Summary
There is something that draws me to icy landscapes, and Banff, Canada, is the perfect destination for ice and snow. When the mountains are covered with blankets of snow, it amplifies the beauty of a scene by creating stark shadows and jagged lines. Colors pop through the winter haze, creating beautiful patterns of intense hues.
For me, there is nowhere more arresting in winter than in Banff, Canada. Winter in Alberta can be harsh as the temperatures plunge to well below zero. However, if you are brave enough to face the Canadian cold, a trip to Banff in winter will leave you with lasting memories that you will cherish for years to come.
Discover the Beauty of Banff Canada
From backcountry lodges to high mountain scenic hikes, Banff, Alberta, is beautiful. Consequently, if you want to take in the scale and scope of the Rocky Mountains, consider a scenic flight over Banff National Park. You’ll discover a beauty you’ve never seen before. If you are visiting Alberta, make sure to add Banff to your list.
Vermilion Lakes for Stunning Sunrises
Sunrises are incredible in the Rockies, and there are a few places that are popular for witnessing this spectacle. Vermilion Lakes is one of the top spots for sunrise in Banff, located just outside the town and a short drive from Lake Louise.
Make sure to get there early, as many photographers will be lining the banks of Vermilion Lakes to capture the breathtaking views.
Experience the Iconic Lake Louise
Lake Louise is the most popular attraction in all of Banff, attracting visitors from across the globe. In the summer, it becomes a must-do experience to canoe on Lake Louise.
Captivating Views of Mount Rundle
Every time we visit Banff, we stop at Vermilion Lakes. It feels unique each time! There’s a reason it’s the most photographed lake in Banff, Canada; it is simply stunning. The picturesque landscapes attract photographers from around the world to capture the magnificent sunrises!
Winter Activities in Banff
Pond Hockey on Lake Louise
Ice skating runs deep in Canadian culture. Both Dave and I have spent countless winters practicing our skills in hockey rinks. For a truly authentic experience, take the game outdoors and play some pond hockey on Lake Louise.
Grab all your winter gear and rent your pond hockey skates and equipment at Wilson Mountain Sports.
Lake Minnewanka: Stargazing and Photography
Lake Minnewanka is one of the more famous lakes near Banff, making it an ideal spot for stargazing and capturing stunning night sky photographs. Winter is an excellent time for such photography since the sun sets as early as 4:30 PM, allowing for a cozy evening back home by 9 PM.
Secret Bend
We took a photography tour with Rocky Mountain Adventures, an excellent way to discover hidden gems.
Their professional guides know Banff Canada inside out, leading you to many photography spots frequented by local photographers. By hiring a local guide, you can capture unique angles from new perspectives.
Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary
Some people think it is cool to own a dog that is half-wolf, half-dog, but these animals require a lot of work and are very special. If you are considering adopting a wolf dog, make sure to do your research and fully understand what you are getting into beforehand.
Johnston Canyon: A Winter Wonderland
The Johnston Canyon walk is a spectacular sight in winter. This winding path takes you through deep canyons adorned with icy waterfalls. Each view becomes more enchanting until you reach the end, where massive waterfalls plunge into a whirlpool of icy water.
Sleigh Ride at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
There is nothing more romantic than taking a horse-drawn sleigh ride on a trail at Lake Louise. The Clydesdale horse will pull your sleigh along the lake’s path, allowing you to view the glacier while sipping hot chocolate and wrapped up in a warm blanket.
Sundance Lodge: An Extraordinary Experience
A backcountry lodge offers a magical experience. Banff Canada provides some of the best astrophotography opportunities, thanks to clear, crisp skies and minimal light pollution. When you escape to Sundance Lodge, you can soak in the incredible night sky.
The only access to this lodge is by hiking, cross-country skiing, or snowshoeing. Once you arrive, you’ll find the place all to yourself, and in summer, you can ride horses in.
Bow Lake in Winter
Winter showcases stunning views at every turn in Banff, Canada. We drove up the Icefields Parkway to view Bow Lake in winter. Although the path is closed during winter months, it’s worth hiking out for a photograph.
Bow Lake in Summer
We’ve seen it in summer as well, and it’s equally stunning. A drive up the Icefields Parkway is a must any time of the year, with more than 100 glaciers lining the route, offering several viewpoints to appreciate the striking views.
Helicopter Tour of the Rocky Mountains
The best way to see Banff National Park is to fly over it. A helicopter tour provides a spectacular overview, showcasing the vastness of the Rocky Mountains. Each turn during our scenic winter flight left us breathless.
Helicopter Tours can be reserved at Rockies Heli.
Snowshoe to a Mountain Peak
During our helicopter ride, we were treated to a snowshoe excursion in the mountains. Snowshoeing in the Canadian Rockies is one thing, but snowshoeing while suspended above them is an experience like no other. Our helicopter landed on a remote mountain peak, providing breathtaking views of spectacular Banff, Canada.
Skiing in Banff
Banff is unique as it houses three ski hills: Lake Louise, Mount Norquay, and Sunshine Village. Lake Louise hosts World Cup downhill events, and Nakiska Ski Resort, located just outside the park, was the site of the ’88 Winter Olympics alpine events.
Views from the Banff Gondola
One of the most popular viewpoints in Banff is from the top of the Banff Gondola. If you do not ski, this is an excellent way to see Banff from above. Upon reaching the top, you’ll find a museum, a restaurant, and several lookout points.
The Great Divide, Banff Alberta
The only spot for dogsledding in Banff National Park is just outside the town of Lake Louise at the Great Divide Trailhead. This adventure takes you through The Great Divide Trail, crossing the border from Banff Canada into British Columbia. The Alaskan Huskies from KingMik Dogsled Tours are eager to run.
Cross Country Skiing in Banff
When winter arrives, Banff residents don’t retreat indoors; instead, they embrace the snow by reveling in outdoor activities. Numerous daily groomed trails are available for cross-country skiing, inviting snow lovers to enjoy the appealing winter landscape.
Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel
The Banff Springs Hotel, known as the castle in the Rocky Mountains, is possibly the most famous sight in Banff Canada. While we’ve never stayed there, we always stop by for a tour whenever we visit Banff. Built in 1888 as accommodation along the CP Rail lines, it has undergone many renovations and is one of the most luxurious places to enjoy your stay in Banff.
Banff Backcountry
When visiting Banff Canada, make sure to venture into the backcountry. We snowshoed to a backcountry lodge, and what made it special were the incredibly picturesque views of ice and snow!
When to visit Banff?
Banff can be visited year-round, but the weather is extreme. It is particularly beautiful in the winter. Summers tend to be crowded; however, the shoulder season can still offer pleasant weather with fewer people around.
Where is Banff?
The town of Banff is located in Banff National Park in Alberta Canada. It is approximately 120 km (75 miles) from Calgary International Airport, which serves as the main entry point for visitors.
Where can you see the Northern Lights in Banff?
The northern lights are visible from Banff National Park. We enjoyed stunning night skies at Lake Minnewanka. Aim to escape the light pollution of Banff town and head to one of the many surrounding lakes.
By giving winter a chance, you will discover that Banff is magical when it’s blanketed in snow. With its pristine landscapes and countless activities, Banff offers a winter adventure like no other.
