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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Winter

a man parking a snowmobile

Snowmobiling

Race through the powder in an exhilarating way!

Winter

a man ice climbing

Ice Climbing

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

Summer

a family walking a cross a wooden bridge

Golden Skybridge

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

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

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.

Year-Round

Elk eating grass

Sightseeing & Wildlife Tours

Take a tour to discover how the true Banff local lives

Year-Round

exterior shot of the whyte museum

Whyte Museum

Enjoy complimentary access to Banff’s Whyte Museum.

Year-Round

family getting on a tour bus

Columbia Icefields Adventure

Explore Athabasca Glacier, the Glacier Skywalk and more!!

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

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

a helicopter flying over the mountains

Helicopter & Heli-Hiking Tours

Hit the skies and immerse yourself in the Canadian Rockies

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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Year-Round

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Pools & Fitness Centre

Find your fitness groove in the Canadian Rocky Mountains

Winter

people running in snow shoes

Winter Rentals

Enjoy the great outdoors with these winter rentals.

Winter

a group of friends ice fishing

Ice Fishing

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

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!

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!

Winter

a family tubing down a steep hill

Snowtubing

Soar down snow-covered hills in a tube!

Winter

starry night sky over the mountains

Rocky Mountains After Dark

Experience the night sky like never before!

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Winter

family looking over the mountains while skiing

Ski

Ski in Banff in the heart of the Canadian Rockies

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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Year-Round

Banff National Park Gondola

Banff Gondola

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

Winter

a couple on a sleigh ride

Sleigh Rides

Enjoy a sleigh ride with your loved ones.

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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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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people dressed in festive outfits hold drinks

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: November 23rd:

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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: November 23rd:

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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: November 23rd:

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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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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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: December 31st:

Winter

Christmas at the Castle

Stay tuned for details about our magical holiday celebrations.

Location: Fairmont Banff Springs

Time: December 1st:

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: Mt Stephen Hall

Time: December 16th:

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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 23rd:

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: Mt Stephen Hall

Time: December 15th:

Book Now Learn More

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: November 23rd:

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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: November 23rd:

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 23rd:

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: Mt Stephen Hall

Time: December 15th:

Book Now Learn More

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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Year-Round

Suite Life

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

Spring

Alberta Resident’s Rate

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

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

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

Year-Round

Guests arriving in the Fairmont Gold Courtyard at Fairmont Banff Springs

Fairmont Gold

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

Winter

Create Endless Memories – Save up to 25%

For a limited time, save up to 25% with our Create Endless Memories offer.

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

woman walking into a pool

Fairmont Spa Wellness Retreat

Enjoy a daily spa treatment, breakfast and parking.

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

Christmas at the Castle: A Magical Experience

Insider Tips

Couple stands in front of the Banff Springs Hotel

Fairmont Loves Winter

Celebrate

a couple eating breakfast in bed

Fairmont Loves Love-filled Stays

Planning Tips

people walking across the street with skis and snowboards

The Ultimate Banff Ski Trip Itinerary

Planning Tips

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

Light Up the Night Sky in Banff

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

Winter

Christmas Suite at Fairmont Banff Springs

The Jillian Harris Christmas Suite

Celebrate

Gingerbread house in the shape of the Fairmont Banff Springs

Celebrate Christmas in Banff

Winter

Large Christmas arch

Capturing the Spirit of the Season: 2023 Christmas Decorations

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

Planning Tips

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

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

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

Holiday Cocktail

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

Espresso Martini

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

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.