Banff National Park is home to some of the most jaw dropping views in all of Canada. Full of frozen lakes, snow covered peaks, winter trails, and icy waterfalls, you do not want to miss this captivating destination. In this blog post, we are going to share our new favourite winter tour in Banff with our number one tour company, Big Nature.
Although many people only choose to visit in the summer months, a winter tour 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.
Picture this, you’re nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. The air is crisp and a pristine blanket of snow coats the landscape. The only sounds are the gentle rustle of snow-covered branches and the crunch of your boots below you.
You spend your morning exploring frozen waterfalls in a limestone canyon. After warming up with a delicious bowl of stew and a pizza bagel, you make your way to one of the most iconic lakes in the country. Here, you can choose to snowshoe, cross country ski, skate, or ride in a horse drawn carriage.
Sounds like a fairytale, right?
Oh, and did we mention this day is complete with roundtrip transportation, incredible local guides, snacks, hot chocolate stops, and all the gear you need to stay safe and warm throughout the day?
Big Nature has truly outdone themselves with this one.
Last week, David and I took the BIG Banff Active Winter Adventure run by our favourite local guides, Big Nature. Although we don’t typically consider ourselves “tour people”, we continue to be blown away by the convenience, customer service, and level of comfort we experience with them.
*You can use the discount code MADETOEXPLORE10 for 10% off ALL small group and private tours that Big Nature offers. Click here to check them out!*
Our guides and the owners, Bryce and Cassie, were knowledgeable, friendly and fun. They made our day effortless, meaning all we had to do was savour it. Plus, we had round-trip transportation from Calgary with tons of space to spread out, take in the views, and enjoy the provided snacks and refreshments.
This winter tour in Banff maxes out at 13 guests, so you know you will never be part of a huge crowd. With prices starting at just $160 CAD per adult, they provide exceptional value in this 10-hour day of adventure. You can also book a private tour if you have a large group or prefer a more exclusive experience.
Related Summer Tour with Big Nature: Our Favourite Tour in Banff: Moraine Lake, Lake Louise & Emerald Lake in ONE day!
In this blog post, we are going to walk you through our BIG Banff Active Winter Adventure and share why we think they offer the best winter tour in Banff National Park!
*You can use the discount code MADETOEXPLORE10 for 10% off ALL small group and private tours that Big Nature offers. Click here to check them out!*
First Stop: Johnston Canyon
After being picked up in Calgary and transported in Big Nature’s roomy van, we arrived at the Johnston Canyon Trailhead at 9AM. You can also book a pickup in Canmore or Banff, depending on where you are staying.
Although this is a popular trail, it was very quiet at this time of day. Just how we like our hikes! Bryce and Cassie had everything we needed to get started, including crampons, hiking poles, sitting mats, and extra layers. After getting all geared up, we hit the trail.
In total, Johnston Canyon Trail is 5.4 kilometres + 135 m of elevation gain round trip.
As we crossed sturdy iron catwalks and made our way to the Lower Falls, we learned about how the canyon was formed, the history of the family who owns it, and different wildlife in the area.
This stunning waterfall can be viewed from a catwalk bridge that crosses the water. You can then get up close and personal by going through a tunnel in the bedrock to the far side of the falls.
After taking our time to admire it, we kept hiking to the Upper Falls. First, we walked out onto a viewing platform where we could see the falls from the bottom. In the winter, the entire area turns into a mesmerizing wall of frozen ice. It is a popular spot for ice climbers and we saw several during our time here.
From there, we continued to the top of the Upper Falls where there is one more platform. Here, Bryce and Cassie served hot drinks and cookies as we took in the marvellous view. After hiking back to the parking lot, we made our way to Lake Louise Village where we grabbed lunch.
*You can use the discount code MADETOEXPLORE10 for 10% off ALL small group and private tours that Big Nature offers. Click here to check them out!*
Second Stop: Lake Louise
The drive from the village up to the lake is like something out of movie. After winding along a road lined with snow-covered trees, cozy log cabins, and insane mountain views, we arrived at Lake Louise.
Famous for its colour, the glacier at the end of the lake, and the Fairmont Chateau standing proudly on its shore, Lake Louise is without a doubt one of the most photographed places in Canada. When we arrived, we pulled right up to the front of the parking lot in the Big Nature van.
Here, you have a few hours where you can choose your own adventure! The options are:
- a guided 45-minute snowshoe (equipment included in tour price)
- ice skating (if you do not have your own skates, you can rent skates at the Fairmont Chateau for around $23 CAD per person)
- cross-country skiing (bring your own skis or they can be rented at the Fairmont Chateau)
- browsing the shops of the Fairmont
- enjoying a beverage at the ice bar
- and/or taking a horse-drawn carriage ride around the lake (this activity is optional, at the cost of the individuals and at the availability of the operators. The cost starts at $45/per person)
We chose the guided snowshoe to start, which we would highly recommend! Big Nature supplied snowshoes and poles. They led us away from the crowds through a peaceful trail in the forest. We learned more about the area and wildlife before a killer mountain view on our way back to the lake.
Next, we all laced up our skates and hit the cleared patch of ice in front of the Fairmont Chateau. This is one of the most beautiful outdoor rinks in the country, and they even build an ice castle on the shore!
After we had our fill of fresh air, we wandered the shops of the hotel for a few minutes before making our way back to Calgary in the Big Nature van.
Overall, the BIG Banff Active Winter Adventure is an incredible way to get out and explore the Canadian Rockies this winter. This tour involves a full day of physical activity, which we absolutely loved! You can use the discount code MADETOEXPLORE10 for 10% off all group and private tours with Big Nature. Click here to check them out!
We hope you enjoyed learning about our favourite winter tour in banff. as always, feel free to reach out with any questions or comment below with your thoughts on this adventure with big nature. we would love to hear from you!
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