An Aussie's First White Christmas in Banff and Lake Louise: A Canadian Winter Holiday

What It's Really Like to Spend Christmas in Banff & Lake Louise

Growing up in Australia, White Christmas always seemed like an interesting choice of carol.

While a wintry holiday sounded romantic and oh-so dreamy, it never really rang true to my version of the festive season: summer, thirty-something degrees, searching for gifts in an air-conditioned shopping center.

But when I gave up my beloved Queensland mango for a perfectly frosted gingerbread town called Banff, I finally understood.

I’ll never forget when everything clicked. I was strolling along Banff Avenue, rugged up (bundled up, as Canadians say) in my mittens and toque (that’s a beanie) and searching for the perfect handful of Christmas cards. Between the stores decorated cute-as-a-button, and the endless stream of giant snowflakes that flurried outside, I couldn’t decide what was more beautiful.

I turned onto Bear Street and shuffled into my favourite cafe, Wild Flour, dusted the snow off my shoulders and ordered a delicious hot chocolate. Just when I thought the card-writing vibes were immaculate, White Christmas started to play.

This time, I didn’t just hear it.

I got it.

Admittedly, the idea of missing a family barbeque, eating fresh mango in the sunshine and cooling off with a splash in the pool or at the beach, had me feeling homesick.

But then the snow settled in and changed everything.

I noticed the layer of beauty it added to tree branches and mountain peaks – even the rooftops! – and quickly realized that there was no way I’d rather spend the holiday. (And I love mango.)

Of course, a fresh dusting of snow was the icing on the cake that made me fall in love with Christmas in Banff and Lake Louise, but beneath that delicious layer was so much more to savor.

Holiday spirit was in the air long before the big day arrived, even without including Banff Avenue’s year-round Christmas store.

Whether I was at a cafe, the Banff Christmas Market or tubing at Mt. Norquay and laughing until my cheeks hurt, I felt it.

Wholesomeness that drew me in, making me want to learn about everyone I met. Warmth that a summer in Queensland couldn’t prepare me for. Small town charm that stole my heart and made me never want to leave.

It was totally intoxicating, and the best part is, you don’t need to be a “local” to experience it.

Just like a powder stash or fellow Aussie, if you’re looking for holiday spirit, the ski hills are where you’ll find it. Almost everyone I met was celebrating the season away from home, but there was a sense of togetherness – and family – that was undeniable. From snow hosts to lifties (short for ski lift operators), everyone was smiling, welcoming and excited to chat.

Christmas time looks a little different between the two places I call home.

On top of that, I discovered a few new traditions, like hot chocolate between ski runs, après and hot tubbing. And plenty more off-piste.

Second only to catching snowflakes on your tongue, ice skating is as traditional to a white Christmas as it gets.

I remember gliding (or, so I thought) across Lake Louise and feeling like I was in the winter Olympics. Spoiler alert: it’s not as easy, or graceful, as the athletes make it seem. And definitely not as graceful as the gorgeous horses that passed by with their sleighs.

Luckily, they, and postcard-worthy winter scenery, made up for my lack of majesticness. (And that I didn’t need skates to access the ice bar for a cocktail.)

Speaking of majestic…

My first Christmas at the Castle is one I’ll remember forever. I stepped into the lobby at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel and was totally speechless.

Baubles sparkled under twinkling fairy lights and the smell of real pine wreaths carried through the corridors, decked with rustic decor.

I took my time to explore and eventually found myself at Mount Stephan Hall.

There stood the biggest Christmas tree I’ve ever seen; floor to ceiling, and not a branch was bare.

The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel sets the bar for holiday decorating, and last Christmas was no exception.

I think I actually gasped out loud.

I know I said I didn’t know what to expect from my first snowy holiday in Banff, but if you’d asked me to take a wild guess, it wouldn’t have been far from this.

Cozy and classic, perfectly bundled and wrapped up with a red-velvet bow.

If you’re looking for an experience that’s reminiscent of a Hallmark movie, trust me when I say: you can’t miss this.

Castle? Check. Ice skating? Check. Hot chocolate? Check, check, check…

Tip: If you have a sweet tooth like me, the Hot Chocolate Trail is non-negotiable. It’s a self-guided tour of the most decadent, unique and delicious festive hot chocolates around Banff and Lake Louise.

It was time for the Christmas event that everyone was talking about.

One snowy evening, I put on my winter coat and made my way to the Banff Christmas Market.

I’m sure I could have found my way just by following the excited energy but would still encourage you to follow a map.

The market was practically glowing with warmth and spirit.

Little kids were perched on their parents’ shoulders while big kids huddled around the fire and sipped on festive beverages (‘tis the mulled wine season, after all!).

Local artisans displayed ceramics, jewelry, photography and handmade gifts or handed samples of jams, fudge and treats.

Carols were everywhere, and you couldn’t help but sing along.

And it wouldn’t be a Christmas Market without an appearance from Santa Claus, himself.

Truth be told, when I arrived in Banff, I only planned to stay for a season. In my mind, that meant 3 to 4 months.

But when Christmas came around, the snow began to fall and I got a taste of holiday magic in a mountain town, I knew I had to stay.

Nearly a decade later, I’m still here. 

So, if, for some reason, you’re trying to talk yourself out of spending a white Christmas in Banff and Lake Louise – you’ve come to the wrong girl.

But, on the other hand, if you’re dreaming of a white Christmas…

So much has been added to the lineup of events and activities in Banff National Park since I spent my first holiday here.

From the enchanting In Search of Christmas Spirit event to dog sledding and more, there are countless ways to experience the magic for yourself. Whether you’re looking for inspiration or to book your Christmas vacation in Banff and Lake Louise, visit the Trip Planner to get started.

Can’t wait to see you here!