Top 9+ Things To Do In Banff National Park In Winter: Adventure Tourism Guide

Nov 11, 2024

Last Updated on: Jul 3, 2025

Travel Blog

No park in the Rockies in Canada is as beautiful as the Banff National Park. This park has a year-round allure. So, no wonder the park had 4.288 million visitors in the 2023-24 fiscal year. 

However, Banff National Park is breathtaking in the winter. With an average annual snowfall of 181 inches, the park also offers thrilling winter activities. 

Banff National Park Visitor Highlights
Banff National Park had 4.13 million visitors in the 2022-23 fiscal year. So, 2023-24 has seen a massive increase (31%) in the footfall.
The traffic congestion in the area has increased with the most traffic in the Lake Louise area. 
In 2023, there were 2,547 reports of human-wildlife encounters in this national park. So, you must be respectful to the wildlife in the park. 

Further, Banff National Park and its surrounding areas expect 10-15 cm of snow in October 2024. The higher terrains can even receive a snowfall of up to 25 cm. So, Lake Louise, Sunshine Village, and other ski resorts in the area have started preparing for the winter ski season. 

These resorts consider this snowy condition ideal for better winter tourism and activities. So, let’s find out the outdoor pursuits you can participate in at Banff National Park this winter.

You Surely Don’t Want To Miss These Winter Activities At Banff National Park 

You Surely Don’t Want To Miss These Winter Activities At Banff National Park 

Winter calls for an immersive experience in the Canadian Rockies. Banff National Park is not an exception. You can enjoy a casual stroll along the snow-covered streets. Further, you can just cherish the snowy beauty while sipping on your favorite hot chocolate drink.

Of course, there are delightful activities like ice skating in the frozen lake, skiing, and snowboarding. However, before putting on your skiing shoes and gear, you must check the snow conditions in the park and at a particular resort. 

Nevertheless, let’s talk about the activities without further ado! 

1. Skiing And Snowboarding

Skiing And Snowboarding

Banff National Park offers some world-class skiing and snowboarding facilities. In fact, the skiing season here is one of the longest in North America. The skiing season starts here from the end of November until May. It is phenomenal, indeed!

Further, it does not matter whether you have not done skiing and snowboarding before. You can give it a go, thanks to the guidance and rentals available here. However, if you are not confident enough, you can just get a sightseeing tour ticket and explore the park.

The three skiing resorts in Banff National Park are:

  • Mt Norquay (10 Minutes Away from Town)
  • Banff Sunshine (20 Minutes Away from Town)
  • The Lake Louise Ski Resort  (40 Minutes Away from Town)

You can try skiing at all the resorts or at least visit one during the cold season. You have to pay a nominal fee to ski at these resorts. However, if you need guidance or rentals, you must pay extra charges.

Nevertheless, here is a snapshot of the admission fee to the park for your reference.

Skiing And Snowboarding

Moreover, if you want to visit a particular ski resort, you can buy lift tickets. However, if you have plans to visit all the resorts, go for the SkiBig3 tickets for a better deal. 

2. Ice Skating

Ice Skating

Ice skating rinks in Banff National Park are free, and Lake Louise is the best spot in the park. It is a Canadian dream to ice skate on the frozen lake. Also, you can take part in Pond Hockey here. 

Further, you can enjoy the snow-capped beauties while enjoying your time at the Lake Louise Ice Skating Rink. The mountains around this lake are:

  • Mount Whyte
  • Mount Niblock
  • Hungabee Mountain
  • Mount Godor
  • Fairview Mountain
  • Mount Goodsir

Moreover, you will love the ice castle at the Lake Louise ice skating rink. Don’t forget to take lovely snaps against the backdrop of this ice castle. 

3. Snowshoeing/Winter Hikes

Snowshoeing Winter Hikes

Snowshoeing and winter hikes are two different activities. However, both make winter in Banff National Park very special. 

So, check out the following snowshoeing hotspots in the national park.

  • Lake Louise
  • Marble Canyon
  • Johnston Canyon to Upper Falls
  • Sunshine Meadows
  • Sulphur Mountain Trail
  • Bow Glacier Falls

Sulphur Mountain Trail is also a popular hiking route in the park in winter. Here are some hiking trails in the park in winter.

  • Tunnel Mountain Summit – Moderate, 2.4 Km one-way
  • Stewart Canyon – Easy, 1.5 Km, one way
  • Sundance Canyon – Moderate, 3,7 km one way plus 2.1 km loop
  • Spray Connector – Easy, one way 2 Km
  • Marsh Loop, Easy, 2.8 Km loop

However, winter is within the avalanche season in the park. The Avalanche Season in the park continues from November to June. 

You can even reach the Avalanche Terrain after a short walk. So, follow the Avalanche Danger Signs and Avalanche Symbol while trekking in the park in winter. 

4. Dog Sledding

Dog Sledding

Dog Sledding is a great way to explore the park in winter. The mighty and energetic huskies will make your day.

While exploring the park, you will also learn about its history and why it is so crucial for the community and locality. In addition, your musher or guide will explain the dog sledding technique to you.

Moreover, dog sledding is a popular activity in Banff National Park during the SnowDays  Event in January and February. It is a celebration of Everything Winter in Banff. 

5. Relax In Upper Hot Springs

Relax In Upper Hot Springs

Hours of Operation: 10 am to 10 pm (Last entry: 9:30 pm)

It will be the most relaxing experience for you to soak in the warm water of the Upper Hot Springs on Sulphur Mountain in the chilling winter. You can kinda call it a Canadian tradition. So, no wonder that it has been one of the best things to do in Banff National Park in winter since 1886. 

Banff Upper Hot Springs has 100% natural mineral water. Take a dip in the outdoor pool as you behold the Cascade and Rundle Mountain peaks. 

Moreover, don’t forget to visit the Bath House, which is a federal heritage building that houses some interpretive exhibits. These exhibits tell you about the history and nature of the hot springs. 

Did you know that Upper Hot Springs is the highest operational hot spring in Canada?

6. Ice Climbing

Ice Climbing

Banff National Park is one of the most popular destinations for ice climbing in the Canadian Rockies, along with Jasper and Kootenay National Park. November to April is the best season for ice climbing in these parks. 

Easy access and reliable conditions are two factors promoting ice climbing in these parks. In Banff, the canyons and waterfalls are especially brilliant spots for ice climbing. The most visited spots for ice climbing in this park are:

  • Johnston Canyon
  • Professor Falls
  • Louise Falls
  • Weeping Wall
  • Polar Circus
  • Cascade Falls

However, ice climbing requires avalanche training, and you must abide by safety guidelines. 

7. Wildlife Spotting

Wildlife Spotting

In May 2024, the Rocky Mountain Outlook came with disturbing news of Wildlife Paparazzi putting pressure on the Grizzlies of Banff National Park to take snaps. This is a sheer disrespect of wildlife and a form of hunting trophies in the form of photos of those animals.

With cell phone cameras, the digital photos of wildlife have become the 21st Century equivalent of hunters going out and bagging an animal that they can hang on their wall.
Brian Spreadbury, Former Human-Wildlife Conflict Supervisor, Lake Louise

Nevertheless, exploring the wildlife of Banff National Park in winter is a delightful experience. It is most famous for the black and grizzly bears. Further, you will find bighorn sheep, cougars, moose, elk, and wolves here. 

However, you have to be at the following sports to explore wildlife here.

  • Icefields Parkway
  • Bow Valley Parkway
  • Lake Louise
  • Moraine Lake
  • Vermilion Lakes

You will also find many small mammals like chipmunks and squirrels in Banff National Park. Moreover, with bald eagles and hundreds of bird species, this park is a birder’s paradise. 

8. Snow Tubing

Snow Tubing

Snow tubing is an exciting winter activity that takes place at the Mt. Norquay Ski Resort. It is open daily from 10 am to 4 pm. Further snow tubing activities happen in two different time slots.

The first slot is from 10 am to 12:30 pm, and the next slot is from 1:30 pm to 4 pm. 

The snow tubing park in Mt. Norquay is the largest in Alberta. Moreover, the eight sliding lanes in the park let you enjoy the activity with your friends and family. 

9. Northern Lights Viewing

Northern Lights Viewing

Late September to April is the best time for northern light viewing in Banff National Park. Longer nights and clear skies during these months are the best times for stargazing and northern light watching. 

Vermillion Lakes in the national park is easily accessible by car and on foot. It is the best location for watching the Northern Lights. 

10. Attending Festivals and Events

Along with the SnowDays Festival, many events transform Banff National Park into a festive hub. You can attend the following upcoming events in the park.

Event Upcoming Date 
Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival26th October – 3rd November, 2024
Power of Presence – Wellness Retreat1st-3rd November, 2024
Embrace Joy – Your New Freedom – Wellness Retreat7th-10th November, 2024
Banff Wine & Yoga Festival 8th-11th November, 2024
Banff Sunshine Community Ski Day6th December, 2024
Mt Norquay Community Ski Day7th December, 2024
Lake Louise Community Ski Day8th December, 2024
SnowDays Play ZoneJanuary 2025
Aerial Yoga Teacher Training16th-19th January 2025
SnowDays Festival17th January-2nd February

So, get geared up for winter fun at Banff National Park. You can reach the park from Calgary through a shuttle service. 

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Meet Sibashree Bhattacharya, a travel enthusiast who has a decade-long experience in transcending virtual barriers with her words! Her deep love for travel is apparent from her travel escapades to the mountain, often taking her readers on a journey, her words acting as Portkey! Fun fact: Sibashree loves to dive deep into the history of the places she is about to visit, making her travels even more wholesome. If you were wondering how her articles are not short of time travel, this answers it!

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The National Air and Space Museum is located at 600 Independence Avenue, Washington, DC, 20560, and is open daily from 10 am to 5.30 pm. 12. National Zoo Bears, lions, and tigers, and so much more! Discover a variety of animal species from all over the world, as well as daily animal demonstrations and habitat displays. There are entrance passes that must be purchased in addition to paid parking passes in advance (if you decide to drive and park there). A few same-day passes will be available on-site, although it is advised to make a reservation in advance. Visit the Kids' Farm, the unusual Me and the Bee playground, and the seasonally open Squirt Zone if you're traveling with children. Kids will enjoy the Speedwell Conservation Carousel, but keep in mind that each ride costs $4. Two to three hours are suggested or anticipated for a trip to the zoo; be sure to wear shoes that are suitable for walking around in. You can bring your own food and non-alcoholic drinks (no glass bottles), though they do have some food options on-site. The National Zoo is located at 3001 Connecticut Avenue North West, Washington, DC 20008, and is open daily from 8 am to 4 pm. 13. National Portrait Gallery Discover portraits of some of America's most prominent people in the visual, performing, and new media arts, including artists, politicians, scientists, innovators, activists, as well as entertainers. The museum is home to the only comprehensive collection of presidential portraits outside of the White House, which includes works by renowned artist Gilbert Stuart. For a customized visit with your group, schedule a tour five weeks in advance for ten or more people, or try your luck with the walk-up tours on Saturdays as well as Sundays at 12 and 2.30. The National Portrait Gallery is located at 8th Street North West & G Street North West, Washington, DC, 20001, and is open daily from 11.30 am to 7 pm. 14. American Art Museum Discover the country's first collection of American art. It is one of the most significant and comprehensive collections of American art in the world. It is also a unique world-class chronicle of the American experience. The museum has taken the lead in seeking out, gathering, and displaying exceptional as well as outstanding representations of American visual art culture. In addition to the conventional, expected kinds of art in a museum, there is photography, current folk and self-taught work. There are also frequently unsung cultural arts, such as African American and Latino, and even computer games. The museum has two locations. However, they are only a 25-minute walk apart. The Smithsonian American Art Museum (SAAM) is in the downtown cultural center. The Renwick Gallery, which specializes in craft and decorative art, is close to the White House. Check out the Experience America exhibition, which captures American culture in a variety of artistic mediums. There is also Janet Echelman's 1.8 Renwick, a commissioned colorful fiber and lighting piece dangling from the ceiling. Moreover, it highlights the relationships between people and the natural world across time. The SAAM site is open from 11:30 am to 7 pm, as well as the Renwick Gallery is open from 10 am to 5.30 pm. Both locations are open every day. While the Renwick Gallery is located at 1661 Pennsylvania Avenue North West #1 in Washington, DC, the SAAM is housed in the same building as the National Portrait Gallery at G Street North West & 8th Street North West. Read More: Understand More About The Vatican’s Museums 15. National Postal Museum Last but not least, on this list of the free museums in DC that you must visit is the National Postal Museum. Who knew using the mail could be so much fun? Learn about the practicalities of how your letter gets from your mailbox to its destination as well as what it's like to work for the postal service. You can also learn about the transportation used by the postal system. In this amazing stamp collection, you may engage with stamps in ways you never thought possible. Along with regular special programming including story times, art programmes, reading groups, talks, and even multilingual options like Hello, Museo for kids, daily tours are also offered. The National Postal Museum is located at 2 Massachusetts Avenue North East, Washington, DC 20002, and is open daily from 10 am to 5.30 pm. Bonus: Phillip's Musuem Nestled amidst the exquisite row houses of Dupont Circle, this modern art museum was founded in 1921 within a Georgian Revival mansion that had previously served as Duncan Phillips' family home. The location is a favorite among Washingtonians because it is both sophisticated and intimate. Impressionist and modern art are the main foci of the modern art museum, and it excels in both areas. Renoir's well-known "Luncheon of the Boating Party" and pieces by Georgia O'Keefe, Pablo Picasso, Vincent van Gogh, and Richard Diebenkorn are among the highlights of the permanent collection. A single bench is surrounded by four of the abstract expressionist artist's paintings in a small but cozy Rothko Room. In celebration of the centennial of The Phillips Collection, visual artist Daniel Canogar created a digital piece that melds 550 pieces from the museum's collection into a captivating, swirling projection using an algorithm. Wrapping It Up! I hope that this guide has been of help to you in finding the best free museums in DC. Is there more that you want to know? Feel free to scroll down and leave your queries at the bottom of the page. And I will be there to answer them all for you! Read Also: Top 10 National Parks In Oregon That You Need To Explore Tips To Make Your Vacation In Gatlinburg More Enjoyable 6 Things To Know Before You Visit St. George

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Haneda Vs Narita: Which Tokyo Airport Should You Choose For Your Next Trip?

BY  Sibashree Jul 16, 2025

All the major airports in Japan, including Haneda and Narita Airports, are in the limelight now for having a new one-stop entry gate.  This development will streamline immigration checks with joint kiosks and reduce the waiting time for flyers by at least 20 minutes.  While both these airports now have similar facilities for faster immigration checks and both play a significant role in the domestic and international air connectivity, they often draw comparisons for the difference in their routes, facilities, and distance from Central Tokyo.  So, Haneda Vs Narita Airport, which one is better for your next Tokyo Trip? We will try to find the answers in this Tour and Travel Blog. Haneda Vs Narita Airport: Which One Will I Fly To For My Next Tokyo Trip? Do you want to compare Haneda and Narita Airports based on passenger traffic? Then, Haneda will be the clear winner, as it has been the fourth-busiest airport in the world in terms of passenger traffic.  Also, according to a report published by the Airports Council International (ACI) World, Tokyo Haneda Airport welcomed 85.9 million passengers in 2024. It was a 9.1% rise from the numbers of 2023.  On the other hand, Narita Airport saw a 22% increase from 2023, considering the passenger footfall of 2024. The total number of tourist footfall in the Narita Airport was 39,807,651 in 2024. However, despite the traffic footfall being a parameter of the amenities and standards of an airport facility, it does not determine which one will be the most suitable for you.  So, let’s begin the Haneda Vs Narita Airport comparison as promised.  1. Haneda Vs Narita Airport: Distance From Central Tokyo And Typical Travel Times The distance between Central Tokyo and Haneda Airport is just 18.5 km. You can take the Tokyo Monorail as the fastest way to travel the distance. It takes just around 13 minutes.  On the other hand, the distance between the Narita Airport and Central Tokyo is close to 78.6 km. For the fastest travel, you must take the Narita Express, and the journey time is 53 minutes.  So, if you are looking for the airport closer to Central Tokyo, Haneda Airport, formerly known as the Tokyo International Airport, is a clear winner.  From Tokyo, you can embark on a cultural journey to Kyoto or visit the second-largest island in Japan, Hokkaido. How To Travel From Central Tokyo To Haneda Airport? You can travel by a train or a limousine bus to reach Haneda Airport from Central Tokyo. However, if you have the budget and time, you can choose private airport transfers or reserve a car or taxi.  Travel From Central Tokyo To Haneda Airport By Train The best way to travel from Central Tokyo to Haneda Airport is by taking a train. If you are traveling from another country, you will reach Terminal 3 and find the railway station on the second floor.  On the other hand, if you are on a domestic flight, you will reach Terminal 1 or 2, and from there you will have to go to Basement 1 to find the railway station.  Now, while traveling by a train, you have two options. You can either take the Tokyo Monorail or choose the Keikyu Airport Line.  1. Tokyo Monorail To Haneda Airport Here is the timetable of the Tokyo Monorail. For further details, check out the table below.  Tokyo Monorail Ticket Price¥500Frequency3-15 MinutesJapan Railway Pass (JR Pass) Applicable?YesFirst Train Departs from Haneda Airport Terminal 35:18 AMLast Train Departs from Haneda Airport Terminal 311:48 PMFirst Train Departs from Hamamatsucho Station4:59 AMLast Train Departs from Hamamatsucho Station11:45 PM 2. Keikyu Airport Line Find the timings for the Keikyu Airport Line train here. Furthermore, check out the following details.  Keikyu Airport Line Ticket Price¥330Frequency5-10 MinutesJapan Railway Pass (JR Pass) Applicable?NoFirst Train Departure from Haneda Airport Terminal 35:26 AMLast Train Departure from Haneda Airport Terminal 311:51 PMFirst Train from Shinagawa Station5:02 AMLast Train from Shinagawa Station11:59 PM Travel From Central Tokyo To Haneda Airport By Limousine Bus Take an airport limousine bus from any of the airport terminals to reach Central Hokyo, and the journey takes around 45 minutes.  Travel From Central Tokyo To Haneda Airport By Private Airport Transfers, Car Rental, Or Cab You will get 24/7 taxi services from Haneda Airport, and the charges are between ¥5,000 and ¥10000.  The pricing of car rental is also ¥5,000 per day. Moreover, if you are traveling with your family, you can book a private transfer service.  How To Travel From Central Tokyo To Narita Airport? You will also get limousine bus services, private transfers, cabs, and taxi services from Narita Airport. However, due to the distance between the Narita Airport and Central Tokyo, traveling by train is the fastest mode of transportation. Also, for a taxi ride or private transfers, the cost can be around 7000-30000 Yen.  Here are the details of a train ride between Central Tokyo and Narita Airport.  Train Services from Central Tokyo to Narita AirportFareTravel TimeNarita Express3,070 Yen53 MinutesKeisei Skyliner2,310 Yen41 MinutesKeisei LineKeisei Rapid Limited Express: 1,030 YenKeisei Access Express: 1400 Yen1 Hour 20 Minutes to 1 Hour 30 MinutesJR Sobu Line1,340 Yen90 Minutes 2. Haneda Vs Narita Airport: Flight availability (International And Domestic Routes) In the Haneda Vs Narita Airport comparison of flight availability to international destinations, Narita Airport has the edge.  However, in terms of the total routes, Haneda Airport fares better.  In the Haneda Vs Narita Airport comparison of flight availability to international destinations, Narita Airport has the edge. However, in terms of the total routes, Haneda Airport fares better. Haneda Airport Flight Availability And RoutesNarita Airport Flight Availability And Routes• 44 Airlines• Flights to 101 Airports• Flights to 25 Countries• All Nippon Airways (ANA) Operates Flights to 73 Destinations• Japan Airlines (JAL) Operates 59 Routes• 83 Airlines• Flights to 115 Airports• Flights to 44 Countries• All Nippon Airways (ANA) Operates Flights on 28 Routes• Japan Airlines (JAL) Operates 26 Routes 3. Haneda Vs Narita Airport: Facilities, Amenities, And Services Both airports offer world-class facilities. Especially, both airport offers mobile connectivity and Wi-Fi services for business travelers and digital nomads, ensuring uninterrupted workflow.  Furthermore, upon arrival at Haneda Airport, you can pick up a pocket Wi-Fi device. Thanks to the Japan Mobal Wifi facility, you can stay connected while traveling in a group.  You can connect multiple devices to the same Wi-fi device. You can even pre-order the device online before departure for the airport.  However, along with the Wi-Fi facilities, you can get the following services at both airports.  Facilities at Haneda AirportFacilities at Narita Airport• Currency Exchange• Insurance• Cash Withdrawal• Baggage and Delivery Services• Clinics• Drug Stores• Toilets• Tourist Information• Currency Exchange• Insurance• Cash Withdrawal• Baggage and Delivery ServicesClinics• Automated External Defibrillators (AED)• Tourist InformationToilets 4. Haneda Vs Narita Airport: Which One Offers Better Convenience For Connecting Flights? Haneda Airport offers better convenience for connecting flights when it comes to transportation within the country.  On the other hand, Narita Airport offers better convenience for connecting flights internationally. It operates flights to 44 countries compared to Haneda Airport, which offers services to 25 countries.  In this regard, you must also know that Haneda and Narita Airports are well connected to each other through train lines and limousine buses.  Here are the details. Haneda And Narita Airport ConnectivityTravel TimeFareTrains• Keikyu Line• Toei Line• Keisei Line90-115 Minutes1,760-3080 YenLimousine Bus65-85 Minutes3600 Yen 5. Haneda Vs Narita Airport: Which One Is More Suitable For Different Types Of Travelers? Haneda Airport is more suitable for business travelers, as it is less than 20 minutes away from Tokyo’s business district. On the other hand, Narita Airport, with a bigger area, has more lounges and better accommodates non-first-class travelers. So, if you are traveling on a budget from a different country, Narita Airport will be a better choice for you.  Haneda Vs Narita Airport: And The Winner Is… Keeping the convenience of traveling to Tokyo or the proximity to Central Tokyo aside, Haneda and Narita airports are at par in amenities, facilities, and services.  Furthermore, Haneda, despite being the fourth-busiest airport in the world, lags behind Narita Airport in terms of international connectivity.  So, the one you choose depends on the place you are traveling from and the part of Japan you want to explore.  For example, if you want to explore old Japan, you must choose Narita Airport. On the other hand, if Tokyo is the epicenter of your tour, Haneda will be a better choice.