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Looking for the top activities in Banff during the winter? You’ve come to the experts!
As a Canadian myself, I’ve visited Banff during every season. Winter is easily one of my favorites – it’s insanely beautiful!
It can be hard to figure out exactly how to spend your winter vacation in Banff. You might be wondering what activities are open, what the road conditions are like, and what is the best use of your time.
If that’s you, don’t worry! Simply read this blog to find the top things to do and easy-to-book experiences and let the professionals take care of the logistics (like driving on winter roads). Simply sit back and enjoy Banff in winter!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE thing to do in Banff in winter is this Icefields Parkway tour! It visits snow-covered Lake Louise and cruises along the Icefields Parkway—a stunning but tricky winter drive that’s way better when you’re not driving.
- Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
- Best Things to do in Banff in Winter
- 1. Ride the Banff Gondola up Sulphur Mountain
- 2. Drive the Icefields Parkway
- 3. Day trip to Lake Louise
- 4. Hit the slopes
- 5. Johnston Canyon Icewalk
- 6. Relax in Banff Upper Hot Springs
- 7. Try snowshoeing
- 8. Spot winter wildlife
- 9. Go snow tubing at Mount Norquay
- 10. Visit Abraham Lake to see the ice bubbles
- 11. Taste your way around Banff on a food tour
- 12. Ride on a horse-drawn sleigh
- 13. Stargaze in the Banff wilderness
- 14. Ride a fat bike
- 15. Go bowling
- Where to Stay in Banff in Winter
- Thanks for reading!
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Best Things to do in Banff in Winter
1. Ride the Banff Gondola up Sulphur Mountain
- Duration: 2 hours
- Time: Multiple times available from 10:10 am–8:30 pm
- Highlights: Soar 700 meters (2,300 feet) above Banff on an eight-minute gondola ride, take in sweeping views of six mountain ranges, explore the ridge-top boardwalk to Sanson’s Peak, enjoy 360° panoramas from the summit’s rooftop deck, restaurants, and interpretive exhibits
- Inclusions: Gondola admission, free infant tickets, sunset festival
- Rating: 4.6 stars (check 2,600+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: No
- Price: Check price here!
At the top of Sulphur Mountain, you get arguably the most spectacular view of Banff town and the surrounding Mountains. Seriously, it’s a 360-degree view that gets better every time I go! This is the most popular thing to do in Banff for a reason – regardless of the time of year!
The easiest way to the top is to take the famous Banff Gondola. With it, you can give your legs a break and enjoy an 8-minute gondola ride up the side of a mountain. If you really want to stretch those legs, don’t worry, there’s a boardwalk at the top that leads to an old weather station and an even better view of the valley below.
Aside from the boardwalk, you can enjoy a meal at the Sky Bistro, let the kids explore the Above Banff interpretive center, visit the Above Banff Theater (free with a gondola ticket), get a coffee at Castle Mountain Coffee, or shop at the gift shop.
If you go skiing at the Lake Louise Ski Resort, you can see how the Lake Louise Gondola compares to the Banff Gondola. However, we definitely think the Banff Gondola takes the cake when it comes to activity options at the top. You could spend several hours up here, in winter or summer.
The best place to buy Banff Gondola tickets is online in advance here. That way, you can skip the ticket line when you arrive!
The Banff Gondola hours of operation have been changing recently, however, in winter the gondola opens at 10 am and closes at 9 or 10 pm. They also closed every year for one week (around mid-November) for annual maintenance.
This activity has over 2,100 5-star reviews and is likely to sell out – book your tickets here!
2. Drive the Icefields Parkway
- Duration: 8–9 hours
- Time: 9 am
- Highlights: Travel the scenic Icefields Parkway, visit Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Bow Lake, and Peyto Lake, admire glaciers and alpine peaks, and enjoy photo stops and local insights from your expert guide
- Inclusions: Driver/tour guide, transport by private vehicle, pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points, small-group tour
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 830+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Don’t let winter stop you from going on a road trip! The Icefields Parkway is one of the most scenic roads in Canada (and possibly the world, if you ask us), so you shouldn’t miss this chance.
The 232 km (144 mi) stretch of highway travels from Lake Louise all the way to Jasper. It takes around 3 hours to drive the whole thing without stopping in winter, however, I’d allow an entire day if you plan on stopping along the way.
Winter tires are a requirement on the Icefields Parkway, and you need to be careful and alert while driving this highway in winter. Parks Canada will close the highway over the pass (after Big Bend) during bad weather, so check ahead of time for road closures.
To be honest, I’d recommend booking this guided tour instead of dealing with the stress of winter driving!
It is a full-day tour of the Icefields Parkway with hotel pick-up in Banff. This tour really is the ultimate tour of attractions in Banff National Park as it hits all the main spots, including Lake Minnewanka, Lake Louise, Crowfoot Glacier, Bow Lake, and Peyto Lake – talk about crossing a few things off your to-do list!
This is a smaller group tour, so you can easily move from one scenic sight to the next. The tour lasts for about 8 hours, and it’s one of the more popular winter tours in Banff, so be sure to reserve it in advance!
Don’t miss out – book this tour with over 750 5-star reviews here!
3. Day trip to Lake Louise
- Duration: 8–9 hours
- Time: 9 am
- Highlights: Visit Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Bow Lake, and Peyto Lake, travel the scenic Icefields Parkway, and enjoy photo stops and local insights from your guide along the way
- Inclusions: Driver/tour guide, transport by private vehicle, pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points, small-group tour
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 830+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Lake Louise is an alpine lake located within Banff National Park. Surrounded by mountains and wildlife, the lake and village nearby have become one of the most popular places to visit in Canada. In fact, because of all the amazing things to do, Lake Louise is a winter destination all on its own.
During winter, the lake freezes over and becomes one of the most beautiful places to ice skate in the world. The ice skating area is maintained by the Fairmont Château Lake Louise – one of the most luxurious hotels in the Rocky Mountains. Because of this, the ice is usually in great condition.
While you’re there, be sure to enjoy the ice castle sculpture – it’s so neat! There is also a bar made of ice. Both the ice castle and ice car are located right near the skating area, you can’t miss them!
If you don’t have a car or would rather just have an epic day planned for you, you can’t pass up this guided tour from Banff. Not only will it take you to Lake Louise, but you’ll also get to hit some other iconic attractions on the Icefields Parkway, as well as enjoy some time at Lake Minnewanka.
We love this tour because it takes care of the details and logistics of your day. These areas of Banff can get rather busy, even in the winter, and parking, entrance fees, and driving can easily put a damper on your vacation. Having a tour that plans the route and takes care of the logistics frees you up to simply enjoy the beautiful Lake Louise and the surrounding areas.
This full-day tour includes transportation from Banff and entrance fees. It doesn’t include lunch, so bring some extra cash for food and souvenirs!
Book this top-rated tour here and get FREE cancellation 24 hours before you go!
4. Hit the slopes
One of the most obvious and popular things to do in Banff in winter is skiing and snowboarding! I ski, and Daniel snowboards, and together we just love hitting the slopes here. You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to world-class ski resorts, and the three in Banff National Park include:
Lake Louise Ski Resort
Lake Louise is Banff’s largest ski resort, about 40 minutes from town, with a 991-meter (3,250-foot) vertical descent, seven lifts, and 142 kilometers of groomed runs. It’s great for all levels, and the tree runs and gondola make cold days much easier. Adult lift tickets range from $109–$175 CAD, and staying in Lake Louise Village puts you closest to the slopes.
Banff Sunshine Village
Banff Sunshine Village is just 20 minutes from town and known for sunny weather and diverse terrain, including lots of challenging black and double-black runs. There are green runs too, though some have flat spots that can be tough for newer skiers. Adult full-day lift tickets are $149 CAD, and Sunshine Mountain Lodge offers true ski-in, ski-out convenience.
Mount Norquay
Mount Norquay is the closest hill to Banff at just a 13-minute drive, offering great views and the bonus of night skiing. It’s smaller than the other resorts and best suited for beginners or those who don’t plan to ski a full day. Adult lift tickets start at $125 CAD, with early-bird deals as low as $69 CAD, and The Juniper Hotel & Bistro is the nearest place to stay.
5. Johnston Canyon Icewalk
- Duration: 4 hours
- Time: 8:30 am and 1:30 pm
- Highlights: Hike through Banff’s frozen Johnston Canyon on a guided winter ice walk, explore the lower and upper waterfalls along steel walkways, spot winter wildlife, learn about the canyon’s geology, warm up with hot chocolate and a snack
- Inclusions: Professional guide, ice cleats, hiking pole, maple cookie snack and hot chocolate, small-group tour
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 450+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Another way to take in the spectacular wintertime scenery in Banff is to visit Johnston Canyon and do what we Canadians call an “icewalk”. This famous attraction is open all year round, but without a doubt, winter is the best time to go.
You’ll need a pair of ice cleats (also known as spikes or crampons) to do this trail. Honestly, without them, you’re pretty much guaranteed to slip and fall.
Luckily, if you take this guided tour to Johnston Canyon, they will provide ice cleats and also transportation. This is perfect if you aren’t used to driving in snowy or icy road conditions!
The tour will pick you up in Banff before making your way to the beginning of the trail. All the gear you’ll need, including ice cleats, as mentioned before, and hiking poles, is provided. Plus, you’re expert guide is full of knowledge about the area!
You’ll enjoy views of frozen waterfalls and icicles while walking along the steel walkway, with a hot chocolate and maple cookie snack waiting for you at the end. This is not an experience you’ll want to miss – it is simply beautiful!
This is a popular experience – book this tour in advance here to secure your spot!
6. Relax in Banff Upper Hot Springs
After a big day of sightseeing or skiing, there’s nothing better than winding down with a soak at the Banff Upper Hot Springs. Conveniently located right at the base of Sulphur Mountain, the hot springs are just a short walk from the gondola’s lower terminal, so make sure to bring a towel and anything else you like for a relaxing dip!
The mineral-rich waters here stay naturally heated to around 37–40 °C (98–104 °F), offering a soothing, spa-like experience with gorgeous mountain views all around. Admission to the swimming pool is $17.50 CAD per adult, or you can upgrade to the full Thermal Waters Pass for $24 CAD to make it extra special.
These hot springs are open year-round, which means they’re always ready to warm you up after a chilly day in the mountains. They typically run from 10 am to 10 pm in the winter (with last entry at 9:30 pm), but it’s always worth a quick check before you head over. And if you’re coming straight from a hike or the gondola, you’re covered—there are lockers on-site, and even towel rentals if you left yours behind.
7. Try snowshoeing
- Duration: 4 hours
- Time: 1:30 pm
- Highlights: Snowshoe through Kootenay National Park to the colorful Paint Pots, cross frozen rivers, and learn about Indigenous history from your guide, enjoy hot chocolate and maple taffy in the snow
- Inclusions: Professional guide, snowshoes and hiking pole, hot chocolate and maple taffy treat, return transport from Banff, small-group tour, pickup from public bus parking
- Rating: 4.7 stars (check 50+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
There’s something magical about exploring Kootenay National Park in winter—and this small-group snowshoe tour to the Paint Pots is the perfect way to do it. Just a short drive from Banff, these vibrant mineral spring pools are famous for their bright orange hue, but they’re nearly impossible to reach on your own once the snow sets in.
With an expert guide leading the way, you’ll follow a gentle trail through snow-covered pine forests and across the frozen Vermilion River, hearing fascinating stories about the First Nations people who once used the ochre clay for painting, as well as the early explorers and fur traders who traveled through the Rockies.
This 4-hour adventure is ideal for beginners, with flat terrain and plenty of time to take in the mountain scenery. Along the way, you can even hop on a “crazy carpet” slide down a snowy hill—just for fun! Your guide will top things off with steaming hot chocolate and a sweet maple taffy treat made right in the snow—it doesn’t get more Canadian than that!
With round-trip transport from Banff and a small group of just 12 people, this tour feels relaxed and personal—like a fun day out with friends. Whether it’s your first time snowshoeing or you’re just looking to explore beyond Banff, it’s such an easy, memorable way to experience one of Kootenay’s hidden winter gems.
Check availability and book this snowshoe experience in advance here!
Related Read: If you need some help planning the perfect Banff trip, check out our detailed 3-day winter itinerary, which will guide you through all the highlights, hidden gems, and things to eat!
8. Spot winter wildlife
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: 2 pm (winter) or 3:30 pm (summer)
- Highlights: Explore Banff National Park on a small-group tour, visit scenic spots like Lake Minnewanka, Two Jack Lake, and Bow Falls, and spot animals such as bears, elk, and bighorn sheep
- Inclusions: Expert guides, transport, water refills (BYO bottle), pickup and drop-off at Banff Train Station, dusk/sunset timing for better wildlife viewing, hot drinks at a scenic viewpoint (winter only)
- Rating: 4.7 stars (check 700+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Banff National Park is famous for its abundance of wildlife. I’ve seen plenty of cool wildlife in Banff, including bears, moose, and tons of elk. I’ve not yet seen a wolf in the wild, but it’s on my bucket list!
As a visitor, it would be such a shame to come all this way and miss out on the opportunity to see at least some wildlife in person. By simply enjoying the outdoors, you’ll have plenty of chances to see wildlife! However, if you’re not so lucky, then I highly recommend joining a wildlife tour. Honestly, spotting animals in the winter is even trickier!
This specific wildlife tour lasts for 3 hours and includes five main stops around Banff National Park. Your expert guide knows where to spot Banff’s unique wildlife, so you’ll have the best chance possible of seeing them. During winter in Banff, there is still a lot to see! Plus, they take off around dusk, which is the best time to see animals and have fewer crowds.
On top of that, it’s also a sightseeing tour that includes your transport and a ton of information about the national park! I was amazed at how much our guide knew about wildlife, plant life, and indigenous history.
Book this tour now and access FREE cancellation options!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
9. Go snow tubing at Mount Norquay
Not a skier or snowboarder, but still want to enjoy the slopes? Head up to Mount Norquay and grab a ticket for their mountain snow tubing—it’s a fun way to get in on the action. I was skiing there myself when I spotted it and couldn’t resist giving it a try, and honestly, I loved it!
Mount Norquay has the longest tube lanes in Alberta, and you get some serious speed! It’s also a great activity for families—kids as young as four years old can give it a try!
The best part is that entrance to the tube park means you can pretty much go as many times as you want during your chosen timeslot, either morning, afternoon, or evening session. The tube park is open during winter from 9 am to 4 pm every day, with night tubing from 5 pm to 8 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. This can change, so check the website here before you go.
Hot Tip: Planning a visit to Lake Louise Ski Resort? They also have a snow tube park that is slightly cheaper and allows you to ride all day (not just morning or afternoon sessions). Children ages 3-5 ride free at Lake Louise, too!
10. Visit Abraham Lake to see the ice bubbles
- Duration: 8 hours
- Time: 9 am
- Highlights: Travel the Icefields Parkway to see Abraham Lake’s famous ice bubbles, visit Peyto Lake and Bow Lake, enjoy hot drinks by a cozy fire, customize your day with snowshoeing or skating led by a local guide
- Inclusions: Ice cleats and hiking poles provided, hot drinks included, modern transport with panoramic windows, expert local guide skilled in winter driving and photography, water refills (BYO bottle), pickup and drop-off at Banff Train Station, small-group tour
- Rating: 5 stars (check great reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Abraham Lake is easily one of the most impressive winter destinations in Canada. Although it’s not in Banff National Park, this lake is well worth checking out if you’re up for a road trip and an adventure!
What makes Abraham Lake so special to visit in the winter is the methane bubble that you’ll see in the ice. It’s a really neat phenomenon and makes for some cool photos. It’s not uncommon for photographers to travel from all over the world just to see this. The lake is also great for ice skating, and on a clear day, the views of the surrounding mountains are magnificent.
You can easily reach Abraham Lake on this guided tour! This tour departs from Banff and takes you for a scenic drive on the Icefields Parkway, stopping at the stunning Peyto Lake along the way. Once you arrive at Abraham Lake, your guide will show you the best spots to see the ice bubbles, and you can even skate if you want (BYO skates).
The tour is a full day, lasting about 8 hours. It includes your transport, an expert guide, and warm drinks, but doesn’t include lunch. You’ll need to pack your own, as there aren’t options to purchase out at the lake!
Check availability and book this tour in advance here.
11. Taste your way around Banff on a food tour
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: Multiple times available from 8:30 am–7 pm
- Highlights: Stroll Banff Avenue with a local guide, visit hidden-gem eateries, sample Canadian favorites, follow a scenic walking route with photo stops, learn about Banff history, and get insider tips
- Inclusions: Canadian cuisine tastings at 4–6 local eateries, small-group guided walking tour with history highlights and storytelling, scenic walking route with photo stops
- Rating: 5 stars (check 90+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
If you want to explore Banff beyond its mountains and lakes, this small-group Banff food tour is such a fun way to dive into the local flavor scene. Instead of picking just one restaurant for lunch or dinner, you’ll stroll along beautiful Banff Avenue with a guide who leads you to several locally loved eateries—each with its own specialty.
In just a couple of hours, you’ll try classic Canadian favorites like poutine, fudge, and even a Caesar (Canada’s iconic take on the Bloody Mary), along with a rotating lineup of seasonal bites that showcase Banff’s growing food scene.
Each stop has its own story, and your guide brings everything to life with Banff history, quirky tales, and meaningful Indigenous storytelling that gives you a deeper connection to the town. It’s relaxed, social, and never rushed. And thanks to the small group size, you get plenty of time to savor each bite and chat with fellow food lovers.
What’s great about this tour is how much you get to try in such a short amount of time. In just 3 hours, you’ll hit four to six local spots—basically sampling a full meal’s worth of favorites without ever sitting still for long.
Whether you join in the morning or afternoon, you’ll walk away with new favorite restaurants, fresh ideas for the rest of your trip, and a little extra appreciation for Banff’s surprisingly delicious food scene.
Experience Banff like a local and book your small-group food tour here!
12. Ride on a horse-drawn sleigh
What could be more relaxing on a winter day than bundling up for a Banff horse-drawn sleigh ride? It’s one of those classic Canadian winter experiences that feels straight out of a postcard—cozy, charming, and perfect for couples, families, or anyone looking to soak up Banff’s snowy magic.
Sleigh rides depart from the stables right on the edge of town, and once you hop aboard, you’ll glide through snowy pine forests with stunning views of the Canadian Rockies surrounding you. The ride lasts about 40 minutes, and nice, warm wool blankets are provided. Trust me, they make all the difference on chilly days!
When the ride wraps up, you’ll head back to the stables for a crackling fire and hot drinks. You can even purchase a s’mores kit to roast over the fire if you want to make the experience even sweeter. It’s a cute little add-on that feels perfectly wintery.
Sleigh rides typically run from mid-December to mid-March when the snow is at its best, with starting times offered throughout the late morning and afternoon. It’s a popular winter activity, so check your schedule and book online ahead here to snag a spot on this charming horse-drawn winter adventure!
13. Stargaze in the Banff wilderness
- Duration: 2 hours
- Time: 6 pm and 6:30 pm
- Highlights: See Banff at sunset, stargaze in a dark-sky preserve, try to spot constellations and the Milky Way with a certified guide, enjoy a safe night hike with gear provided
- Inclusions: Professional certified guide, headlamps and lanterns, ice cleats (when required), small-group tour
- Rating: 4.7 stars (check 180+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
There’s something magical about Banff after the sun goes down, and this small-group sunset and stargazing tour lets you experience that nighttime sparkle up close. You may come for the sunset, but spoiler alert—the stars just might steal the show.
As daylight starts to fade, you’ll bundle up, meet your certified guide at the Cave and Basin National Historic Site, and set off just as the sky shifts into those beautiful twilight colors. With ice cleats, lanterns, and headlamps provided, the whole experience instantly feels a little adventurous, a little cozy, and totally unique as you set off into the soft colors of twilight.
Once the sun dips behind the mountains, the real magic kicks in! Because Banff is part of a designated dark-sky preserve, the stargazing here is truly next-level. Your guide helps you find constellations, points out the Milky Way on clear nights, and shares stories that make the park’s history and ecology feel even more interesting. Plus, the route covers about 3.5 miles (5 kilometers) of mostly flat terrain, so it’s manageable for most travelers who don’t mind a bit of walking.
What makes this tour so special is how it blends nature, astronomy, and storytelling into one unforgettable, atmospheric evening—far from the daytime crowds. Whether you’re into night photography or simply want a unique winter experience, this stargazing adventure is a beautiful way to end your night in the Rockies!
See the Rockies under a sky of stars—secure this stargazing tour here!
14. Ride a fat bike
- Duration: 2 hours
- Time: 11 am
- Highlights: Explore Banff’s backcountry on an electric fat-tire bike, ride the Bow River Trail, visit Bow Falls and Vermilion Lakes, follow your local guide along hidden trails with beautiful mountain views
- Inclusions: Premium electric fat bike and helmet, expert local certified fat-biking guide, small-group tour
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 70+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
A fat bike is just a normal mountain bike with really fat tires built for riding through the snow – perfect for the winter in Banff! It makes trails that would be otherwise impossible to ride, rather easy. Around Banff, there are quite a few trails that are perfect for fat biking.
I love this fat bike tour, which includes your rental and a guide, making it easy to navigate the trail. This tour actually includes the use of an electric fat bike! That’s right, you can ride uphill with ease (a requirement in the mountains if you ask me!) The expert guide will show you around the trails around Banff, and you’ll even get a warm drink at a special viewpoint.
This fat biking tour lasts for about two hours and is limited to a small group, making it easy to navigate the trails. Plus, the combination of snowy mountain views, crisp alpine air, and that rewarding hot drink at the end makes this one of the most memorable ways to explore Banff in winter!
Reserve this tour now and pay later when you book here!
15. Go bowling
Most people don’t come to Banff expecting to bowl, but High Rollers is one of those fun indoor surprises that adds a totally different kind of excitement to your trip. It’s also a great pick if you catch some bad weather or are looking for a fun and warm evening activity.
High Rollers sits right on Banff Avenue and proudly lives by its motto: “Pins. Pints. Pizza.” With six bowling lanes, a lively bar pouring dozens of craft brews, three pool tables, and a menu full of seriously good pizza. Plus, they often host fun themed evenings—think trivia nights, DJ sets, and dancing—so there’s usually something extra happening beyond the bowling lanes.
Because it’s such a popular indoor hangout, the lanes tend to book up, so reserving your spot ahead of time online is always a good idea. And depending on the day, you might even find specials on bowling, food, or drinks.
Whether you’re with friends, a partner, or your whole crew, High Rollers is an easy, fun choice for a relaxed night out in Banff, and since they’re open until 2 am, it’s also one of the best late-night spots in town.
Where to Stay in Banff in Winter
Banff, being the holiday destination it is, has no shortage of beautiful hotels. All over Banff National Park, there are tons of hotels to choose from. In fact, it’s hard to book a bad hotel in Banff. With that said, there are a few stand-out hotels for every budget. You know, those places that offer more for less.
From hotels in Banff town to ones that are a little more out in nature, we’ve put together a list of our favorites that would be our top picks for each budget category:
Please note: Hotel prices in Banff differ from winter to summer. In fact, most hotels are more than double the price in summer.
Fairmont Banff Springs ($$$)
The Fairmont Banff Springs is easily the most luxurious hotel in Banff. As you can expect, it’s not cheap, but the place is simply incredible – it seriously looks like a castle! If you’re visiting Banff on a honeymoon, then this should be the hotel you choose.
Inside the hotel, you’ll find 11 restaurants, 14 shops, a bowling alley, bars, a top-rated spa, a couple of pools, and so much more. With so much to do in this one-of-a-kind luxury hotel, you’ll honestly feel like you’ll never want to leave!
Rooms here at the Fairmont start from around $550 CAD per night in the winter, but can rise further in peak season. For the best deals, it’s best to book as far ahead as possible! You can check prices and room availability online here.
Banff Rocky Mountain Resort ($$)
Pushing up into the mid-range budget, the Banff Rocky Mountain Resort has a beautiful swimming pool, hot tub, and gym, and all the rooms come equipped with kitchenettes or full kitchens. We’d say this is the perfect option for families since two and three-bedroom units are also available.
The hotel is also in a good location that’s just a 5-minute drive away from town, so it’s a great place to enjoy the wonderful peace and quiet of the Banff countryside!
Rooms here average around $500-600 CAD per night in the high season, but dip as low as around $104 CAD in the low season in the winter. You can check availability and book Banff Rocky Mountain Resort online here.
Banff Inn – ($$)
Rooms at the Banff Inn have a very affordable price tag, but are also chock-full with all the amenities you could want to have a great stay! This way, you can splurge on those once-in-a-lifetime tours and experiences that make a trip to Banff so memorable.
The hotel is located right on Banff Ave and all rooms are air-conditioned. Inside, you’ll find a hot tub, steam room, and sauna, as well as a restaurant and bar – perfect for a little bit of relaxation after a long day out exploring Banff.
Rooms here start at $115 CAD in the winter, but don’t forget to book the Banff Inn well in advance as this is one of the most popular hotels in Banff!
Samesun Banff Hostel – ($)
For folks looking to save some cash while having a blast in Banff, it’s definitely worth checking out the Samesun Banff Hostel. It’s a great place for backpackers or anyone who’s fine with making some new friends and doesn’t mind sharing a dorm. But if you’re keen on privacy, keep in mind that there aren’t any private rooms available here.
A bed in a dorm here starts from around $40 CAD in the winter, including breakfast, and can be booked on Booking.com.
Related Read: If you’re still wondering where to stay, have a look at our detailed guide here. It breaks down all of the best areas and hotels so you can find the perfect one for you!
Parks Canada Pass Quick Info
If you plan on spending time in Canada’s national parks (including Banff, Jasper, Yoho, Mount Revelstoke, Glacier, Kootenay, and more) then you’re going to have to pay for a Parks Pass.
Single Daily Admission:
This type of pass is valid for one person for one day. It is ONLY the best value if you are traveling alone and only plan to visit a national park for a couple of days.
- Adult (ages 18-64) is $11 CAD
- Senior (65+) is $9.50 CAD
- Youth/Child (17 or younger) is FREE
Group Daily Admission:
If you’re traveling in a group or with family, you can buy a single-day admission for your entire vehicle (up to 7 people in one vehicle.)
- $22.00 CAD gets your entire vehicle entry for one full day
Parks Canada Discovery Pass
The “Discovery Pass” is what Parks Canada calls their year-long (365 days from the purchase date), multi-park entry pass. This pass will give 365 days of access to all participating national parks in Canada. This includes the most popular parks like Banff, Jasper, Yoho, Kootenay, Glacier, Mount Revelstoke, and so much more.
- Adult (age 18-64) – $75.25 CAD
- Senior (65+) – $64.50 CAD
- Group/Family (up to 7 people in one vehicle) – $151.25 CAD
Hot Tip: Although more expensive up front, if you plan on spending more than 7 days in different parks in Canada within a 12-month period, then the Discovery Pass is actually the better deal!
Parks Canada Passes can be bought online here or at one of the Visitor Centers or booths at the entrance to many national parks.
Renting a Car in Alberta
If you’re arriving in Alberta via plane then I can’t recommend getting a rental car enough! Canada is a large country and traveling between cities and even just getting out to some of the best places to visit in Alberta requires transport. Although you can use public transport, on some occasions, it means your trip will not only require more time but more planning.
Renting a car will definitely make exploring all of the fun things to see and do in Alberta easier.
Car rental in Canada isn’t super cheap, but it isn’t overly expensive either, especially if you get a budget car. The cheapest car with pickup and drop-off in different locations is around $100 CAD per day. The price does vary though depending on the time of year and the type of car that you rent. For car rentals, I use the website DiscoverCars.com. It’s a search engine with lots of deals with good customer service. In fact, I’ve used them all over the world including in Chile, New Zealand, and Australia. Read our honest review of Discover Cars here for more details!
Check availability and prices on Discover Cars here!
Another popular option is to rent a campervan or motorhome (only for the brave in winter). Using Motorhome Republic you can search hundreds of deals across multiple companies to pick a great vehicle and the cheapest price. Having a motorhome is a stunning way to see Canada, and you can often camp for free or very cheap in the most beautiful places imaginable! Check out my review of Motorhome Republic here for tips before you book.
And if you’re planning to camp but don’t want to splurge on a huge RV, we highly recommend Smile Campervans. Based in Calgary, this local company provides compact campervans fully equipped with everything you need for a comfortable and affordable road trip adventure!
In fact, Smile Campervans has actually given us a special discount code for our readers! Use the code DESTINATIONLESSTRAVEL at checkout to get 5% off your campervan rental! Click here to browse availability, prices, and book with our discount code!
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An eSIM is a digital version of a SIM card. Instead of buying a little plastic chip and swapping it into your phone, you just download it. It connects your phone to a local network in whatever country you’re visiting — no stores, no waiting, and no fiddling with tiny cards.
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We’ve tested a bunch of eSIMs over the years, and after a few frustrating experiences, we’ve found our favorite — Airalo. It’s fast, reliable, and incredibly easy to use. You can set it up in minutes (even my mom managed it solo on her first try!), and the prices are some of the best out there.
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Thanks for reading!
Banff really is just as much a winter destination as a summer one. These winter activities will keep even the most adventurous busy for this trip and many more to come. There’s just so much to see and do in Banff in the winter!
Thanks so much for reading. I really hope your upcoming trip to Banff is amazing and you enjoy every second of this magical place. If you found this blog helpful then be sure to check out more blogs such as:
8 BEST Johnston Canyon Tours from Banff