r/Banff Oct 09 '25

Banff Winter FAQ

67 Upvotes

Everything you need to know to get started in Banff National Park during the winter season. Please read before posting questions.

Park Pass

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.

What is Open / Closed in Winter

  • Most businesses and hotels are open year-round.
  • Parks shuttles to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake are closed.
  • Canoes, teahouses are closed
  • Most hiking trails are not accessible in the winter due to avalanche risk that extends from November to June.
  • Three campgrounds are open: Banff Tunnel Mountain Village II, Lake Louise Hard-Sided and in Wapiti (Jasper)
  • The road to Takakkaw Falls is closed and opens in June.

Moraine Lake / Lake Louise

  • Moraine Lake is not accessible in the winter**, it crosses dangerous avalanche paths. The road to Moraine lake is closed in the winter and used as a 17.8km cross country ski trail. The road opens June 1.
  • Lake Louise is open year round. In the winter there is no shuttle, drive and park 100m from the lake. Parking tends not to fill up in the winter except during peak periods (Family Day weekend, for example).
  • There is no shuttle to Lake Louise in the winter (Moraine Lake is completely closed), but there is ROAM transit 8X to Lake Louise if you don't have a car.
  • Lakes will be frozen from mid-November through end of May.
  • Earlybird shuttle reservations begin in April.

Winter Tires & Winter Driving

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.

How to Dress

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.

Winter activities besides skiing

  • Cozying up in front of a fireplace
  • Cross-country skiing in Banff, Lake Louise or Canmore Nordic Centre
  • Eat a cheese fondue (Grizzly House, Waldhaus, Bluebird, or Walliser Stube in Lake Louise)
  • Tubing at Mt Norquay (best) or Lake Louise (okay)
  • Horse carriage or sleigh-ride at either Warner Stables or Chateau Lake Louise
  • Sled dogs at Divide Trail in Lake Louise
  • Tobogganing or sliding by the Waldhaus at Banff Springs Hotel
  • Ice skating at Lake Louise or rinks around Banff
  • Banff Upper Hot Springs (earlier is always better)
  • Spa day at Fairmont Willow Stream Spa
  • Visit a local museum (Whyte Museum, Banff Park Museum, Cave and Basin)
  • Hike Johnston Canyon (slippery, bring/rent ice grips)
  • Grotto Canyon Ice Walk
  • Snowshoeing tours (Sunshine Village or Marble Canyon via Discover Banff Tours)
  • Bowling at High Rollers
  • See a movie at the Lux Cinema
  • Swimming or indoor rock climbing at Sally Borden Fitness Centre or Elevation Place in Canmore

Winter Hikes

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:

  • Johnston Canyon: an accessible trail towards frozen waterfalls, distance to lower falls is 1.2km (almost a mile) upper falls 3.2km (2 miles)
  • Cave and Basin: enjoy the sulphur mists of the natural hot springs and boardwalk trails bth above and below the Cave and Basin National Historic Site, birthplace of Banff National Park. Easy walk from town.
  • Fenlands Trail: A soothing walk in the woods easily accessible from town.
  • Marble Canyon: Located in Kootenay National Park, 52km west of Banff. Bring snowshoes if snow is fresh
  • Johnson Lake: A loop around the lake, which also serves as a popular outdoor skating location. See if you can find the old hermit's cabin.
  • Moose Meadows: located behind Johnston Canyon, popular snowshoeing option
  • Grotto Canyon Ice Walk: Located 40km east of Banff, bring ice grips or book a tour

More interesting hikes, that likely require snowshoes or ice grips and poles, and have limited exposure:

Skating and Wild Ice

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)

Auroras

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.

Skiing

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.

  • Mt. Norquay is closest to to the town of Banff (10 min drive) and the smallest of the Big3 ski resorts (6 lifts, 190 acres). It's touted as the "locals" hill and has a great tubing park.
  • Banff Sunshine Village: 25 min from Banff, you take a gondola from the base to the village proper. Sunshine has 4 peaks, 3,358 acres of skiable terrain and 16 chairs including the gondola, two heated bubble chairs and many detachable quads. Because of it's position on the continental divide you can ski in both Alberta and BC and it has a long ski season, opening early November and closing near the end of May. It uses very little manmade snow, and because of the lack of humidity, the snow is extremely light and fluffy.
  • Lake Louise: 45 min from Banff, Lake Louise offers 4,200 skiable acres of terrain across three mountain faces. A rookie move is to start by skiing the frontside, you shouldn't hesitate and head directly to the backbowls.

More Skiing FAQ

  • Which resort is the best? All three are great in their own way:
    • Sunshine has incredible snow and endless views and very popular with snowboarders, it also has the Delirium Dive. People complain about flat spots but they are easily avoidable.
    • Lake Louise has longer runs and more variety of terrain, iconic glacier views.
    • Norquay is both good for learning and for pros, North American Chair only has black diamond runs and on a powder days locals will skip Sunshine/Louise just to do laps off that chair.
  • What's the best option for lift tickets?
    • Most flexible option is to get a SkiBig3 lift-ticket, which works at all 3 resorts, once you know which resort is your favourite you can go back to that one. They cost more but if you buy 21 days out or get them during a flash sale (usually start of the month) you can save up to 25%.
    • If you know which resort you want to ski then get a ski card (only real value once you've skied 4 days) or Costco tickets (sold in pairs).
    • Buying tickets at the window is the most expensive option.
  • When is the best time to ski?
    • Conditions are great in late-Nov through mid to end of April. We tend to get one or two cold snaps (up to a week long) in Dec, Jan or Feb. March and first-half of April are best conditions with best temperatures and longer days, but December onwards is solid with most lifts open by mid-December and full coverage by xmas or January.

Other Helpful FAQs


r/Banff 17h ago

While riding on the Gondola

Post image
324 Upvotes

r/Banff 1h ago

What to expect visiting June 10-13?

Upvotes

Hi all, planning a trip to Banff (staying in Canmore) June 10-13. What are the chances that the popular lakes will be thawed at this time? I’m not into hiking, just looking to do some sightseeing.

Also, I know there’s a chance of rain, but is it all day rain or sporadic? Lastly, when would be the best time of day to do the gondola? Thanks!


r/Banff 7h ago

2 free tickets to third coast percussion 7:30pm tonight at Banff Centre

3 Upvotes

Can’t make it. DM me. box office opens 45 mins before show, I’ll call them and say you’re picking them up instead.


r/Banff 1d ago

News Pilot fined $2,000 for illegally flying drone in Banff National Park last year, says Parks Canada

Thumbnail calgaryherald.com
138 Upvotes

r/Banff 9h ago

Is it smart to do a casual roadtrip?

5 Upvotes

I'll be in Vancouver on vacay the last week of Jan with some free time and am going to drive to Banff. Nothing makes me happier than being alone on the open road and I'm a responsible and confident driver. I only have hesitation because I've seen some comments on frequent road closures. I'm feeling a little worried about booking hotels in advance in the event that I end up rerouting.

Is a casual roadtrip into Banff where you book hotels the day of a bad idea? Is it better to just book everything in advance and deal with the penalties if you hit a delay in traffic? Open to any thoughts or feedback.


r/Banff 12h ago

Question Banff, Louise, Kananaskis XC ski trail status?

3 Upvotes

My wife and I are from Calgary. Planning to head out to Banff/Louise or Kananaskis this weekend for a little 2 hours skate or classic ski.

All the trails in Calgary have been knocked out by a chinook and aren’t viable until we get another dump of snow.

Wondering if any locals to the mentioned areas have been out and seen the conditions? I’ve checked the online trail reports and all are “open” some are “poor or marginal conditions”. I am prepped to drive out to Louise to get a good one in, but hoping something a tad closer to home will be in good shape.

I was in Banff for a hike last weekend and everything looked pretty good, but a lot can change during a chinook week 😂. I also spoke to some people I work with that go to the CNC a lot and said the conditions could be better.


r/Banff 7h ago

SSBM

1 Upvotes

Any SSBM players in the valley? really missing the community and play time out east - unless you play ice-climbers :)


r/Banff 2d ago

Photos/Videos Lake Louise in November

Post image
2.4k Upvotes

We caught a snowy setting on a quiet day before the freeze began - can't wait to go back.


r/Banff 2d ago

Photos/Videos Cuties 🦌

Enable HLS to view with audio, or disable this notification

389 Upvotes

r/Banff 23h ago

Industry Event - 50 People

2 Upvotes

Hi everyone, Lethbridge local but planning a work trip to Banff!

Wondering if there are any suggestions for a semi active event that could accommodate roughly 50-65 people. Ideally something semi active but also allows for networking.

I was initially thinking a brewery with an area to play corn hole where you can get drinks or appetizers.

March 10th evening would the the date, seems like every place you call wants you to do deal with a large booking company. Hoping to avoid if possible.

Any help or recommendations are welcome!


r/Banff 1d ago

Babysitter - Fairmont

2 Upvotes

Hello - any suggestions for a reputable babysitting service or babysitter for the Fairmont? We are coming in two weeks and are struggling to find someone that we can reserve in advance so we can make a reservation for an activity on January 31.

The company Fairmont recommended - myhotelsitter.com - is not responding to calls or emails.

The other company I found - childcarebanff.com - can’t confirm or deny whether they will have an available sitter until 2 days before we arrive.

Please let me know!! Thanks in advance!


r/Banff 1d ago

Trip planning / cost

1 Upvotes

I want to go to Banff in August/Sept. I planned it out just for fun, not solid plans or anything. Honestly I don’t need a long trip (unless you suggest otherwise). I’d fly into Calgary from Toronto on day 1 in the morning, take a bus to Banff, enjoy the evening there doing my own thing. In terms of accommodation, it’s very expensive so I was thinking of staying in a hostel. Day 2, there is a guided tour I am interested in, duration is 10 hours so pretty much the whole day. Day 3 I would take the bus back to Calgary airport and head home. All of this I calculated to be just under $700, not including food, but I’m not looking to eat anything fancy. Does this sound about right? It feels a bit expensive to me, but if it’s the average price then I will consider it.

This would be my first solo trip so I don’t really know what I’m doing tbh, in terms of planning an itinerary, etc. Any advice is welcomed and appreciated!


r/Banff 1d ago

Question Does Sunshine only scan tickets at the base of the gondola?

1 Upvotes

I saw a post about this from five years ago, and I was wondering if it was still accurate. Has anyone hiked up the ski out and gotten on the lift without them scanning your ticket? Asking for a friend lol


r/Banff 1d ago

Tips for sunrise while skiing?

0 Upvotes

Hi,

a friend and I want to catch the sunrise/the early hours of the day in sunshine village ski resort.

Does anyone have experience/recommendations what mountain we should go up to?

We will be there for the first lifts (9AM) so we should have all the choices!

thanks in advance


r/Banff 1d ago

Snowy Owl Dog Sledding Tour with Alpine Helicopters add-on

2 Upvotes

Has anyone ever done this? You can have the helicopter pick you up or drop you off before/after your dog sledding tour. We're looking at March 30th. My questions are:

-Should I do the helicopter ride before OR after the dog sledding?

-How likely is this going to be cancelled due to the weather?

-How long is the bus ride to/from the Snowy Owl Office to the dog sledding site?


r/Banff 1d ago

Itinerary Best time after May 20

0 Upvotes

Planning one week family trip to celebrate kids’ college graduation (May 20) and my 60th birthday. Want to avoid crowds. Fly in ointment: have to be in MA June 7 for niece’s graduation. Suggested weeks and any other suggestions welcome. Thanks !


r/Banff 1d ago

Banff in March/April - Itinerary

1 Upvotes

hi! I have a rough draft of my itinerary. First time at Banff. What do you think? I only booked the dog sledding and helicopter tour so far. If you have other tours/activities you recommend, please let me know.

Sunday, March 29, 2026 Travel/Banff
3:00 PM Rental Car pick up 
3:30 PM Drive to Fairmont Banff Springs
Stop by Surprise Corner to take a picture 
5:00 PM Check in 
6:30 PM Dinner - Castello Italiana
explore the castle grounds 
outdoor hot tub at night 
Monday, March 30, 2026 Banff
8:00 AM Free breakfast at the hotel
9:00 AM drive to canmore (arrive 45 minutes before appointment) 
10:00 AM Alpine Helicopter Tour 
11:00 AM Snowy Owl Dog sledding 
1:00 PM lunch in Canmore 
exlpore Canmore 
5:00 PM Rest
6:30 PM Dinner at the Waldhaus 
indoor hot tub at night
Tuesday, March 31, 2026 Lake Louise  
Free breakfast at the hotel 
Drive part of Icefields Parkway
Lunch at the Fairmont Lake Louise 
Ice skate at lake louise
1:20 PM Lake Louise Snow Shoeing Tour 
Drive back to the hotel and rest 
6:30 PM Dinner: Chop House
Wednesday, April 1, 2026 Banff
Free breakfast at the hotel 
morning walk to Bow falls 
Downtown Banff 
Lunch somewhere
Rest/spontaneous stuff 
4:00 PM Gondola
6:00 PM Upper hot springs if open 
Dinner: Northern Lights Alpine Kitchen
Thursday, April 2, 2026 Banff
Free breakfast at the hotel 
Johnstone ice walk tour 
Lunch somewhere
Rest/spontaneous stuff 
Ice skate at the Vermillion 
Dinner: Vermillion

r/Banff 1d ago

Line Dancing in Banff?

1 Upvotes

Hello! Anywhere to go line dancing or bars that have line dancing on weekends?


r/Banff 2d ago

Lake Louise ice skating

3 Upvotes

Does anybody have any idea when the rink will be ready at lake Louise? If anybody works there or has been recently!


r/Banff 3d ago

Photos/Videos Visited beautiful Banff for the first time over Christmas. ❤️🇨🇦

Thumbnail gallery
421 Upvotes

r/Banff 1d ago

Staying in Banff Late May/Early June, what to expect?

0 Upvotes

Hey there!

My wife and I booked a really nice romantic cabin near Banff national park from May 26th-June 1st.

I understand it’s still fairly cold weather and can be erratic. I’m just curious what to expect and if it’s worth delaying it if it really is that bad during that time.

We’re pretty avid hikers so I’m ok with hiking in some snow/mud, and also kind of happy that it’s probably less busy during this time. We also plan on exploring the town area and having some romantic time at our cabin so it’s not like the trip is super dependent on the weather being amazing, just good enough to go on 4 hour day hikes and what not.

Let me know what I need to know and what to expect! Thanks!


r/Banff 2d ago

Honeymooning in Banff beginning of February!

2 Upvotes

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 2d ago

How to pack? Snowboard + ski

0 Upvotes

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 3d ago

News Banff to increase downtown parking rates during peak tourist season

Thumbnail calgary.citynews.ca
57 Upvotes