Text & Photos by Melody Wren
Nestled within the breathtaking Canadian Rockies, Banff is a winter wonderland that appears almost too magical to be real. As the snow blankets the quaint town and transforms it into a picturesque landscape, a delightfully immersive experience awaits at every turn.
My first visit to Banff in winter sent me on an emotional journey. The majestic beauty had me thinking I was in a movie set created by an incredibly imaginative set designer. Biting cold, clear blue skies, and beautiful sunshine with a backdrop of frozen waterfalls and snow-topped trees left me in awe.
Banff National Park, formed as the first of Canada’s 38 national parks, preserves the majesty of the Rocky mountain peaks and glacier lakes. With 2564 square miles, 96% of which is wilderness, it’s as vast as it is magnificent.
Delicious Brunches & Indigenous Plant Medicine
We began our day with a healthy brunch at Banff’s Juniper Bistro, which is filled with character and an impressive collection of Indigenous art. The delicious, made-from-scratch food is sourced from local suppliers and uses seven signature Alberta foods.
Next, we embarked on an Indigenous Plant Medicine Walk with Jordan Ede from Mahikan Trails. Jordan explained that many people walk into the woods and simply see trees, but he sees a hardware store, pharmacy, and grocery store. As we trudged through deep sparkling snow, Jordan shared the importance of indigenous cultures holding all trees as sacred, each with a purpose to help their society thrive.
One of the many highlights of our trip was a snowshoe tour at Lake Louise Ski Resort. We were fitted for snowshoes and rode the gondola to the top of Whitehorn Mountain, following our knowledgeable guide, Ashley, on trails edging the mountain. The views were breathtaking, resembling a photoshopped landscape.
Chateau Lunches & Sleigh Rides
Afterward, we warmed up with lunch at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, a luxurious setting with postcard views. We followed it up with a quintessential winter experience—a horse-drawn sleigh ride around frozen Lake Louise, surrounded by towering mountains.
In the evening, we visited the plant-based Nourish Café, where I indulged in gluten-free gnocchi and shared nachos. The locally brewed root beer made in Calgary rounded out the meal perfectly.
Immersive Storytelling
We ended the night with Nightrise at the Banff Gondola, an immersive, interactive experience with storytelling by a Nakoda Nation narrator. As we ascended 7,400 feet up Mount Sulphur, the narrator’s calm voice added to the experience, reminding us to “slow down, let go, and embrace all possibilities.”
At Johnston Canyon, we were fitted with ice cleats and followed our guide, Nicole, for an ice walk. With the sun shining on the snow and another clear blue sky, it was an ideal morning. We walked along the steel walkway lined with towering trees topped with snow, glimpsing the deep canyon.
Banff in Winter: A Season of Wonder
Banff in winter is a treasure trove of adventures and stunning landscapes that can transform an ordinary vacation into an extraordinary experience. With a multitude of activities ranging from skiing to dog sledding, alongside festive local events, it’s easy to see why this is referred to as the “secret season.”
Whether you’re exploring the picturesque trails or enjoying the festive spirit of the town, Banff offers an escape that rivals even the most magical snowy vistas.
Tip: Know Your Limits
Be honest with yourself and your guide about your limits. Pace yourself, take short breaks to catch your breath, and you’ll be able to complete even the most challenging hikes, like the 3-hour Johnson Canyon trek.
Know Before You Go: Winter Hiking Essentials
I visited Snowtips Bactrax and chatted with Amy Lambert, who shared valuable tips for hiking in minus 23°C cold. It’s always better to be prepared when hiking in extreme cold, whether you’re in Banff in winter or elsewhere.
- Dress in layers: Bring extras in your backpack for quick changes.
- Cover your face: Add a buff or scarf to protect against the cold.
- Stay dry: Pack extra socks and spare gloves in case of wetness.
- Maintain mobility: Avoid too many layers that restrict movement.
- Stay warm: Use toe warmers and hand warmers for extra heat.
- Hydrate and snack: Bring water in a thermos or wrapped in extra layers, and pack snacks.
- Be visible: Wear a brightly coloured coat, scarf, or hat in case of an emergency.
A wanderer fueled by an unquenchable curiosity, Melody Wren writes about experiential adventure travel. She thrives on outdoor activities like hiking, snorkelling, kayaking, paddle boarding, ziplining, and snowshoeing, and finds immersing herself in the rich tapestry of history and culture allows her to truly understand a destination’s soul.
Melody’s travels aren’t just about exploration; they’re about connection, and she prioritizes engaging with local communities and giving back whenever she can.
Visit Melody at melodywren.com or on Instagram @melodywrentravel.