Things to Do in Banff in Winter: Skiing, Hot Springs & More
November through April, Banff transforms into one of North America's premier winter destinations. Here's how to make the most of it.
SkiBig3: three resorts on one ticket
Banff Sunshine Village, Mt Norquay, and Lake Louise Ski Resort operate on a single lift ticket. Sunshine has the longest season (November to late May), Norquay is closest to town (15 minutes), and Lake Louise Ski Resort has the biggest terrain. Shuttle buses run daily from Banff hotels.
Banff Upper Hot Springs
Natural mineral hot springs at 37–40°C, open year-round. Winter is the best time — steam rising off the pool with snow-covered peaks all around. $17 CAD adult entry, towel and swimsuit rental available. Go after 8pm to avoid crowds.
Johnston Canyon ice walk
The same canyon trail from summer becomes a frozen wonderland December through March. Guided tours provide ice cleats and headlamps. The Upper Falls freezes into a 30-metre wall of blue ice — ice climbers work it daily.
SnowDays Festival (January)
Two weeks of ice sculptures on Banff Avenue, skijoring races, snow sports demos, and free events. Runs mid-to-late January every year.
Nordic skiing and snowshoeing
The Cascade Valley, Sundance Canyon, and the Banff Springs Golf Course are groomed for cross-country skiing. Rentals available at Snowtips-Bactrax on Banff Avenue.
Frozen Bubbles at Lake Minnewanka
Under the right conditions in January and February, methane bubbles freeze in the clear ice of Lake Minnewanka — a bucket-list photo opportunity.
Getting to Banff in winter
Highway 1 is well-maintained but snow and black ice past Canmore are common. See our winter driving guide for details, or book a private transfer and skip the rental car entirely.