A Guide: Winter in Banff ☃️
✨ banff itinerary ✨
❄️banff town
not much to do in banff town itself, everything fun is outside! but banff town is a cute little quaint town! even though there aren’t many activities, it’s really nice to just walk around, soak in the vibes, and peek into all the little shops. perfect for window shopping or grabbing souvenirs!
took the banff gondola up and the views were insane, especially seeing everything from above. very worth it just for the scenery. we tried the buffet dinner up there and ngl… it was mid 😭 paying for the view more than the food. once you’re up, you can also hike sulphur mountain which was honestly really cool but WOW it was FREEZING. like next level cold. my hair literally froze. still, the views + experience made it worth it!
🐕 kingmik dogsled tour
a bit out of town, and u gotta walk along the side of the road from the nearest bus stop to the site (watch your legs) the dogs are ADORABLE and SO pumped to run. they’ll be barking and jumping before u even take off~ can rly tell tat they’re excited and well taken care of, not mistreated at all!! being pulled on the sled is honestly way more fun than i expected. warning: it’s colder than i tot since u’re basically sitting there letting the wind slap you in the face. but also… the views are insane. mountains, snow, frozen rivers~ one of those “pinch me” moments.
truly a one-in-a-lifetime experience && i would 100% do it again. if you ever get the chance, JUST GO
🥾 johnston canyon
you don’t need to blow $$$ to have fun. hiking and exploring is still super satisfying. johnston canyon is next-level in winter. hiking is fun because you’re not sweating and it feels crisp and fresh. HOWEVER, it’s super slippery with frozen ice on the trails. we only made it up 1/4 of the way… not because we were tired, but literally because it was too icy to go further. must rent crampons in town unless you want to do a dramatic slip-and-slide (like me LOL) if you do make it up, the frozen waterfalls are totally worth it
🏔️ icefields parkway tour
really nice scenery, but don’t expect the iconic bright blue you see in summer pics of lake louise. winter version = muted colours but SNOW-CAPPED mountains everywhere, so it’s a give and take situation. different seasons, different beauty! winter just hits in a quieter, more dramatic way. ngl it does get a bit samey after a while and it’s a full-day affair, so be mentally prepared.
pro tip: crampons are again your best friend!!
🍹eat good food!
after freezing outdoors all day, good food just hits different. tried the cheese fondue at grizzly house and also sampled some exotic meats (feeling brave). honestly quite good and a fun experience, but ngl… pretty pricey. worth it if u wanna try something a bit different though. anejo deserves a special shoutout. SUPER GOOD and cheap happy hour cocktails!! $8 per drink and $4 per taco. & before u think “cheap = mid”… NO. the quality was actually really good and everything tasted amazing. highly highly recommend anejo if u’re in banff
Banff in winter truly offers a magical experience that goes beyond typical tourist activities. From personal experience, layering warm clothes and choosing the right footwear, like crampons for icy trails, is essential for comfort and safety, especially while hiking Johnston Canyon or exploring Sulphur Mountain. The freeze transforms waterfalls into stunning frozen sculptures, creating breathtaking photo opportunities and a serene environment that’s less crowded than summer. One memorable highlight was the Kingmik dogsled tour. The dogs’ enthusiasm and care were evident, and despite the biting cold wind, the ride feeling exhilarating and peaceful at the same time. It’s an immersive way to appreciate the snow-covered wilderness and hear the quietness of the forest interrupted only by the sled’s glide and the dogs’ barks. Food is another big part of the Banff winter experience. After a day in the cold, the warmth and flavors of hearty dishes like cheese fondue at Grizzly House provide perfect comfort. For a more casual and budget-friendly option, Anejo’s happy hour is a must-try; their quality cocktails and tasty tacos make for an excellent way to unwind. The Icefields Parkway drive in winter showcases a unique, quieter beauty with snow-capped peaks and soft light. Though the colors differ from summer’s vibrant blues, the striking winter landscape feels more dramatic and peaceful. Just be prepared for a full day, with plenty of chances to stop, take photos, and soak in the vast Canadian Rockies. If you’re visiting Banff during winter, consider spending time wandering Banff town as well. It’s small but charming with quaint shops perfect for souvenirs or warming up with coffee. Overall, winter in Banff offers an unforgettable collection of sights, activities, and flavors that cater to adventurers and food lovers alike.
