Winter in Banff: Know Before You Go!
Lake Louise
Are you dreaming of a winter vacation filled with invigorating outdoor activities, breathtaking scenery, and cozy nights by the fire? Then Banff National Park is the perfect spot for you. Located in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, this stunning destination offers plenty of winter adventures that will leave you feeling exhilarated and enchanted.
But before you pack your bags and hit the road, there are some important things to know about visiting Banff in the wintertime. So grab a warm beverage, snuggle up beside our virtual campfire (sorry, we can't build real fires on here), and let's talk about everything you need to know before you go.
Banff: know before you go!
In Banff, the primary language is English, but you'll also hear and see a lot of French.
During winter, you can expect around 8-10 hours of daylight. So, make the most of those precious sunlit hours!
Banff deals in the Canadian Dollar. So, have some loonies and toonies on hand. But tips are gladly accepted in American dollars if that is all you have handy.
Banff's peak winter season runs from December to January. Our trip was in February, which is shoulder season, so we were able to avoid the crowds.
Brace yourself for the cold, my friends. We're talking negative temperatures here—freezing cold! But with the right winter gear, you will stay warm and toasty.
I know! I didn’t believe them either, but it’s true! Below is some of the gear I purchased that kept me warm even at -6 degrees Fahrenheit!
If you want to snag a budget-friendly lodging option, book early. The early bird gets the cozy room with the best rates! Choose from hotels, hostels, condos, or Airbnbs.
If you really want to save, find a place just outside Banff. We found a perfect condo with beautiful views in Canmore and saved big!
Calgary International Airport (YYC) is an easy 1.5-hour drive along the Trans-Canada Highway. Canadians are pros at handling heavy snowfalls, and the highways are usually well-maintained and snow-free. The drive into Banff is a breeze, all on the highway, with no tricky mountain roads to navigate!
If you rent a vehicle, remember to ask for 4-wheel drive! It is a must for the road conditions!
Snow enthusiasts, rejoice! Banff averages about 3-4 days of snowfall a week, so chances are high that you'll experience a magical Banff snowfall.
Don't forget your Canadian park pass to enter Banff National Park. You can also purchase a daily pass for $10 per day or an annual pass for $70, valid across Canada's entire national park system. Just pack it instead of leaving it at home….ask us how we know!
Always check road conditions before setting out for the day. Weather can be unpredictable and may throw a wrench in your plans. Click for Banff road conditions.
Public transportation is an option from the airport and around town, though not all shuttles run in winter. Planning your trip ahead of time will help you decide if you need a car and for how many days.
Don't forget your sunglasses and sunscreen! The sun reflecting off the snow is no joke - protect yourself!
Share the Chair
Did you know the Canadian National Park system has over 400 red Adirondack chairs in breathtaking parks nationwide? It all started in 2011 in Gros Morne National Park to lure people to lesser-known locations throughout the park. It has become our quest to find as many red chairs as possible! Don’t forget to #sharethechair on social media.
more Winter in Banff tips & activities
Enjoy Banff’s winter wonderland
Winter in Banff is absolutely magical and definitely worth experiencing. The snow-capped mountains are breathtaking, and there are so many fun winter activities. So reserve your stay, pack your boots and jackets, and go make winter memories!
Meet Stacy! Stacy and her husband, Phil, are a wanderlust couple who have been roaming the great USA for an epic 5 years! They ditched the daily grind to embark on thrilling adventures and inspire fellow dreamers to chase their travel dreams. Curious about how they do it? Check out their awesome YouTube channel, Today is Someday, where they're spilling all the secrets to living a life on the move. Get ready to pack your bags and join them on this incredible journey.