Top 10 Winter Activities at Banff National Park Beyond Skiing

Snow Tubing at Lake Louise and Banff

Deciding your next winter trip in Banff? Well, the resort town will be a great place to enjoy a memorable and fun-filled winter trip with your loved ones. The major attraction of this town is the Banff National Park, which offers endless sightseeing and adventurous activities. Tourists mostly enjoy the Winter sightseeing gondola trip here.

So, wondering what to include in your travel bucket list to explore the Banff National Park? Here, we have brought a list of activities beyond skiing to experience in this beautiful place. If you are a non-skier, these exciting activities are for you.

Written by: Ashley Berlin

List of Winter Activities To Enjoy at Banff National Park

1. Lake Louise Sightseeing Gondola

Lake Louise Sightseeing Gondola

If you want to experience a Winter sightseeing gondola in Lake Louise, start your unforgettable journey to the Lake Louise lakeshore. Hop on our Lake Louise winter gondola and rise to one of Banff National Park’s most breathtaking views! Our winter sightseeing gondola provides an unforgettable ride, showcasing the essence of the Canadian Rockies. Don’t forget your camera to capture the majestic peaks, stunning glaciers, and pristine winter landscape, creating lasting memories of this incredible journey.

2. Discover Banff Wildlife Tour

Travelling with kids? Then, you must not miss the wildlife tour at Banff National Park. It is a protected natural environment that has a unique history of humans and wildlife living side-by-side. With the Winter sightseeing gondola tour, you will witness the beauty of landmarks, historical points, and wildlife. This tour is a fantastic way for kids to get a sneak peek of the Banff wildlife.

3. Ice Climbing in Banff

For an authentic Banff adventure, don’t just admire the snowy land; instead, climb it. With your guide leading and equipping you, you will quickly learn to walk in crampons, belay, and swing ice tools up a frozen waterfall in the Canadian Rockies. It will be a world-class winter adventure suitable for all skill levels. Ice climbing activities will offer you an unforgettable experience in this stunning destination.

4. Cherish the Beauty of the Northern Lights

Though it’s not a nightly occurrence, if you are fortunate and the timing is right, you might catch the Northern Lights from Banff National Park. Lake Minnewanka is a popular spot for viewing this spectacular view, but depending on your day’s adventures. You might also see them near the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and Castle Junction along the Bow Valley Parkway.

5. Soak and Enjoy in Banff’s Upper Hot Springs

What could be more relaxing than ending your day in natural hot springs after Winter sightseeing gondola? Depending on your trip timings, you can enjoy a mountain sunset, feel the gentle touch of snowflakes, or lounge in the shallow area enjoying stargazing. It’s the perfect way to reflect on your day in Banff National Park and plan future adventures.

6. Take your Gondola Tour For a Bird’s Eye View

Do you know what the favourite thing for most tourists in Banff is? It is the bird’s eye view of Banff at Sulphur Mountain. What’s even better is the view can be easily attained by riding the Banff Gondola in less than ten minutes. If you are ready for some more adventure, you can also hike up to the top of the mountain and catch a one-way Gondola ride down. Enjoy the scenery from the observation deck. You will find dining options and an interpretive center that highlights a multisensory cinematic experience.

7. Enjoy A Beautiful Banff Winter Sunrise

Sunrises are always magical, but experiencing a winter sunrise in Banff National Park is truly exceptional. Whether you are a nature enthusiast or a photographer, a sunrise in Banff will captivate you. And you will indulge in its beauty. You can start your day with hot chocolate from a Coffee Bar on Banff Ave and watch how beautifully the sky transforms. With mountain peaks surrounding you, finding a great spot will be very easy. The popular spots are Two Jack Lake and Vermillion Lakes, where you can enjoy winter sunrises.

7. Ice Walk at Johnston Canyon

Johnston Canyon, located near Banff, Alberta, turns into a mesmerising icy wonderland during winter. A breathtaking 2.5-kilometer ice walk along steel catwalks and trails offers stunning views of the canyon and two magnificent frozen waterfalls. The trail is not challenging, and you can experience it with the help of supportive walking poles.

8. Go Tobogganing in Banff

You will find a beautiful sledding hill behind Canada’s castle in the Rockies. It is just one of the great places to toboggan in and around Banff National Park. You can rent the sleds and toboggans from your hotel or at the local shop on Bear Street in Banff. Tobogganing requires sufficient safety equipment such as sturdy footwear, ski goggles, helmets, gloves, and winter-proof clothing. You need to adjust your tobogganing speed to match your experience level.

9. Snow Tubing at Lake Louise and Banff

Snow Tubing at Lake Louise and Banff - Winter sightseeing gondola

Tubes can be harder to steer and stop compared to toboggans, which leads to a bit of chaos but a lot of fun. Now, the snow tubing in Banff National Park is well-organised, with selective sliding lanes to keep you away from trees. And there is a towing system that will bring your tube back to the top. You can explore the tubing hills at Banff and Lake Louise.

Wrapping It Up!

Are you up for your next winter adventure in Banff National Park? You will have a great experience witnessing nature’s beauty with the Winter sightseeing gondola. Add the above adventurous activities to your bucket list to enjoy your Banff trip to the fullest. Want to know more about Lake Louise Winter Sightseeing Gondola? Consult the Ski Louise team, and as always, Travel Till You Drop!

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About Jill

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Hi! I’m Jill, a Dallas, Texas girl traveling the world. After a career in the Air Force and touring over 50 countries later, my need to explore keeps going! It’s time to rock & roll and find all those places I never knew I was missing.

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