After-Dark Adventures in Banff and Lake Louise

Just because the sun has set doesn’t mean your adventure needs to be over!

Banff and Lake Louise have an endless number of excuses to keep you up well past your bedtime. Here are our favourite after-dark activities.

1. Experience the Nightlife

2. Lace Up Your Skates

3. Explore a Frozen Canyon

4. Soak In the Stars

5. Go for a Moonlight Snowshoe

6. Try Night Skiing at Mt. Norquay

7. Enjoy a Show at Banff Centre

1. Experience the Nightlife

As the day winds down, the evening scene in Banff and Lake Louise comes alive with cozy bars, live music, and vibrant après spots.

Local favourites include High Rollers (bowling, pizza, and live music some nights), Melissa's Missteak (great views and weekend bands), Rose & Crown (a classic second-floor pub with live music almost nightly), and Banff Ave Brew Co, where you can sample local beers with views of Banff Avenue.

Locals Tip: During January's annual Snowdays festival, don't miss Snownights where the town transforms into a captivating experience.

2. Lace Up Your Skates

Getting ready for the next Olympics? If you’re adventuring near the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, bring your skates to the lakeshore and have a blast skating on natural ice rinks of Lake Louise. The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise monitors the ice thickness daily and lights the rink at night making it the perfect spot for an evening skate.

In Banff, you can also skate under twinkle lights at the Fenlands Recreation Grounds rink, complete with a cozy warming hut right beside the ice.

If you need ice skates, rentals are available from Snowtips-Bactrax and Banff Adventures in Banff and the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and Wilson Mountain Sports in Lake Louise.

3. Explore a Frozen Canyon

Strap on your cleats, turn on your headlamp and watch the crystallized walls of Johnston Canyon come to life on an evening ice tour with Discover Banff Tours and Banff Adventures. 

One of the most popular summer destinations in Banff National Park, Johnston Canyon becomes transformed as surging waterfalls turn to frozen giants during the winter months. Add a cup of hot chocolate and you’re in for a night to remember!

4. Soak In the Stars

You’ve seen the stunning aurora photos, now it’s time to capture one for your Instagram! Astrophotography enthusiasts will appreciate the endless dark skies surrounding Banff and Lake Louise.

Consider heading out to Lake Minnewanka or Cascade Ponds for beautiful skies close to town!

Be respectful of others, keep noise low, park only in designated areas, and let someone know where you're going before you head out.

For the latest on aurora conditions, sign up for alerts with Aurora Watch. If photography isn’t your thing, just bring some tea and watch the stars dance across the mountain skies - you won't regret it. You can find our full guide to experiencing the Aurora Borealis in Banff National Park here.

5. Go for a Moonlight Snowshoe

As night falls over, the only sound you’ll hear is the snow crunch under your feet.

Put on some snowshoes and join a Mountain Heritage Guide from the Chateau Lake Louise for a Night Owl Snowshoe along the lakeshore or book a private (1-2 person) Evening Snowshoe Tour with the Fairmont Banff Springs.

The evening transforms the snow into a glittering paradise.

6. Try Night Skiing at Mt. Norquay

Who says shredding has to stop when the sun goes down? Try night skiing, a favourite of many Banff locals, the illuminated slopes of Mt. Norquay will give you a chance to ski under the stars. Hop on the Cascade chair and enjoy a few laps to finish off the week.

When: Friday and Saturday evenings, from 5pm to 9pm. From December 26, 2025, to March 14, 2026.

Local's tip: After your final lap, warm up at the Lone Pine Pub for a carft pint, hearty snacks, and a unmistakable Norquay community vibe.

7. Enjoy a Show at Banff Centre

Set on Tunnel Mountain overlooking the Bow Valley, the Banff Center for Arts and Creativity is a hub for mountain culture and the arts. From live music and film screenings to theater and dance, it's a year-round lineup that showcases both local and international talent in an unforgettable setting.

Before or after a show, stop by Maclab Bistro, a relaxed light filled restaurant offering seasonal dishes and iconic views. It's the perfect place to unwind and take in the creative atmosphere of the Banff Center.