Banff National Park 3-Day Itinerary in Winter

Blog Post, Canada, Destinations, Journey, National Park, North America

Banff National Park is an absolutely magical place in winter. The snow-covered mountains, frozen lakes, and adventurous activities make it one of the top winter vacation destinations.

Spending three days in Banff in winter isn’t enough to experience all it has to offer but you’ll get a taste and dream of coming back.

This 3-day Banff itinerary gives you a few ideas for adventures on a long weekend during the winter months. Winter in Banff is absolutely gorgeous and shouldn’t be missed!

Over three days you can see a lot of the iconic sights, do a bit of hiking, and maybe even throw a ski day in there!

Day 1: Catch the Sunrise at Vermilion Lakes

Start your time off in Banff National Park right with a gorgeous sunrise view. The Vermilion Lakes Scenic drive isn’t too far from town so you won’t have to get up incredibly early to get there. Once you turn on the road leading to Vermilion Lakes you’ll go through a short bit of forest and then the trees open up to a gorgeous lake and mountain view.

My favorite time to visit is by far sunrise because you can watch the sky become lighter and change colors behind the mountain peaks.

There isn’t much that is more beautiful than that.

Take the Gondola up to Sulphur Mountain

By the Rimrock Resort, you’ll find the Banff Gondola that takes you to the top of Sulphur Mountain. The views from here are unmatched. You should book online for the best prices at the Banff Gondola site. The ride up is incredibly scenic and then once you’re up at the top there are 360° views.

Once at the top, there is a boardwalk that you can take for even better views. They also have an interpretive center and two restaurants. I also highly recommend lunch at the Northern Lights Alpine Kitchen. You can still enjoy the view while having a delicious meal.

There is a Sulphur Mountain Trail that you can hike up if you are feeling adventurous. You can even hike this trail during winter, though it does get a bit slippery.

Depending on fitness levels, one can hike up Sulphur Mountain. The hike can take 2 – 3 hours to complete and is a moderate hike. Its a lot easier to hike in summer. A visit to the Sulphur Mountain in summer is just as fun and offers very colourful views.

Either way, the views at the top are well worth the ride or the hike up.

Hike Johnston Canyon

Take a hike among towering canyon walls with a river at the bottom. Even better – there are waterfalls on this river that freeze over during winter!

While this hike is very popular during the summer months, there are much fewer people during winter and snow covers the ground making it a stunning wintery scene. You can do this hike as a self-guided one or you can go on a guided hike with one of the Johnston Canyon IceWalks.

The IceWalks are fantastic as you learn about the geology and history of Johnston Canyon and the outfitter provides you with ice cleats so it’s easier to walk. Hot chocolate and cookies are also included as a warm-up from the cold temperatures. Be sure to dress warmly for this hike!

Johnston Canyon Icewalk in Banff National Park, Canada in winter — Johnston Canyon Ice-walk. Photo by Mikaela.

Day 2: Drive the Icefields Parkway

The Icefields Parkway is full of many great stops that it will be hard to fit it in for just one morning. It has been named one of the most scenic drives in the world and for good reason.

During winter the road is not maintained though so you’ll need to check their website to verify it is open. If it is then you are really in for a treat.

The Parkway makes its way from the town of Lake Louise north to the town of Jasper and passes through both Banff and Jasper National Parks. There are multiple places to stop and stretch your legs or do a bit of hiking along the route and all have gorgeous views of the surrounding mountains. You will be in awe at every turn.

You’ll pass turquoise blue lakes like Peyto, Bow, and Herbert Lakes where you can get out and admire the water. There are waterfalls like Sunwapta and Athabasca. There are even more things to do on Icefields Parkway in summer.

At the Visitor’s Center, you can even take a bus to the Columbia Skywalk where you’ll have a bird’s eye view of the canyon.

For a little more adventure you could go on one of the popular day hikes like Parker Ridge or Wilcox Pass.

Give yourself at least three hours for this drive and more if you plan on getting out more than just for short breaks at overlooks.

Hike at Peyto Lake

Peyto Lake was already mentioned on the Icefields Parkway, but it is so iconic that you can’t skip over it. The water is such a vibrant blue because it is glacier-fed and there are a couple of hikes that you can take to enjoy different views of the lake.

The hike to the Peyto Lake Overlook is short and easy. It’s a 1.5 mile (2.4 km) heavily-trafficked trail so be prepared for crowds if you go during peak times.

The Bow Summit Hike is a bit more difficult and longer at 3.6 miles (5.8 km). You don’t have to do this whole trail, but even doing a portion of the hike is gorgeous.

*Note: These trails will be open after renovations in August 2021.

Visit Lake Louise

Today is all about the lakes so as you head back toward Banff make another stop at Lake Louise. This may be the most popular lake in the area, so it has plenty of amenities – Fairmont Chateau lake Louise, cafe, restrooms, etc.

This lake is also a crowded destination but you won’t notice as you’ll be too breath taken by the scenery. The lake is nestled in the valley under Mount Victoria so it’s a perfect place to enjoy the evening hours and then sunset.

You can rent ice skates at the nearby Fairmont Chateau and skate on the frozen lake. It has been named one of the most beautiful ice skating rinks in the world!

There are also plenty of snowshoeing trails in the area that you can explore. Stick around here until you watch the sunset and then you can head into the Fairmont Chateau. Here you can warm up with a nice hot drink by a crackling fire. You couldn’t ask for a more perfect end to the day.

In summer you have many more things to do on Lake Louise such as kayaking, hiking, biking, trail riding, or walking around the lake.

Ice castle at Lake Louise in Banff National Park in winter — Ice castle at Lake Louise in Banff National Park. Photo by Mikaela.

Day 3: Ski Big 3 or Go Snowmobiling

Option 1: Ski Big 3

If you are an adventure junkie and love to ski or snowboard then there are three incredible mountains you could enjoy today – all with one lift ticket! The three resorts in the area are all unique in their own way. Between the towns of Banff and Lake Louise, you’ll find Mt. Norquay, Banff Sunshine, and Lake Louise Resorts. When you buy a Ski Big 3 lift ticket you’ll have access to all three of these mountains and Lake Louise was recently voted as Canada’s Best Ski Resort.

Banff Sunshine is known for its incredible amounts of natural snow and they have three different mountains to explore. There is nothing like riding through that soft, dry powder.

Lake Louise is made up of four different mountains making it one of the largest ski resorts in North America. It is known for its incredible views and versatile ski runs. This is the perfect spot if there are people with varying skill levels in your group.

Mt. Norquay is a smaller resort that is the local’s favorite. It has plenty of beginner terrain with intermediate and advanced runs as well to keep everyone in the family happy. It even has a snow tubing park and night skiing!

No matter which one you choose to explore you really can’t go wrong. If you have the energy for it then you can hit two resorts in a day.

Option 2: Go Snowmobiling in Winter in Banff

Not everyone is into skiing or snowboarding so this option is the backup plan. Snowmobiling may look intimidating at first, but you’ll have so much fun that you will forget all about how it looks.

One of the most popular outfitters in Banff National Park, White N’ Wild, will outfit you with a helmet, snowsuit, and boots though you still need to wear the warm clothes that you have. They also provide snacks, drinks, and possibly lunch depending on the tour that you book. Your guide will show you how to operate your snowmobile and lead you through the national park. The snowmobiles even have heated handlebars so your hands won’t get too cold with the wind. This is a unique way to get out and enjoy the scenery and an excursion you won’t soon forget.

Sunset at Two Jack Lake in Banff National Park, Canada. — Sunset at Two Jack Lake in Banff

Frequently Ask Questions about visiting Banff in Winter

Where to Stay when visiting Banff National Park in Winter?

During the time you spend in Banff National Park, you’ll want to stay in the town of Banff if possible. Lake Louise is also a great option, but you’ll need to book well in advance for either of these places.

Do I need snow tires in Banff in winter?

Yes, you’ll need a car with snow tires. Snow isn’t just on the mountain peaks around here. It’s everywhere!

Why Visit Banff National Park in Winter?

While Banff is a great place to visit during the summer, it’s arguably even better in the winter. The mountains and lakes take on a whole other dimension in the snow. Bundle up and make a trip to Banff National Park in the winter and you won’t regret it!

About the Author

Lake Louise in winter, in Banff National Park, Canada — Mikaela at Voyageur Tripper at Lake Louise in winter.

Mikaela at Voyageur Tripper has been canoeing, hiking, and camping for over ten years. She previously worked as a canoeing guide in Canada and spent a season guiding hiking and kayaking tours in the high Arctic. Mikaela is a Wilderness First Responder and Whitewater Rescue Technician.

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