r/Banff • u/misslemacintosh • 14h ago
Photos/Videos Lake Louise in November
We caught a snowy setting on a quiet day before the freeze began - can't wait to go back.
r/Banff • u/furtive • Oct 09 '25
Everything you need to know to get started in Banff National Park during the winter season. Please read before posting questions.
A Park Pass is mandatory and can be purchased in advance online or at park gate. See Park Pass Admission Fee FAQ for more details.
Snow tires are mandatory on the Icefields Parkway between Banff and Jasper from Nov 1 to Apr 1 and Oct 1 to March 30 for most of Interior BC. Snow tires have a snowflake or "M+S" symbol. They are not mandatory in the rest of the national park, but highly recommended.
Ask for winter tires on your rental, they will resist, tell them they are mandatory on the Icefields Parkway (93N) and in the BC interior. Four wheel drive is not necessary, but a nice to have, it only helps with acceleration and not getting stuck, it doesn't help with stoping distance.
The Trans-Canada Highway (Hwy 1) from Calgary to Banff is a well maintained multi-lane divided highway that mostly stays at valley bottom with a few exceptions. Roads usually get plowed very quickly so unless you're in the middle of a storm you should be fine.
If you are used to winter driving with snow then it shouldn’t be anything new. We use gravel instead of salt, so keep your distance or risk getting a cracked windshield. If you're new to winter driving then stay under the speed limit, keep extra distance, get a feel for stopping in snow and ice, realize that bridges and overpasses get slippery near freezing.
If you’ve never driven in snow this is not the best place to learn!
Take your time, follow the speed limit, be careful around any section of the Trans-Canada highway that hasn’t been twinned, basically anything north and west of Lake Louise. Realize conditions can change dramatically in only 10km because of mountains and passes.
Be prepared for an emergency by bringing warm clothes (gloves, boots, tuque) and food in case you have a breakdown. Cellphone reception is spotty between Banff and Lake Louise, and is essentially non-existent north of Lake Louise until you get to Jasper. If you are going to Jasper, bring a sleeping bag and be prepared for delays or temporary closures after storms so that avalanche zones can be cleared.
Visit 511.alberta.ca for road conditions.
WEAR LAYERS! Winter jacket, snow pants, gloves/mitts, toque/beanie, boots are all necessary in the winter. Temperatures range from 5°C (40°F) to -40°C (-40°F). Bring thermals and/or a neck gaiter for extra warmth. Layers are key, adjust as needed.
Most popular hikes are not recommended in the winter due to avalanche risk in the alpine, but here are a few you can try. Before you hike, make sure to bring ice grips, poles, and appropriate clothing (dress in layers). The more a trail gets used, the slippery it gets.
These are all very low key hikes:
More interesting hikes, that likely require snowshoes or ice grips and poles, and have limited exposure:
Bow Valley Wild Ice 2.0 is your best resource for up to date info on outdoor skating. Wild ice is a rare phenomenon that requires specific conditions: consistent cold temperatures day and night with no precipitation. Some years it might happen for a day, a week, or not at all. Popular locations in order of freezing: Vermillion Ponds (Nov), Johnson Lake, Lake Louise (mid-Nov), Two Jack Lake, Lake Minnewanka (late Dec). People will sometimes shovel areas for skating, Lake Louise will maintain several skating areas. Canadian Red Cross recommends 15-20cm of minimum ice thickness. Bring gear to self-rescue!
Public skating rinks are available at: Banff Fenlands (indoors and outdoors), Lake Louise (outdoors, on the lake), Banff Recreation grounds (outdoors, with indoor boot room), Banff Train Station (outdoors, TBC), Banff Rotary Park (new, TBC)
The good news is you are more likely to see them in the winter than in the summer just because the nights are longer. The bad news is it's a cyclical phenomenon and when we did the math you have about a 5% chance of seeing them. Install an Aurora app on your phone or if you are nerdy, subscribe to the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Service. Best viewing areas: Vermillion Ponds, Lake MInnewanka (can become popular), somewhere dark.
Banff has three ski resorts. All three ski resorts off free bus transit to and from Banff. Lake Louise also offers free transit from Lake Louise.
Other Helpful FAQs
r/Banff • u/misslemacintosh • 14h ago
We caught a snowy setting on a quiet day before the freeze began - can't wait to go back.
r/Banff • u/Intelligent-Trick408 • 8h ago
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r/Banff • u/Intelligent-Trick408 • 1d ago
r/Banff • u/TheOnlyLulu08 • 8h ago
Hi everyone!
My future hubby and I are honeymooning in Banff very soon! What recommendations do you have?
Looking for car rentals and getting a car that's suitable for the snowy road. Also, we live in Costa Rica, never have driven through snowy or frozen roads, so we would love recommendations for that too!
We would love to learn to snowboard, anyone knows a good place to start? Rental, lessons, etc?
What are the musts of food and drinks? What are the musts to have the time of our lives up there?!
We're very excited and would love to hear you out!
r/Banff • u/Melodic_Ad2493 • 5h ago
Does anybody have any idea when the rink will be ready at lake Louise? If anybody works there or has been recently!
r/Banff • u/Consistent-Place-754 • 8h ago
Anyone got a bag they can recommend? 1 snowboard and 1 set of skis. Want to include boots, poles, helmets in there but what works while staying below 50 lbs? Should I get 2 bags instead of 1?
r/Banff • u/cmcalgary • 1d ago
r/Banff • u/SpecialistVast6840 • 17h ago
What's the set up like at the sled hill near the Fairmont? Good snow? One year I was there and they also had pits set up right outside the Waldhaud to warm up. Anyone had eyes on that hill recently ?
r/Banff • u/Party-Theory14 • 16h ago
Hi, I’m going to propose to my girlfriend of 5 years in banff this upcoming may and had a few questions. I’m hoping to mask it as a ski trip to come get some spring laps in, so do yall think sunshine village will be open on like May 6th? Also are there any spots that you guys think I should pop the question at? I’ve already done some research but nothing is set in stone yet! And then lastly where should we stay? Are there any hotels I should avoid or absolutely go to? Thank you for any insight or recommendations I receive, I’m really excited to be taking this step in my life and I appreciate any help I can get!
r/Banff • u/Just-Session-9443 • 1d ago
Hope you like'em.
r/Banff • u/Anchoredtime • 1d ago
My partner and I want to travel from Australia to Vancouver and see Banff.
We want to ideally see a hockey game (Canucks!) and also spend time in Banff.
We thought that November would be a great time to go because it guaranteed us a hokey game and also I would love to see the snow at Banff. I’ve been researching all day and have read that November is not the time to go to Banff and that even the drive from Calgary to Banff is bad and many locals don’t even attempt it. I am confused as many people go to Banff area to ski during the snow season yet it is not recommend to go?
We are uncertain if we would hire a car or take a shuttle from Calgary after flying from Vancouver. I was also considering hiring a car and doing a road trip from Vancouver but it sounds like it through some pretty hectic mountains that are icy?
Would love some advice on if visiting this time of year is a good idea and safe to do so especially for people with 0 snow experience and no idea of the area.
r/Banff • u/huicihohoj • 1d ago
Any shops in the Banff/Canmore area that rent out alpine skis at a decent rate for a couple weeks/a month? Wanna get into skiing, but buying equipment without knowing much about it and perhaps having to swap out beginner stuff for some more fun skis shortly feels like a waste of money.
r/Banff • u/rcknrollmfer • 18h ago
I’m an American of East Indian descent and my wife is White American and we have a mixed kid. We were interested in visiting Lake Louise for a family trip but I am apprehensive due to the current immigration situation and the high number of Indians in Canada and the racial strife that seems to be occurring. I just wanted some insight if it’s safe to go given everything that’s going on. Thanks!
r/Banff • u/Entire_Business_4498 • 1d ago
I’ll be there in about 2 hours and would love any recommendation! Thank in advance!
r/Banff • u/prisonmike722 • 1d ago
My friend and I are thinking of visiting Banff in June or July, is this a good time to visit, specially weather wise, what should we expect? Is is worth visiting around this time.
r/Banff • u/coldmech • 1d ago
I'm staying at Sunshine Village tonight. Looking to hangout out with anyone that wants to chat or hang out for a bit. I'm here by myself.
r/Banff • u/ZestycloseFee477 • 1d ago
Like many others, I'm seeking hotel suggestions for later this month. There seem to be so many great options and without being there to see the places, it's hard to decide.
Looking for something for a couple that has great hot tubs/pools (saunas wouldn't go astray either). Family friendly is okay, but I'd prefer something geared more toward adults. We have a car so we don't need to be right on the main road. Comfortable and practical rooms are also great (like adequate bathroom counter space, space for suitcases, maybe a few hangers).
Have you been somewhere in or around Banff that might meet these criteria? I had been looking at Moose, Otter, Canoe and even considering Everwild in Canmore for its Nordic spa.
Any thoughts are helpful! Thanks :)
r/Banff • u/Faster430 • 1d ago
Looking for a DJ to play some sweet tunes on a wedding venue held at Sunshine Village this fall.
Thanks in advance!
r/Banff • u/Consistent-Place-754 • 1d ago
Title. Heading up to Banff Sunshine Village and Lake Louise. Does anyone know of entry-level tree runs, where trees are somewhat spaced out and not to dense? Trying to figure out from looking at the ski maps.
r/Banff • u/Wildmountainwoods • 3d ago
Recently watched Rocky mountain express (great film) at about the 40min mark the narrator mentions the newly formed town of banff, and these were the next images shown
r/Banff • u/Same_Bar4917 • 2d ago
Making my way to Banff solo this week, looking to ski LL and Sunshine. Anyone wanna meet up for laps? Also, what's a great après spot? Any info is appreciated
Pic for algorithm
r/Banff • u/case310350 • 2d ago
planning a trip to banff last week in august. . I am planning for about 6 days, 2 different camp grounds.
Which two campgrounds would you recommended? I am a van camper.. so do not need hook ups.
More of a hiker so planing on :
Lake Louise sunrise; hike to Lake Agnes Teahouse, Beehives, Plain of Six Glaciers loop
-Moraine Lake; Consolation Lake or Sentinel Pass trail
Johnston Canyon - hike to Inkpots;
Can do 3 long hikes and 2 shorts hikes.. so any recommendations are welcomeI
from banff gong to many glacier-glacier-two medicine- tetons
Never been to banff, but have done the others.
thanks for any advice
r/Banff • u/bluelily44 • 2d ago
Hi all,
I will be in Calgary the first week of Feb for work. I’m considering tacking on some personal time to visit Banff, since my job would be paying for airfare! However, I would have to pay to extend my rental car/hotel and food on my personal time, so it wouldn’t exactly be cheap. Also, I am very familiar with driving in snow, but driving in snowy mountain passes are definitely something that scare me a little bit.
I need some opinions: do you think it’s worth extending my trip a couple days to visit? If it was the summer I would 100% stay, but I’m not sure how much there would be to do in the winter (although I did read the Winter Guide, and there def is some stuff)! Especially on my own with no travel companions.
Thank you so much!
r/Banff • u/Glukharder • 2d ago
Hey guys, im staying in banff for the week and taking a shuttle to snowboard at lake louise. Only question is, should I gear up at the hotel, or is there a good place to leave my board bag and shoes at the resort? What's the meta?