Banff 3-Day Itinerary in Winter Without Hitting the Slopes

If you’re planning a trip to Banff for 3 days this winter, here’s the itinerary you should be using. Many travellers wonder if Banff is worth visiting in the winter, especially when the days are shorter and the temperatures drop. 

We hear this all the time, and after years of winter trips to the Rockies, we can say with full confidence that winter is actually one of our favourite times to visit. In fact, we rarely come to Banff in the summer anymore. 

There is something so special about a snow-covered mountain town, frozen waterfalls, quiet trails, and the feeling that you have one of the most beautiful national parks in the world almost to yourself. Winter is also much more affordable, which makes a big difference for families planning a quick getaway.

This guide is built for families who want clear, simple planning tips and a smooth 3-day winter itinerary for Banff they can follow right away. With this detailed itinerary, you’ll have a short trip that still gives you the magic of Banff without feeling rushed. 

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Day 1: Bow Valley Parkway, Johnston Canyon, Snow Tubing, and Dinner in Banff

Start your winter trip with one of the most scenic drives in the Rockies, the Bow Valley Parkway. This quiet road runs between Banff and Lake Louise and is beautiful in winter. The trees are dusted with snow, the mountains rise above the valley, and there are plenty of spots to pull over for photos. Keep an eye out for wildlife along the way. Elk, deer, and even wolves sometimes wander close to the road.

Your main stop this morning is Johnston Canyon. This popular trail is a must in winter, when the waterfalls freeze into blue pillars and the canyon walls shine with ice. Hike all the way to the Upper Falls. The trail is about 5.4 km round trip on a packed path, but it can be slippery, so bring microspikes if you have them. The view at the end is worth the effort. The Upper Falls turn into a tall frozen curtain where you might even spot ice climbers.

If you prefer, you can also book a guided ice walk tour at Johnston Canyon. It’s a great option if you’re new to hiking in the winter. The tour lasts about 4 hours. They offer hotel pick up and provide microspikes.

After your hike, head back to downtown Banff for lunch. There are lots of easy options—soups, sandwiches, and warm drinks are perfect after a chilly morning outside.

In the afternoon, drive up to Mt. Norquay for snow tubing. This is one of the most fun winter activities for families in Banff. The tube park has long lanes, a magic carpet to bring you back to the top, and beautiful views over Banff. Kids love racing each other, and adults usually end up laughing just as much.

After a full first day, enjoy a cozy dinner at Pacini. The restaurant is inside the Moose Hotel and Suites, which makes it convenient if you’re staying there. Their Italian dishes are hearty and comforting, perfect after a cold day in the snow.

Day 2: Sulphur Mountain, Downtown Banff, Cave & Basin, and Dinner in Town

Start your day with a hike up Sulphur Mountain. The trail climbs steadily through the forest and takes most families 1.5 to 2.5 hours to reach the top. In winter, the path can be packed with snow, so bring spikes if you have them. Once you reach the summit, enjoy the panoramic views over Banff, Mount Rundle, and the Bow Valley.

To make the morning even better, you can ride the gondola down for half price. It’s a fun way to end the climb and saves your knees on the descent. If hiking isn’t your plan, you can also ride the gondola up, and kids ride free during the first two hours of the day, which is a great deal for families.

If your hotel doesn’t have its own hot pool or hot tub, you can stop by the Banff Upper Hot Springs, located right beside the gondola parking lot. The views are great and the water is warm, but the pool is small and can get crowded. The family rate is around $57, so depending on your budget, it may be something you skip in favour of other activities.

Head back to downtown Banff for lunch. We recommend Mountain Folk Coffee Co., a cozy spot with good sandwiches, soups, and coffee. If you’re visiting during the season, look for the Banff Hot Chocolate Trail for a fun treat.

Spend the afternoon exploring the town. Take your time walking along Banff Avenue, visit the Banff Park Museum, and make your way to the Cave and Basin National Historic Site. Entry is free with a Discovery Pass, and if you visit around 1:30 or 2:30 PM, you can join a guided tour included with admission. It’s a great way to learn about the birthplace of Canada’s national parks.

End your day with dinner at Añejo, a colourful Mexican restaurant known for great tacos and even better margaritas. It’s a lively spot and a nice way to warm up after a full winter day outside.

Day 3: Lake Louise, Icefields Parkway, and a Final Evening in Banff

Start your last day in Banff with a visit to Lake Louise. In winter, the lake freezes into a wide, snowy playground surrounded by mountains. If conditions allow, you can go ice skating right on the lake. There’s a cleared skating area and sometimes an ice castle built near the shore. 

If you don’t feel like skating, take a walk along the Lakeshore Trail. It’s flat, easy, and gives you beautiful views of the frozen lake and the surrounding peaks. You can also book a family horse drawn sleigh ride. The tour is 40 minutes and include a hot drink.

For lunch, you have a few options. You can eat inside the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, grab something quick at Samson Mall in the village below, or pack your own lunch. If you plan to drive the Icefields Parkway afterward, know that there are no food options on the road, so this stop is your best chance to eat before continuing your day.

After lunch, head north along the Icefields Parkway, one of the most scenic winter drives in the Rockies. Stop at Bow Lake, where the frozen shoreline sits below Crowfoot Mountain. It’s a beautiful spot for photos and a quick walk. Then continue to Peyto Lake Viewpoint. In winter, the viewpoint often has packed snow, but the walk is short and the view is worth it. Even when the lake is frozen, the surrounding mountains create an impressive scene.

P.S. If you have more time on your trip, you can add a few days to visit Jasper National Park.

Drive back toward Banff and, if time allows, make a quick stop at Bow Falls. The waterfall doesn’t fully freeze, so you’ll often see icy edges with flowing water in the middle. It’s a short walk from the parking lot and a nice bonus stop at the end of your trip.

Finish your last evening with dinner at the Rundle Bar inside the Fairmont Banff Springs. The setting is cozy, the views are beautiful, and it’s a lovely way to end your 3-day winter visit.

Where to Stay in Banff in the Winter

For a winter trip, I recommend staying close to downtown Banff. It’s nice to be able to walk to restaurants, cafés, and shops without getting back in the car, especially when the sidewalks are lit up and the town feels extra cozy. The atmosphere is great in winter, and several events happen right in town, including SnowDays in January, which brings ice sculptures and fun outdoor activities.

Banff has hotels at many price points, but one thing to look for in winter is a pool or hot tub. Warming up after a cold day outside makes a big difference, especially for families.

A hotel we really love is the Canalta Lodge. It’s located on Banff Avenue, just outside the busiest part of town, so you’re close to everything while still enjoying a quieter stay. They have outdoor hot tubs, which feel amazing in cold weather, and they are one of the few Banff hotels that includes a complimentary breakfast. Kids also love the free s’mores bar in the evenings. Some rooms even come with full kitchens, which is great if you want to prepare your own meals.

It’s a comfortable, family-friendly option that makes winter travel easy.

A Few Things to Know When Visiting Banff in Winter

🚗 Winter Driving: Road conditions change quickly in the Rockies. Snowstorms, icy patches, and reduced visibility are common. Make sure your rental car has winter tires, and always keep extra layers, snacks, and water in the car. Check the 511 Alberta website for real-time road updates before driving the Bow Valley Parkway or the Icefields Parkwa

🧤 Weather & Clothing Banff gets cold. Some days drop to -20°C or colder. Pack warm layers, snow pants, good mittens, and warm boots. Even short walks can feel chilly when the wind picks up, so dress for the weather.

🥾 Trail Conditions Winter trails can be icy. Carry microspikes or other traction devices, especially if you plan to hike Sulphur Mountain, Johnston Canyon, or any forest trail. Check the Parks Canada trail report before heading out to know what’s open and what requires caution.

📅 Reservations & Timing Popular winter activities can book up quickly, but it’s nothing like in the summertime. For any bucket list activities, you might want to book in advance, but you’ll also be able to walk in or simply book a day or two in advance. Restaurants can fill up fast during weekends and holiday periods, so making dinner reservations is helpful if you have your eyes on a specific restaurant.

🅿️ Parking Downtown Banff has paid parking year-round. But you can find a large free parking lot by the train station. If you stay in a hotel near the core, you can walk to most places and avoid parking fees. During busy weekends, leave the car at your hotel and use the local Roam Transit if needed. 

🛂 National Park Entry Remember that you need a valid Parks Canada pass for your stay. If you plan to visit several national parks in the next year, the Discovery Pass is usually the best option.

Final Thoughts: Banff in Winter – The Best 3-Day Itinerary

This 3-day itinerary for visiting Banff in the winter shows just how magical Banff can be once the snow settles in. The mountains feel quieter, the trails look completely different, and the frozen lakes and waterfalls make every stop memorable. Winter also brings a slower pace, which is perfect for families who want to enjoy the outdoors without the summer crowds.

From ice skating at Lake Louise to snowy hikes, cozy cafés, and evening strolls through downtown Banff, you’ll find plenty of simple moments that make this season special. Winter in Banff is beautiful, affordable, and full of fun activities for all ages.