22 Unique Outdoor Activities You Can't Miss This Winter in Banff!

Banff National Park is home to some of the most AWE-INSPIRING places in the Rocky Mountains. From skiing to dog sledding to soaking in natural hot springs, there are unlimited options in this ADVENTURE-FILLED National Park. Keep reading for 22 unique outdoor activities you can’t miss this Winter in Banff!

Although many people only choose to visit in the summer months, winter in Banff is pure magic. With fewer crowds, lower prices, and just as much to do, this winter wonderland deserves a spot at the top of your bucket list.

Home to iconic spots like Lake Louise, Johnston Canyon, and Moraine Lake, Banff also boasts a ton of lesser-known areas that are just as scenic with fewer crowds. This post will outline our favourite lesser-known gems in Banff National Park and tips for avoiding tourists at popular destinations.

First & foremost, and I can’t stress this enough, get out of the town of Banff!

Going to Banff National Park and not leaving the town is sort of like going to an all-you-can-eat taco bar and only ordering the chips and salsa. LAME!

This is where you will find the largest crowds, the highest prices, and the least adventure. I recommend spending no more than 1 day in town before branching out and exploring the rest of the park! Trust me, you’ll be happy you did.

Here are our top accommodation picks for Banff:

*By booking accommodation through our tailored maps + links, you support us at no additional cost to you. We appreciate you!*

Without further ado, let’s get into it! Here are 22 unique outdoor activities you can’t miss this winter in Banff, Canada!

Skating on a Frozen Lake

Ice skating is one of our favourite winter activities in Banff. There are numerous places to skate within the park, and they all boast phenomenal views! You can bring your own skates or rent them in Canmore or Banff. If you are skating on Lake Louise, you can rent skates on the shore at The Fairmont Chateau.

Some of the best lakes for skating include Two Jack Lake, Lake Louise, Lake Minnewanka, Gap Lake, Abraham Lake, and Vermilion Lakes. Bring camping chairs, a blanket, and a thermos of hot cocoa and Baileys! ALWAYS check the ice thickness before skating on a frozen lake. It needs to be at least 4 inches thick.

Johnston Canyon

Johnston Canyon is easily one of Banff National Park’s most popular day hikes, and for good reason. The paved trail is relatively mild, making it perfect for families and hikers of any fitness level. Open year-round, this hike boasts stunning views of the turquoise creek and frozen waterfalls along the way.

In total, Johnston Canyon Trail is 5.4 kilometres & 135 m of elevation gain round trip.

Big Banff Active Winter Adventure with Big Nature: Johnston Canyon

If you want to hike this trail without a guide, we recommend arriving early in the morning and bringing microspikes, water, snacks, and warm layers. If you want a guided experience, check out the BIG Banff Active Winter Adventure with Big Nature! (*You can use the discount code MADETOEXPLORE10 for 10% off)

After a short incline through the forest, the trail descends and gives you spectacular views of Johnston Creek to the Lower Falls. This part of the trail consists of sturdy iron catwalks attached to the side of the canyon walls. Watching the crystal clear water flow from above is incredible!

After another 1.5 kilometres of catwalks and well-maintained trails, you will arrive at the upper falls. You can see the bottom of the falls from a bridge leading to a small viewing platform. You can also access a viewing platform above the upper falls by continuing on the main path for a short, steep climb.

The Icefields Parkway

The Icefields Parkway, also known as Highway 93, is highly regarded as one of the most scenic highways in Canada. It spans 233 km from Lake Louise to Jasper. The views are mind-blowing, but this mountain highway can be dangerous in the wrong conditions.

Always check the weather before you leave, and only venture onto this road if you are comfortable with winter driving and have good winter tires.

Our favourite stops include Peyto Lake, Bow Lake, Panther Falls, Abraham Lake, The Athabasca Glacier, Athabasca Falls, and the cross-country ski to Leech Lake. For more information and stops, check out the blog post linked below.

The Most Beautiful Drive in Canada: An Icefields Parkway Winter Road Trip Itinerary!

Stay in a Cozy Cabin

While staying in Banff, you will have various accommodation options, from glamping to 5-star hotels. We recommend that you opt for a cozy lodge that allows you to immerse yourself in the outdoors and appreciate the beauty all around you.

These cabins are cozy and charming and add to the winter experience in Banff. There are several options available, but here are a few of our favourites:

Dog Sledding

Dog sledding is one of the most thrilling winter adventures on this list. Snowy Owl Tours is an excellent local dog sledding company that provides a beautiful and exciting tour. You’ll get up close and personal with the dogs, learn how to drive your sled through a stunning valley in the Rockies and enjoy a hot chocolate around the fire to finish the day.

Snowy Owl Tours is based in Canmore, but they will pick you up at any hotel in Banff. Make sure to book this one in advance—it fills up quickly!

Nightrise

The Banff Gondola is well known in the Canadian Rockies for bringing wide-eyed travellers to the top of Sulphur Mountain. With spectacular views over six mountain ranges, a boardwalk, interpretive centres, and fine dining, there’s no question why this popular destination gets so much praise.

During the winter, you can come here to experience Nightrise.

Nightrise is unlike anything we have ever done before. Throughout the evening, the summit is brought to life with vibrant lighting, multimedia effects, video projections, and music. Moment Factory created these digital art installations in collaboration with the Stoney Nakoda Nation.

Snowshoeing

If you enjoy hiking in the summer, you’ll likely enjoy snowshoeing, too! Banff National Park is home to some amazing snowshoeing trails for all abilities. The Canmore Nordic Centre, about 30 minutes from Banff, is an excellent place to go for beginners.

Once you feel comfortable, I would highly recommend downloading the Alltrails App. There are dozens of snowshoeing trails to choose from that are all within an hour’s drive of Banff. A few of our favourites include the trails at Lake Louise, Chester Lake, Peyto Lake, Marble Canyon, Bow Lake, and Rawson Lake.

Big Banff Active Winter Adventure with Big Nature: Lake Louise

The Bow Valley Parkway

The Bow Valley Parkway, AKA Highway 1A, is a jaw-dropping road that runs parallel to the major highway connecting Banff and Lake Louise. This scenic 48-kilometre drive provides an excellent alternative to Highway 1 and gives you the opportunity to slow down, take in the beauty of the area, and have incredible adventures along the way.

Along this stretch of roadway, you will find monumental mountains, tremendous waterfalls, and abundant wildlife at every bend. It is beautiful, there is far less traffic, and the speed limit is only 60km/h. In the winter, there are several cross-country ski trails that wind in and out of the woods, spanning the entire length of the parkway.

Some highlights include Johnston Canyon and the Ink Pots, Morant’s Curve, Silverton Falls, and plenty of cozy cabins you can stay in for the night. For more information on the activities in the area and each cabin, check out the post below.

Cross Country Skiing

Whether a complete amateur or a seasoned pro, cross-country skiing is an excellent winter sport that gets you active and outdoors! Like snowshoeing, the Canmore Nordic Centre is a perfect place for beginners.

The on-site staff will help you set up the gear and recommend the best trails to get you started. With over 65 kilometres of groomed, machine-made, and natural trails, the Nordic Centre is well worth the visit!

If you’re looking for something more challenging, cross-country ski up to Moraine Lake, Lake O’Hara, or Taylor Lake. A few of our favourite trails in Banff include Cascade Valley, The Great Divide Trail, and the trails around Castle Junction.

Snow Tubing

Have you ever heard of The Norquay Tube Park? If not, you’ve been missing out! Located about 5 minutes from the townsite, you will have an incredible day filled with great views, fresh air and fun. Jump on an inflatable snow tube and hold on tight as you slide, spin, and pick up speed down the hill.

Lake Louise

Lake Louise is one of the most photographed places in Canada and a place you can’t miss this winter in Banff! People travel far and wide to witness the iconic blue water surrounded by an impressive mountain range.

The cold weather brings a great opportunity to lace up your skates in front of a Canadian landmark: The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. You can rent skates, skis, snowshoes, etc, here and warm up with a cup of hot chocolate or lunch at their restaurant afterwards.

This area also has several winter hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing trails. A fantastic winter campground in Lake Louise offers endless activities at your doorstep. If you’re looking for a luxurious getaway, we highly recommend staying at The Post Hotel & Spa!

The Post Hotel in Lake Louise: Charming Luxury in Banff National Park!

A Helicopter Ride

Gaze down at jagged peaks and icy turquoise lakes during this once-in-a-lifetime experience in Banff National Park. There are several tours ranging from 30 to 60-minute flights as well as a hike and helicopter tour to Marvel Pass in Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park.

You can also choose to soar over the Columbia Icefields between Banff and Jasper. On this 55-minute helicopter ride, you will see glaciers, icefalls, waterfalls, alpine lakes and massive mountains from the most unique viewpoint!

Downhill Skiing

Unsurprisingly, Banff is ideally situated for a ski vacation, which you must experience during the winter in Canada. Surrounded by four major ski hills, there is no shortage of excitement and fresh powder!

Nakiska, Mount Norquay, Sunshine, and Lake Louise are all excellent hills for different reasons, and we recommend trying at least a few while in the area. If you are a beginner, Nakiska is the best place to learn and offers the cheapest lift ticket. Mount Norquay is known for its challenging terrain, and Sunshine and Lake Louise cater to all skill levels.

Hot Springs

The Canadian Rockies are home to several amazing hot springs, from developed pools to completely untouched hideaways. Whether you want to drive right up, find a cozy little pool along the river, or hike to the top of a mountain and enjoy a soak with a view, we’ve got you covered.

The Banff Upper Hot Springs is popular in this mountain resort town. The outdoor pool is universally accessible and has lockers, towel rental, and a café. Some other developed pools in the area are Radium Hot Springs, Fairmont Hot Springs, and Miette Hot Springs.

If commercialized hot springs aren’t your jam, several hike-in natural pools surrounding Banff are perfect for winter. Mist Mountain Hot Springs and Lussier Hot Springs are some of our favourites.

Some of the hotels in the area also offer incredible places to soak. A few of my top recommendations include Hidden Ridge Resort and Buffalo Mountain Lodge for their peaceful outdoor locations, The Fox Suites, where you can soak in a giant cave, and, lastly, The Fairmont Banff Springs for the entire spa experience.

Fat Biking

If you have ever wanted to try fat biking, Banff is the place to do it. You can rent a bike in town from a number of gear shops for around $100 CAD per day. There are dozens of trails around Banff, and the rental company always has advice to help you get started.

An excellent option for beginners is the Centennial Trail, a paved pathway along Highway 1 that runs all the way to Canmore!

Fat Biking in Fernie, BC, Canada in winter

Hike to Frozen Waterfalls

One of the best things about winter in Banff is the staggering beauty of the frozen waterfalls! There are several throughout the park, and various hikes are involved. We believe Silverton Falls, Johnston Canyon, and Panther Falls are the most worth your time and relatively easy to access.

If you are open to venturing outside Banff National Park, you can also explore gems like Athabasca Falls, Sunwapta Falls, Maligne Canyon, Takakkaw Falls, and Troll Falls.

The Kananaskis Nordic Spa

Kananaskis Nordic Spa has become a go-to “alpine sanctuary” of the Canadian Rockies, and there is no question why! This stunning spa combines luxury with natural beauty and allows you to rejuvenate in a scenic environment. This invigorating therapy cycle aims to move you through the hot, warm, and cold pools numerous times in a specific order.

Along with these pools, you can also enjoy a massage, different saunas and steam rooms, and fantastic food and drinks from the Two Trees Bistro. Only one hour from Banff, this luxurious outdoor experience is the perfect way to relax and unwind in the mountains!

Emerald Lake Lodge

Technically located just across the park boundary in Yoho National Park, Emerald Lake Lodge is a beautiful place to stay, eat, or visit for an afternoon walk. The loop around the lake offers marvellous views of the surrounding mountains, and the nearby natural bridge is an iconic photo spot.

If you plan to stay the night, they have a lodge and a variety of cabins with lakefront views and wood-burning fireplaces. Factor in the stunning outdoor hot tub, and this place is 100% worth the splurge!

A Back Country Lodge

If you want to ditch the crowds, the backcountry is heaven, and these lodges offer an incredibly unique experience. The most luxurious lodge is Skoki, where you have your own room, and gourmet meals are included. It is pricey, but if you ask us, it’s worth it.

If you are on a budget or are looking for a more rustic experience, there are ACC huts scattered throughout the Rockies. These typically offer shelter and a fire while you pack in your food and sleeping bag.

The Fairmont Banff Springs

The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel is a town landmark and a cool place to stroll around for a few hours, no matter your interest. It has a series of shops, a skating rink, a beautiful spa, a wonderful brunch buffet, and a ton of old architecture for you to enjoy!

Stargazing

Banff offers some amazing places to get out for an evening walk and look at the stars. If you’re lucky and visit on a clear night, you might even catch a glimpse of Aurora Borealis!

The further away you get from the town, the better. Two Jack Lake, Lake Minnewanka and Vermillion Lakes are great options and are only a short drive from Banff. Either one would be a perfect place to go for a star walk. If you can get to Bow or Peyto Lake on the Icefields Parkway, that’s even better!

Walk With Wolves

The Northern Lights Wolf Centre is actually located near Golden, BC, but it’s well worth the one-hour and 45-minute drive for an unforgettable day. They offer an interactive wolf walk, where visitors can embark on a leisurely hike with some furry members of the Northern Lights Wolf Pack. How cool is that?!

On the hike, the wolves can run and lead you through their natural habitat. Although they are never forced or expected to interact with humans along the way, they do most of the time! This hike books up quickly, so be sure to reserve in advance.

We hope you enjoy your time in Banff National Park this winter. Please feel free to contact us with any questions or comment below with your favorite activities to try this winter. We`d love to hear from you!