5 Can’t-Miss Winter Adventures in Banff and Lake Louise in Alberta, Canada

Known for crystal-clear alpine lakes and majestic mountains, Banff National Park sits high atop many lists as a choice summer vacation destination. Yet, this Alberta, Canada, gem may shine most bright in winter, thanks to snow-covered pine trees; frozen, glacier-fed lakes and waterfalls; and soaring snowcapped mountain peaks.

Year-round airport shuttles, such as the Banff Airporter, are a popular way for air travelers to reach the town of Banff from Calgary, Alberta. Of the destination’s 4 million yearly visitors, the lion’s share arrives in July, August and September — making winter an excellent time to visit, particularly for those eager to enjoy solitude outside, take in the views and get seated in a restaurant without a reservation. There’s plenty to do in the winter months, too, such as hitting the slopes at Banff’s three ski areas, snowshoeing at Sunshine Meadows and hiking to frozen waterfalls at Johnston Canyon.

Here are five can’t-miss authentic Canadian mountain adventures that await in winter in Banff.

Fat Biking

Fat bikes — which have oversize, grippy tires — make it easy to pedal on the snow-packed trails that meander across Banff’s vast wintry landscape of pine forests. They also make in-town winter biking a breeze when clients need extra stability and traction. 

Several locally owned outfitters, including Banff Cycle + Sport, rent fat-tire mountain bikes and even fat-tire e-bikes. Bikescape, meanwhile, offers guided fat-tire e-bike tours in the snow-covered backcountry, including a half-day tour that includes lunch at Sundance Lodge, a remote, solar-powered park lodge that can only be accessed by bike or snowmobile in winter. 

Hiking to Frozen Waterfalls

Practically imperative while in Banff: a wintry hike to Johnston Canyon for mesmerizing views of frozen waterfalls (with ice spikes attached to hiking boots, of course). Steel catwalks built into the sides of the canyon guide visitors to platforms where they can take in the frozen-solid 30-foot-tall lower falls and 100-foot-tall upper falls. Clients may also see ice climbers with crampons and ice axes deftly ascending the frozen walls of ice. To safely navigate this hike, ice cleat rental are available in town, or visitors can book a trip with an outfitter such as Radventures, which offers guided tours (ice cleats included).

Gondola Rides

For bird’s-eye views across the Canadian Rockies, board the Banff Gondola for a sightseeing ride to the summit of Sulphur Mountain. The vistas are stunning by day, but at night, an engaging multisensory experience called Nightrise welcomes visitors from mid-November through March. This wildlife-friendly sound and light show offers cultural insights and narration in the local language of the Stoney Nakoda people, who are indigenous to Banff. This captivating experience features four multimedia art installations called the “Four Wonders” that honor the sacred nature of the mountains.

Ice-Skating at Lake Louise 

Lake Louise is an iconic glacier-fed lake in Banff that sits in the shadow of several high peaks, including Mount Temple and Mount Aberdeen. Lake Louise typically freezes solid by early December; when it does, an ice-skating rink is sectioned off on the lake, as is a curling rink and a small ice hockey rink. Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise  faces the 222-acre lake and, notably, is an optimal place to warm up with a hot chocolate. Clients can rent ice skates in the lobby of the Fairmont for a day or night-skate from mid-December to mid-April. 

Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing across magical snow-draped forest groves on a blue-sky day in Banff is a glorious adventure. The trails at Lake Louise, including the Louise Creek Trail, are a favorite for reliable snow cover. Sunshine Meadows, located at Banff Sunshine Village — one of Banff’s three ski areas — is also tops among those eager to “break trail” in pristine backcountry snow. Ride a gondola and a chairlift to the top for deep powder, 360-degree panoramas and unobstructed views of the iconic Mount Assiniboine. Travelers can rent snowshoes in town or book a guided tour through an outfitter such as Banff Adventures or White Mountain Adventures. 

RELATED: Review: Glacier View Lodge in Jasper National Park

Lodging in Banff, Alberta

The town of Banff in Alberta, Canada, has plenty of winter lodging options, including Moose Hotel & Suites and Mount Royal Hotel. Nearly every hotel is located along the 10-block Banff Avenue, which runs down the middle of town. And, speaking of Banff Avenue, recommend clients walk to the Bow River Bridge on the south end of the street to take the signature photo of the town flanked by Cascade Mountain.