Winter Myths Exposed: The Truth About Snowy Season in Banff and Lake Louise

Everything You Know About Winter is Wrong

If you’ve never experienced winter or more specifically, a Canadian winter, there are some cold-hard facts you need to know.

Skip ahead:
When does winter start and end?
What to do in the winter?
What's the weather like in winter?
Winter Events in Banff
How do I get to Banff and Lake Louise?

1. When does winter start and end?

Myth: Winter is November to February.

You might have a short winter season at home (if at all) and expect the same here.

But in the Rockies, winter is the longest season of the year.

Here’s why:

Banff and Lake Louise are perfectly perched in the Canadian Rocky Mountains in Alberta.

The altitude gifts a long winter season, but in reality, snow can dust the mountaintops any month of the year.

It just isn’t always present in the valleys.

To paint a picture, it might snow on the summit of one of our mountains on a hot 30º Celsius (86ºF) day in August, but that wouldn’t stop you from taking a refreshing canoe paddle along the Bow River.

However, the snow and cooler temperatures start to make a more prominent appearance around October or November.

Usually, the marker that winter is here to stay is when the ski hills open their lifts, and it officially ends when they close.

So, the truth is, Winter in Banff and Lake Louise runs November to May.

If that seems long, let us assure you that the locals are experts in the season and have already figured out the most enjoyable ways to experience it.

2. What is there to do in Banff and Lake Louise in the winter?

Myth: Skiing is the only way to enjoy winter in the mountains.

With three world-class resorts, Banff and Lake Louise are a beacon for skiers and snowboarders who want to extend their season as long as possible.

However, if you’re not interested in hitting the slopes, there are still plenty of things to enjoy (inside and outside)!

Sleigh Rides

A quintessential way to see Banff is by sleigh ride. Tours depart from multiple locations in the park, including Banff Trail Riders and Brewster Mountain Adventures.

Sightseeing Gondolas

While winter hiking is an option, you can opt for a sightseeing gondola ride instead. It’s all the views with a lot less effort!

There are three options in the park, and most serve food and drink at the top.

Choose the Banff Gondola for the closest to Banff town, or head to Sunshine Village or Lake Louise Ski Resort to see the sights and skiers enjoying our ski resorts!

If you'd like to add a bit of adventure to your day at Sunshine Village, consider a guided snowshoe excursion. It's a fun and safe way to explore the pristine snowy landscapes and soak in those stunning mountain views!

Dogsledding

There’s a balance to be found between the stillness of winter and the absolute thrill of it. Dogsledding weighs the scales in favour of excitement!

These dogs are eager to show off their speed while whisking you away to hard-to-reach areas on foot in the winter.

Both Kingmik Dog Sled Tours and Snowy Owl Sled Tours will whisk you through this winter wonderland all winter!

Skating

Following Banff and Lake Louise hashtags on social media will give you a dose of envy, but it’s not a feeling you have to sit with long because you can book a trip to see it for yourself.

One of the most shared scenes this time of year is natural ice skating, where the lakes freeze over enough to skate upon.

Around the town of Banff, there are some ice rinks that are managed by the Town of Banff, but to skate on a beautiful lake surrounded by the mountains, head to Lake Louise.

The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise monitors the ice thickness so you can glide along the lake without worry.

To skate without assessing the ice’s thickness yourself, try one of the rinks in town.

Spas, Treatments & Healing in Banff

Stay toasty warm inside the spa with your choice of treatments. If you want a balance of warm and cold, try the Banff Upper Hot Springs outdoor pools.

Wildlife Tours

Winter is one of the easiest times to see wildlife because most don’t camouflage as well! Take a tour to get the insider’s scoop on the best places to spot elk, deer, and bighorn sheep.

Remember, it is a National Park, so animals roam freely. Please keep your distance and don’t feed the wildlife.

Cave Tours

There’s one place in the mountains that stays the same temperature no matter the time of year: the caves.

Take a short hike before you enter the 4.5ºC cave system with Canmore Cave Tours.

They have different options for their tours, you don't need any previous experience or specialist equipment, just a sense of adventure!

Even more winter activities in Banff and Lake Louise

For more winter activities, check out fat biking, Hiking, and cross-country skiing.

3. What’s the weather like?

Myth: It’s too cold!

While the temperatures can vary over the winter and your location within the park, it’s a dry cold that doesn’t chill your bones.

Overall, the temperatures can range on average from +16º Celsius (60ºF) to -15º Celsius (5ºF) in Winter.

But there’s one sure-fire way to stay warm when the temps drop and you're spending time outside: layering!

Locals and seasoned travelers will dress in:

• A natural-fibre, sweat-wicking base layer
• Pants and a long-sleeved shirt
• An additional sweater on chillier days
• An insulated, waterproof coat
• Good socks to keep your feet dry
• Waterproof mittens or gloves
• A toque for your head
• Scarf or neck warmer for added comfort
• Activities: snow pants

For hiking, add spikes to your boots and take hiking poles for extra support.

For an in-depth look at what to wear for winter activities, we have a blog on this very topic.

4. Banff Winter Events

Myth: I’ll be stuck inside the whole time. There’s nothing to do!

On top of all the activities, you can plan your trip around events that take place on specific dates throughout the season.

Cascade Gardens transforms into a trail of illuminated sculptures with an engaging story and captivating sound effects known as In Search of Christmas Spirit in November and December.

The Santa Claus Celebration of Lights is an annual two-day outdoor celebration with live music, kid’s crafts, and Storytime with Santa. Held in mid-November, this celebration kicks off Banff's holiday season.

The Banff Craft Beer Festival takes over the Cave and Basin National Historic Site for a weekend in November to show off locally brewed beers.

SnowDays transforms Banff and Lake Louise with larger-than-life snow and ice sculptures every January. Throughout the celebration, skijoring (that's skiers being pulled along Banff Ave by horses!), and SnowNights take place throughout January.

There is a near-constant stream of Events going on in Banff and Lake Louise, so make sure you browse our list of events and festivals.

5. How do I get to Banff and Lake Louise from Calgary?

Myth: It’s too isolated and remote.

In Banff and Lake Louise, you can be as connected or disconnected as you choose. Although, the latter is most recommended!

Banff National Park is an hour's drive from Calgary’s International Airport along a well-maintained major highway.

There are plenty of shuttle options available at the airport and downtown Calgary, which will drop you off at your hotel’s front door.

Once you’re in town, Roam Public Transit have two very frequent routes that will take you to key areas around Banff Town and between Banff and Lake Louise towns.

Sunshine Village, Mt. Norquay, and Lake Louise Ski resorts all have free shuttles to and from the ski hills.

There’s no better way to experience the mountain views than to let someone else chauffeur you around! Guided Winter tours can take you all around without having to worry about road conditions!

Visit Banff and Lake Louise in the Winter

There’s nothing quite as magical as a fresh dusting of snow topping the mountains or big, fluffy snowflakes fluttering in your eyelashes. And there’s nowhere better to experience it than Banff National Park, where you can fill your days with as much fun or relaxation as you choose.

With so many things to do, keeping track can be quite hard. Our Trip Builder below helps you pick out your favourite options and get your winter adventure going!