6 Things To Do on a Winter Adventure in Banff

An exterior shot of Fairmont Banff Springs during winter in Alberta, Canada - Luxury Escapes

Horse and sleigh rides, icy canyon walks, Rocky Mountain gondolas, luxurious lodgings, crackling fires and delicious dining – winter in Banff and Lake Louise is a magical, snow-filled wonderland.

There is something wonderful about sitting around a huge open fire as snow falls silently outside the window. Banff National Park is the perfect winter escape, the park stretches over more than 6000 square kilometres with frozen lakes, soaring peaks and plenty of options for outdoor adventures.

You can base yourself in a modern-day fairytale castle, explore an ice-covered canyon and travel on one of the most scenic stretches of road in the world, the Icefields Parkway connecting Banff and Jasper National Park. Winter in Banff and Lake Louise is the time to explore, indulge and unwind with these perfect winter activities.

Base yourself in a winter castle

Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise looks like it was plucked from a Disney movie surrounded by thick alpine forest; Rocky Mountain peaks soaring above and the iconic frozen Lake Louise at its doorstep. The chateau has 539 rooms that are decorated with contemporary glamour, making it an ideal base for a winter adventure.

Equally, you could base your stay at sister property, Fairmont Banff Springs, known as “the Castle in the Rockies”. Located inside the UNESCO-listed Banff National Park, Fairmont Banff Springs has been offering hospitality within its venerable castle walls since 1888.

Take a lakeside sleigh ride

A horse and sleigh ride in Banff during winter - Luxury Escapes

The romance of a horse-drawn sleigh carrying you through pine trees whose branches are piled high with snow is a must-do on a trip to Banff National Park. Lake Louise is the wintry setting as the gentle horses pull the wooden sleigh through the glacial terrain with a gentle rocking motion that soothes you as you travel; this really is a storybook experience and one that is best done in the snowy weather.

Dine with the world’s best mountain views

Eden restaurant at The Rimrock Resort Hotel in Banff is an elevated dining experience in more ways than one. Not only does the dining room have stunning views of the snow-dusted mountain tops but the menu is one of refined elegance with wine-pairing that is also next level; that’s what happens when you have a cellar with over 17,000 bottles on offer ensuring an exquisite culinary experience. The Rimrock Resort Hotel itself is another incredible mountain retreat with views over the Bow River and the Rocky Mountains.

Take an icewalk in Johnston Canyon

An ice walk at Johnston Canyon, Banff, Alberta, Canada - Luxury Escapes

A surreal place of vertiginous falls and cliffs fringed with giant icicles, Johnston Canyon is a natural wonder. The best way to explore it is on a guided icewalk where guides and guests are equipped with cleats to explore the boardwalk. For the really adventurous, you can also choose to go on this ice experience at night.

Take an awe-inspiring guided journey

The Icefields Parkway parallels the continental divide of the Rockies for 232 kilometres and makes for one of the most dramatic journeys on earth. The road connects Banff and Jasper National Park. If you’re wanting to experience both parks take a journey with Brewster Express or Sundog Tours, and drive past frozen waterfalls and surprising rock formations with the Rocky Mountain peaks as your constant companions. If you love spectacular scenery this is one journey you just can’t miss.

Get a sky-high view of Banff and The Canadian Rockies

Be carried to the summit of Sulphur Mountain on the Banff Gondola, a ten-minute, 700-metre ride to the best views of the mountain town. You will be swept through the tree tops up to the peak where you can look down upon the town; go at sunset and you can watch the lights of the township twinkle from your impressive vantage point.

Banff & Lake Louise Tourism - Luxury Escapes

This article was originally featured in the seventh issue of Dream by Luxury Escapes magazine. Get your copy here.

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