Discover Banff’s Top 10 Activities for Adventurous Travelers

1. Ice Skating

Skating along the frozen lakes and ponds of the Rockies, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, is certainly one of the very best things to do in a Banff winter. It doesn’t get much more classic winter fun (or more Canadian) than ice skating outdoors in the mountains.

So, bring a pair from home, or just rent one in town and find a spot to lace them up. Skating is as Canadian as poutine, so beautifully maintained outdoor rinks are here. The Fairmont Banff performs upkeep for two beautiful outdoor rinks on the lake. Other excellent options include skating on Vermillion Lakes, Lake Minnewanka, and Two Jack Lake.

2. Dog Sledding

For a super dreamy, classic winter experience, consider dogsledding. This is another family-friendly, fun-for-all-ages experience sure to give you memories of a lifetime. 

With a chance to experience this traditional activity, you’ll feel the rush of racing through the mountain wilderness, pulled by an experienced team of sled dogs. This incredible winter experience is definitely a crowd-pleaser.

3. Fat Biking

Ever thought you might try winter biking? With the rise in popularity of so-called fat biking, you can now cycle around this mountainous stretch, even in the dead of winter. 

Fat bikes are equipped with huge oversized tires, allowing for superb traction in wintery conditions. This fun new option for getting around might just change your perspective on exploring your way through winter.  The Banff area has different options for trying out fat biking, including heading out on a guided tour or simply renting bikes and exploring independently. 

4. Nordic (Cross Country) Skiing

If you’re looking to enjoy one of the best cardio workouts around against one of Earth’s most spectacular backdrops, check out Nordic skiing. This traditional method of transport will get your heart rate up, while you enjoy all the beauty of the great outdoors in Banff National Park. 

With some utterly drop-dead gorgeous cross-country trails to choose from, Banff is the perfect place to get your ski on. You don’t need to own your own gear. For a nominal fee, you can rent skis across the area. 

5. Helicopter Tours

Looking to take your Banff adventures to new heights? Consider a winter helicopter tour of Banff National Park. 

You’ll feel the thrill of gazing upon some of Canada’s most awe-inspiring mountains from a bird’s eye view. While soaking in some of North America’s tallest mountains, tour operators share the area’s history. It’s a marvelous way to experience Banff from above. 

6. Northern Lights Viewing

Think Banff doesn’t have anything special in the store outside after dark? Think again! Banff and the surrounding area, including Jasper National Park, are some of the best places in North America for peeping the Aurora Borealis. 

Jasper National Park, just a two-hour drive along the epic Icefields Parkway, is now designated a Dark Sky Preserve. In other words, Jasper takes care to reduce and/or eliminate any light pollution possible. These efforts serve to maintain the area as a great place for stargazing and Northern Lights viewing. 

An evening snowshoe tour at Banff Sunshine Village is another great way to witness the sky light up green. But the very best spot close to Banff town for Northern Lights viewing is Lake Minnewanka. 

7. Sledding

For families, kids, or just the playful kiddo inside you, consider taking your family sledding down the hills of Banff. You’d be surprised at the childhood wonder this old-time winter activity will awaken in you!

Some of the very best sledding hills around the town of Banff include Spray Meadows Hill, behind the Banff Springs Hotel, close to Bow Falls. Another great spot is located off Lake Minnewanka Road, near Cascade Ponds. This low-key, classic winter activity is just what you need in your Rocky Mountain holiday. Be sure to top it off with a festive hot cocoa downtown. 

8. Horse-Drawn Sleigh Ride

Imagine yourself cozied up to friends or family, nestled inside a horse-drawn sleigh, gliding across snowy vistas. There’s hardly an activity that says classic winter moment than taking a ride in a horse-drawn sleigh. 

Most tours include a sweet treat beside the bonfire after your cozy ride. Banff in winter just doesn’t get any better than this!  

9. Icewalks

If you’d like to hit the trails in wintertime, heading outdoors for an ice walk is an excellent way to soak in the most gorgeous Rocky Mountain views in wintertime. Enjoy the same hiking trails you’d walk in summertime, but with a twist. A beautiful waterfall hike transforms from a surging waterfall into a sparkling frozen waterfall. 

Johnston Canyon hiking trail is the most popular ice walk in the Banff area, though several other ice walks nearby deserve a look. Grotto Canyon is another spectacular spot for an icy hike. 

10. Skijoring 

Have you ever seen someone skiing behind a horse or dog? No? Well, welcome to the exciting spectator sport of skijoring. Each winter, Skijor Canada brings this awesome sport to the Banff area. 

Visit Banff in the wintertime and enjoy the thrill of watching Alberta cowboys perform alongside trick skiers. If it sounds exciting, you’ll certainly enjoy this unique sport.  

11. Alpine (Downhill) Skiing

Think you can find better downhill skiing in North America than you can find in Banff? Guess again! With three world-class ski resorts, all inside the Banff and Jasper National Park areas, this is pretty much the pinnacle.  The “Big 3” as they’re known, are comprised of Banff Sunshine Village, Lake Louise Ski Resort, and Mt. Norquay ski areas.

From brand-new beginner terrain to the backcountry skiing of your snowy dreams, every level of downhill skiing is available to you here. Equipment is all available to rent, so no need to lug your gear unless you choose to. 

12. Snowshoeing 

Strap on those snowshoes and head out into the pristine winter wilderness of Banff. Another great family-friendly winter pastime, snowshoeing, affords all the gorgeous mountain scenery at a more leisurely pace. Not to mention, snowshoeing is a great budget-friendly option for exploring the outdoors. 

Snowshoes are easy to rent in several different spots around Banff, including Banff Adventures, White Mountain Adventures, and Ultimate Sports. Snowshoe rentals come in all sizes, including kid’s sizes, so bring along your whole crew!  

13. Ice Fishing

Ice fishing is another great option for enjoying awesome mountain vistas while exploring outdoors in the crisp mountain air. Ice fishing tours are the best way to drop a line in the Banff wintertime. 

Dress for the chilly winter air, as you’ll mostly be stationary, unlike winter hiking or snowshoeing. Still, it’s worth braving the winter cold for your chance to catch a beautiful Banff Lake Trout. 

14. Snow Tubing

For another fun way to whiz down the mountainside, consider snow tubing. Located just a handful of minutes from the town of Banff, you’ll find the Mt Norquay tubing hill. With 8 lanes of fast-paced fun, you’ll find the largest snow tubing hill in the entire province of Alberta.

Tubing is a fun-filled, family-friendly, snowy day activity for all. Generally accessible to kids ages 4 and up or 42” tall and above, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. This fun and affordable winter activity is a great way to spend an afternoon for your whole crew. 

15. Banff Upper Hot Springs and Radium Hot Springs

Banff Upper Hot Springs and Radium Hot Springs are the two most popular springs in the area. The Upper Hot Springs has several advantages, especially in the location department. You’ll find the springs conveniently located right by the Banff Gondola, very close to downtown Banff. 

From Upper Hot Springs, you’ll enjoy the most spectacular, jaw-dropping views of the snowy peaks surrounding you while you soak in the warm springs.  Also located here, you’ll find a coffee shop with meal options, tasty drinks, and, most importantly, ice cream. But be sure to soak earlier in the day, as the cafe doesn’t stay open late. 

16 Banff Gondola

Looking to see the area from a different perspective? Book seats to ride up Sulphur Mountain on the always wonderful Banff Gondola. Atop the mountain, you’ll find a lovely indoor interpretive center detailing the geology and natural history of Banff National Park. You’ll also find a coffee shop, cafe, and fine dining restaurant (Sky Bistro). 

Head to the rooftop observation deck for some of the most beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding mountain ranges. For more exploring, take a stroll on the Sulphur Mountain Boardwalk. Be sure to dress in your warmest layers for the mountaintop as the wind picks up at higher elevations. 

17. Winter Hiking

Think all the really great hiking in Banff is gone before the frost hits? Not true! Banff National Park has glorious winter hiking, and the mountain views are just as beautiful as in summertime. In fact, you’ll enjoy a unique perspective on the panoramic views, with fresh-fallen snowcapped mountains in all directions. 

You’ll find pristine hiking through this winter wonderland across the Banff and Jasper National Park areas. Some of the best, easy, family-friendly hikes include Fenland Trail, Lake Louise Lakeshore, Marsh Loop, and the otherworldly Tunnel Mountain Hoodoos Trail. For a bit more challenge, strike out on the incredibly popular Johnston Canyon Trail or head over to Mirror Lake or Tunnel Mountain.

18. Wolfdog Sanctuary 

Head to the Wolfdog Sanctuary to visit the resident wolfdogs and learn more about these beautiful animals. This family-friendly place offers an educational experience during the wintertime.

Though there is no petting the wolfdogs, you’ll have the chance to photograph them from outside their living enclosures. Enjoy a self-guided tour around the sanctuary as you read interesting facts about wolves and wolfdogs. 

19. Abraham Lake Methane Bubbles

There’s a very special spot in Banff when the weather turns cold, and lakes freeze over. Abraham Lake is famed for its beautiful methane bubbles that form inside the frozen ice.  How do these methane bubbles form on the frozen lake? They’re naturally occurring and are created as organic matter falls to the bottom and mixes with bacteria below. 

The ice bubbles on Abraham Lake are incredibly beautiful and are unique to this lake. If you don’t want to miss this amazing natural phenomenon, head to this beautiful frozen lake between mid-January and early February. Abraham Lake is located just off Highway 11/David Thompson Highway. 

20. Snowmobiling

Want to see the mountains from a fast-paced ride along the trails? Snowmobiling is a thrilling way to get around Banff in winter.

For the best snowmobiling in Banff, book a tour through a respected tour company, and they’ll guide you to the most beautiful spots for riding.