Bears may hibernate in winter, but you certainly shouldn’t, not when Banff National Park comes alive with snow-dusted magic, frozen lakes and more hot chocolate moments than your taste buds can handle.
If you’ve ever dreamt of stepping into one of those snow globes you used to shake as a kid, Banff and Lake Louise are your ticket to turning this childhood dream into one magical, adult-sized reality – for real.
Nestled deep in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, surrounded by the type of mountain scenery that makes you go ooh and ahh, Banff National Park is fantastic during the summer, but reaches its absolute stunning peak in the colder months when it transforms itself into a full-blown winter wonderland…
Don’t believe us?
Well then, get ready to pack your parka and your sense of wonder as we’re about to head straight into Canada’s snowy heart…
Two towns, one unforgettable adventure
Two alpine gems are waiting to be explored in Banff National Park, each with its own charm, activities and gorgeous scenery that you just won’t see or experience anywhere else.
First up is Banff, a postcard-perfect mountain town buzzing with winter energy. Here, there’s nothing better than strolling Banff Avenue, which is framed by the towering Mount Rundle, checking out some of its toasty pubs and boutique shops while striking up convos with some of the town’s friendly folk over a craft beer or bowl of hearty stew.
A little further along (and a lot more majestic in our opinion) lies Lake Louise, the place where winter goes full cinematic. Its famous turquoise lake transforms into a natural ice rink every winter, which is just incredible to see, with the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise – that fairytale hotel you’ve seen on Instagram – sitting right on its frozen edge.
Yep, it’s every bit as stunning as it looks, especially in winter, when it’s by far the most beautiful time to visit.
Both of these towns are bound to capture your heart, which is why it’s definitely a good idea to budget some extra time in your itinerary to stick around and really soak up their vibes.
Stay a little longer (trust us)
Okay, so we just mentioned this above, but it’s worth repeating.
Banff National Park rewards the slow traveller, so don’t try to rush things when you’re here. Instead, take it easy and take your time to wander a little further, linger a little longer and just savour this special, indeed, magical part of the world.
In a place where every sunrise paints the peaks in a new light and every café seems to serve the world’s best cinnamon bun and coffee, the Canadian Rockies reward all those who stay.
Winter activities galore (you won’t get bored)
And you’ll want to stay for as long as you can for other reasons, too.
Because in Banff and Lake Louise, winter doesn’t just mean snow: it also means adventure, relaxation and mountains of unforgettable “wow” moments along the way.
We’re talking everything from horse-drawn sleigh rides through snowy meadows (blankets provided, cheesy smiles inevitable), soaking in steamy hot springs and even spotting deer, elk and bighorn sheep on a scenic winter walks where frozen waterfalls and silent forests will make you forget all about the crazy world – at least, for a while…
There’s also the chance to ride gondolas to the tops of mountains for views that’ll make your camera melt, learn about the region’s rich Indigenous history as well as sample a uniquely Canadian treat: hot maple taffy poured onto snow, where it instantly freezes into a chewy, sweet delight.
Ready to roll into winter magic?
To experience this winter wonderland yourself see Entire Travel Group’s new extended stay in Banff National Park winter itinerary which also includes the VIA Rail Canadian Train, Jasper National Park and Calgary. A journey that’s so good you’ll never want it to end…
Indeed, winter in the Rockies isn’t just a season – it’s a snow-dusted revelation without equal, the kind of place that seriously makes you contemplate packing it all in and starting a new life in the mountains.
This article was brought to you by Banff & Lake Louise Tourism:
