Guided Winter Tours & Activities in Banff National Park
Inside, you'll find the best guided winter tours in Banff and Lake Louise to inspire your itinerary along with expert insights for safe, memorable adventures in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Explore more with the help of local guides, from sightseeing tours and sleigh rides to expert-led snowshoeing, ski touring, and cultural experiences.
With so many things to do in Banff and Lake Louise during winter, planning an itinerary and sorting out logistics can be a lot to work through. The real question isn’t what to see, it’s how to experience it fully.
So how do you make the most of your time?
This curated guide to winter tours in Banff and Lake Louise brings together the experiences that will allow you to bring home more than just “bucket list” photos.
Beyond the beauty of the Canadian Rocky Mountains lies a wealth of local perspectives, world-class adventures, and unique experiences that turn your trip from excellent to unforgettable.
An experience with a great guide smooths out winter logistics, matches the day to the conditions, and turns each stop into a story.
Add your favourites to your itinerary as you read and start picturing the moments you’ll bring home.
Find your Perfect Guided Experience:
Sightseeing Tours in Banff and Lake Louise
Ready to explore the snowy side of Banff and Lake Louise?
Whether you’re dreaming of skating across a frozen lake, spotting ice bubbles, or snapping photos of Lake Louise, Peyto Lake, and Bow Lake in their winter glory, there’s a guided sightseeing tour for you.
Explore Banff National Park on a full-day or half-day sightseeing tour, where you can choose to go see all the iconic spots, go looking for wildlife, or even explore under the nights sky and go star gazing.
Banff Adventures, Radventures, and Discover Banff Tours are long-time, locally-owned businesses. Their guides know all the best spots, and love sharing stories about the area’s 11,000-year-old human history and local wildlife, giving you insights you can’t get elsewhere.
All of these sightseeing tours combine comfortable transportation with short walks, sometimes accompanied by snowshoes, skates, or ice cleats.
Tours come in all paces, so whether you want to linger at each stop or keep things moving, there will be a tour for every travelling style.
Planning tip: If you’re looking for Banff National Park Tours that blend comfort with depth, start here and see your must-see stops before layering in active adventures mentioned below.
Banff History Tours with Open Top Touring
Open Top Touring's Winter Wonder Tours are a step back into history. Their vintage, 1930s-inspired buses are an homage to the early days of the original company, Brewster Sightseeing, which offered some of the very first sightseeing tours in Banff.
The tour strings together signature sights and stops, like Two Jack Lake and Bow Falls, before finishing with a mountaintop dinner at the Banff Gondola.
Sleigh Ride & Dog Sled Tours in Banff National Park
Experience Banff and Lake Louise in a way that’s classic and exhilarating by exploring alongside animals that have been part of mountain life for generations. Settle into a horse-drawn sleigh and glide through snowy meadows, or feel the energy of a dog sled team as you travel along forested trails.
These guided tours offer a memorable connection to the landscape, with expert guides sharing stories and making sure every moment is comfortable and safe.
Sleigh Rides in Banff and Lake Louise
Sleigh rides in the Canadian Rockies Mountains are a quintessential winter experience. Imagine being tucked under warm blankets with nothing but the sound of horses' hooves trotting through snow-packed trails, as the winter frost sparkles in the air.
In Banff, Banff Trail Riders offers this classic winter experience, tracing forest and riverside trails. Take in stunning views of Sulphur Mountain, enjoy the glistening snow in the quiet forest, and cap off your ride with a hot cocoa by a campfire.
Or, head out to Lake Louise and visit Brewster Lake Louise Stables, Alberta's oldest family-owned and operating outfitting business. Having shared the beauty of the Canadian Rocky Mountains for over 125 years, their service is unparalleled, and their experiences are as authentic as it gets.
Climb aboard a traditional sleigh ride for an enchanting experience along the frozen lakeshore of Lake Louise, pulled by majestic but gentle horses.
Dog Sledding Sightseeing Tours in the Canadian Rocky Mountains
Dogsledding has deep roots in Indigenous cultures across Canada and a unique history in Banff National Park. Sled dogs once carried supplies to the area’s first backcountry lodges, and dog sled races were a highlight of the Banff Winter Carnival a century ago.
Today, the thrill of travelling with a team of hardworking sled dogs is as captivating as ever.
While there are strict regulations in place in the national park today, Kingmik Dogsled Tours is the only dog-sledding company operating within its borders. It offers an intimate experience, with no more than 10 guests per tour. Get a front-row seat to the guides’ knowledge and stories about the area as you glide through the forest.
In neighbouring Canmore, Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours offers a range of experiences, from short outings to multi-day adventures. There’s even an option to take the driver’s seat of the sled for yourself.
Guided Walking & Cultural Tours in Banff National Park
Step into Banff and Lake Louise at your own pace with a guided walking, snowshoeing, or cultural tour.
Let local experts lead you along scenic trails, through quiet forests, and to scenic vistas. These experiences invite you to slow down, take in the details, and connect with the landscape in a way that’s both relaxing and memorable.
If you’re looking for something truly special, try the night tour at Johnston Canyon and explore the canyon’s frozen beauty by headlamp to discover a world that feels peaceful, mysterious, and full of wonder.
Guided Snowshoeing in Banff and Lake Louise
Exploring by snowshoe is an excellent way to sync with nature's rhythms. White Mountain Adventures offers a breathtaking snowshoe tour of the beautiful Sunshine Meadows at the Banff Sunshine Village Ski Resort. The tour includes transportation from Banff, a gondola ride, and hot chocolate. You’ll explore pristine snow and expansive views that stretch towards Mount Assiniboine, the Matterhorn of the Canadian Rockies.
Discover Banff Tours offers another great guided snowshoe tour to the historical Paint Pots just outside Banff National Park. The tour includes transportation, equipment, hot chocolate and a special maple taffy treat.
Looking to explore the Lake Louise area?
Great Divide Nature Interpretation offers snowshoeing off the beaten track for private and group tours, led by a former Parks Canada naturalist. Snowshoe gear, warm drinks, and snacks are provided. This experience won the 2025 Travellers’ Choice Award on TripAdvisor.
Indigenous-led Medicine Walk at Cascade Ponds
It’s amazing what you can learn from the landscape by slowing down and noticing nature’s intricacies.
Banff Medicine Walk with Mahikan Trails Indigenous Experience is a year-round experience that offers just that. Discover the cultural and ecological history of Cascade Ponds in Banff National Park, led by a knowledgeable guide.
You’ll learn about traditional medicines, local plants, and the indigenous history of the area, while exploring slowly on foot and soaking in the landscape.
Night Tours at Johnston Canyon
Discover Banff Tours and Radventures invite you to step into a world of shimmering ice and quiet wonder at Johnston Canyon, where headlamp light dances on frozen waterfalls and stars twinkle in the sky.
Outfitted with headlamps and ice cleats, you’ll follow your guide along winding trails, pausing to take in the canyon’s magical beauty, heading towards the majestic lower waterfall.
Along the way, you’ll learn about the area’s geology, wildlife and experience this popular spot in a way very few people ever do.
Transportation to and from the trailhead, as well as all equipment and a special warm treat, are included in the tours.
Guided Adventure Tours in the Canadian Rockies
Banff National Park’s iconic mountains draw adventurers from around the world, each seeking their own unforgettable experience.
Whether you’re carving fresh tracks on snowy slopes or climbing ice in hidden canyons, the Canadian Rocky Mountains offer world-class terrain and a winter season that lets you savour every moment.
A guided experience takes care of the details, leads you to the best spots for the day, and shares local stories that make every turn and lookout feel special.
The Banff National Park tours below range from beginner-friendly outings to adventures for experienced travellers, so you can find the perfect fit for your next journey.
Guided Ice Climbing Adventure in Banff National Park
When turning into the Banff townsite off the Trans-Canada Highway, have you ever noticed climbers hanging from the frozen waterfall on Cascade Mountain? They are ice climbing, which is a thrilling experience for both beginners and seasoned climbers.
It’s certainly an activity you’ll want to test out with professional expertise to ensure your safety and get the best day possible. Alpine Air Adventures offers a variety of full-day group and private courses, from beginner to multi-pitch and lead climbing.
Yamnuska Mountain Adventure also offers introductory experiential ice-climbing tours based on interest, with full- and half-day options available.
Some of the tours will take you to the most iconic waterfalls in Banff National Park, including the upper falls at Johnston Canyon, where you get to start from the frozen river.
Guided Fat Biking Adventure in Banff and Lake Louise
Biking isn’t just for summer. Fat biking brings a playful rhythm to snow-packed winter trails. Fat tire e-bikes make this activity even more accessible to a variety of levels, but some knowledge and experience is still required to make the most of this activity, which is where your local biking guide comes in.
For faster-paced e-bike adventures, check out Radventures and Bikescape.
Both locally-owned companies offer a variety of difficulty levels for their guided tours in and beyond the Banff townsite. One of the best routes is Sundance Backcountry Lodge, considered one of the best-groomed backcountry trails for fat bikes in Banff National Park.
Banff Cycle and Sport offer regular, beginner-friendly fat bike tours on popular routes in Banff, including the Tunnel Mountain Bench Loop, the Bow River Trail, Vermilion Lakes, and Sundance Canyon Trail.
Guided Cave Tours near Banff National Park
While most recreational winter activities focus on getting up a mountain one way or another, some descend into them. For a truly unique experience, try out Canmore Cave Tours. Their tours take you into a historic cave on the edge of Banff National Park to see incredible geological formations. And best of all, the cave stays a consistent 5°C all year round, which is great on a chilly, winter day.
Offering two guided tours year-round, take your pick of a shorter tour as your guide introduces you to caving and takes you past prehistoric bones and ancient cave formations.
Want to spend more time underground? Take the Adventure Tour and spend four hours underground, rappelling six stories into the cave. Both are experiences that you’ll talk about for years to come!
Guided Ski Tours in Banff and Lake Louise
There’s more than one way to get around on two planks around these parts. Cross-country skiing, downhill skiing, heli-skiing, and backcountry skiing all share a similar mode of transportation but offer vastly different experiences.
Exploring with a certified guide means you can relax and enjoy the adventure, knowing you’re in safe hands.
Each style of ski tour opens up new scenery and unique moments, from peaceful forest trails to wide-open alpine bowls, making every outing a chance to discover something unforgettable.
Cross-Country Ski Tour and Lessons in Lake Louise
Slow down the pace and enjoy the scenery with a cross-country skiing tour through Bikescape.
Perfect for beginners and seasoned skiers alike, choose from group or private tours on scenic trails near Banff and Lake Louise. Equipment, drinks, and snacks are provided, and a local certified guide will get you excited about the sport and the surrounding area (and takes you to all the best Instagram spots!)
Backcountry Ski Touring in the Canadian Rocky Mountains
Looking to get a little more elevation out of your skis?
Join a guided backcountry ski adventure with Yamnuska Mountain Adventures, which offers private Ski Guiding and Splitboarding Tours, ideal for resort skiers or splitboarders looking to explore new terrain and experiences.
Explore some of Canada’s most iconic backcountry destinations, from gentle alpine slopes and scenic tree glades to steep chutes and expansive high-glacier terrain. These tours are suitable for intermediate and advanced skiers and provide gear rentals if needed.
Guided Downhill Ski Tour at Banff’s Three Ski Resorts
A similar experience within ski resort boundaries is full and half-day guided downhill ski adventures through SkiBig3, encompassing three ski resorts in Banff National Park: Banff Sunshine Village, Lake Louise Ski Resort, and Mt. Norquay.
With 7,748 combined acres of skiable terrain, two gondolas, and 27 chairlifts, there’s a lot to pack in over one visit. Their ski and snowboard guides are experts on the resorts and provide personalized insider knowledge tailored to your interests and abilities.
Heli-Skiing Tour in the Purcell Mountain Range
CMH Heli-Skiing offers heli-skiing day trips in the Purcell mountain range. This is a two-hour drive from Banff, with a base in Golden, BC.
Suitable for intermediate to advanced skiers and splitboarders, this day trip includes certified ACMG Guides, lunch and snacks, avalanche gear and ski/snowboard gear (guests must bring their own ski or snowboard boots).
Day trips and multi-day experiences are available, including overnight stays at heli-accessed lodges with meals from renowned chefs.
Snowmobile Tours Near Banff and Lake Louise
Snowmobile tours offer a thrilling way to experience the Canadian Rocky Mountains from a fresh perspective.
These guided adventures are perfect for travellers who want to take in as many breathtaking views as possible during their winter visit to Banff and Lake Louise.
While recreational snowmobiling is not permitted within the national park, tour companies in nearby Panorama and Golden provide experiences for all ages and abilities.
White n’ Wild Snowmobile Tours, based in Golden, BC, offers guided outings suitable for families (with children four or five years old and up) and groups of friends looking for a scenic half-day tour. Enjoy stunning mountain scenery and mountaintop views, complete with hot chocolate and homemade cookies.
Based in Panorama, BC, Toby Creek Adventures Ltd. provides direct, daily transportation from Banff for its Paradise Basin tour. Suitable for all ability levels, this tour includes a BBQ lunch and groomed trails, leading you to frozen waterfalls and remnants of an old mining town.
Let their local experts guide you to unforgettable landscapes and moments that make every journey extraordinary.
Helicopter Tours near Banff National Park
See the Canadian Rockies from a new perspective with a helicopter tour. These tours offer a front-row seat to snow-draped peaks, frozen lakes, and untouched alpine wilderness with some offering the option to land and explore the scenery in more depth.
While helicopter tours aren’t available in Banff National Park, you can fly on the edges of the park and see its iconic landscape from the air from two sites just outside the park boundaries.
Departing near Abraham Lake, Rockies Heli Tours takes you along the edge of Banff National Park. Guests can even land for a guided group snowshoeing adventure or witness the surreal beauty of Abraham Lake’s famous ice bubbles. It’s a rare opportunity to step into a pristine winter world, guided by experts who bring the landscape to life.
Alpine Helicopters opens up the Canadian Rockies’ most iconic winter scenery. Get a close-up view of stunning glaciers in Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park or along the Continental Divide, usually reserved only for those with advanced mountaineering experience.
For those seeking even more adventure, Alpine Helicopters also partners with Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours and offers scenic flights directly to their Sled Dog Tours starting location at Spray Lakes.
Food Tours in Banff and Lake Louise
After a day of exploring snow-covered trails and mountain vistas, there’s no better way to satisfy your appetite than by joining a guided food tour in Banff. Winter brings a special energy to the town’s dining scene with cozy restaurants and menus inspired by the season.
A food tour is your invitation to discover local favourites, sampling everything from comforting classics to inventive dishes that showcase the region’s best ingredients. Led by passionate guides, these tours are a chance to connect with fellow travellers, hear the stories behind the dishes, and experience the warmth of mountain hospitality.
Nibble Tours offers a variety of options right in the Banff townsite, from The Canadian Food Tour to their Sips and Sweets Evening Tour, and many more.
Rocky Mountain Food and Walking Tours is a fantastic tour to learn more about Banff’s history while sampling sweets and treats local to the area.
Eat the Castle is a unique dining experience at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, where you try each of the hotel’s unique restaurants and learn about the history of the iconic and historic Banff hotel.
Book Your Guided Tour in Banff National Park
Guided sightseeing tours go beyond the usual stops, offering the opportunity to learn about the geology, wildlife, and history of Banff National Park from the firsthand perspectives of local, knowledgeable guides.
The popular landmarks in Banff and Lake Louise are beloved for a reason. But there’s so much to learn about each destination beyond a quick selfie.
Ready to explore Banff and Lake Louise, Canada this winter?
Book a Banff National Park tour that fits your style and dates.
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