Winter in Canmore, Banff and Lake Louise: one-week itinerary
The little mountain towns of the Canadian Rockies are full of tourists who enjoy the views and the many outdoor activities in the summer. But during winter, the charm of those small mountain towns becomes apparent. The snow-covered mountains, the frozen lakes and the snowy landscapes deserve all the attention they get. They play a significant part in the winter’s top things to do in Canmore, Banff and Lake Louise.
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We spent one week in those three mountain towns, enjoying the winter charm of the Canadian Rockies. Hiking, sightseeing, skating and skiing were all on the agenda. Below is our list of top things to do in winter in Canmore, Banff and Lake Louise.
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Where are Canmore, Banff and Lake Louise?
The popular towns of Alberta are part of the Canadian Rockies. They are west of Calgary and south of Edmonton, Alberta. Banff and Lake Louise are both part of the Banff National Park.
How to get to Canmore, Banff or Lake Louise?
Flying: The closest airport is the Calgary International Airport (YYC), which is 100 km to Canmore, 120 km to Banff, and 180 km to Lake Louise.
Driving: All three towns are on the Trans-Canada Highway, Highway 1 in Alberta.
Find cheap flights here:
Winter Weather in Canmore, Banff or Lake Louise
Winter weather in Canmore, Banff and Lake Louise requires visitors and locals to dress up to withstand the cold. Some days will be sunny and mild, with barely below-zero temperatures (in degrees Celsius). Other days will see frigid cold, with temperatures reaching minus 30 or colder.
How should I dress for Winter in Canmore, Banff and Lake Louise?
Dress for winter. This means a winter jacket with snow pants, a good, warm pair of snow boots, a toque, a neck gator or scarf, and mittens. If you are active outdoors, dress in layers, with an underlayer that wicks moisture away. My favourite is a merino wool undershirt and pants. A mid-layer is also efficient in keeping you warm. Some opt for fleece. I usually stay away from cotton.
Hand and toe warmers will also help keep your fingers and toes cozy in the cold. I always carry some in my backpack in the winter.
How much Daylight is there in Winter in Canmore, Banff and Lake Louise?
We visited in January. During the week we spent in Canmore, Banff and Lake Louise this winter, the sun would rise a few minutes before 9 am. It would set around 4:45 pm, giving us about 8 hours of daylight.
It is crucial to consider the sunset time, especially if you are hiking. Winter days are much shorter than summer days. Plan to be back at the trailhead by 4 pm, and always carry a headlamp when hiking in the winter.
Stay safe on the trails in the winter with these 15 winter hiking tips.
One Week of the Best Winter Activities in Canmore, Banff and Lake Louise
Our Accommodation for the week
We rented a studio on Airbnb. The view was amazing, with the balcony overlooking Ha Ling and Three Sisters Peak. It was in downtown Canmore, the perfect location to enjoy our week in Canmore, Banff, and Lake Louise. You can check out this charming condo in the heart of Canmore, rented by Dave and Emma.
If that one is unavailable, there are many small condo options perfect for a one-week stay in the mountains. You can find a few excellent options here.
Day 1: Winter in Canmore
After landing in Calgary and picking up our rental car from the airport car rental counter, we headed towards Canmore on Highway 1 West. We had some time to kill before checking into our rented condo. It was a sunny day, so hiking was a perfect option.
Hiking
Three Sisters Viewpoint is a short, easy hike on the Cougar Creek bed through a wooded area. The trail comes to the Policeman’s Creek within a few hundred metres. In winter, hikers can walk around the frozen pond and fully enjoy views of Three Sisters Peak, Ha Ling Peak, and Mount Lawrence Grassi.
Another great option for a leisure walk with fantastic views is the Policeman’s Creek Boardwalk. This trail is an easy four-kilometre walk that can be enjoyed in the winter. It follows the creek through Canmore, with the surrounding mountains in full view.
Shopping
Downtown Canmore gets busy with tourists. Main Street (8th Street) is where most of the boutiques, souvenir shops, art galleries and restaurants are. We took a stroll, hopping in and out of boutiques and galleries and exploring this charming street.
Eating out
We enjoyed eating out at the Graze Food and Drink. The food was excellent, and the staff was friendly.
Day 2: Winter in Banff
On day two, we headed out to Bow Valley Parkway. Driving the Bow Valley Parkway in any season is a fantastic experience. In winter, the scenic, winding road through the mountains is magical, with snow-covered pines and the mountains in the background.
Hiking
Johnston Canyon is a busy trail in the summer, and it turns into a winter wonderland once the snow comes and the water freezes. The Johnston Canyon Icewalk is a popular activity on our list of top things to do in winter in Banff. It is 2.5 kilometres to the lower falls and back.
Hikers walk along the river at the bottom of the canyon, crossing bridges with rock walls covered in ice and snow. Make sure to dress warmly, as the canyon is always colder and more humid. Microspikes will make this walk more enjoyable and a lot less slippery.
*Red Chairs Alert!
Tunnel Mountain Hike is another stunning hike in any season. In winter, it’s helpful to wear ice cleats or microspikes. The trail is four kilometres out and back. It has some steep sections and is considered moderate. The views at the top are stunning. Parks Canada’s red chairs offer a nice break with a view of Banff and the mountains.
Sightseeing
*Red Chairs Alert!
Two Jack Lake is a day-use area where visitors can enjoy Parks Canada’s red chairs looking out at Mount Rundle beyond Two Jack Lake. Some also enjoy skating on the lake or hiking along the shore. The scene was incredibly wonderful just before dusk, with the coloured sky before sunset.
We visited the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. The art gallery is interesting and original. There are also a few boutiques to shop at. Just seeing the lobby is impressive. This 130-year-old castle is a landmark of the mountain town. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site nestled in the mountains.
Eating out
On our second night, we enjoyed dinner and a drink at the Banff Ave Brewing Co in Banff. The atmosphere was fun, and the food was great!
Day 3: Winter in Banff
Hiking
Stewart Canyon Hike is a stunning walk along Lake Minnewanka to the bridge crossing the Cascade River and through the forest on the canyon ridge. This easy hike is seven kilometres with little elevation. I recommend wearing microspikes. They will be helpful for walking in the packed snow.
Sightseeing
*Red Chairs Alert!
Lake Minnewanka is a day-use area where visitors can either skate on the frozen lake, enjoy a fire, take a walk on the shore or lounge in one of the Parks Canada red chairs. The views are stunning.
Banff Gondola Nightrise
One of the major attractions on our list of things to do in the winter in Banff is the Banff Gondola Nightrise. We took the gondola an hour before sunset to enjoy the view from the top as the sun set behind the mountain range. The pink sky and the moon above Mount Rundle were unique sights.
After sunset, Banff lit up and brought another amazing sight with Cascade Mountain behind it. And then, the light show began. We had a blast, and I highly recommend the Nightrise if you are in Banff in the winter.
Eating out
The Canadian Brewhouse in Banff is a popular choice for tourists and locals alike. The sports bar attracts friends and family.
Day 4: Winter in Canmore
Three Sisters Parkway, which eventually turns into the Smith Dorrien Trail, is a winding road with stunning views along the way. With lakes and mountains, and signs warning drivers of the dangers of this mountain road in an avalanche area, this drive is a typical Rocky Mountains experience. An appropriate vehicle with snow tires and either all-wheel drive or 4×4 is a must on this winding, snow-covered mountain road.
Hiking
Chester Lake Trail in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park is south of Canmore, off the Smith-Dorrien Trail. It is a 7-kilometre moderate trail through forest and meadows to Chester Lake. The first part of this hike is quite steep and requires either microspikes or snowshoes. Hiking poles will also help.
The trail brings hikers to a majestic winter wonderland with mountains as a backdrop. The meadows are a stunning scene. Take time to eat and relax on Lake Chester before heading back the same way.
Eating out
We had a fantastic time at the Grizzly Paw Pub and Brewing Co in Canmore. Their Summit Series selection of craft beer is awesome.
Day 5: Winter in Lake Louise
We headed west on the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) from Canmore to Lake Louise. Lake Louise is roughly 80 kilometres from Canmore.
Skiing
We headed out to Lake Louise Ski Resort for a day of skiing. The resort is home to fantastic ski and snowboarding runs and is the biggest ski resort in the Canadian Rockies. There is also snowshoeing and a tubing park on the mountain. If you don’t have any equipment, the resort’s rental store will outfit you with everything you need.
The resort has 11 lifts, including a gondola, and 164 runs of all levels. The top elevation is 2637 metres, and the longest run is 8 kilometres—hours of joy on snow.
Skiing is one of the best winter activities in Banff or Lake Louise. For an added challenge, you can ski the Big 3. SkiBig3 includes skiing on Mount Norquay, at Banff Sunshine Village, and at the Lake Louise Ski Resort. If you ski at all three ski hills, drop by the Adventure Hub in Banff to get your SkiBig3 badge.
Eating out
We had dinner at the Park Distillery Restaurant and Bar in Banff. This is a great place to have a few drinks and grab a bite.
Day 6: Winter in Lake Louise and Banff
Skating
No winter trip to the Canadian Rockies is complete without skating on Lake Louise. The most beautiful lake in the country becomes a famous skating rink once it freezes over. Enjoy skating on the lake surrounded by mountains.
You can rent skates on a first-come, first-served basis at the Lake in the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. However, on busy days, especially on weekends, renting skates in Banff or Canmore at most sporting stores might be a good idea. We rented ours at Gear Up Mountain Sports Rental and Services.
Hiking
Fairview Lookout Trail starts at the Lake Louise day-use area. The trail is a short 2-kilometre hike through a pine forest to a lookout over Lake Louise and the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. There are some steep sections, and the snow makes it very slippery. Microspikes or snowshoes will fix that.
Shopping
We strolled down Banff Avenue, exploring the boutiques, souvenir shops and galleries. Banff Avenue is special, with Cascade Mountain standing tall at the end of the road, as if guarding the town.
Relaxing Time
An evening in the hot pool of the Banff Upper Hot Springs is perfect after days on the trails, on ski hills or on skating rinks. The Banff Upper Hot Springs are located on Sulphur Mountain and operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
Eating out
We had a great time at Where the Buffalo Roam Saloon in Canmore. The place is small and cozy but full of charm. Their house creations are tasty drinks.
Day 7: Winter in Canmore
For our last day in Canmore, we opted for a hike and headed on the Three Sisters Parkway to Bow Valley Provincial Park.
Hiking
Little Lougheed Mountain Trail is a challenging 5-kilometre hike to the mountain’s summit. It has a little over 700 metres of elevation gain, reaching a summit at 2483 metres. This is a serious hike, and proper gear is essential. The effort is constant on this steep trail, but the views are stunning.
More Things to do in Winter in Canmore, Banff or Lake Louise
- Dog Sled Tour
- Cross-country ski at the Canmore Nordic Center
- Hike the Grotto Canyon Ice Walk in Canmore
- Snowshoe Rawson Lake Trail in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park near Canmore
- Visit Museums in Canmore and Banff
- Hike Cascade Pond Loop in Banff
- Walk the Lake Louise Lakeshore Trail.
- Cross-country ski on Lake Louise
- Horse-drawn sleigh ride in Banff or Lake Louise
- Swim or climb at the Elevation Place in Canmore
- Walk on the River Walk Trail to the Engine Bridge in Canmore
- Visit the National Historic Site, Cave and Basin, in Banff
Last Words on Winter in Canmore, Banff and Lake Louise
The Canadian Rockies are full of marvellous adventures, and wintertime adds even more to the list. This one-week itinerary, exploring Canmore, Banff, and Lake Louise in winter, was thrilling. There are numerous things to do in the Canadian Rockies in any season. You might also enjoy a road trip exploring five national parks through those great mountains.
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I love the red Adirondack chairs all over Canada! Found them in Montreal on our recent visit.
When I explore new places, it’s like going on a treasure hunt, trying to find them all!
Main Street looks so lovely! What a charming little town.
Everything about it is charming, but I do like to stroll down Main Street!
Thanks for putting together such a thorough and informative guide! I’ll be saving this in case I ever get the opportunity to visit!
You are welcome! I hope you do get the opportunity some day! It is such an amazing place to visit!