Relaxed Winter Bliss: The Ultimate 5 Day Banff Itinerary

Banff National Park becomes a winter wonderland in the colder months, full of snow-capped peaks, frozen waterfalls, and opportunities for easygoing outdoor adventures. Even though Banff welcomes over four million visitors annually, you’ll find the winter months less crowded but just as stunningly scenic. I just returned from a fantastic visit and think you will love this winter trip using this 5 day Banff itinerary.

The most noticeable difference when visiting the Canadian Rockies in winter is the fewer visitors, allowing you to experience the beauty without the crowds and at better prices.

From cozy hotel accommodations to iconic sites like Lake Louise to winter activities like ice skating and tubing, this Banff itinerary has a delightful mix of scenery, comfort, and easy outdoor fun.

For those who love the mountains but don’t want an intense winter sports vacation, this Banff winter getaway offers the perfect blend of nature and relaxation. Read on to discover the possibilities for a dreamy five days in one of Canada’s most treasured winter wonderlands.

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Day 1 – Arrival in Banff

Start your winter getaway by flying into Calgary International Airport and picking up a rental car.

Being from San Antonio, Texas, where snow days are uncommon, I was hesitant to drive in winter, but the Canadian roads are well-maintained.

Driving in the Canadian Rockies is much different than driving in the United States Colorado Rockies, where driving to places like Breckenridge can lead to white knuckles gripping the steering wheel.

Although it’s not a difficult drive, ask for a rental car with all-wheel drive just to be safe.

The drive from Calgary to Banff takes around 1.5 hours along the scenic Trans-Canada Highway. Be sure to stop at the overlooks for your first glimpse of the magnificent Rocky Mountains.

Lunch in Canmore

As you drive from Calgary to Banff, stop in the charming town of Canmore, thirty minutes outside of Banff.

The main street of Canmore is a quaint area filled with shops, art galleries, and restaurants. Stop for lunch or happy hour at Murrieta’s Mountain Bar & Grill or try a Canadian favorite, poutine, and a beer at The Grizzly Paw Pub.

Winter guests looking to add dog sledding to the list of winter adventures should look no further than Canmore. Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours, Howling Dog Sled Tours, and Mad Dogs and Englishmen all call Canmore home.

Banff National Park

After spending the afternoon in Canmore, you’ll continue along Highway 1 until you enter Banff National Park, part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Banff is Canada’s most popular national park, with nearby Yoho National Park and Jasper National Park ranking in the top ten, as well. It’s no surprise this area is so loved once you experience its beauty.

You’ll need to purchase a Banff National Park admission ticket for every day you plan on being in the park. It doesn’t matter if you are visiting a day or staying in a hotel for the week; you still need a ticket. The Town of Banff and Lake Louise are both within the National Park, so plan accordingly.

You can purchase your Banff National Park ticket online or stop at the park entry gate directly on the highway.

Once you arrive in the town of Banff, check into your accommodations. I’ve listed a few of my favorites at the end of this post.

After settling, spend the early evening wandering Banff’s walkable downtown area. Pop into souvenir shops, walk to the Bow River and the Banff pedestrian bridge, or visit one of the many cafes or restaurants.

End your first day winter itinerary in Banff by soaking in your hotel’s hot tub or enjoying the soothing mineral waters of the Banff Upper Hot Springs.

These natural hot springs on Sulphur Mountain are a short drive from downtown. In operation since the 1880s, the Upper Hot Springs is a popular retreat with killer views.

Finally, cap off the evening with cocktails and a fondue happy hour at Bluebird Wood-fired Steakhouse. Located near Banff Avenue, this cozy restaurant offers a casual, apres-adventure atmosphere.

Day 2 – Explore Banff National Park

Don’t let the snow stop you from exploring the wonders of Banff National Park.

There are so many jaw-dropping photo spots and short hikes, and all can be reached within a short drive from downtown.

No matter where you go, keep an eye out for the iconic Parks Canada red chairs strategically placed at some of the best viewpoints.

Stumbling upon the red chairs in the midst of a hike is such a pleasant surprise. It’s like discovering a hidden treasure, knowing you found the perfect place to relax and soak in the awe-inspiring scenery.

Banff Visitor’s Center

Make your second stop at the IGA grocery store in downtown Banff. Pick up hearty snacks like trail mix, protein bars, and sandwiches. Bringing a picnic will allow you to take breaks anywhere without having to leave to find restaurants or cafés and is a great way to stay on budget in Banff.

Now, where to go first? Here are some of the spots I don’t think you should miss.

Surprise Corner

Researching Banff, you’ve most likely seen epic shots of the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel nestled in a forest of trees. It’s most likely those pictures were taken from Surprise Corner, an elevated viewing platform near downtown Banff.

The views from Surprise Corner are phenomenal, looking out over the winding Bow Valley. As you stand atop this vantage point, the beauty of the snow-capped peaks and frozen landscapes will leave you in awe.

There is a paved parking lot, making it safe to park and walk over to the stairway to capture the perfect Instagram-worthy shot here.

We also found a moderate hike with an entrance at the parking lot that led to the river. Just be careful in the winter.

Lake Minnewanka

Continuing north, stop at Lake Minnewanka, a once bustling village now submerged beneath crystal-clear waters. Some people dared to walk out onto the frozen lake beyond the boathouse, but I am not that adventurous.

Picnic tables in the area would be a great place to picnic before moving on.

Two Jack Lake is along the road leading to Lake Minnewanka. This area offers great hiking opportunities, like the trail to the Two Jack viewpoint overlooking the glacially-carved lake.

Don’t forget to keep an eye out for wildlife.

Hoodoo Trail

Closer to town, drive along scenic Tunnel Mountain Drive to stop at overlooks like the Hoodoo viewpoint, where you can see the strange, towering Hoodoo rock formations covered in snow.

Take your time, roll down the windows, and breathe in the crisp mountain air.

For adventurous souls, Hoodoo Trail offers a unique winter hiking experience. The tranquility of the winter landscape, combined with the sense of discovery, will make this hike truly unforgettable.

The hike is fairly flat and has three different viewpoints of the Hoodoos.

Vermilion Lakes

Another easy drive just outside of Banff town is to Vermilion Lakes. Stop for a picture at the Town of Banff sign near the entrance.

There are three lakes here, but the last one tends not to freeze since it has a natural spring that keeps it warm. If you are lucky, you’ll be able to view the majestic Mount Rundle, reflecting on the icy waters.

You might even catch a glimpse of birds through the snow-draped trees or spot wildlife such as moose or coyotes here.

Johnston Canyon

The final must-see spot is Johnston Canyon. This moderate 3-mile roundtrip hike takes you along catwalks to the Lower and Upper Falls, which freeze into towering ice formations in winter.

Recovering from a broken foot, I was not able to take this hike due to the fact you need to wear spikes or cleats because of the ice. If you don’t have the proper gear, you can rent what you need at one of the many shops in town.

Although I didn’t see the frozen waterfall at Johnston Canyon, I did see the frozen waterfall at Lake Louise. Prepare to be awed by the contrast of crisp blue ice against the canyon walls.

Keep an eye out for ice climbers. Yes, there are people who like to climb ice for fun!

Whether you take one or all of these drives, take time to get out and explore Banff National Park’s unbelievable scenery and landscape.

Day 3: Tubing and the Banff Gondola

Start the third day of your 5 day Banff itinerary by enjoying a morning brunch with a view at Juniper Bistro. This restaurant is part of the Juniper Hotel on your way to Mt. Norquay.

They serve favorites with locally sourced ingredients like Juniper Benny made with braised rabbit and buffalo mozzarella or Stuffed French Toast with goat cheese and Gosford farm maple syrup.

You’ll want to order a second mimosa or one of the Juniper Caesar cocktails with Banff Ice Vodka while you take in the mountain views from their outdoor patio.

Snow Tubing at Mt. Norquay

After breakfast, spend your day at one of Banff’s three ski resorts for a fun-filled afternoon. Today is your day for mountain adventures!

Luckily, you have three amazing ski areas within a short drive from Downtown Banff: Sunshine Village, Lake Louise, and Mt. Norquay.

Ski shuttles are also available and pick up skiers in front of the Banff Ptarmigan Inn in the middle of town.

We chose to go tubing at Mt. Norquay, and I simply cannot emphasize enough how exhilarating the experience is!

Norquay offers incredibly convenient three-hour tubing sessions with morning, afternoon, and weekend evening openings. For one fantastic low rate, you get three hours of unlimited tubing.

Park in the free lot and make your way up to the ticket center. I didn’t have a reservation and had no trouble walking up to buy a ticket, but you can purchase your tickets in advance.

Tubing at Mt. Norquay is a blast for everyone, including young kids and those as old as well, me!

Of course, it can feel a tad scary initially, but once you zoom down those slopes, you’ll be addicted to the adrenaline rush.

For the most comfortable experience, you will want to dress in your snow gear, including waterproof pants, a warm and waterproof jacket, a hat, and gloves. Pack everything you need using my snow trip packing list.

Banff Gondola

After you recover from an afternoon in the mountains, plan to end the day with a more relaxing adventure with an evening under the stars.

Begin by making reservations for the Banff Gondola and the Sky Bistro restaurant at the top of Summit Mountain. Make reservations for the gondola ride an hour before sunset and your dinner reservations for thirty minutes after your gondola ride.

Once you’ve enjoyed the majestic views, make your way to Sky Bistro, one of two restaurants at the summit. As you dine in a window seat at the top of Summit Mountain, watch the sunset and the lights of Banff below begin to illuminate.

Nightrise

After dinner, enjoy Nightrise, a unique and mesmerizing art installation at the top of the gondola.

Nightrise is one of the most peaceful experiences that combines light, sound, and music while incorporating the scenic views and night sky.

Day 4 – Lake Louise Area

Today, head about forty-five minutes northwest along the Bow Valley Parkway to the world-famous Lake Louise to take in views of the icy lake against a backdrop of soaring peaks.

There are so many winter activities in Lake Louise from which to choose. You can ski at the Lake Louise ski area, enjoy the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise spa, take a sleigh ride, go snowshoeing, or indulge in shopping and dining.

Free Mountain Tours at Lake Louise Ski Resort

Skiers should take advantage of the free two-hour guided mountain tours at Lake Louise. The tours meet at Whiskey Jack Lodge and leave at 10:00 AM and 1:15 PM. This allows you to ski or snowboard with others with similar abilities and experience the resort in a new way.

Lake Louise Horse Sleigh Ride

For the less adventurous, start the morning with an exciting horse sledding tour around the grounds of the opulent Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.

I’ve had my fair share of memorable experiences, and yet, the horse sleigh ride at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise still manages to top the list.

The 1.5-hour sleigh ride takes you through a Narnia-like snow-covered forest trail to an impressively frozen waterfall, where you might witness ice climbers maneuvering to the top.

Snowshoe Around Lake Louise

It is not uncommon to see people snowshoeing along the horse trail around Lake Louise.

Although the popular summer hike to the Lake Agnes Teahouse is not closed in the winter, it is strongly advised that you do not use it due to avalanche danger. No worries, though; there are plenty of other trails nearby.

Lake Louise Ice Bar

After your sleigh ride, what could possibly be better than warming up by the cozy fire pits as you sip a warm drink from the famous Lake Louise ice bar? The Ice Bar is constructed from twenty 300-pound ice blocks and is steps from the frozen lake.

Try a delicious Nanaimo Bar hot chocolate made with maple rye, hot chocolate, chocolate bitters, and Nanaimo bar cream while you walk the grounds and marvel at the ice sculptures nearby.

Ice Skating

You may miss the aqua blue water by visiting Lake Louise in the winter, but you will get to do something others can’t: walk onto the frozen lake.

Not only can you walk onto it, but you can skate, play hockey, go Bavarian curling, and build a snowman.

Skate rentals are conveniently available in the hotel lobby, or you can bring your own. Playing on the ice with the majestic Victoria Glacier as your backdrop is an unforgettable Banff winter experience.

You’ll definitely want to give yourself time to simply wander through the snowy grounds of the Chateau. I promise this is a magical winter wonderland experience you won’t forget anytime soon.

A Full-Day Winter Tour Option

If you choose not to drive to Banff, then a full-day tour of Lake Louise and the Icefields Parkway is a great alternate option for day four of your 5 day Banff itinerary.

Dinner in Banff

Cap off your active day back in Banff with dinner at one of the many restaurants downtown that offer Happy Hour, like Bear Street Tavern, Magpie and Stump, Park Distillery, or Brazen.

You’ll definitely want to leave room for dessert. Downtown Banff is filled with sweet shops.

I recommend stopping at Mary’s Popcorn Shop for the Banff mix. It tastes just like caramel corn, but it’s made with maple syrup, and they add pecans! For homemade fudge, stop at the Banff Sweet Shoppe. And, of course, you must try one of Canada’s favorite pastries. The BEAVERTAILS® pastries are decadent fried dough, which you can order with your choice of toppings. I recommend half apple pie and half OREO. Yum!

If there is any energy left in the tank, pop into High Rollers Bowling and Beer Hall for a final night of fun.

Day 5 – Coffee and Departure

Start the last day of your 5 day Banff itinerary at one of the many coffee or tea shops in Banff, known for their freshly baked goods, hearty breakfasts, and excellent drinks.

Try a chocolate French twist at Good Earth Coffeehouse, an egg cup at the Whitebark Cafe, or a blueberry scone at Second Cup Cafe.

Finally, spend the late morning shopping for souvenirs to remember your winter getaway in Banff. Look for handmade jewelry, iconic Canadian symbols like maple syrup and moose, cozy plaid blankets, and local photography prints.

Once you’ve found the perfect souvenirs, drive the scenic 1.5 hours back to Calgary International Airport for your departing flight, already dreaming of your next winter adventure in Banff.

Where to Stay in Banff

Downtown Banff offers plenty of delightful hotels and inns within walking distance of shops and restaurants. Here are some top options for where to stay in Banff in the winter:

Moose Hotel and Suites

Banff Aspen Lodge

Fairmont Hotels

For a truly luxurious stay, check into one of the two Fairmont hotels in Banff National Park, the Fairmont Banff Springs or the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.

Both offer grand castle-like properties tucked into spectacular scenery. Amenities include various activities for guests, including mixology classes, Bavarian curling lessons, ice skating, and S’mores by the fire, to name a few.

I personally splurged on a night at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and thought it was worth every penny! It also didn’t hurt that I received an upgrade to a junior suite.

Getting Around Banff

Banff National Park is quite spread out, so having a car is the easiest way to get around. Most visitors fly into Calgary and rent a car for the 1.5-hour drive to Banff. Winter road conditions require a vehicle with good snow tires or all-wheel drive.

For those without a car, Banff offers a public Roam Transit system of buses between the Banff townsite, Lake Louise, the ski hills, and the hamlets just outside the park for a small fee. The bus schedule is more limited in winter, so plan accordingly.

In the summer, Parks Canada shuttles run between Lake Louise and Moraine Lake for around $8 CAD.

There are also private shuttle companies like Brewster Sightseeing that provide transportation services from Calgary to the Banff area.

Within the town of Banff itself, the compact downtown area is very walkable. I would not rely on using taxis and Uber. I did not see any in operation on our trip.

Remember that trips to Johnston Canyon, Lake Louise, and other areas outside of town will require a car rental, shuttle bus, or tour company.

Conclusion

A winter getaway in Banff National Park is the perfect way to experience the majesty of the Canadian Rockies covered in snow and ice.

This 5 day ultimate Banff itinerary covers all the highlights for an easygoing adventure, from scenic overlooks like the Banff Gondola and Lake Louise to classic winter activities like ice skating, snowshoeing, and dog sledding.

Cozy up by a crackling fireplace after a day outdoors or splurge on fondue at a quirky restaurant like The Grizzly House.

Banff in winter is truly a winter wonderland!

As this itinerary shows, there are so many incredible things to see and do in Banff beyond just skiing and snowboarding. If you’re looking for a relaxing winter vacation surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery, spectacular frozen waterfalls and lakes, and wonderfully crisp air, Banff National Park is calling your name.

Come experience the magic for yourself!