Winter in Banff

Discover winter in the Canadian Rockies. The small mountain town of Banff comes alive as fresh snow blankets the landscape. From ski hills to a lively aprés scene, winter in Banff offers a long list of must-do activities. Indulge in decadent food, toast with friends and family, and join in the winter fun at Fairmont Banff Springs.

Celebrate Winter

a group of people snowshoeing

Winter Activities

When the weather cools down, Banff National Park becomes the perfect destination for winter activities to fill up your days and evenings. Hit the slopes, enjoy the great outdoors, and carve fresh powder with activities including skiing, snowshoeing, skating, and everything in between.

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Winter

people running in snow shoes

Winter Rentals

Enjoy the great outdoors with these winter rentals.

Winter

family looking over the mountains while skiing

Ski

Ski in Banff in the heart of the Canadian Rockies

Year-Round

exterior shot of the whyte museum

Whyte Museum

Enjoy complimentary access to Banff’s Whyte Museum.

Winter

people running in snow shoes

Evening Snowshoe Tour

One of the best Banff Private Experiences is a snowshoe under the stars

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Winter

woman running through the snow in snowshoes

Powder Day Snowshoe Adventure

Come for a unique Banff experience with your very own Fairmont Guide and experience snowshoeing at its best!

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Winter

A couple holds hands and sits by a fire outdoors in the mountains while somebody off to the right is roasting a marshamallow.

Private Campfire Experience

Cozy up post-ski with our Private Campfire - Million-dollar views, snowy peaks, and personalized warmth. Unforgettable moments await!

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Year-Round

Elk eating grass

Sightseeing & Wildlife Tours

Take a tour to discover how the true Banff local lives

Year-Round

gondolas taking people to the top of the mountain

Gondola & Lifts

Experience Banff National Park from a new angle - on top of a mountain peak!

Winter

man walking along a trail at winter time

Johnston Canyon Wintertime Wonder

This magical experience is one of Banff’s most popular attractions over the winter season which you cannot miss!

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Summer

a family walking a cross a wooden bridge

Golden Skybridge

See Golden British Columbia like you've never seen it before!

Winter

starry night sky over the mountains

Rocky Mountains After Dark

Experience the night sky like never before!

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Winter

a family tubing down a steep hill

Snowtubing

Soar down snow-covered hills in a tube!

Year-Round

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Pools & Fitness Centre

Find your fitness groove in the Canadian Rocky Mountains

Winter

Ice Skating

Ice skate at our picturesque rink on Vermillion Lawn. Don't miss the Sugar Shack – indulge in maple taffy, hot drinks, and delightful winter treats!

Year-Round

starry night over the lake and mountains

Guided Tours

Join our Fairmont professional guides for a complimentary tour exploring the local area.

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Winter

a helicopter flying over the mountains

Helicopter & Heli-Hiking Tours

Hit the skies and immerse yourself in the Canadian Rockies

Year-Round

Banff National Park Gondola

Banff Gondola

Experience mountain views from the summit of Banff’s Sulphur Mountain.

Winter

a man ice climbing

Ice Climbing

Ice climb in one of the world's best destination for it!

Winter

a couple on a sleigh ride

Sleigh Rides

Enjoy a sleigh ride with your loved ones.

Winter

a man parking a snowmobile

Snowmobiling

Race through the powder in an exhilarating way!

Year-Round

family getting on a tour bus

Columbia Icefields Adventure

Explore Athabasca Glacier, the Glacier Skywalk and more!!

Winter

a group of friends ice fishing

Ice Fishing

Cast your rod and get on the ice for this past time.

Year-Round

kids play room with a fireplace and decorated with bright colours

Family, Recreational & Cultural Programs

Includes trivia, bingo, scavenger hunts, and more family fun!

Year-Round

Hiking in Banff National Park

Running & Walking Trails

Explore some of our local trails with digital Hotel Guides and audio-guided running and walking routes. Visit RunGo for routes and guides.

Fairmont Banff Springs - Rundle Bar - Upper Balcony

Winter Events

Fairmont Banff Springs provides a stunning backdrop for special events and holiday celebrations alike. From memorable family meals to decking our halls, the Castle has seen it all. Winter provides some truly incredible events that are always filled with good cheer.

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Dining Experience

Couple enjoying hot chocolate around the fire

Hot Chocolate Trail

Don't miss Banff and Lake Louise's Hot Chocolate Trail.

Location: Fairmont Banff Springs

Time: November 29th:

Winter

Sugar Shack at Fairmont Banff Springs

Sugar Shack

Indulge in delectable treats at our winter pop-up by Banff's best skating rink. A quintessential Canadian experience.

Location: Fairmont Banff Springs

Time: December 1st:

Christmas

Christmas table at home

Christmas Dinner To-Go

Delight in a stress-free Christmas with our delectable to-go feast. Perfectly roasted turkey & all the trimmings, ready to savor at home.

Location: Fairmont Banff Springs

Time: November 29th:

Holidays

A couple on a winter trail ride in Banff National Park

Banff Christmas Market

Experience the magic of Christmas at Banff's Christmas Market.

Location: Warner Stables

Time: December 1st:

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Holidays

Banff Ave in Winter

Santa Claus Celebration of Lights

A festive day of holiday activities and entertainment to kick off the quintessential Christmas season in downtown Banff.

Location: Banff Ave

Time: November 29th:

Holidays

large Christmas tree in lobby

Tree Lighting Ceremony

Experience Christmas at the Castle like never before!

Location: Fairmont Banff Springs

Time: November 29th:

Holidays

A Christmas Carol at Fairmont Banff Springs

A Christmas Carol

Join us at Fairmont Banff Springs for a Christmas classic.

Location: Fairmont Banff Springs

Time: December 7th:

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Holidays

Journey to the North Pole

Experience Christmas at the Castle like never before!

Location: Fairmont Banff Springs

Time: December 7th:

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people hiking through the snow

Winter Offers

Hit the slopes, escape on a mountain adventure, or relax at the spa this winter. Explore our special offers and packages to make getting away to Fairmont Banff Springs even easier.

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Spring

a couple sitting in the waiting room of the spa

Fairmont Spa Package

Enjoy a daily spa treatment, breakfast and parking.

Year-Round

Fairmont Gold

Enjoy a private check-in and lounge with complimentary breakfast and canapés.

Spring

Female skier in Banff National Park

Banff Ski & Stay Offer: Save up to 30% + Daily Breakfast

Ski the Canadian Rockies and enjoy breakfast and daily parking.

Year-Round

breakfast tray on a bed

Banff Bed & Breakfast

BANFF BED & BREAKFAST Bed & Breakfast, with à la carte breakfast, gratuities & parking included.

Winter

Experience Fairmont Moments

Experience your own Fairmont Moments and enjoy up to 25% off.

Year-Round

Suite Life

Make the most of your stay in Banff with some extra space and some suite perks.

Winter

santa giving a little girl a gift

Christmas at the Castle

Spend a magical family Christmas at the Castle and create new traditions.

Spring

Alberta Resident’s Rate

Save up to 30% off accommodation when you vacation in your own backyard – Banff National Park.

family walking in the woods

Winter Blogs

Winter in Banff is a time filled with exciting activities, dining experiences, and adventure. Read all about what makes Banff National Park an unforgettable winter vacation destination on our blog.

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Celebrate

aerial shot of the hotel

Celebrate Christmas in Banff

Planning Tips

Landscape shot of the Fairmont Banff Springs in Banff; surrounded by trees and Sulphur Mountain behind.

Magic of SnowDays

Planning Tips

Two Jack Lake with Mount Rundle in the background with the milkyway

Light Up the Night Sky in Banff

Wine & Dine

woman selecting a dessert at afternoon tea

November Culinary Delights: A Taste of Fairmont Banff Springs

Fall

woman lays on her back with her eyes closed

5 Things To Do at Fairmont Spa

Fall

woman with curly hair sits at the edge of lake

Wellness in Banff National Park

Insider Tips

Fairmont Loves Winter

Planning Tips

Fairmont Banff Springs in wooded area in mountains

The Perfect 5 Day Banff Winter Itinerary

Insider Tips

man skiing down a mountain

Top Ski Runs in Banff National Park

Planning Tips

people in colourful winter gear holding snowboards walk outside

Things To Do In Banff In Winter

Planning Tips

a group of people snowshoeing

The Best Winter Activities in Banff

Fall

purple cocktail with yellow petal garnish

Wildflower Cocktail Recipe

Fall

a chef prepping pasta

Alberta Local Ingredients

Celebrate

couple looking over the resort

Celebrations At The Castle

Insider Tips

Santa kneels in front of a little girl with Christmas tree in background

Why You Need To Experience Christmas at the Castle

Insider Tips

Banff Springs hotel lit up at night in the mountains

How to Make the Most of Your Time in Banff

Wine & Dine

white mug filled with whipped cream topped drink sits on snow covered table outside

Valrhona Triple Chocolate, Hot Chocolate

Wine & Dine

clear cocktail in coupe glass decorated with candycane

Winter Wonderland Cocktail

Wine & Dine

two cocktails with orange and cinnamon garnish

Perfect Après Cocktail

Fall

piles of cut nanaimo bars

The Best Nanaimo Cheesecake Bars

Wine & Dine

santa claus mug filled with whipped cream and red and white striped straw sits on table beside cookies

Santa’s Nightcap Cocktail

Wine & Dine

cocktail in a red printed glass

Almond Old Fashioned

Wine & Dine

a red coloured drink in a coupe glass with a cherry garnish

CHERRY FRENCH 75

Wine & Dine

brown cocktail in a coupe glass with light brown foam and espresso beans on top

Polar Express Cocktail

Fall

orange coloured cocktail in a wine glass sits on table beside grapefruit halves

Garden & Tonic

Fall

mocktails with fried grapefruit garnish

Blanket Fever

Fall

a red coloured drink in a coupe glass

Virgin Cherry French 75

Fall

a yellow coloured drink in a tall glass with a lemon garnish

Homemade Gingerale

Fall

yellow coloured cocktail in a tall glass sits on table beside lemon halves

Mad Hatter Mocktail

Fall

Homemade Granola Bars with Peanuts and Cranberries (selective fo

Healthy Homemade Granola Bars

Fall

Spring salad with asparagus, rhubarb, strawberries, black lentils, arugula and goat cheese on white plate.

Strawberry Arugula Salad

Fall

Dates cocoa coconut oats walnuts raw vegan balls

Healthy Power Balls

Fall

bacon onion dip in a bowl

Caramelized Shallot and Crispy Speck Dip

Fall

grilled cauliflower on a pan

Delicious Cauliflower Gratin

Fall

pate of smoked fish with sour cream and herbs on a wooden board, close-up

Smoked Fish Dip

Fall

soup in ceramic bowl on table with white tablecloth

Amazing Parsnip Soup

Fall

Q&A with Paul Dixon, the Best Spa Therapist in North America

Wine & Dine

Fruit cake with icing sugar on top, served on plate

Banff Christmas Recipes Apple Pudding Cake

Wine & Dine

Plate of delicious French toast with bananas, walnuts and dripping maple syrup, overhead view

Banff Christmas Recipes – Banana Egg Nog French Toast

Wine & Dine

close up of a skillet of ravioli

Banff Christmas Recipes Organic Turkey Ravioli

Wine & Dine

Loaf of bread on old wooden board.

Banff Christmas Recipes – Buttermilk Cornbread

Wine & Dine

white cupcake with icing covered in nuts sits on wooden table

Banff Christmas Recipes – Brown Sugar Maple Cupcakes

Fall

a cat laying on a bed with a fairmont card

Adopting A Pet In Banff

Fall

Bloody Mary or Caesar Cocktail on the Rocks with Lime, Celery and a Spiced Rim

The Rundle Bar Caesar Recipe

Fall

pile of chocolate chip cookies

Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

Fall

bison bourguignon on white plate sits on wooden table

The Vermillion Room’s Bison Bourguignon Recipe

Fall

view of servers behind bar and walking through restaurant area

Smoked Right Hand Cocktail Recipe

Explore Every Season

woman sitting on her knees next to the river

Spring

Spring in Banff opens up opportunities for even more adventure. Ski, golf, and explore the mountains as you enjoy the warming weather and longer days.

Discover Spring

gondolas taking people to the top of the mountain

Summer

You can’t beat summer in the Canadian Rockies. Discover the endless adventures provided by glacier-fed, turquoise blue lakes and pristine nature.

Discover Summer

Mountain landscape with fall foliage line of trees behind a lake in Banff Springs

Fall

From cozy days spent in Canada’s Castle in the Rockies to experiencing nature’s marvelous transformation – fall into adventure at Fairmont Banff Springs.