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Trip Ideas

Winter Wonders Await

Duration
5 Days
Num of Experiences
18 Experiences

From skating on a frozen lake to soaring over snow-covered peaks, this winter itinerary blends iconic adventures with cozy moments you’ll never forget. Whether you’re chasing fresh powder, soaking in alpine hot springs, or sharing fondue by the fire, every day in Banff and Lake Louise is a story waiting to be told.

Who's it For?

  • Snow Loving Families
  • Curious Couples
  • Luxury Travellers

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

Begin your week in Banff National Park with a classic winter experience in Lake Louise. Start by lacing up your skates and gliding across the iconic frozen lake, surrounded by towering peaks and crisp alpine air, it’s a moment you’ll never forget.

Afterwards, step into the warmth of the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise for their afternoon tea. Settle in with steaming tea, delicate pastries, and views that make you slow down and stay a while.

A couple skating on Lake Louise in the winter in Banff National ParkA couple skating on Lake Louise in the winter in Banff National Park

Ice Skating on Lake Louise


Duration
< 1hr
Difficulty
Easy
Operating Dates
Dec - Mar
See details about Ice Skating on Lake Louise
Afternoon Tea at Fairmont Chateau Lake LouiseAfternoon Tea at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

Afternoon Tea at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise


Duration
1-3 hrs
Difficulty
Easy
Operating Dates
Year round
See details about Afternoon Tea at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

Day 02

Start your day with breakfast at Farm & Fire - where local ingredients meet cozy, mountain-inspired flavours. Then head up Sulphur Mountain aboard the Banff Gondola. At the top, take a peaceful walk along the boardwalk to Sanson Peak, where the 360-degree views will make you feel on top of the world. After, settle in at Sky Bistro for a lunch that tastes as good as the scenery looks.

As the day winds down, soak it all in - literally, at the Banff Upper Hot Springs. Surrounded by steam and snow-capped peaks, it’s the perfect way to end a day in the mountains.

Farm & Fire

See details about Farm & Fire
Two people taking in the views of the mountains from the viewing deck at the top of the Banff GondolaTwo people taking in the views of the mountains from the viewing deck at the top of the Banff Gondola

Ride the Banff Gondola


Duration
1-3 hrs
Difficulty
Easy
Operating Dates
Year Round
See details about Ride the Banff Gondola
Two people enjoying a meal with mountain views at Sky Bistro at the top of Banff GondolaTwo people enjoying a meal with mountain views at Sky Bistro at the top of Banff Gondola

Mountaintop Dining at the Sky Bistro


Duration
1-3 hrs
Operating Dates
Year round
See details about Mountaintop Dining at the Sky Bistro
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 03

Kick off your morning with a hearty breakfast at Tooloulou's, a local favourite. After you’re fueled up, make your way to Sunshine Village for a day of skiing or snowboarding on some of the best slopes in the Canadian Rockies. From powdery runs to breathtaking views, it’s the kind of day that stays with you long after the lifts stop.

Wrap up the adventure with something truly special: a 360° Dome Dining experience at the Fairmont Banff Springs. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks, indulge in a meal that feels as elevated as the setting, truly unforgettable.

Tooloulou's

See details about Tooloulou's
Two skiers on a run at Sunshine Village Ski Resort in Banff National ParkTwo skiers on a run at Sunshine Village Ski Resort in Banff National Park

Ski & Snowboard at Sunshine Village Ski Resort


Duration
3-6 hrs
Difficulty
Easy
Operating Dates
Nov - May
See details about Ski & Snowboard at Sunshine Village Ski Resort
360° Dome Dining at Fairmont Banff Springs360° Dome Dining at Fairmont Banff Springs

360° Dome Dining at Fairmont Banff Springs


Duration
1-3 hrs
Operating Dates
Year Round
See details about 360° Dome Dining at Fairmont Banff Springs

Day 04

Grab a quick breakfast from Whitebark and then set out on a guided snowshoeing tour. Your guide will lead you through snow-covered forests along untouched trails, giving you a chance to truly connect with the magic of the winter.

After your snowy adventure, treat yourself to something warm and indulgent at Bluebird - savour a classic cheese fondue experience, with rich, melted cheese perfect for dipping, all served in a cozy, mountain-inspired setting.

Finish your day with a walk down Banff Avenue, where the charming shops and cozy cafés invite you to browse, unwind, and soak in the town’s festive spirit.

Whitebark Cafe

See details about Whitebark Cafe
Group of people on a guided snowshoeing tour in the Lake Louise areaGroup of people on a guided snowshoeing tour in the Lake Louise area

Guided Snowshoeing Tour


Duration
3-6 hrs
Difficulty
Easy
Operating Dates
Dec - Apr
See details about Guided Snowshoeing Tour

Bluebird Woodfired Steakhouse

See details about Bluebird Woodfired Steakhouse
Shopping Banff AvenueShopping Banff Avenue

Shopping Banff Avenue


Duration
1-3 hrs
Operating Dates
Year Round
See details about Shopping Banff Avenue

Day 05

For you last day, double up on adventure with a dogsledding and helicopter experience in the stunning Spray Lakes area. Dash through snowy trails behind a team of eager huskies, then lift off for a bird’s-eye view of the rugged wilderness. It’s a day packed with awe from every angle.

Back in Banff, head to Park Distillery, the first distillery inside a Canadian national park, for a behind-the-scenes tour and gin-making experience. Then stay for dinner, where campfire-inspired dishes and wood-fired rotisserie specialties bring the flavour of the mountains to your table.

Wild Flour Bakery

See details about Wild Flour Bakery
Dog Sledding in KananaskisDog Sledding in Kananaskis

Dog Sledding in Kananaskis


Duration
1-3 hrs
Difficulty
Easy
Operating Dates
Dec - Apr
See details about Dog Sledding in Kananaskis
A helicopter landing in the snow for a heli-skiing adventure with CMHA helicopter landing in the snow for a heli-skiing adventure with CMH

Heli Skiing Adventure


Duration
3-6 hrs
Difficulty
Moderate
Operating Dates
Dec - Mar
See details about Heli Skiing Adventure
Park Distillery Tour, Tasting and Gin MakingPark Distillery Tour, Tasting and Gin Making

Park Distillery Tour, Tasting and Gin Making


Duration
1-3 hrs
Difficulty
Easy
Operating Dates
Year Round
See details about Park Distillery Tour, Tasting and Gin Making

Park Distillery Restaurant + Bar

See details about Park Distillery Restaurant + Bar

Where to Stay

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

Hotel Canoe and Suites

Hotels & Inns
Location
Banff Town Area
  • Onsite Dining
  • Onsite Parking
See details about Hotel Canoe and Suites

Brewster Mountain Lodge

Hotels & Inns
Location
Banff Town Area
  • Onsite Parking
See details about Brewster Mountain Lodge

Elk + Avenue Hotel

Hotels & Inns
Location
Banff Town Area
See details about Elk + Avenue Hotel

Fairmont Banff Springs

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

Reservations & Booking

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

Ice Skating on Lake Louise

Afternoon Tea at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

Ride the Banff Gondola

Mountaintop Dining at the Sky Bistro

Soak in the Banff Upper Hot Springs

Ski & Snowboard at Sunshine Village Ski Resort

Guided Snowshoeing Tour

Dog Sledding in Kananaskis

Heli Skiing Adventure

Park Distillery Tour, Tasting and Gin Making

Good to Know

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

  • Get a Park Pass

  • Make a reservation for gear, activities and dining

  • Learn about the best ways to get around

  • Check the weather forecast