Things To Do
Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours
Drive your own dog sled through the snowy wilderness or over a frozen lake. We've gone mushing with Snowy Owl twice and highly recommend it. They offer pick up/drop off service from your hotel. Book in advance as they often sell out!
SkiBig3 Adventure Hub
Hit the slopes with Ski Big 3! The lift tickets are good for all 3 mountains in the area (Mt Norquay, Sunshine, and our personal favorite, Lake Louise). The have flexible use dates and include a shuttle to/from the mountains each day. If you order in advance, the tickets will be waiting for you at your hotel when you arrive.
Banff Gondola
If skiing is not your thing but you still want to see the breathtaking views of the Canadian Rockies, take the Banff Gondola to the top of Sulpher Mountain. Walk along the top of the mountain and enjoy the views or even grab a bite to eat at the Sky Bistro. If you book in advance online you can receive a 10% discount!
Afternoon Tea at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
Enjoy tea overlooking the frozen lake at the famous Chateau Lake Louise. Afterwards, try ice skating on the lake or exploring the scultped ice castle.
Aurora Borealis
With a little bit of luck, you may have a chance to see the Northern Lights while in the Park. While we haven't seen the lights ourselves, we're told February - April is the best time to see them in Banff. Download one of the apps to receive real time alerts!
Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary
If you want to break up the trip from Calgary to Banff (or take a quick day trip), consider stopping at the Wolf Dog sanctuary for an incredibly unique experience and meet our furry friend, Loki.
Johnston Canyon Icewalk
A short drive outside of Banff, the waterfalls of Johnston Canyon freeze in the winter and make for beautiful scenery. While we haven't done the icewalk ourselves, it has been highly recommended to us every year. You can rent snowshoes and explore on your own or go with one of the many guided tours.
Banff Ave Brewing Co.
Grab a local brew and watch a hockey game over lunch at the Banff Avenue Brewing Company.