Best Winter Hikes in Banff and Lake Louise for All Skill Levels
- Published
- Nov 7, 2023|
- Last Updated
- Feb 11, 2025|
- Active Travel

As the last golden larches drop their needles, the first snowfall softens Banff National Park. Winds whirl off the mountain tops and snow-covered forests sparkle in the alpenglow of shorter days. Winter's arrival brings a fresh perspective to explore the best hikes in Banff and Lake Louise.
Whether you choose a self-guided or guided experience, winter hiking in Banff offers a chance to challenge your comfort zone and connect with nature’s seasonal rhythm.
Plus, travelling between October and April means you can have the best hikes in Banff almost all to yourself, with fewer visitors in the park during this time.
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Easy Winter Hikes
Easy trails are typically well-packed and offer minimal elevation gain, perfect for those looking for a relaxed winter walk. These routes wind through snow-dusted forests, along frozen lakes, or to scenic viewpoints, making them ideal for families and casual hikers. Some gear, like microspikes, may be recommended.
Johnson Lake
As most visitors flock to the famous shores of Lake Minnewanka, take a stroll around Johnson Lake for a more local experience. This gentle path (with brilliant views of Cascade Mountain and Mount Rundle) has minimal elevation and takes about an hour to hike or snowshoe. As you wander through the forest, you’ll likely meet some friendly faces and their 4 legged friends!
Distance: 2.9km loop
Elevation: 70m
Time: 60 minutes
Location: Minnewanka Loop, about 12km from the Banff townsite.
Lake Louise Lakeshore
When it comes to Lake Louise winter hikes, you cannot miss the Lake Louise Lakeshore. Starting at the footsteps of the Chateau Lake Louise, this mellow walking path winds softly through the trees and onto the lake itself once it is frozen. It arrives at the end of the lake for a close-up view of the mighty Victoria Glacier and a massive ice-climbing wall.
The best part? If you’re not up for the walk, you can take a cozy horse-drawn sleigh ride instead. If you’re hiking, stay on the lakeshore trail and don’t take the uphill path to the Lake Agnes Tea House, which has avalanche risk.
Distance: 4km return
Elevation: 0m
Time: 90 minutes
Guided tours: Book a winter sleigh ride with Brewster Adventures
Location: Lake Louise
Transit: Roam Transit 8X to Lake Louise
Bow Lake Lakeshore
Pack your camera! The Bow Lake Lakeshore is one of the most breathtaking Lake Louise winter hikes. From the towering rock face of Crowfoot Mountain to the immense hanging glaciers, there is no shortage of shots to take while hiking or snowshoeing.
This trail is easy and safe, but as you approach the end of the lake, be extremely mindful of signage and do not hike into avalanche-risk areas.
Distance: 8km return
Time: 3-4 hours
Elevation: 80m
Equipment Rental: Snowshoes and poles
Guided tours: Book a snowshoe tour with Great Divide Nature Interpretation to learn about winter wildlife.
Peyto Lake Viewpoint
The Peyto Lake Viewpoint is perfect for beginners. If the drive along the Icefields Parkway wasn’t stunning enough, this short, paved walk promises the crown jewel of profile pictures. From this viewpoint, snap a shot of Peyto Lake’s prominent “fox-like” shape coated in pure white. Visit at sunset and watch the entire valley ignite in creamy shades of pink.
Distance: 1.5km return
Elevation: 25m
Time: 45 minutes
Equipment Rental: Ice cleats
Guided tours: Radventures - Icefields Parkway tour
Location: Icefield Parkway, about 45 km from Lake Louise.
Moderate Winter Hikes
These trails lead to some of winter’s most stunning sights—frozen waterfalls, mountain views, and snow-covered forests. Expect some steeper sections and icy patches, so microspikes are recommended. Suitable for older kids or experienced young hikers, as long as everyone’s comfortable with the terrain.
Johnston Canyon
Johnston Canyon is one of Banff National Park's most iconic natural attractions. In winter, trek along steel catwalks, built into the canyon's narrow walls, gazing up at cascades of glacial blue ice and down into the frozen gorge below.
This trail has two destinations, making it perfect for beginner and intermediate hikers. It’s a popular trail that gets packed down, so ice cleats are highly recommended.
Distance: 2.5km return (Lower Falls), 5km return (Upper Falls)
Elevation: 50m (Lower Falls), 120m (Upper Falls)
Time: 2.5 hours (Upper Falls)
Equipment Rental: Ice cleats (microspikes)
Guided tours: Explore the canyon after dark with Discover Banff Tours or Banff Adventures
Location: Bow Valley Parkway about 25 km from the Banff townsite.
Fairview Lookout
If you’re an intermediate hiker, the short Fairview Lookout snowshoe trail offers steep spurts that will fire up your quads! The well-marked trail starts on the left side of Lake Louise and winds in S-shaped curves through snow-laden evergreens. Ending at 100m, the viewpoint offers sweeping views of the Chateau and a horizon of icy peaks.
Avalanche risk exists beyond the viewpoint, so stay on the marked trail.
Distance: 2km return
Elevation: 100m
Time: 90-minutes
Equipment Rental: Ice cleats (microspikes)
Guided Tours: Book with White Mountain Adventures to combine snowshoeing, ice skating, and afternoon tea!
Location: Lake Louise
Transit: Roam Transit 8X to Lake Louise
Difficult Winter Hikes
These trails take you higher into the mountains, where snow-covered peaks, lakes, and views await. With more elevation gain and longer distances, they offer a true sense of adventure. Expect packed snow and steep, icy sections. Bring microspikes or snowshoes to stay sure-footed.
Tunnel Mountain
If you’re an active traveller, who loves to get the blood pumping before breakfast, one of the best hikes in Banff is Tunnel Mountain.
Not only is the trailhead mere steps from downtown, but its summit also offers panoramic views of Mount Rundle, Sulphur Mountain, and the Town of Banff. This trail is popular and packed down, so ice cleats are recommended.
Distance: 5km return
Time: 2 hours
Elevation: 250m
Equipment Rental: Ice cleats
Guided tours: Self-guided. Explore historic landmarks with the Town of Banff’s online interpretive walking tour
Taylor Lake
The Taylor Lake trail exists below the treeline, meaning it has a low avalanche risk and it’s safe for the everyday winter hiker. Follow the packed down path to the lakeshore for a picnic, avoiding trails that lead towards O’Brien Lake or Panorama Ridge (both avalanche-risk areas). It’s a full-day trek, so pack plenty of warm layers, food, and water.
This area is popular with backcountry skiers, so keep your ears out for them coming down the trail towards you!
Distance: 12.6km
Elevation: 585m
Time: 4-6 hours
Equipment Rental: Ice cleats and poles
Guided tours: Book a custom hike with Banff Hiking Company. They offer tours in English, French and Spanish!
Sulphur Mountain
Sulphur Mountain is popular because it caters to all abilities. Experienced hikers can hike up and down, while beginner hikers can take the Banff Gondola up and then hike down.
Hiking poles and ice cleats are recommended for the switchbacks and hikers must stay on the marked path because of avalanche risk adjacent to the trail. At the top, make sure to visit the state-of-the-art Above Banff Interpretation Centre and grab a bite at Canada’s most scenic restaurant, Sky Bistro.
Distance: 11km (up and down), 5.5km (down only)
Elevation: 655m
Time: 3-4 hours
Equipment Rentals: Ice cleats and poles
Location: Banff townsite
Transit: Roam Transit Route 1
Must-Have Gear for Winter Hikes
Winters in Banff and Lake Louise are cool and dry, with average lows of -15C and cold snaps as low as -35C. Plus, mountain weather can change on a dime! Layering is essential to keep you comfortable. At the minimum, you'll want:
- Thermal base layers
- Insulated and waterproof gloves, jacket, pants and boots
- Warm toque
We have all the best tips in the blog, Gearing up For Winter Activites in Banff National Park.
If you need something, you can always visit one of Banff's outdoor retail shops which will help make sure you stay warm on your next winter hike in Banff.
Winter Gear Rentals
Whether you're heading out for a scenic snowshoe or looking for grip on icy trails, you’ll find plenty of rental options in Banff and Lake Louise.
Snowshoes
Snowshoes are perfect for exploring snowy winter trails. You can rent snowshoes from:
- Wilson Mountain Sports (Lake Louise)
- Chateau Ski & Snow (Lake Louise)
- Chateau Mountain Sports (Banff)
- Banff Adventures (Banff)
- Snowtips-Bactrax (Banff)
- Ultimate Sports (Banff)
- White Mountain Adventures (Banff)
Ice Cleats and Hiking Poles
Ice cleats (also called traction aids or microspikes) give you extra grip on icy surfaces. You can rent ice cleats from:
Safety Tips
When hiking in winter, weather, temperature, and avalanche awareness become extra important, in addition to universal hiking safety tips. Before you leave home, remember to be prepared, take steps to prevent uncertainty, and always make safety a priority.
Parks Canada offers excellent resources on what to pack and how to plan before you hike in winter, including:
- Weather forecasts
- Avalanche information
- Trail conditions
- Winter driving tips
- Wildlife awareness
- Emergency contact details
- Safety equipment packing list
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