Banff 
Photo Credit: Canadian Tourism Commission
Winter in Banff is known for its 3 big ski resorts: Norquay, Sunshine and Lake Louise. While skiing may be why most people head to Banff National Park in the winter, there’s so much more to do than just that. We’ve rounded up 25 winter activities in Banff that aren’t skiing. From sleigh rides to ice skating and museum hopping, you’re sure to find ideas for your next weekend getaway.
FYI: If you don’t ski or snowboard because lessons and rentals are expensive, then sign up for Never Ever Days. You can learn to ski/snowboard at participating ski/snowboard areas across the country like Lake Louise Ski Resort for ~$25.
1. Go Ice Walking at Johnston Canyon
Johnston Canyon is one of Banff’s most popular hikes, bustling with tour busses during the summer. But during the winter, the canyon turns into an icy wonderland waiting to be explored. The pathway through the canyon to the lower and upper falls is beautiful. You can experience the winter wonderland of Johnston Canyon if you go on an ice walk tour. Join a professional guide on a hike along the canyon’s steel walkways, to visit the beautiful lower and upper waterfalls, and learn how this majestic canyon was formed.
Address: Bow Valley Pkwy, Improvement District No. 9
Cost: Free if DIY; $54.60 to $86.10 for guided walk
2. Skating on Two Jack Lake
This isn’t your average community outdoor rink. If you haven’t skated on a mountain lake, prepare to be in awe of the view. Lace-up your skates and head out onto one of Banff’s most popular skating destinations located on Lake Minnewanka scenic drive.
Address: Lake Minnewanka Scenic Dr, Improvement District No. 9
Price: free
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3. Mount Norquay Tubing Hill
If skiing down a mountain isn’t for you, what about tubing? For a day of thrilling family fun, slide down the slopes on an inflatable tube. Luckily for you, they have a magic carpet to help pull you back up to the top of the hill.
Address: #2 Mt Norquay Rd, Banff
Price: $26 for children 4-12, $37 for adults
Credit: Paul_Zizka/Mt Norquay Ski Resort
4. Tunnel Mountain
If you’re looking for a beginner-friendly winter hike, Tunnel Mountain is a favourite. Starting right from the town of Banff, this short 2.3 km hike takes you to the top of the mountain. From the top, you get an incredible view of the town of Banff and the surrounding mountains. Its view of Banff is unlike any other. Details
Address: 137 St Julien Rd, Banff
Price: free
5. Snowshoeing at Lake Louise
The Lake Louise area is filled with snowshoe trails. Walk along the Lake Louise shoreline for a beginner-friendly trail, or hike up to Mirror Lake for more of a challenge. If you don’t have your own pair of snowshoes, don’t worry. You can rent a pair from the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.
Address:111 Lake Louise Dr, Lake Louise
Price: free, snowshoe rentals for $13
6. Banff Ice Magic Festival
Credit: Banff Lake Louise Tourism
For a perfect winter day, check out the Ice Magic Festival. Each year, some of the world’s best ice carvers come to Lake Louise to compete in an annual ice carving competition. Admire the magical ice carvings against the stunning backdrop of Lake Louise. We all know the best part of skiing is warming up with drinks around the fire afterwards. So why not just skip the skiing part and go straight to the drinks? During the Lake Louise Ice Magic Festival make sure to check out the ice bar. You can get your cocktail fix at a one-of-a-kind bar made out of ice.
Address: 111 Lake Louise Dr, Lake Louise
Price: Free and ticketed days
7. Stewart Canyon
Stewart Canyon is a beautiful winter walk. This 3km round trip beginner-friendly hike along the shore of Lake Minnewanka is perfect for a couple or a family. Remember to bring a camera and take in the views of the canyon. For a longer hike, continue along the shoreline of Lake Minnewanka.
Address: Lake Minnewanka, Banff
8. Sulphur Mountain Gondola
Credit: Banff Gondola
The Sulphur Mountain Gondola takes you to one of the most iconic views of Banff. The 360 degree views on the rooftop deck are not to be missed. You can also walk the boardwalk to Sanson’s Peak. During the Christmas season, you may even find Santa and his reindeer up there. Book a dinner reservation at the bistro at the top of the mountain and watch the sun set behind the mountains while you’re eating.
Address: 100 Mountain Ave, Banff
Price: Prices starting at $42 for Alberta residents, $53 for tourists.
9. Skating on Lake Minnewanka
Lake Minnewanka is a whopping 21km long, so if you’re looking for a cardio workout, try skating to the “Devil’s Gap” on the other side. On this journey, you’ll see the mountains flatten out into prairie. Even if skating a marathon isn’t on your bucket list, Lake Minnewanka is a beautiful area to explore on skates, no matter how far you go.
Address: Lake Minnewanka Scenic Dr, Improvement District No. 9
Price: free
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10. Fat Biking
Do you like biking, then why not go fat biking in winter. Explore Banff Avenue Trail, Tunnel Bench Loop or Lake Minnewanka Scenic drive from the saddle of your bike.
11. Skating on Lake Louise
Lake Louise may just be Canada’s most well-known lake. And what better way to experience this iconic lake in the Rockies than by skating on it? Bring your camera because this may be the most photo-worthy lake in Banff.
Address: 111 Lake Louise Dr, Lake Louise
Price: free
12. Visit the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity
This 42 acre campus on the outskirts of the town of Banff can be described in one word: stunning. While most of their programming has been moved online due to COVID-19, the campus area is beautiful to explore on a leisurely walk. If you want to avoid the hustle and bustle of the town of Banff, this is a very peaceful escape.
Address: 107 Tunnel Mountain Dr, Banff
Price: free
13. Soak in the Banff Hot Springs
Credit: Noel Hendrickson
Relaxing in the Banff Hot Springs is a favourite winter activity. What better way to relax after a long day than soaking in the naturally warm waters of the hot springs? The Banff Hot Springs is currently closed due to COVID-19, but anticipated reopening dates will be on their website when any updates are available.
Address: 1 Mountain Ave, Banff
Price: $8.48 for an adult
14. Check out the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel
This hotel looks like a giant castle, and it’s tucked away from the town of Banff. The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel is one of the most recognizable buildings in Canada, and it warrants a bit of exploring. Enjoy Christmas tea and take-in the opulent atmosphere of Banff’s castle.
Address: 405 Spray Ave, Banff
15. Go for a Sleigh Ride
Photo Credit: Canadian Tourism Commission
What could be a more festive way of celebrating winter than a sleigh ride? Take in the fresh mountain air while discovering some beautiful trails in Banff. Keep your eyes peeled – if you’re lucky, you may spot some wildlife.
Address: 100 Sundance Rd, Banff and Lake Louise
Price: Starting from $42 per person
16. Stroll down to Bow Falls
Bow falls is one of the most well-known waterfalls in Banff. From the town, take an easy 1.2km walk on the Bow Falls Trail. The thundering waterfalls are incredible in any season, but especially with the backdrop of snow in the winter.
Address: Bow Falls Ave, Banff
Price: free
17. Walk along Banff Avenue
Banff Avenue is the main street in Banff. From cute coffee shops to art galleries to souvenir shops, there’s no shortage of things to do and see. And this street is oh so instagrammable.
Address: Banff Avenue, Banff
Price: free
18. Snowshoe/Sightsee at Sunshine Village
Credit: Banff Sunshine Village
If you’ve never been to Sunshine Village, prepared to be stunned. You first have to take the gondola from Sunshine Village up to the meadows to take in the breathtaking views of Banff National Park. Take the Standish Chairlift that will take you to the top of Mt. Standish and enjoy the views from highest sightseeing elevation in the Banff and Lake Louise area.
There are plenty of eating options at the Sunshine Ski Resort. You can even book some me time at Verde Day Spa.
You can also join for guided snowshoeing and enjoy the 360 degrees views around Crossing the Continental Divide.
Address: 1 Sunshine access Rd, Banff
Price: Sightseeing:$30 to $44; Snowshoeing: $114.45
19. Fun at Lake Louise Ski Resort
Credit: Lake Louise Ski Resort
Skiing is not the only thing you can do at the world famous ski resort. Snow tube with the whole family at the ‘Sunny Tube’ run, go on a free ski area tour with Ski Friends and learn about ski areas lifts, runs, facilities, or heritage, climb aboard the Lake Louise Sightseeing Gondola and see soaring peaks, stunning glaciers, surrounded by the unspoiled beauty of winter. You can also go for a guided snowshoeing tour and enjoy some of the most breathtaking vantage points in the Canadian Rockies.
Address: 1 Whitehorn Road, Lake Louise
Price: Sighseeing: $37.95 ; Youth (13-17) $16.95; Child (6-12): $16.95 & Child (<5); Free
20. Snow Days Festival
Alongside its world-class skiing and astounding wilderness, the essence of mountain culture comes to life during SnowDays, a vibrant winter festival in the heart of the Canadian Rockies.
Address: Various Venues, Banff
Price: Free
21. Check out the Tunnel Mountain Hoodoos
For a beginner friendly winter hike, the Hoodoos Trail is beautiful in all seasons. On this 4.6km hike, you’ll see the towering Banff hoodoos. Plus, this trail is just on the outskirts of Banff, so you’re only a few minutes away from warming up with some hot chocolate once you’re done.
Address: Buffalo St, Banff
Price: free
22. Cave & Basin National Historic Site
The Cave & Basin National Historic Site is the birthplace of all national parks across Canada. In normal years, you take a guided tour walk through the tunnel and cave. Due to COVID-19 this activity is suspended, but you can still enjoy the iconic historic building, outdoor boardwalks, bubbling thermal waters, audio visual exhibits and temporary exhibits.
Address: 311 Cave Ave, Banff
Price: $6.60 to $7.90
23. Ice Climb up a Waterfall
What could be cooler than climbing up a frozen waterfall? This is a one of a kind exhilarating experience. You don’t need any prior experience because the tours have certified guides to help you build your confidence as you go.
Address: 211 Bear St, Banff, AB
Price: $186.00
24. Dog Sledding
Experience this thrilling way to enjoy winter in the mountains. Explore the park on the back of a dog sled for a thrilling adventure. There are many different tours offered, from a short 30-minute sled ride to a 4-hour journey. Details
25. Check out Museums and Galleries
Scattered throughout the town, Banff boasts of a variety of museums and galleries including Whyte Museum, Buffalo Nations Museum, Banff Centre for Arts & Creativity, Carter-Ryan Gallery (229 Bear Street, Banff), Canada House Gallery (201 Bear Street), Luxton Home Museum (206 Beaver Street), Mountain Galleries at The Fairmont (405 Spray Avenue), Willock & Sax Gallery (210 Bear Street), Walter Phillips Gallery (107 Tunnel Mountain Drive) showcasing history, local art and more.
26. Drive the Icefields Parkway
Most visitors to Banff only go as far as Lake Louise. But some of the park’s most stunning views lie on highway 93 heading north from Lake Louise. Roadside stops to marvel at the Crowfoot Glacier and Bow Lake are a must. The driving conditions of this highway can be treacherous after a snowfall, so check the weather reports before heading out.
