5 Magical Things to Do in Winter in Banff and Lake Louise

Next, you’ll want to venture into the Play Zone – where kids of every age can try fat biking or cross-country skiing and play on specially-constructed snow hills and castles. Bring your gloves because this is a fully hands-on experience. Finally, grab your tickets for Skijoring. This is the perfect blend of Alberta’s cultures – farm life and mountain life. It’s a spectacle that needs to be seen to be sure it’s real. Horses and riders ride hard down Banff Ave., towing skiers dressed in their retro-best, hitting jumps and pulling off mid-air tricks. Yes, this is real – but you’ll want to witness it to be sure.

Explore a Snow-Covered Forest

With thousands of kilometers of trails to explore, you’ll be able to quickly find yourself in a snow-covered forest with trees laden down in snow. This magical experience needs to be felt firsthand, as light snow will fall from the treetops onto your toque and the sunlight makes the snow sparkle. You have your choice of how to explore as well. You can snap on snowshoes and go for a leisurely stroll, maybe pick up the pace a bit and try out a cross-country ski trail, or experience one of winter’s most popular newer sports – fat biking. No matter how you decide to get into the forest, one thing is certain. Once you are there, it is magical.

Skate on a Frozen Lake

Lake Louise is world renowned for its views and canoeing in the summer. But did you know that it turns into a winter wonderland when the snow starts to fly? And even better, there is a maintained ice rink directly on the lake, where you can strap on your skates and glide under the towering peak of Mount Fairview. And you don’t need to pack your skates, just pick up rentals from Chateau Mountain Sports, Chateau Ski & Snow or Wilson Mountain Sports in the Lake Louise Village. This should be a bucket-list, must-do item during every winter vacation in Banff National Park. There’s nothing like feeling the ice glide beneath you and knowing that you are skating on one of the most famous lakes in the world.

Gather by a Fire

There’s just something magical about grabbing a warm drink and cozying up by the fire after a fantastic day in the mountains. With the warmth of a fire, your hands wrapped around a mug, settling into a comfy chair, hopefully with a big cozy sweater. And there are so many options to do just this in Banff. Most hotels come equipped with fireplaces (electric, gas, and wood), and there are a few outdoor locations where you need to bring firewood and be out amongst the beauty, including Cascade Ponds. Just note that you'll need to buy firewood in town. Try IGA when looking for firewood. Even better, you don’t need a hotel or to start your own fire to get your cozy fire and drink fix. Several cafes in Banff and Lake Louise have the perfect place to sit and enjoy a warm beverage in big comfy chairs surrounded by warmth. Check out the big outdoor firepits at Good Earth and Whitebark Café if you want to stay in the fresh air. You can also head inside to the Larkspur Lounge at the Rimrock Hotel or – for the best of both worlds – try the Happy Camper Café inside the Canalta Lodge, where you can be indoors or outdoors and still get that cozy, fireside vibe.

Winter in Banff National Park is a magical time to be here. Whether it’s sitting fireside, exploring a forest or finding your Christmas spirit – everyone can find something whimsical and enchanting in Canada’s oldest national park. If you’re ready to embrace the winter wonderland, check out our trip planner today and start planning your winter vacation now.