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7 Things to Do in Banff and Lake Louise in Winter

Published Date
Jan 3, 2023|
Themes
Active Travel
Two people walk on snowshoes on Lake Louise in Banff National Park.

Banff and Lake Louise may beckon skiers from all over the world to its three world-class ski resorts, but what is there to do off the hill?

If you’re a non-skier or looking to fill in the days while your legs recoup, check out these seven winter activities in Banff National Park.

There’s something for everyone–from gentle sightseeing to rigorous athletic endeavours!

7 Winter Activities:

  1. Snowshoeing
  2. Fat Biking
  3. Cross-Country Skiing
  4. Dogsledding
  5. Sleigh Rides
  6. Soak in Hot Springs and Outdoor Hot Tubs
  7. Visit Art Galleries
Two people sit on the ice at Abraham Lake on top of the ice bubbles in Nordegg, near Lake Louise and Banff National Park.
Two people sit in a red sleigh as they are pulled through a snowy forest in Lake Louise in Banff National Park.

1. See More Country Snowshoeing

This method of transportation has come a long way from large wooden frames. The new versions are sleek and lightweight and also easier to maneuver.

You can rent a pair and find your footing on one of our many winter hiking trails or book a tour and explore the great white wilderness.

Banff Sunshine Village, Banff Hiking Company, Great Divide Nature Interpretation, and White Mountain Adventures take you to places less explored where you can really play and test the limits of your new footwear.

With guides by your side, you’ll float atop deep, fresh powder and even have the chance to slide down a hill or two crouched on your heels (not required, but highly recommended if offered!).

A snowshoe guide brings a group of snowshoers along at the base of Mount Fairview in Lake Louise in Banff National Park.A snowshoe guide brings a group of snowshoers along at the base of Mount Fairview in Lake Louise in Banff National Park.A snowshoe guide brings a group of snowshoers along at the base of Mount Fairview in Lake Louise in Banff National Park.

2. Work Up an Appetite Fat Biking

Keep warm and see the sights! Fat biking is a gentle but effective cardio workout, so skip the stationary bike and see the world off-screen.

There are trails open to fat bikes in the winter with a variety of difficulty levels, or you can explore the many paths within the town limits for a slower-paced ride.

To get started, rent a bike from Snowtips-Bactrax & Bike Rental in downtown Banff or Wilson Mountain Sports in Lake Louise.

At the end, return your bike and pop over to a downtown restaurant for a well-earned bite to eat.

Two people ride fat bikes on a bridge over a frozen river heading into Sundance Lodge. Two people ride fat bikes on a bridge over a frozen river heading into Sundance Lodge. Two people ride fat bikes on a bridge over a frozen river heading into Sundance Lodge.

3. Smilin’ while Cross-Country Skiin’

Gliding through the mountains on a pair of cross-country skis will open up areas of the national park that are otherwise closed during the winter. That insider glimpse is sure to put a big smile on your face!

Cross-country skiing is a fun and peaceful way to enjoy the sights around you. While relaxing, it’s not without its thrills–exit Moraine Lake trail on the right day, and you’ll pick up a bit of speed on the way back to your car. For something a little flatter, try the Great Divide Trail across the road and see if you can make it all the way into British Columbia and back. Check out all of the

Rent a pair of skinny skis from Ultimate Sports, Wilson Mountain Sports, and Banff Adventures. To nail the technique and feign expert-level skills, take a lesson with Bikescape.

A woman in a yellow coat cross-country skis in Banff National Park.A woman in a yellow coat cross-country skis in Banff National Park.A woman in a yellow coat cross-country skis in Banff National Park.

4. Experience the Mountains by Dogsledding

If you’ve seen a video of Banff and Lake Louise, chances are you’ve seen a preview of this iconic tradition.

These dogs were bred for this, and you’ll see the excitement in their yips and jumps as soon as you arrive. They are literally raring to go!

You’ll be tucked inside a warm, sheltered sled while your guide leads the dogs. Depending on your tour, you may even get to test commands as you guide the dogs yourself!

Book with Kingmik Dog Sled Tours or Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours.

Local's Tip: While the sled is quite cozy, you won’t be moving as much as you may be with other activities. Dress in extra layers with a toque and scarf, and, if possible, bring goggles or oversized sunglasses to shield your eyes.

A dog sled goes through snowy trees near Banff National Park.A dog sled goes through snowy trees near Banff National Park.A dog sled goes through snowy trees near Banff National Park.

5. Sleigh Rides - A Classic Winter Experience

Is there anything more magical than a winter sleigh ride in the mountains while the snow softly falls? We can’t think of anything!

Lucky for you, you have three options for a horse-drawn sleigh with Banff Trail Riders, Brewster Adventures, and Discover Banff Tours.

Each tour will wrap you in thick warm blankets, offering just the right amount of cozy, no matter whether you choose a daytime or evening excursion. Some even end with a warm fire and a hot cup of cocoa.

A red horse drawn sleigh pulls people along in the shadow of Mount Rundle in Banff National Park.
A horse handler talks to the two horses of the horse drawn sleigh rides in Lake Louise in Banff National Park.

6. Soak in Hot Springs and Outdoor Hot Tubs

Speaking of keeping warm. You can enjoy the mountain vistas from any one of the hot springs or outdoor hot tubs in Banff and Lake Louise. Relax in the warm waters after a day of activities and take in the beautiful mountain views all around you.

Steep in history at the Banff Upper Hot Springs (the reason Banff is a national park), or stay at a hotel with a rooftop hot tub like the Moose Hotel and Suites, Hidden Ridge Resort, and Mt. Royal Hotel. Check out our full list of outdoor hot tubs in Banff National Park to find your perfect hot water escape.

A woman sits in a rooftop hot tub at the Moose Hotel looking at Mount Rundle in Banff.A woman sits in a rooftop hot tub at the Moose Hotel looking at Mount Rundle in Banff.A woman sits in a rooftop hot tub at the Moose Hotel looking at Mount Rundle in Banff.

7. Visit Art Galleries

Bear Street is an uber cute, pedestrian-friendly strip in downtown Banff that is overflowing with mountain culture. You’ll spot skiers returning from a day on the hill, charming cafés with home-baked goods, a firepit to warm passing visitors, and restaurants serving up local dishes.

But dotted between all of that is where you’ll find a condensed art tour. Visit all four galleries as you wander the street and see local Indigenous paintings, contemporary Canadian sculptures, mountain-inspired prints, and rare gemstone jewelry.

Visit Canada House Gallery, Willock & Sax Gallery, Paper Den, and Carter-Ryan Gallery.

Stay for Longer

We’ve only just scratched the surface of winter wonderland activities in Banff and Lake Louise.

The only way you’ll experience the rest is to visit for yourself.

Book your stay in Banff and Lake Louise today.

Whitney Arnott

Whitney Arnott

Whitney enjoys all things outdoors. Whether she’s camping, hiking, or kayaking, she always has her camera at hand ready to capture life in the Canadian Rockies.