list just, perhaps now you’ll want to pay a visit!
Don’t forget to check out my Banff vlog and head on over to my packing guide for how to stay stylishly warm in Banff during winter. See you in the next post!
Yes I would love to visit Banff! I didn’t know there were so many things to do. I appreciate how you wrote tips that didn’t all involve being outside. Lol. I actually would like to visit in the summer, but I am not sure if the beauty of the area would be captured as much.
Summer is actually when Banff gets majority of its visitors and that’s when the famous Lake Louise is thawed out and gets its gorgeous turquoise color. I’ve visited during both summer and winter and can honestly say you will love it no matter what. In fact, Banff is so beautiful that you should make a trip back to see it in both seasons!
You have really given lots of activities options. I really liked the Ice Magic Festival photos, it looks amazing and something to be worth going. The dog sledding is another thing that I think I would really enjoy.
The dog sledding was a major highlight for me. Hope this inspires you to plan a trip to Banff this winter 😉
Loveeee Banff!! I live in Toronto, but didn’t start exploring Banff till last year! I’ve been back four times already hahah. Such a comprehensive list though, will definitely keep it handy for my next trip! That tube ride looks absolutely amazing!!
It was SUPER fun! And I guess better late than never eh. Although that reminds me too that I need to start exploring more of the east coast XDD
I went to Banff last year during September, but I’d love to go back during the Winter. I didn’t’ know you could go dog sledding!!! I have always wanted to do that. I also wouldn’t mind seeing the Lake Louise Ice Magic Festival. I’ve only been to one other ice festival and that was in Sapporo Japan over 20 years ago.
Oh I’ve heard so many great things about the Sapporo one and have been longing to check it out myself!
Banff is seriously so beautiful no matter when you visit and I hope you’ll get to come back again to try dog sledding! 😀
I have been dreaming of visiting Lake Minnewanka and the Marble canyon! Thank you so much for this amazing list of things to do in Banff. Cannot wait to visit and will surely save this for later 🙂
You’re welcome babe! I’ll be keeping my fingers crossed for you to visit soon!!
Your photos are mesmerising! And how lucky you’ve been to Banff 4 times! I’ve never been, it’s quite a distance from Italy. But I’d love to see those huskies, and try that tubing ride too. It’s cold, crisp and somewhere I’d love to be.
Aww thanks so much Lisa! It’s a real blessing to call Canada home and to be able to just frequent these breathtaking spots whenever. Hope you’ll get a chance to visit Banff sometime soon! 😀
I honestly love seeing and watching your photos especially the do sleigh, but some of them are too big on my screen! haha Cute tho! I’m looking forward to playing with snow, too this Christmas, but not in Banff! But I’d totally love visiting Banff one day in our travels! How could winter be so much fun aye!
Christmas in Banff would be perfect so you’ll definitely have to plan that for next year 😉
Your photos are so stunning, capturing the amazing winter wonderland of Banff! I immediately got transported into the snow laden mountains. I have never tried to ski or sleigh, though it looks like an adventure. Would love to visit Banff in any season, hopefully in all 🙂
Thanks Ketki! And that sounds like the perfect plan. Let me know if and when you do and which season you like best!
Your pictures are incredible. I’ve been to Lake Louise, but it feels like I missed 95% of what it has to offer. Thanks for giving me some food for thought for my next journey there. And I won’t be afraid to go there in wintertime! By the way, I too had that experience of seeing big horn sheep up close. Quite an experience.
Oh no! When exactly did you visit Lake Louise? Although to be frank, there’s always so much to see and too little time so don’t beat yourself up over it. Now you just got even more of a reason to come back!
Banff National Park looks like a winter wonderland. I am amazed to know that there are so many things to do there. I would love to try the dog sledding. The alpine helicopter ride must have been quite an experience.
Dog sledding was a major highlight for me and I highly, highlyyyyy recommend it!
I am not fond of winter, coldness and snow, but your post made me wish to visit Banff in winter. Probably I would opt for an aerial tour with Alpine Helicopters or I would indulge in Banff Upper Hot Springs! But there are many great options in Banff in winter to choose from!
I’m not crazy about winter either, but you really won’t regret visiting Banff during the colder months 🙂
Wow there is a lot to do in Banff. I bet the helicopter tour would give amazing views of Banff! The horse drawn sleigh ride looks really magical too!
The views were spectacular for sure, but I’d probably suggest going on one of their longer tours. It literally felt like we were only maybe in the air for five minutes and before I could take everything in, we landed already XDD
I love seeing ice sculptures. The ones in your post are epic! I think I would enjoy taking a visit to the Banff Upper Hot Springs. Thanks for this informative post. Your photos are gorgeous.
Thanks Astrid! Hope this inspires you to visit Banff this winter!
Banff *is* one of the most magical places on earth! I’ve been in the summer but I would never have considered visiting in the winter before reading this. Actually, before I started reading, I assumed it would all be outdoor activities like skiing and snowboarding and I thought, “No way am I doing any of that, I’ll definitely stick to visiting in the summer.” But now I want to go to tea at the Fairmont and go to the hot springs and take a sleigh ride and a gondola ride… I guess maybe I need to visit in the winter after all!
Hahaa although I do kinda snowboard, I’m a very much indoors gal too – especially during winter. I can definitely vouch for Banff having a great selection of non-outdoorsy activities to try and I hope you’ll get to visit soon 😀
I had no clue one could do so many things in Banff during the winters. Banff is definitely one of the most magical places on earth and your pictures reiterate the same thing. Some of these pictures truly make it look like a winter wonderland. I would love to do the helicopter ride. It would be so much fun. And that ice festival is amazing! What beautiful sculptures!
Sounds like somebody needs to plan a trip to Banff ASAP this winter holiday 😉
I’ve wanted to visit Banff for more than 25 years and still haven’t made it. Your pictures are certainly adding extra value to this already beautiful destination. 😉 The ice festival looks amazing, but I just want to take pictures, thousands of pictures and have high tea at the Fairmont. I’m on a quest to have tea at all of them.
Oh no!!! What’s been stopping ya!
High tea on a cold winter’s day is definitely a way to spend the day. I hope you’ll finally get to visit Banff soon and remember to bring an extra memory card because I assure ya, you’ll be taking photos nonstop!
I visited Banff only in summer and it was absolutely spectacular. In winter the landscape seems less colorful, but equally impressive. I’d love to take a sleigh ride in one of those snowmobiles or try to catch a trout up in the mountains. Gorgeous photos, by the way.
Summer and winter offer very different scenes in Banff, but I would say that are for sure both equally just as beautiful. Hope this will inspire you to revisit again during the colder months!
Banff has always intrigued me and even though I’m a warm weather gal it’s definitely a place I’d like to visit in winter. Your photos and these activities have confirmed that winter is indeed the best time to visit – I’d LOVE to take in this beautiful territory from a helicopter and Johnston Canyon looks like a winter wonderland!!!
Well what are you waiting for, Aisha! It’s time to book that holiday vacation for this winter 🙂
This is a fantastic post! I’ve been to Banff in the summer and did some hiking. I’d love to visit in the winter for beautiful photos and winter hiking, but not interested in skiiing or snowboarding. Great ideas.
There’s a lot more to Banff in the winter months than just skiing or snowboarding so rest assured you’ll have a fantastic time regardless!
I’m such a foodie so thanks for listing some great options. I’m not adventurous enough to take a helicopter but I would definitely do almost everything else on this list. Especially with those pups! So cute.
Right!??!?!?! Don’t they just melt your heart <3 The sleigh ride was a major highlight of my trip and I highly recommend it!
Thanks for sharing these activities and all looks fantastic. That ice scupture is something i want to see and I would be happy to learn a few basics. Where is your next destination after Banff?
Thanks Blair! Apologies for the delayed reply as I’ve actually been travelling in and around Asia! Got plenty of guides coming right up so stay tuned!
What an amazing post, filled with some winter inspiration. I’ve never visited Banff yet but after reading this, I got a desire to pack my bags and go there right away!
That’s what I like to hear!
I have never visited Banff but it’s in my bucket list since forever. After looking at your blogpost, I am feeling really excited to see the number of things Banff has to offer even if I am not going for skiing or snowboarding. Your pictures are stunning and I loved the Marble Canyon the most. I am going to experience all of these soon when I head to Canada.
Thanks Shreya! Banff is such a gem and you would love it for sure. Hope you’ll get to visit soon! 😀