Skip to main content
Trip Ideas

Wild Winter Itinerary

Duration
6 Days
Num of Experiences
18 Experiences

This wild winter itinerary is for adventurers who embrace the winter season. Built for curious, confident explorers, this journey celebrates winter as it really is: quiet, powerful, and deeply rewarding. Expect experiences that push you a little, surprise you often, and stay with you long after the trip ends. If winter is when you feel most alive, this itinerary was made for you.

Who's it For?

  • Adrenaline Seekers
  • Wild Adventurers
  • Winter Lovers

When to Go

  • November - April

Trip Itinerary

Getting to Banff and Lake Louise

With plenty of transportation options to get you to and from the Banff and Lake Louise area, you can rest easy knowing you'll be able to plan a seamless journey from start to finish.

Learn about getting here.

Day 01

Kick off your wild winter adventure in the Canadian Rockies with a half- or full-day 4x4 Safari Tour. Venture through rugged terrain to remote corners of the mountains, where you’ll be met with expansive views and a chance at wildlife sightings.

After a full day of exploration, return to Banff and head to Pizzeria Sophia for dinner. Enjoy wood-fired pizza in a welcoming atmosphere before continuing your evening at the Banff Upper Hot Springs for a soothing evening soak. The hot springs offer the perfect place to unwind under the mountain sky.

A red jeep off-roading in the backcountry in the winter with mountains in the backgroundA red jeep off-roading in the backcountry in the winter with mountains in the background

4x4 Safari in the Canadian Rockies


Duration
3-6 hrs
Difficulty
Easy
Operating Dates
Year Round
See details about 4x4 Safari in the Canadian Rockies

Pizzeria Sophia


  • Vegetarian Options
  • Vegan Options
  • Gluten Free Options
See details about Pizzeria Sophia
Two people enjoying a soak in the Banff Upper Hot Springs on a cool morningTwo people enjoying a soak in the Banff Upper Hot Springs on a cool morning

Soak in the Banff Upper Hot Springs


Duration
1-3 hrs
Difficulty
Easy
Operating Dates
Year Round
See details about Soak in the Banff Upper Hot Springs

Day 02

Day 2 begins with a classic winter experience. Bundle up and glide through snowy forests on a dogsledding tour led by an enthusiastic team of sled dogs. After an invigorating ride, warm up at Bluebird Woodfired Steakhouse for happy hour and fondue.

As night falls, head out on a guided night hike to experience the stillness of winter landscapes beneath the stars. The local guides will ensure you’re well-equipped for your expedition.

People enjoying a dog sled ride on a snowy trail in Lake Louise with Kingmik Dog Sled ToursPeople enjoying a dog sled ride on a snowy trail in Lake Louise with Kingmik Dog Sled Tours

Dog Sledding in Lake Louise


Duration
1-3 hrs
Difficulty
Easy
Operating Dates
Dec - Apr
See details about Dog Sledding in Lake Louise

Bluebird Woodfired Steakhouse & Patio


  • Vegetarian Options
  • Vegan Options
  • Gluten Free Options
  • Kosher
See details about Bluebird Woodfired Steakhouse & Patio
Three people with headlamps on, on a guided night hike through Johnston Cayon in the winter.Three people with headlamps on, on a guided night hike through Johnston Cayon in the winter.

Guided Night Hike


Duration
1-3 hrs
Difficulty
Easy
Operating Dates
Dec. - Apr.
See details about Guided Night Hike

Day 03

Start the day by heading underground on a guided caving adventure with Canmore Cave Tours. Explore the passages of Grotto Mountain and learn about ancient bones, fossils, and the geological history hidden beneath the Rockies.

Afterwards, shift your perspective to an ariel view on a heli-tour with Alpine Helicopters. Take in sweeping views of alpine lakes, glaciers, and mountain peaks for a truly memorable look at the landscape.

Back in Banff, enjoy dinner at Banff Ave Brewing Co. to round out your day with local flavours in a relaxed setting.

Group of people with head torches on deep in a cave on guided cave tour with Canmore Cave ToursGroup of people with head torches on deep in a cave on guided cave tour with Canmore Cave Tours

Explore Underground on a Cave Tour


Duration
3-6 hrs
Difficulty
Moderate
Operating Dates
Year Round
See details about Explore Underground on a Cave Tour
Car (28km)

Heli Adventure over the Canadian Rockies


Duration
1-3 hrs
Difficulty
Easy
Operating Dates
Year Round
See details about Heli Adventure over the Canadian Rockies
Car (1.8km)

Banff Ave Brewing Co.

See details about Banff Ave Brewing Co.
Car (28km)

Day 04

Challenge yourself on Day 4 on a guided ice climbing tour. Swing your ice axe into frozen waterfalls under the safe instruction of a local guide and discover the thrill of winter mountaineering surrounded by dramatic scenery.

After your outdoor adventure, spend the afternoon on Banff Ave and Bear Street. Browse local galleries, pick up souvenirs, or shop for gear inspired by your mountain adventures. As evening approaches, head over to Shoku Izakaya for dinner, where Japanese-inspired cuisine offer a cozy end to your day.

Person ice climbing a frozen waterfall in Banff National ParkPerson ice climbing a frozen waterfall in Banff National Park

Guided Ice Climbing Tour


Duration
3-6 hrs
Difficulty
Moderate
Operating Dates
Nov. - Apr.
See details about Guided Ice Climbing Tour

Shopping Banff Avenue


Duration
1-3 hrs
Operating Dates
Year Round
See details about Shopping Banff Avenue
Car
Two people walking down Bear Street with coffees in handTwo people walking down Bear Street with coffees in hand

Shopping Bear Street


Duration
1-3 hrs
Operating Dates
Year round
See details about Shopping Bear Street
Walk (0.1km)

Shoku Izakaya

See details about Shoku Izakaya
Walk (0.1km)

Day 05

Day 5 starts off with a winter ride on a fat bike. Designed with wide tires for snow-covered trails, fat biking is an invigorating and fun way to explore the trails.

Afterwards, embark on a culinary adventure and taste your way through Banff. Sample local dishes while learning about the town’s food scene and history, ending the day with a flavourful and memorable experience.

Guided E-Fat Biking Tour


Duration
1-3 hrs
Difficulty
Moderate
Operating Dates
Nov - Apr
See details about Guided E-Fat Biking Tour

Guided Banff Food Tour


Duration
1-3 hrs
Difficulty
Easy
Operating Dates
Year Round
See details about Guided Banff Food Tour

Day 06

You can’t leave Banff National Park without hitting the slopes! On your final day, head up to Mt. Norquay to shred some of the steepest lines in the area. The infamous Big Chair feeds into expert runs that promise a challenge even for experienced skiers and snowboarders.

When your legs start to to feel the burn, pop over to Norquay’s tubing hill and race down the longest tracks in Alberta. At the end of the day, enjoy a well-earned hearty meal at The Fat Ox.

Ski & Snowboard at Mt. Norquay


Duration
3-6 hrs
Difficulty
Easy
Operating Dates
Nov - Apr
See details about Ski & Snowboard at Mt. Norquay

Tubing at Mt. Norquay


Duration
1-3 hrs
Operating Dates
Dec - Apr
See details about Tubing at Mt. Norquay
Walk (0.5km)

The Fat Ox of Banff


  • Vegetarian Options
  • Vegan Options
  • Gluten Free Options
See details about The Fat Ox of Banff

Where to Stay

Here's some accommodation options that work for this trip:

Basecamp Suites Banff

Hotels & Inns
Location
Banff Town Area
  • Hot Tub
  • Onsite Parking
See details about Basecamp Suites Banff

Samesun Backpackers Banff

Hotels & Inns
See details about Samesun Backpackers Banff

The Dorothy Motel

Hotels & Inns
Location
Banff Town Area
  • Onsite Parking
See details about The Dorothy Motel

Kenrick Hotel

Hotels & Inns
Location
Banff Town Area
  • Onsite Dining
  • Hot Tub
  • Onsite Parking
See details about Kenrick Hotel
See more options

Reservations & Booking

Some of the activities require reservations or bookings upfront. Here is an overview of all providers:

4x4 Safari in the Canadian Rockies

  • Bow Valley Canyon Tours

Soak in the Banff Upper Hot Springs

Dog Sledding in Lake Louise

Guided Night Hike

Explore Underground on a Cave Tour

Heli Adventure over the Canadian Rockies

Guided Ice Climbing Tour

Guided E-Fat Biking Tour

Guided Banff Food Tour

Ski & Snowboard at Mt. Norquay

Tubing at Mt. Norquay

Restaurants & Dining

Good to Know

Maximise your trip enjoyment with a little pre-planning. Here's our pro tips:

  • Book your airport shuttle in advance

  • Get a Park Pass

  • Make a reservation for gear/ activities in advance

  • Plan to use public transit and shuttles

  • Check the weather forecast