The Ultimate Itinerary for Winter in Banff, Canada
Although Banff and Lake Louise are stunning in the summer, it’s the enchantment of winter that turns this destination into a scene straight out of a fairytale.
Horse-drawn sleigh rides through snowy trails, sparkling alpine landscapes and world-class ski slopes –this dreamy trio sets the stage for an unforgettable winter escape in Banff. Explore the best of this winter wonderland in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Banff National Park with our ultimate itinerary.
For more, read Why Canada’s Banff & Lake Louise is the Ultimate Winter Wonderland.
Day 1
Morning
Welcome to Alberta, Canada! Upon landing at Calgary International Airport (YYC), make your way west to shimmering Lake Louise. The Brewster Express or Banff Airporter offer multiple daily departures to whisk you into the heart of the Rockies, with a travel time of approximately two hours to Banff and two-and-a-half hours to Lake Louise. En route, marvel at rugged peaks and snow-laden forests.
Afternoon
Start your time in Lake Louise by checking into your new home at the ultra-lux Fairmont Château Lake Louise. One of Canada’s most iconic five-star properties, the grandiose hotel is nestled in the heart of Banff National Park, fringed by forest-covered mountains and overlooking the sparkling Lake Louise. Indulge in horse-drawn sleigh rides, sip mulled wine at the Ice Bar and go ice skating on the lake’s frozen surface. The hotel promises signature Fairmont hospitality, an incredible day spa with a thermal wellness centre (available in mid-2025) and exquisite onsite dining.
Evening
Savour your first meal in Lake Louise with in-room dining or take a seat at Fairmont Château Lake Louise’s signature eatery, Fairview Bar and Restaurant, for a meal coupled with views across Lake Louise and Victoria Glacier. Sip an Old Fashion cocktail (made with Canadian Bearface seven-year-old whisky) while dining on a seasonal menu featuring bison carpaccio, herb-crusted lamb racks and Arctic char.
Day 2
Morning
Start your day with a Mediterranean-inspired breakfast at Louiza, housed within the glitzy Fairmont Château Lake Louise. Indulge in buttermilk pancakes topped with maple syrup, freshly baked croissants or a farm-to-table breakfast skillet featuring local eggs and sausage.
Then it’s off to discover outdoor activities that are snow much fun. For ski bunnies and outdoor enthusiasts, Lake Louise Ski Resort is only five minutes from Fairmont Château Lake Louise, accessible on a SkiBig3 tri-area ticket that includes a shuttle and access to Banff Mt. Sunshine or Mount Norquay. Try snowshoeing on Lake Louise with a Fairmont Heritage Guide, or take a dog sled tour nearby with KingMik.
Lunch
Pause for lunch at the Lakeview Lounge, where the floor-to-ceiling windows showcase the frozen splendour of Lake Louise. Settle into plush velvet chairs as you dig into hearty bison burgers with truffle aioli, creamy seafood chowder and roasted vegetable flatbread. Pair your meal with a local craft beer or a steaming hot chocolate.
Afternoon
One not-to-be-missed activity is a magical sleigh ride in a horse-drawn carriage. Snuggle under warm woollen blankets as a team of horses pull you through sparkling, snow-covered meadows. If you have little ones in tow, delight them by attending the Ice Magic Ice Carving Competition to admire glittering ice sculptures, held at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise every January.
Evening
For dinner, treat yourself to an unforgettable evening at Walliser Stube. Famed for its fondue, this Swiss-inspired restaurant is friendly and intimate, with lots of dark wood and big views. Dig into a rich cheese fondue, served with freshly baked bread, vegetables and tangy pickles for dipping. For the main course, choose a classic beef fondue followed by the indulgent chocolate fondue, complete with marshmallows, fruit and biscuits.
Day 3
Morning
Grab breakfast at the hotel and say farewell to this five-star palace fit for royalty with one final stroll around the lake before heading off to your next destination. For those heading directly to Banff, take the convenient Brewster Express transfer from Lake Louise to Banff. There are four departures a day. Luxury Escapes recommendations for a stay in Banff township include The Fairmont Banff Springs, The Rimrock Resort Hotel, Fox Hotel & Suites or the Mount Royal Hotel.
Discover Banff
Afternoon
Those with extra time can extend their adventure to Jasper National Park. The three-hour Sundog Tours shuttle departs Lake Louise at 3.45pm and travels along the Icefields Parkway – consistently ranked among the world’s top scenic drives by travel experts. Luxury Escapes recommends a stay at Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge or Pyramid Lake Lodge in Jasper National Park. Sundog Tours also offers a return shuttle from Jasper to Banff (weather dependent). Private transfers are available upon request.
Evening
If you opt to return to Banff for the evening, board the Banff Gondola at the base of Sulphur Mountain. It ascends through the snowy terrain to the mountain’s summit, where visitors are treated to sweeping panoramas of six mountain ranges, Bow Valley and Banff town. Between November and March, the Nightrise multimedia experience transforms the summit building with captivating stations of light, sound and projections. Book your tickets in advance and check the official Facebook page for up-to-date information ahead of your visit.
Dinner
End the evening with dinner at Sky Bistro, where dishes like braised elk and beetroot risotto elevate local ingredients, or Northern Lights Alpine Kitchen for a family-friendly buffet of hearty fare. Both restaurants are situated at the summit of the Banff Gondola. Remember to book in advance.
Day 4
Morning
Your first full day in Banff begins at Bluebird, a new all-day dining spot offering locally sourced produce and a laid-back vibe. Join the Discover Banff and Its Wildlife Tour, a three-hour exploration that blends stunning sights with wildlife spotting. Visit iconic landmarks like Bow Falls and as guides share fascinating stories about Banff’s history and ecosystems, and watch for elk and deer as they roam the snow-covered wilderness.
Afternoon
Enjoy a light lunch and a stroll along Banff Avenue and Bear Street, located at the base of the powder-dusted mountains. Grab a gourmet sandwich at Wild Flour Bakery or sip a warming latte at Evelyn’s Coffee Bar. For a sweet interlude, stop at The Fudgery for artisanal fudge that’s as famous as it is delicious.
Evening
End your day with dinner at Eden, tucked within the Rimrock Resort Hotel. Dishes like foie gras terrine, seared scallops and rack of lamb are artfully presented and perfectly paired with selections from an extensive wine cellar. Alternatively, enjoy dinner at some of the top dining establishments in the area, including within Fairmont Banff Springs or the Mount Royal Hotel.
Day 5
Morning
Start your day bright and early with a grab-and-go breakfast from one of Banff’s beloved bakeries: Wild Flour on Bear Street, Bare Bistro on Owl Street or TheUprising Bake Shop on Banff Avenue. Rug up for an unforgettable guided adventure exploring the Johnston Canyon Ice Walk, where you’ll explore icy trails to the Lower Falls and wander into caves. Continue to the Upper Falls, a 30-metre spectacle of glittering ice columns, dazzling ice formations and frozen waterfalls.
Afternoon
Soothe sore muscles with an afternoon of Fairmont Banff Springs Spa Signature treatments, such as the Alpine Aromatherapy Massage, are designed to melt away stress. Amenities include three waterfall plunge pools, an indoor mineral pool and an outdoor pool, along with a sauna and a comprehensive spa menu. Book in advance to secure your spot and make the most of this revitalising experience.
Evening
Dinner time calls for a visit to Castello. Renowned as Banff’s premier Italian dining destination, Castello is celebrated for its warm ambience and cuisine that tastes as if it were from Nonna’s kitchen. Under twinkling lights, indulge in a menu featuring locally sourced ingredients, from house-aged steaks and fresh seafood to innovative vegetarian options. Stay overnight at any of Luxury Escapes’ top picks for Banff: Fairmont Banff Springs, The Rimrock Resort Hotel, Fox Hotel & Suites or the Mount Royal Hotel.
Day 6
Morning
Your final day calls for one last sleep-in before a relaxed brunch at one of Banff’s best eateries. Luxury Escape’s top picks for brunch in Banff include Brazen in the Mount Royal Hotel, The Maple Leaf in the heart of downtown Banff or Tooloulou’s, a local favourite where the Cajun-inspired breakfast menu features shrimp and grits or beignets.
Afternoon
It’s time to say farewell. Book a transfer on the Brewster Express or Banff Airporter to Calgary Airport, allowing three hours for check-in with international flights.
Feature image: Banff Avenue, courtesy of Banff & Lake Louise Tourism and Robert Massey.
This article was produced in collaboration with Banff & Lake Louise Tourism.