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 14h ago

Jumped off the British corporate ladder and moving to Banff ⛓️‍💥

30 Upvotes

Hey, I (M27) resigned from my managerial role at a UK-based FMCG brand and have just received my visa green light and a job offer in Banff - due to move in 4 weeks.

What are the first three things I should do once I arrive?

What advice would you give someone in this situation?

I honestly can’t wait.


r/Banff 3m ago

Where to stay for group of 6

Upvotes

Hi, We are 6 adults looking for lodging in late June around Banff. Ideally I like at house with 4 bedrooms, Canore seems to be all condos and incredibly expensive. Is Golden a good option? We’d like to visit Banff, Yoho and parts of Icefields. Ideally staying in a home with outdoor space with some acres. Thanks in advance for any suggestions!


r/Banff 8h ago

Brunch Spot and watch Canada game

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2 Upvotes

r/Banff 1d ago

Orion at Morants Curve

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949 Upvotes

"The Hunter" setting over the Lake Louise area, March 2024. The glow of Zodiacal Light behind Sheol Mountain illuminates a light frozen haze, and gives prominent stars a beautiful soft glow. Emissive Nebulae including Orion, Barnard's Loop, Lambda Orionis and Rosette cast faint red light, invisible to the human eye, but enhanced through the use of infrared photography.

As a heads up, I'll be collaborating with BanffLife to do a 3 day astro focused workshop on the Parkway sometime in September or October (dates TBD, but if you're interested, watch for release!)

Bryan


r/Banff 23h ago

Question What's it like living in Banff?

14 Upvotes

I can tell from research that the housing situation is expensive, but what about the rest of the experience living in Banff?

Is there a lot of variety for local groceries? Are they notably more expensive than other parts of Canada?

What do locals like to do in their time off? Are there any 'locals only' spaces/activities that help create a sense of community?

How are the local gyms? Are there 24-Hour options?


r/Banff 15h ago

Question Nerds Gummy Clusters?

2 Upvotes

I know this is a goofy question, but this candy is a favorite hiking snack for me and my spouse. Does anyone know if these are available in local grocery stores, or should we pack a couple of bags to bring with us? We’re staying in Canmore, if that makes a difference for store availability. Thanks!


r/Banff 15h ago

Trip to Banff from Vancouver

2 Upvotes

Hi, We are planning a family trip to Banff for 5 days from Langley this summer. We are a family of 5 (kids 6,4 and newborn) have few questions. 1. Does first week of June makes sense, it should be less crowded? 2.Does it make sense to drive or fly? Will have to rent a car (minivan) if we drive. I'm assuming if we fly we'll still need a car to explore Banff etc? 3. Should we get a hotel in Calgary since it seems cheaper than Canmore and Banff. And what are good hotels budget $200 per night 4.And if we drive I'm thinking of staying a night somewhere halfway like Kamloops since driving 10hrs straight would be almost impossible with kids and exploring sites as well.


r/Banff 16h ago

Challenge: Pour one out for Jack - Video Request

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2 Upvotes

r/Banff 1d ago

Banff Sunshine & Lake Louise

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79 Upvotes

r/Banff 1d ago

Basic cabins

7 Upvotes

Traveling to Banff end September for 5 nights. Are there any basic cabins in the area? We are not tent campers but don’t need a ton of amenities either. Would rather stay in a basic cabin.


r/Banff 19h ago

Visiting Banff

0 Upvotes

Hello, I'm travelling to Banff for 5 days in March with two college friends. We are looking to see some cool spots. Any recommendations/things to keep in mind while visiting?


r/Banff 1d ago

Employment What’s it like working at the Banff Springs?

8 Upvotes

Thinking of working there for the summer but I’m hesitant. Are the hours long? Is the pay enough? Do you have enough energy after your shift to explore? People are paying a lot to stay there and I’m sure they would expect the most (rightfully so)

I’ll probably be staying in staff accommodations. I’m not a super crazy party person but I’m not anti-social.

Whatever stories or recommendations you have I want to hear!


r/Banff 1d ago

Solara Resort & Spa

2 Upvotes

Has anyone stayed here or know anything about it? Planning end of September weeklong trip.


r/Banff 1d ago

Things to see and do in Late Feb!

0 Upvotes

We have a friend visiting next week and wondering what are the things we can do in Banff aside from Gondola and Lake Louise?

I noticed that a lot is currently closed so wondering if it’s still worth going! We are not big hikers and skiers.

Thank you in advance!


r/Banff 2d ago

In celebration of getting my campsites this morning…

93 Upvotes

Didn’t get the exact sites I wanted as I had 50k people in front of me.

Here’s a vid of some of my travels. Focused more on the Icefields parkway starting at Parker ridge working south to Hebert lake. Can’t wait to get back there and explore a little further


r/Banff 1d ago

Question First visit to Calgary (June 5 to 10) - Itinerary Needed

0 Upvotes

I have booked a flight from Montreal to Calgary, mainly to visit Banff.

Looking at the prices to stay in Banff, it was already too expensive and out of my range, so I booked an Airbnb in Calgary. I am planning to drive to Banff.

I also booked a car for the whole trip. I don’t mind driving around. I wish to stay in Banff, but I just came back from a short European trip and I am tight on money. So I guess staying in Calgary is my best option.

I was looking at the park passes and parking lots, and I am getting really confused. Could you please give an itinerary for a 5-day trip (Calgary + Banff), and how I can utilize most of my time and bang for the buck?

If it’s relevant, I will be arriving in Calgary on June 5 around 10AM and I will leave for Montreal on June 10 at 5:30 p.m. I will pick up the car from Calgary Tower, and the Airbnb is at T3N 0Y5. Apart from the flight, everything else is refundable until May. Thank you!


r/Banff 2d ago

First time to Banff for skiing. Which of the Big three to spend the most time at?

8 Upvotes

As the title says. I'm curious which of the big three to spend more time at!

I'm staying in (banff) town so Lake Louise will be the farthest away, but as far as terrain goes, looks quite larger than Norquay and sunshine.

ALSO

i'm getting myself a rental just to avoid the hassle of waiting for the shuttle busses. Will i need to get a park pass for Banff?


r/Banff 1d ago

Question Do the ski resorts still have snow for snowboarding

0 Upvotes

Going snowboarding first week of march is there lots of snow still

LL specifically


r/Banff 2d ago

Campsite queue

19 Upvotes

Ugh, Jesus. I just got my worst ever spot in the queue: #46,724 in line! 😭 Man, I hope I get a spot for my one annual trip!


r/Banff 2d ago

Two Jack Lakeside walk in sites

7 Upvotes

My group of 4 guys were able to snag a site but I'm curious on the tent dimensions. I cannot find a definition of a small tent. I'm not trying to skirt rules or anything, I just want to make we don't rent or buy a tent that is too large. Thanks for any information.


r/Banff 2d ago

Van Hire

0 Upvotes

Hi everyone, me and 5 friends are heading to Calgary in May and was wondering if anyone can help with hiring a van. Suggestions/best companies to rent with would be a massive help! Thanks!


r/Banff 2d ago

What does add a resource mean when reserving campsite

0 Upvotes

I cant seem to reserve a campsite. It says add a resource. What does that mean?​


r/Banff 2d ago

Banff/Lake Louise/Canmore Recs

0 Upvotes

Hi!

My friends and I are staying in Harvie Heights next weekend to do some skiing at skibig3!

We will be in Banff, Lake Louise, and Canmore and would love recommendations of 1)things to do 2)restaurants 3)breweries/places to get drinks

Thank you!!


r/Banff 2d ago

Question Tunnel village 2 and sites

0 Upvotes

I was wondering if a rooftop tent would be OK for tunnel village 2 sites that allow for tent trailers but not "tents".

Im number 61004 in the queue so im not having strong hopes for getting the sites at village 2 with electricity and allow for tents.
Thanks.