The Perfect 5 Day Banff Winter Itinerary
Your Itinerary to a Luxurious 5 Days in the Canadian Rockies this Winter
Snow-covered mountain ranges, a bustling town, plenty of outdoor and indoor winter activities and more. Banff, Canada has always been regarded as one of the most beautiful national parks globally.
This year-round destination hidden in the heart of the Canadian Rockies has plenty of things to see and do and arguably, winter, Banff’s most stunning season, has so many things to see and do, you’ll find yourself planning a return trip before the end of your first day is done.
If you’ve found yourself drawn to this Canadian paradise but often wondered what to do in Banff in winter, you’re in luck. We’ve built a luxurious 5-day winter Banff itinerary that will have you discovering the magic that is Banff National Park.
INTRODUCTION TO BANFF NATIONAL PARK
Banff National Park is located in Alberta, Canada and tucked along the TransCanada Highway. Banff National Park covers around 6641km2 of land. Land filled with snow-covered peaks in every direction you look in, diverse wildlife, rushing rivers, and so much more, Banff National Park is a spectacular place to spend some winter vacation time! Below we’ve listed some things you should know ahead of your itinerary:
Location: Alberta, Canada
Nearest City & Airport: Calgary
Available Transportation to the Park: Car Rentals, Shuttle Buses
Available Transportation in the Park: Shuttle Buses, Car Rentals, Bikes, Public Transportation etc.
Park Pass Costs: Can be found via the Parks Canada Website
BANFF WINTER TRAVEL TIPS
Don’t let the legends of Banff’s notorious winters intimidate you. Can it get cold? Yes. Are there ways to overcome this? Of course. Below are some key things to pack when celebrating winter in Banff. We recommend:
Winter Boots – don’t let cold & wet feet keep you from exploring Banff.
Thick Sweaters – Not only will these provide you with warmth, but they’ll also look stylish while taking that Instagram content.
Microspikes – These are also available to purchase or rent all over the park but are necessary if you plan to hike on any of Banff’s seasonal trails (they’ll keep you from slipping and sliding all over the place).
Winter Jacket – a good winter jacket will ensure that all your winter adventures are enjoyable.
Toques and Mittens – you’ll be happy you packed these.
A WEEK IN BANFF NATIONAL PARK – WINTER
Day One
Morning: Skiing at Sunshine Village
Afternoon: Cocktail Class at Rundle Bar
Evening: Rocky Mountains After Dark Tour
Morning
Start your day at STOCK Food & Drink, located in the lobby of Fairmont Banff Springs. What to order: from freshly baked bread and pastries to an array of exquisite breakfast offerings and fresh coffee, you’ll have your pick of lots of wonderful things. Try the avocado toast made on house-made bread.
After your indulgent breakfast, trust us you’ll need it for the day ahead, head to the Chateau Mountain Sports, located on the property, to grab your ski rentals. Once you’re all set, catch your shuttle to Sunshine Village for a morning of incredible skiing.
Afternoon
After your morning of skiing at Sunshine Village, located 15 minutes outside of the town of Banff, head back to the hotel. If you’re travelling with your own skis, be sure to store them with our ski concierge for your next day on the hill. After you’ve refreshed, head down to Rundle Bar for your exclusive cocktail class – led by one of our esteemed mixologists.
After your cocktail classes, head down to the lower part of Rundle Bar for some bites and cocktails before your evening activity begins.
Evening
It’ll be hard to part from the views that Rundle Bar provides but trust us, your next activity will leave you in awe.
Head to the Resort Activities Centre on M1 to meet your guide for your Private Night Sky Experience. This exclusive experience will have you, along with one our certified guides, going to a scenic spot in Banff to explore the night and the night sky. Followed by a campfire and treats, this evening activity is the perfect way to finish off your first day in Banff National Park.
Day Two
Morning: Helicopter Tour
Afternoon: Wilderness Walk + Vermillion Room lunch
Evening: Dinner & drinks at 1888 Chop House
Morning
Rise and shine! Head down to the 360º Dome to enjoy a sunrise breakfast. As you watch the sun crest over Rundle Mountain take a moment to enjoy the peace and quiet that a Banff sunrise provides.
Next, head into town to Discover Banff Tours to get your next activity started – a helicopter tour over the Canadian Rockies. Tip, we recommend booking this activity as soon as you know you want to experience it – weather conditions can cause cancellations and you wouldn’t want to miss seeing the Rockies from a helicopter.
Afternoon
After your tour, head back to the resort and enjoy the new lunch menu at Vermillion Room. Immerse yourself in the art of French culinary while soaking in the views of the Canadian Rockies.
Then, it’s time to join your Resort Activities guide on a Wilderness Walk. Head into the quiet forest and learn about the diverse wildlife, history and more.
Evening
After your Wilderness Walk head back to your room for a refresh before heading down for your dinner at our very own, 1888 Chop House. Specializing in Alberta beef you’re in for a treat. Start off with some champagne as the champagne cart comes by before ordering some extraordinary dishes.
Day Three
Morning: Brunch at The Vermillion Room
Afternoon: Skating at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
Evening: Dinner & cocktails at Fairview Bar at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
Morning
Our famed brunch buffet is back! Enjoy a nice sleep-in before heading to The Vermillion Room for this indulgent buffet. Dishes include a seafood station, pastry station, eggs-your-way station and more!
PS – go ahead and order that mimosa, you deserve it!
Once you’re finished breakfast, grab a coffee to go and make your way to Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.
Afternoon
Take in the sights of Lake Louise! After snapping a few pictures while walking along the lake, head back to the skate rental shop to pick up a pair of skates. This iconic Canadian sport in this iconic Canadian spot will leave you in awe.
Evening
For dinner, snuggle up at the Fairview Bar at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise to enjoy the views and some incredible food. Before departing for Banff, take a quick walk around the historic property.
Day Four
Morning: Breakfast in Bed + Spa Day
Afternoon: Hello Sunshine + Private Snowshoe Experience
Evening: Dinner 360º Dome
Morning
Time to enjoy some breakfast in bed! Order some luxurious breakfast eats from our In-Room Dining menu while you enjoy the view of the mountains from your bed!
Once you’ve had your fill, head down to the Fairmont Spa for a morning of rest & relaxation. Enjoy your spa treatments, while also enjoying our mineral pools, steam rooms, sauna, outdoor hot tub, meditation room and more!
Afternoon
Once you’ve had your fill of rejuvenation, head into the town of Banff to enjoy lunch at Hello Sunshine – Banff’s newest Japanese fusion-inspired restaurant. Next, head back to the hotel for your Private Snowshoe Experience.
Evening
The 360º Dome, is home to 3 outstanding culinary experiences and views. Still, if we had to recommend just one dining experience in the dome, it’s the dinner experience. This 5-course meal is a decadent example of amazing dining at the hotel – truly above and beyond the standard ‘hotel dining.’ Click here to reserve your dome experience.
Day Five
Morning: Skiing at Lake Louise Ski Resort
Afternoon: Royal Tea Experience
Evening: Campfire & Smores + Dinner at Waldhaus Restaurant
Morning
Wake up early and head to the Lake Louise Ski Resort for some early morning skiing. You’ll be able to grab some breakfast for the road at STOCK Food & Drink while enjoying the drive via shuttle to the ski hill.
Afternoon
Once you’ve arrived back at the hotel, head to the Rundle Bar for our very own Royal Tea Experience. This luxurious upgraded tea menu will have you dining on caviar and other exclusive treats, while enjoying the mountain views.
Evening
Head to the Upper Garden Terrace for your reserved firepit with prosecco and smores to end the afternoon. Once you’ve snapped some amazing pictures and enjoyed the view, walk down to the Waldhaus Restaurant to enjoy a fondue experience.
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