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7 Reasons to Try Snowshoeing in Banff and Lake Louise

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Oct 16, 2023|
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Active Travel, Sports
Snowshoeing on Bow Lake, Banff National Park

Have you ever dreamed of going where no one else has? Seeing a part of the world that only a few have laid eyes on before? Snowshoeing in Banff and Lake Louise is the perfect way to realize that dream. By strapping on a pair of snowshoes, you reach landscapes on foot that are otherwise inaccessible during the winter. With each snowfall, you see a whole new world yet to be touched by the tracks you’ll soon create.

Need more convincing? Here are seven reasons why you should give it a go this winter.

1. You, Yourself and Nature

Slow down, take a deep breath of crisp winter air, and move through the wilderness at your own pace. There’s no end destination in mind; you’re here to purely enjoy the moment, see the mountain ranges from a different perspective, and spend a little time reconnecting with nature.

Snowshoeing in Banff National ParkSnowshoeing in Banff National ParkSnowshoeing in Banff National Park

2. Wholesome, Family Fun

While snowshoeing can be a great way to find some solitude, it is also incredibly fun as a group. It’s inclusive of most ages and allows you to unplug and spend uninterrupted time together.

Not to mention the mounds of snow at your disposal that make for the best snowball fights! It is some of the most good-hearted, family-friendly fun you can have.

3. A Match for Any Skill Level

It doesn’t matter if you’ve been a hundred times or never before; snowshoeing welcomes every skill level.

Although walking in snowshoes does change your stride, it doesn’t take very much to get the hang of it and provides a good laugh as you figure it out.

A couple travels through deep, untouched snow in snowshoes through a snowy forest on a sunny winter dayA couple travels through deep, untouched snow in snowshoes through a snowy forest on a sunny winter dayA couple travels through deep, untouched snow in snowshoes through a snowy forest on a sunny winter day

4. Explore at Your Own Pace

You can go as quickly or slowly as you choose. You can make it a leisurely walk across Moose Meadows or achieve your daily steps on the incline reaching Taylor Lake.

You choose how relaxing or strenuous you want your day to be and then find a trail to match.

Snowshoeing in Lake LouiseSnowshoeing in Lake LouiseSnowshoeing in Lake Louise

5. Fits Any Price Point

As far as winter sports go, this is definitely one of the most affordable ones. As long as you have warm winter clothes and proper winter boots, all you need to do is rent the snowshoes.

You can get rentals in Lake Louise at Wilson Mountain Sports, and in Banff at Snowtips-Bactrax and Banff Adventures.

6. Let the Experts Lead the Way

Snowshoeing can be as simple as renting a pair and finding a snow-laden trail to explore or you can book a tour with an expert guide to take you to lands unknown.

Guides offer a new perspective, can show you fun ways to play in your snowshoes, and provide knowledgeable interpretations of the area you’re exploring. Learn about early discoverers, animals native to the area and so much more.

Book with Discover Banff Tours, Great Divide Nature Interpretation, Lake Louise Ski Resort, Mt. Norquay, or White Mountain Adventures for an unparalleled experience.

Snowshoeing in Banff National ParkSnowshoeing in Banff National ParkSnowshoeing in Banff National Park

7. Unique Après Spots

If you begin a tour at Banff Sunshine, Mt. Norquay, or Lake Louise Ski Resort, you can visit their mountain-side pubs for a pint and a bite. Once you sit down and experience the casual and party-like vibe, you’ll never want to leave.

Otherwise, make a reservation in Banff or Lake Louise to try Alberta-made craft spirits and beers with locally sourced plates to pair.

A group of friends enjoy a meal and drinks at an outdoor table at a ski resort. You can see the ski chalet and mountains in the backgroundA group of friends enjoy a meal and drinks at an outdoor table at a ski resort. You can see the ski chalet and mountains in the backgroundA group of friends enjoy a meal and drinks at an outdoor table at a ski resort. You can see the ski chalet and mountains in the background

Snowshoeing is an amazing way to discover the winter wonderland of Banff and Lake Louise. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, you’ll find plenty of trails and scenery to suit your taste and skill level. So grab your snowshoes and get ready for an unforgettable adventure.

Find all the best trails and providers here!

Whitney Paget

Whitney Paget

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.