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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.

Banff Weather in Winter (December – February):
Average Temperature: -15°C to -5°C (5°F to 23°F)
Typical Weather: Cold, snowy, with frequent snowstorms

Celebrate Winter

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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Year-Round
family getting on a tour bus

Columbia Icefields Adventure

Explore Athabasca Glacier, the Glacier Skywalk and more!!
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Summer
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Golden Skybridge

See Golden British Columbia like you've never seen it before!
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Winter
a family tubing down a steep hill

Snowtubing

Soar down snow-covered hills in a tube!
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Winter
a couple on a sleigh ride

Sleigh Rides

Enjoy a sleigh ride with your loved ones.
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Winter
a man ice climbing

Ice Climbing

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

Winter Wander up Tunnel Mountain

Walk with our experienced guides in micro-spikes to the summit of this iconic local peak.
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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!
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Winter
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Snowmobiling

Race through the powder in an exhilarating way!
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Winter
Two women ice skating on the terrace at Fairmont Banff Springs

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!
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Winter
starry night sky over the mountains

Rocky Mountains After Dark

Experience the night sky like never before!
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Winter
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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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Winter
a group of friends ice fishing

Ice Fishing

Cast your rod and get on the ice for this past time.
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Winter
family looking over the mountains while skiing

Ski

Ski in Banff in the heart of the Canadian Rockies
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Winter
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Evening Snowshoe Tour

One of the best Banff Private Experiences is a snowshoe under the stars
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Year-Round
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Family, Recreational & Cultural Programs

Includes trivia, bingo, scavenger hunts, and more family fun!
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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
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Year-Round
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Pools & Fitness Centre

Find your fitness groove in the Canadian Rocky Mountains
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Year-Round
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Whyte Museum

Enjoy complimentary access to Banff’s Whyte Museum.
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Year-Round
Elk eating grass

Sightseeing & Wildlife Tours

Take a tour to discover how the true Banff local lives
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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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Year-Round
Banff National Park Gondola

Banff Gondola

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

Enjoy the great outdoors with these winter rentals.
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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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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.
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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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Winter

Christmas at the Castle

Stay tuned for details about our magical holiday celebrations.
Location: Fairmont Banff Springs
Time: May 20th:
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Festive
Little girl walking in front of large Christmas Tree

Journey to the North Pole

Tour the lavishly decorated Castle in the Rockies with Santa as your guide.
Location: Fairmont Banff Springs
Time: December 15th:
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Ice Magic

Experience a breathtaking winter wonderland at the renowned Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise for the much-anticipated return of Ice Magic.
Location:
Time: January 29th:
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Festive Activities

Our Festive Programming includes spectacular performances and concerts, guided walks, festive crafts and plenty of time with Mr. & Mrs. Claus themselves.
Location: Fairmont Banff Springs
Time: May 20th:
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Year Round

Vermillion Room Lunch

Experience the epitome of culinary delight with lunch at the Vermillion Room. Indulge in a symphony of flavors curated by our expert chefs, where every dish is a masterpiece crafted to tantalize your taste buds.
Location: The Vermillion Room
Time: May 20th:
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Festive
Little girl walking in front of large Christmas Tree

Journey to the North Pole

Tour the lavishly decorated Castle in the Rockies with Santa as your guide.
Location: Fairmont Banff Springs
Time: December 15th:
Book Now Learn More
Festive
Fairmont Banff Springs, Hotel

Candy Cane Scavenger Hunt

This outdoor scavenger hunt will be sure to get you into the Christmas Spirit!
Location: Various
Time: November 15th:
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Winter

In Search of Christmas Spirit

Experience the magic of Christmas in Banff National Park this holiday season with In Search of Christmas Spirit. Bundle up and take a stroll through the Cascade of Time Garden, where you’ll enjoy a live Christmas tale narrated by the animals of Banff National Park.
Location: Banff Ave
Time: November 16th:
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Festive Dining

Our culinary team goes above and beyond to create a memorable dining experience for you and your loved ones to celebrate Christmas.
Location: Fairmont Banff Springs
Time: May 20th:
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A couple holds hands and sits by a fire outdoors in the mountains while somebody off to the right is roasting a marshamallow.

Valentine’s Day Private Fire Pit

Location: Upper Garden Terrace
Time: February 14th:
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Winter
two people sitting in a restaurant with mountains in the background beyond the window.

Valentine’s Day Afternoon Tea

Indulge in an elegant Valentine’s Afternoon Tea, featuring a refined selection of teas, delicate finger sandwiches, and exquisite desserts crafted specially for the occasion.
Location: Rundle Bar
Time: February 14th:
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Winter

New Year’s Eve Celebration

Ring in the New Year with one of the grandest celebrations in our iconic Castle in the Rockies. Enjoy a five-course dining experience followed by a night full of dancing and fun!
Location: Various
Time: May 20th:
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Waldhaus Restaurant on a summer afternoon.

Fire & Falls: Stories Around the Campfire

Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Banff's Alpine Glow, enjoy a cozy fire at the Waldhaus Pub, and visit the stunning Bow Falls as the night falls.
Location: Waldhaus Patio
Time: May 20th:
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Winter

Après at the Castle

SnowDays doesn’t end when the sun sets — and neither do the festivities at the Fairmont Banff Springs. Introducing Après at the Castle, our brand-new evening celebration.
Location: Upper Garden Terrace
Time: May 20th:
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Year Round

Rundle Bar Afternoon Tea

Indulge in the elegance of afternoon tea at Rundle Bar. Delight in a selection of exquisite treats and teas amidst Banff's stunning scenery.
Location: Rundle Bar, Fairmont Banff Springs
Time: May 20th:
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Winter
Large Christmas tree in lobby

Tree Lighting Ceremony

Join us for the ‘Christmas at the Castle’ launch at Fairmont Banff Springs.
Location: Mt Stephen Hall
Time: November 23rd:
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Paint & Sip: A Creative Celebration of Love

Elevate your Valentine’s Day with an intimate Paint & Sip experience.
Location: STOCK
Time: February 14th:
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Festive
Little girl walking in front of large Christmas Tree

Journey to the North Pole

Tour the lavishly decorated Castle in the Rockies with Santa as your guide.
Location: Fairmont Banff Springs
Time: December 16th:
Book Now Learn More
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: May 20th:
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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
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.
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Spring

Alberta Resident’s Rate

Save up to 30% off accommodation when you vacation in your own backyard – Banff National Park.
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Winter
santa giving a little girl a gift

Christmas at the Castle

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

Suite Life

Make the most of your stay in Banff with some extra space and some suite perks.
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Spring
woman walking into a pool

Fairmont Spa Wellness Retreat

Enjoy a daily spa treatment, breakfast and parking.
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Year-Round
Guests arriving in the Fairmont Gold Courtyard at Fairmont Banff Springs

Good As Gold

Enjoy a private check-in and lounge with complimentary breakfast and canapés.
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Year-Round
breakfast tray on a bed

Banff Bed & Breakfast

Bed & Breakfast, with à la carte breakfast, gratuities & parking included.
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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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Planning Tips
A couple holds hands and sits by a fire outdoors in the mountains while somebody off to the right is roasting a marshmallow.

The Perfect Afternoon in Banff

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Insider Tips
Couple stands in front of the Banff Springs Hotel

Fairmont Loves Winter

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Celebrate
a couple eating breakfast in bed

Fairmont Loves Love-filled Stays

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Planning Tips
people walking across the street with skis and snowboards

The Ultimate Banff Ski Trip Itinerary

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Miscellaneous

Experience Christmas at the Castle: A 2024 Holiday Decoration Tour

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Miscellaneous
Holiday Cocktail

Festive Cocktail Recipe: Jingle Bird

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Celebrate

Christmas at the Castle: A Magical Experience

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Planning Tips
View of the Fairmont Banff Springs under the night sky in Banff National Park

Light Up the Night Sky in Banff

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Insider Tips
man skiing down a mountain

Top Ski Runs in Banff National Park

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Winter
Christmas Suite at Fairmont Banff Springs

The Jillian Harris Christmas Suite

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Celebrate
Gingerbread house in the shape of the Fairmont Banff Springs

Celebrate Christmas in Banff

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Winter
Large Christmas arch

Capturing the Spirit of the Season: 2023 Christmas Decorations

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Wine & Dine
woman selecting a dessert at afternoon tea

November Culinary Delights: A Taste of Fairmont Banff Springs

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Fall
woman with curly hair sits at the edge of lake

Wellness in Banff National Park

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Planning Tips

The Perfect 5 Day Banff Winter Itinerary

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Planning Tips
people in colourful winter gear holding snowboards walk outside

Things To Do in Banff in Winter

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Planning Tips
Couple looking over the town of Banff during Nightrise at the Banff Gondola

The Best Winter Activities in Banff

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Fall
purple cocktail with yellow petal garnish

Wildflower Cocktail Recipe

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Fall
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Alberta Local Ingredients

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Celebrate
couple looking over the resort

Celebrations At The Castle

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Insider Tips

Why You Need To Experience Christmas at the Castle

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Insider Tips

How to Make the Most of Your Time in Banff

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

Valrhona Triple Chocolate, Hot Chocolate

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Wine & Dine
Holiday Cocktail

Winter Wonderland Cocktail

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Wine & Dine
two cocktails with orange and cinnamon garnish

Perfect Après Cocktail

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Fall
piles of cut nanaimo bars

The Best Nanaimo Cheesecake Bars

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

Santa’s Nightcap Cocktail

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Wine & Dine
cocktail in a red printed glass

Almond Old Fashioned

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Wine & Dine
a red coloured drink in a coupe glass with a cherry garnish

CHERRY FRENCH 75

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Wine & Dine
Espresso Martini

Polar Express Cocktail

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

Garden & Tonic

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Fall
mocktails with fried grapefruit garnish

Blanket Fever

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Fall
a red coloured drink in a coupe glass

Virgin Cherry French 75

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

Homemade Gingerale

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

Mad Hatter Mocktail

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Fall
Homemade Granola Bars with Peanuts and Cranberries (selective fo

Healthy Homemade Granola Bars

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

Strawberry Arugula Salad

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Fall
Dates cocoa coconut oats walnuts raw vegan balls

Healthy Power Balls

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Fall
bacon onion dip in a bowl

Caramelized Shallot and Crispy Speck Dip

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Fall
grilled cauliflower on a pan

Delicious Cauliflower Gratin

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

Smoked Fish Dip

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Fall
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Amazing Parsnip Soup

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Wine & Dine
Fruit cake with icing sugar on top, served on plate

Banff Christmas Recipes Apple Pudding Cake

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

Banff Christmas Recipes – Banana Egg Nog French Toast

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Wine & Dine
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Banff Christmas Recipes Organic Turkey Ravioli

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Wine & Dine
Loaf of bread on old wooden board.

Banff Christmas Recipes – Buttermilk Cornbread

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Wine & Dine
white cupcake with icing covered in nuts sits on wooden table

Banff Christmas Recipes – Brown Sugar Maple Cupcakes

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Fall
a cat laying on a bed with a fairmont card

Adopting A Pet In Banff

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Fall
pile of chocolate chip cookies

Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

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Fall
bison bourguignon on white plate sits on wooden table

The Vermillion Room’s Bison Bourguignon Recipe

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Fall
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Smoked Right Hand Cocktail Recipe

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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.

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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.

Discover Fall
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Endless Summer Memories

SAVE UP TO 25%
Immerse yourself in endless summer adventures and create memories that last a lifetime.

 

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