8 reasons to visit Banff and Lake Louise this winter

22.07.2024 - 15:03 / lonelyplanet.com / Lake Louise

Jul 21, 2024 • 5 min read

In the heart of the majestic Canadian Rockies, Banff and Lake Louise rightfully take their place among the most exquisitely beautiful places on Earth. This corner of Alberta attracts thousands of scenery seekers year-round, but if you want to avoid the crowds, plan a trip in winter – especially near Christmas.

Banff National Park is home to three world-class ski resorts – Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise Ski Resort, and Mt Norquay. Yet you don't need to be a winter sports enthusiast to visit the landmark settlements in Canada's oldest national park at this time of year. From taking in mountain views to exploring the depths of a fascinating cave system, there are plenty of other ways to keep yourself entertained during the snowy season.

Cross your fingers for a good northern lights forecast, pack your warmest layers and head to Banff and Lake Louise to see how much frosty fun you can have. Here are some of the best wintry activities to try.

Perhaps the best way to acquaint yourself with the lay of the land is to summit Banff’s Sulphur Mountain (2451m/8041ft). Climb the 5.5km (3.4-mile) alpine switchback trail, which begins at the Upper Hot Springs parking lot and emerges at the summit. Alternatively, you can glide to the top in the Banff Gondola, which takes just eight minutes. As you stroll around the rooftop observation deck, you’ll see six snowy mountain ranges and have sweeping views of the Bow Valley and the town of Banff below. And between mid-November and Christmas, you’ll also find Santa’s workshop in full swing up here.

A local outfitter will supply you with ice cleats and hiking poles for the moderate trek to the must-see cerulean blue waterfalls in Johnston Canyon. On the 4.8km (3-mile) round-trip journey, you’ll be treated to dramatic views of frozen waterfalls and snow-covered trees inside the towering canyon walls. Johnston Canyon is also a popular place for ice climbing, so you may see climbers making their way up the icefalls as you hike along the icy trails and catwalks. If this inspires you to try ice climbing, you’ll find Johnston Canyon has an excellent range of routes suitable for beginners and experts alike.

This is one kind of immersion you won't need swimwear for. Forest bathing originated in Japan and is known there as shinrin-yoku, which means “taking in the atmosphere of the forest.” Hire a guide from Forest Fix to lead you through a guided meditation and take a hyper-conscious slow walk in the woods, listen to the birds, smell the trees and breathe in the crisp mountain air. Over the past few years, this form of nature therapy has caught on everywhere, and Moraine Lake’s solitude makes it the perfect location to try it out.

Open year-round, the Rat’s Nest Cave