In the winter of 2019, we flew to Calgary, rented a campervan, and set off for the Canadian Rockies. With warm clothes and a jam-packed itinerary, we spent an entire week exploring and taking in the incredible, breathtaking scenery. Visiting the Canadian Rockies in the winter is like being inside a real-life snow globe. Stretching across Alberta and British Columbia, this iconic mountain range transforms into a playground for winter enthusiasts, offering activities like skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and ice skating on pristine lakes such as Lake Louise and Emerald Lake. This travel guide highlights all of the best winter things to do and see in the Canadian Rockies. You will also find a sample Canadian Rockies travel itinerary to help you plan your adventure.
Where to Stay in the Winter
Campgrounds
Tunnel Mountain Village 2
This campground is open year-round and is conveniently located 1.5 miles from the town of Banff. Services include electric hookups, showers, and washrooms. There is also a bus service to the town of Banff, as well as access to hiking and biking trails. We stayed at this campground for two nights during our trip and loved our time here. We had the place practically to ourselves and had lovely mountain views from our site. To make reservations, visit the Parks Canada website.
Lake Louise Hard-sided Campground
Located in the heart of Banff National Park, Lake Louise Campground is open year-round. It is a short drive to Lake Louise and the Icefields Parkway. Services include electrical hookups, showers, and washrooms. We stayed at this campground for two nights during our trip and had the place practically to ourselves. The campsites are surrounded by forest with mountains visible in between the trees. To make reservations, visit the Parks Canada website.
Wapiti Campground
Conveniently located off the Icefields Parkway and just a short drive from downtown Jasper, Wapiti is a great campsite choice any time of year. Services offered include electrical hookups, showers, and washrooms. During our one-night stay at Wapiti, it was overcast which prevented us from viewing the scenery. However, on a clear day, the mountain views at Wapiti are lovely. This campground is first-come, first-serve in the winter. For more information, visit the Parks Canada website.
Lodging
Moose Hotel and Suites
The highly rated Moose Hotel and Suites is located just two blocks from downtown Banff. Amenities include a day spa with a private hot pool, an indoor swimming pool, a gym, and two rooftop hot tubs with excellent mountain views. All of the suites come with balconies. You can make reservations here.
Mount Royal
Conveniently located right in the heart of downtown Banff, the Mount Royal Hotel is surrounded by shops and restaurants. The comfortable rooms are much more economically friendly than the other choices in the area. Amenities include a rooftop lounge and hot tub, an on-site restaurant, and complimentary self-serve coffee. Mount Royal is a top-rated hotel and even won the 2022 Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award. You can make reservations here.
Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
The surrounding scenery at the majestic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is unmatched. Imagine opening your hotel curtains to a frozen lake surrounded by stunning mountain peaks and a glacier. This historic 500-room hotel is located on the shore of Lake Louise. Some of the many amenities offered include an indoor pool, spa, on-site dining, and concierge service. The rooms here are quite expensive but rates drop when traveling off-season in the winter months. You can make reservations here.
Bear Hill Lodge
If you are looking for a cabin experience within walking distance of downtown Jasper, this is the perfect option for you. There are a variety of cabin options to choose from ranging from two-bedroom suites to studio cabins. There are also traditional lodge hotel-style rooms available. For more information and booking, visit the Bear Hill Lodge website.
Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
The park’s original resort and the most famous, the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge offers a luxurious stay and spectacular mountain views on the beautiful Lake Beauvert. Resort accommodations include several on-site restaurants, a heated outdoor pool, spa, gym, activity booking desk, and game room. Rates here are expensive but drop significantly in the winter months. For more information and booking, visit the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge website.
Mount Robson Inn
One of Jasper’s more budget-friendly hotels, Mount Robson Inn is conveniently located on the main street in downtown Jasper and is highly rated. Accommodations include free breakfast, outdoor hot tubs, free parking, and pet-friendly rooms. All of the rooms come with a microwave, coffee station, and fridge. The suites offer additional upgrades such as a fireplace or hot tub. For more information and booking, visit the Mount Robson Inn website.
What to See and Do
Maligne Lake
The views here are breathtaking in the winter. The lake is surrounded by snowcapped mountain peaks and a forest of lodgepole pine and spruce trees. In the middle of the lake is the small but charming Spirt Island. In the winter, the water turns to ice and is surrounded by a blanket of snow. Follow the trail around the lake to see the beautiful scenery from different angles and perspectives. It is one of the most photographed lakes in Jasper National Park.
Maligne Canyon
Malign Canyon is the deepest canyon in Jasper National Park with a depth of up to 165 feet in some sections. It is a spectacular sight to see, especially in the winter. Six bridges in total can be explored by various hiking trails. The first two bridges at the upper end of the trail are the most scenic and as a result, are also the most crowded. Visitors who make it to the third bridge are rewarded with a beautiful waterfall.
Athabasca Falls
At 75.5 feet, Athabasca Falls is not very high compared to other waterfalls in the Rockies. However, it is one of the most powerful due to the size of the river. Flowing from the glaciers of the Columbia Icefield, the Athabasca River is the largest river system in Jasper National Park. There are several viewpoints and boardwalks that allow visitors to take in the sights from different angles. It is conveniently located off of the Icefields Parkway between Jasper and Banff.
Emerald Lake
Located in Yoho National Park, Emerald Lake is one of the many crown jewels of the Canadian Rockies. The lake is surrounded by snow-capped mountain peaks and a forest of Engelmann Spruce. In the winter, the lake turns to ice, and the surroundings become blanketed with snow. An easy trail leads around the lake and provides charming views of the closed Emerald Lake Lodge.
Icefields Parkway
Stretching 143 miles from Lake Louise to Jasper, the Icefields Parkways is one of the most scenic highways in the world. The parkway parallels the Continental Divide and offers several stops along the way for stunning viewpoints and hiking trails. The views of snow-peaked mountains, glaciers, and ice-covered lakes are magnificent. Look for winter wildlife along the way, including bighorn sheep, mountain goats, coyotes, and deer.
Peyto Lake Viewpoint
A popular stop along the Icefields Parkway is the Peyto Lake Viewpoint. A short paved trail from the parking lot leads to an impressive and breathtaking view. This glacial lake changes colors with the seasons but is at its peak blue-green color from July to September. In the winter months, the lake freezes but remains a beautiful sight to see.
Lake Louise
The crown jewel of Banff National Park, Lake Louise is one of the most visited destinations in Canada. With stunning blue water, surrounding mountain peaks, a historic resort, and a network of popular hiking trails, it is no wonder that Lake Louise is a popular spot. In the winter, the lake freezes over and is transformed into a skating rink for visitors. Take in the beautiful sights at the lake, check out the resort, and take a stroll along the lakeshore.
Downtown Banff
The charming town of Banff is located high in the Canadian Rockies within Banff National Park. Here you will find amazing restaurants, bars, shops, galleries, and museums. Mountains surround the town, adding a stunning backdrop to an already beautiful picture. The town is small and easy to get around by driving, walking, biking, or using public transportation.
The Famous Red Chairs of Parks Canada
In 2011, team members at Gros Morne National Park came up with a brilliant idea to place Adirondack chairs in lesser-known spots in hopes that visitors will enjoy and share on social media. Today, the iconic red chairs can be found in over 100 Parks Canada locations from coast to coast. Some chairs are easier to find, while others require more dedication. It is an incredibly rewarding experience to find a set of red chairs perched at a beautiful viewpoint after a challenging hike. After we found our first set of chairs, we went on a mission to find more. What we did not know at that time is that Parks Canada provides a map of where you can find red chairs for each park. Print or take a screenshot of the map or maps and use it on your trip.
Banff Gondola
A quick gondola ride from the lower terminal takes visitors to the summit of Sulpher Mountain. From the observation deck of the upper terminal, visitors have incredible 360-degree views of six mountain ranges, Bow Valley, and downtown Banff. The short Sulpher Mountain Boardwalk leads along a ridge to the Cosmic Ray Station, a restored weather observatory, and a National Historic Site of Canada. A discovery center showcases the alpine ecosystem, history, and culture of Banff. There is also a coffee shop and restaurant. For more information, visit the Banff Gondola website.
Skiing or Snowboarding
A combination of beautiful terrain, spectacular views, and quality snow makes Banff an excellent destination for a ski vacation. Skiing and snowboarding are popular winter activities in the Canadian Rockies. Three world-class ski resorts are located in Banff – Lake Louise Ski Resort, Banff Sunshine Village, and Mt. Norquay Ski Resort. There is also Marmot Basin in Jasper and Nakiska Ski Area in Kananaskis County.
Winter Hiking or Snowshoeing
Winter hiking is a popular recreation in the Canadian Rockies. However, it is not quite as popular as it is in the summer months. On each hike we completed, we generally had either the trail or the ending viewpoint for ourselves. Although the seclusion in nature was welcoming, being the only people on a trail in a remote location added some anxiety at times. Avalanche season in the mountains is from November to June. Before setting out, check current trail conditions, warnings and closures, and the weather forecast. Be prepared for changing weather and emergencies. Always let someone know where you are going. Having proper gear (i.e., hiking poles, ice cleats or crampons, and/or snow shoes) makes winter hiking safer and more enjoyable. Here are the top hiking trails to experience in the winter.
Maligne Canyon Loop
Maligne Canyon is one of the busiest spots in Jasper National Park. However, few people hike the entire canyon trail. This 2.3-mile hike is generally considered moderately challenging with 410 feet of elevation gain. Start at the lower end of the canyon and save the easy downhill trek for the return. During the hike, you will cross four bridges, each offering a unique view of the canyon. You will also spot waterfalls, fossils, black swifts, and raven nests. For more information and a trail map, check out the All Trails website.
Wilcox Pass Trail
The trailhead for Wilcox Pass is located at Wilcox Creek Campground off the Icefields Parkway in Jasper National Park. The trail starts with a slow climb through a forest of Engelmann spruce and subalpine fir to a viewpoint with panoramic views of the valley. From there, the gradual climb continues through an alpine meadow until you reach the iconic red chairs at another breathtaking viewpoint. Most hikers turn around from this point but the trail continues to Wilcox Pass and Wilcox Viewpoint. This trail is 5.8 miles with 1,594 feet of elevation gain. This trail is generally considered moderately challenging. For more information and a trail map, check out the All Trails website.
Bow Glacier Falls
This hike starts at the Bow Lake Lodge and gently makes its way around the beautiful Bow Lake. The trail then begins a short but steep climb up the rim of the canyon before leveling out at a rough terrain of gravel and boulders for the remaining .5 mile of trail until you reach the base of Bow Glacier Falls. This trail is 5.5 miles and is generally considered moderately challenging with 925 feet of elevation gain. For more information and a trail map, check out the All Trails website.
Wapta Falls
Located in Yoho National Park, this trail follows an old fire road and then narrows into a forest before reaching a viewpoint above the falls. Once you reach the viewpoint, continue down the steep switchbacks for a different view of the falls. This easy hike is 3 miles with 410 feet of elevation gain. A trail map of Wapta Falls can be found on the All Trails website.
Lake Louise Lakeshore
Arguably the most popular trail in all of Banff, Lake Louise Lakeshore Trail starts in front of the chateau and continues along the lakeshore to the west end of the lake. We practically had the trail to ourselves as we completed this hike in the early morning hours during winter. The views along the way are incredibly scenic. This easy trek is 2.8 miles with 354 feet of elevation gain. For more information and a trail map, visit the All Trails website.
Fairview Lookout
This moderately challenging 1.4-mile hike takes visitors to an incredible viewpoint overlooking Lake Louise and the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. The route is somewhat steep with just over 500 feet of elevation gain. It is a popular spot for sunrise. For more information and a trail map, visit the All Trails website.
Lake Agnes Trail
Another popular trail in the Lake Louise area, the Lake Agnes Trail begins in front of the chateau and branches off to the right near the beginning of the Lake Louise Shoreline Trail. The uphill climb passes Mirror Lake and Bridal Veil Falls before finally ending at a rustic teahouse overlooking Lake Agnes. This hike is 4.6 miles and is considered moderately challenging with 1,259 feet of elevation gain. You can find a trail map on the All Trails website.
Stanley Glacier Trail
Located in Kootenay National Park, this 6.8-mile trek takes hikers to incredible views of Stanley Glacier. Although not as large as the other glaciers alongside the Icefields Parkway, Stanley Glacier is still an impressive sight to see. This is a challenging route with 1,991 feet of elevation gain. It can take four to five hours to complete. For more information and a trail map, visit the All Trails website.
Johnston Canyon to Lower and Upper Falls
This unique hike mostly consists of catwalks built on the side of the canyon. Traversing along the canyon walls to see the frozen upper and lower falls is a must-do experience while visiting Banff National Park. The hike to see the upper and lower falls is 3.3 miles round trip with 862 feet of elevation gain. It is considered a moderately challenging hike. For more information and a trail map, visit the All Trails website.
Marble Canyon
Located in Kootenay National Park, Marble Canyon is a scenic and narrow gorge with seven bridges that cross over the canyon and allow visitors to take in the sights from different angles. The trek is an easy 0.9 miles with only 137 feet of elevation gain. For more information and a trail map, visit the All Trails website.
Ha Ling Peak
This trail winds up the backside of Ha Ling Peak Mountain and ends with panoramic views of Bow Valley, Canmore, and the surrounding mountains. It is a challenging hike but the views at the summit are rewarding. This hike is 4.6 miles with 2,447 feet of elevation gain. For more information and a trail map, visit the All Trails website.
Grassi Lakes
This trail leads to two small lakes below Ha Ling Peak. When you reach the fork at approximately 0.1 miles, take a left for a more difficult yet more scenic route. With the beautiful Ha Ling Peak as a backdrop, the lakes are a rewarding destination. Behind the second Grassi Lake, an easy climb up leads to four pictographs of human figures. Return the way you came or take the access road between the hiking trail and Spray Lakes Road. The Grassi Lakes Trail is 2.1 miles and is considered moderately challenging with 544 feet of elevation gain. For more information and a trail map, visit the All Trails website.
What to Pack
If you are traveling to the Canadian Rockies in the winter, base layers are a definite necessity. I like the base layers from Columbia. They have both women’s and men’s sizes. I have taken this particular base layer with me to several cold-weather destinations and it never disappoints. I also purchased my cold-weather jacket from Columbia as well. Sadly, they no longer sell the one that I use but I did find a similar jacket here. Waterproof boots are going to be a total lifesaver if you are planning to spend a lot of time in the snow. I love these Merrell Thermo Chill Mid Waterproof Boots that I purchased from REI. They are specifically made for both hiking and snowshoeing and offer ankle support. I did not have these particular boots when I went to Canada but I wish I did. As previously mentioned, crampons and hiking poles will make winter hiking safer and more enjoyable. We have the Hillsound Trail Crampons that we purchased from REI and the FitLife Nordic Walking Poles. We have used both several times and we find them to be reliable and helpful hiking tools.
Travel Itinerary
Ready to start your winter Canadian Rockies adventure? Use our free Canadian Rockies travel itinerary to help you plan your trip. Like our other sample itineraries, this one is packed with things to do and see. You can easily make changes to the template to make it fit your interests.