Why now is the best time to visit Canada’s most magical national park

You don’t need to be a skier to fall in love with Banff National Park in the winter. Sure, it’s one of North America’s premier ski destinations, but this snowy wonderland offers so much more than slopes—arguably making winter the best season to visit Banff, even if you never pick up a pair of poles.

Picture this: snowshoeing across a frozen Lake Louise, mushing through the wilderness on a dog sled, walking on trails that glitter with fresh snow, and marveling at breathtaking frozen waterfalls. Winter strips away the crowds, leaving Banff’s beauty all to yourself.

Bundle up and see for yourself. Here’s how to make the most of a winter trip to Banff.

Marvel at frozen waterfalls in Johnston Canyon

One of the top things to do in Banff in winter is hike the Johnston Canyon Icewalk. The guides at Discover Banff Tours make it effortless—they’ll gear you up with ice cleats and lead you into the canyon for a frosty adventure that feels like it came from a dream.

You’ll strut along steel catwalks jutting out from the canyon walls, burrow through a tunnel to get an up-close view of a turquoise pool at the Lower Falls, and hear the snow crunch beneath your feet in serene forests filled with towering trees.

The grand finale awaits at the Upper Falls, where the “Cathedral of Ice” rises nearly 100 feet. These glowing blue ice pillars are as breathtaking as the brave climbers who scale them throughout the winter. Your guide will sweeten the moment with a maple cookie and a steaming cup of hot chocolate before you make your way back to the trailhead.

Try Nordic skiing on glittery trails

If racing down a mountain isn’t your style, Banff in the winter might still tempt you to try skiing (that snow is just irresistible!). The laid-back, knowledgeable guides at woman-owned Bikescape make it easy to fall in love with Nordic skiing during a private two-hour lesson.

Your guide will meet you at Chateau Mountain Sports to help you gear up, then lead you to a nearby trail. We went to the Spray River West Trail near the Fairmont Banff Springs on my visit to Banff in the winter. There, you’ll glide across snow-dusted, sparkling trails that are so gorgeous, you won’t even notice how cold it is.

The stunning scenery will keep you motivated, even if you take a few tumbles. With patient coaching every step of the way, you’ll feel like you’ve been Nordic skiing for years. Midway through the lesson, you’ll pause by a crystal-clear river for a well-earned break with tea and homemade cookies before heading back to town—already wishing for more time on the trails.

Spend the night in Banff’s legendary castle hotel

During the darkest days of the pandemic, I literally dreamed of staying at the Fairmont Banff Springs. The legendary castle hotel has been showing travelers Banff’s “million dollar view” for more than 135 years.

This place isn’t just a hotel—it’s an experience.

The story behind this iconic property is as grand as its architecture. William Cornelius Van Horne, the general manager of the Canadian Pacific Railway, envisioned a luxurious hotel in this area to encourage travelers to take the scenic train route through the Canadian Rockies. The result was a Baronial-style castle with an 11-story tower, built with wood and limestone from Alberta. Over the years, the Fairmont Banff Springs has become as synonymous with Banff as the mountains themselves.

Back in the day, guests at the Banff Springs Hotel (as it was known then) were required to stay for a minimum of three months, often arriving with $50,000 in letters of credit (about $1.2 million today). Thankfully, the hotel dropped that policy in the 1960s when it was finally winterized, making the grand property accessible to travelers year-round, no matter their length of stay.

When I finally booked my visit to Banff in winter, I made sure to reserve a Fairmont Gold room. Located on the private 4th and 5th floors of the main building, these rooms offer breathtaking mountain views and a cozy retreat after a day of snowy adventures. Plus, guests have access to the exclusive Fairmont Gold lounge, complete with a fireplace and delicious bed-and-breakfast style meals. I could have lingered in this relaxing space and nibbled on treats for hours.

And if you’re looking to unwind, the Fairmont Banff Springs’ 40,000-square-foot spa is the ultimate indulgence. Inspired by the hot springs that originally drew visitors to Banff, the wellness center boasts indoor and outdoor mineral pools, a massaging waterfall, and a menu of soothing therapies—perfect for recovering after a day in the snow.

But the magic of this hotel isn’t just in the rooms and spa. The property itself is like a living museum. From antique paintings of Banff to staircases made from Tyndall stone, which contains fossils, every corner has a story to tell. Don’t miss the hotel’s free guided history tour, which offers a deeper look into the property’s fascinating past.

Soar to the top of Sulphur Mountain on the Banff Gondola

One of my favorite winter experiences in Banff was taking an 8-minute ride on the Banff Gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain, where I was treated to breathtaking views of the Bow Valley, the town of Banff, and an impressive six mountain ranges. From there, I stretched my legs on the Sulphur Mountain Boardwalk to Sanson’s Peak. The short, gentle trail led me to the Sulphur Mountain Cosmic Ray Station, a National Historic Site of Canada, where cosmic rays have been studied for decades. The trail’s pristine winter scenery felt utterly magical.

If you’re planning a trip up, try to time your ride close to sunset. That way, you can experience Nightrise, an immersive art installation in collaboration with the Stoney Nakoda Nation. As darkness falls, the display of sound and light is downright dazzling.

Snowshoe across Lake Louise while it’s frozen

If you’ve ever wondered what it might be like to walk on clouds, try snowshoeing across Lake Louise on a winter trip to Banff. The snowshoes keep your feet atop the soft, powdery snow, allowing you to experience the magic of walking across this famous lake. The stark scenery feels like a vintage black-and-white postcard brought to life. It’s humbling to think of all the intrepid explorers who’ve made this same journey throughout history.

No need to book a guided experience to go snowshoeing across Lake Louise. The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise can hook you up with gear for your wintry adventure.

Once you’ve had your fill of snowshoeing, try some of the other ways to enjoy this part of Banff in the winter. You can go ice-skating on Lake Louise, take a dog sledding tour, or hop on an enchanting sleigh ride.

Fill up on mountain fare at Banff’s best restaurants

One of my favorite parts of visiting Banff in winter was filling up on creative mountain fare. This town boasts a surprisingly diverse array of restaurants that serve one delicious meal after the next.

When I visited Bluebird, a cozy wood-fired steakhouse in Banff, I couldn’t resist diving into some classic Swiss fondue. The setting instantly charmed me with its chic Alpine-style chalet atmosphere. While the melted cheese was a highlight, I was also impressed by the veggie sides—think roasted rainbow carrots, maitake mushrooms drizzled in maple sauce, and grilled cauliflower with chili and onion. If you’re looking to wash it all down with something buzzy, Bluebird’s inventive menu, which features local spirits, gives you plenty of options to choose from.

Speaking of local spirits, you have to check out Park Distillery, the only distillery located within a Canadian National Park, on your winter trip to Banff. Using water from glaciers in the Rocky Mountains and grain from high-altitude family farms in Alberta, this distillery crafts some seriously special gins and vodkas. I sampled a few of their creations in cocktails at the on-site restaurant, where the campfire-inspired dishes perfectly complemented the drinks. Don’t skip the spicy rigatoni alla vodka—it’s a must-try.

As a long-time vegetarian, I was also excited to check out Nourish Bistro, a plant-based restaurant in Banff. The fusion menu of globally inspired dishes has something to satisfy any craving you might have. Choose from veggie gyoza, mushroom ravioli, kimchi burgers, and ramen—just to name a few favorites.

If you’re craving a gourmet experience with a view that captures Banff’s in all its winter glory, there are two key options to consider. During the day, I highly recommend booking the Banff high tea at Rundle Bar in the Fairmont Banff Springs. You can sip champagne and perfectly brewed tea made from fine loose leaves while nibbling on delicate finger sandwiches and Victorian scones, all with jaw-dropping views through the windows. It’s the perfect way to soak in the beauty of Banff while feeling like royalty.

For your evening meal, take the Banff Gondola up to Sky Bistro. At this mountaintop spot, you’ll enjoy upscale three-course meals made with locally sourced ingredients from farmers and suppliers across Western Canada. The menu features mouthwatering dishes like onion balsamic tarts, smoked King Cole duck, seafood chowder, and miso-braised cabbage—just what you need to refuel ahead of another day of winter fun in Banff.