... Banff is a great visit any time time of the year, but if you are not a winter enthusiast, Banff is at its best from Mid June to Mid October. Fests start as early as November and they carry on until early days of February. Come hang out in the WinterWonderland that is Banff, Canada! Ride the Banff Gondola for insane Rocky Mountain views. Winter Driving Tips To Banff Safe Driving Through the Canadian Rockies. I think the best way to get around Banff in winter is by renting a car. What Clothes To Wear, Packing Tips And Staying Warm In Banff In Winter. (Absolutely epic). This afternoon, enjoy a tranquil horse-drawn sleigh ride* among the Canadian Rockies and add a perfect "western touch" to a winter holiday. Banff is around a 90 minute drive from Calgary and a 40 minute drive from Canmore in the Banff National Park. The best way to determine where is (and isn’t) open over the winter would be to use a search engine for bookings, such as Expedia or Agoda. It’s also the only way to get to The National Park. Once you arrive in Banff, you’ll soon find that many of the lodges and cabins are closed over the winter, as this is the low season for tourism in Banff National Park. Most visitors fly into Calgary airport and it’s easy to book and pick up a rental car right there after collecting your luggage. It’s possible to have sunshine, snow, wind or rain – all in the same day. I’d put this up there was one of the best things to do in Banff in winter – the views really are just incredible. 6. Banff and the surrounding areas are an outdoor adventure playground in winter. Go tubing in Banff. Banff Ice Skating. There are regular shuttle bus connections from the airport to Banff & Lake Louise or you could rent a car from the airport or in Calgary city. During winter it is best to opt for a vehicle that has all-wheel-drive and preferably winter tires. If you’re planning to visit Banff in winter, let the fun begin. Banff transforms into a winter wonderland, creating the perfect landscape for fun winter activities such as sleigh rides, dogsledding, snowshoeing and guided icewalks.It’s the perfect place to experience ice skating on a frozen lake, hiking to see frozen waterfalls, or playing in the snow in the Canadian Rockies. 2. Here’s your complete guide to Banff winter activities for non skiers, including my local tips. While I had toured British Columbia and Alberta in the height of summer a decade ago, there’s no comparison to what it feels like when you first step foot on Lake Louise or cruise into Banff in winter, the surrounding peaks blanketed with a fresh covering of snow. Winter time in Banff also calls for fun winter festivities. If you’re looking for a winter wonderland with some of the world’s best winter activities then you’ve just got to head over to Banff. 20 Absolutely Breathtaking Things to Do in Banff in Winter 1. Banff and Lake Louise embrace the season with an abundance of things to do, from SnowDays events to the multitude of snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and downhill skiing trails that are all over the area, and cater to everyone, from beginners to advanced snow sport participants.. There are plenty of options for skate and classic trails for all fitness levels. To get to Banff in the winter, you’ll need to fly into the Calgary Airport and drive about 1.5 hours down the Transcanada Highway – or as I like to call it, Highway to the Poutine Zone. Indulge in cozy warm foods. Banff National Park is one of Canada's gems, whether in summer or in winter. While I had toured British Columbia and Alberta in the height of summer a decade ago, there’s no comparison to what it feels like when you first step foot on Lake Louise or cruise into Banff in winter, the surrounding peaks blanketed with a fresh covering of snow.