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

Nov 11, 2024

Last Updated on: Nov 20, 2024

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.

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 Festival 26th October – 3rd November, 2024
Power of Presence – Wellness Retreat 1st-3rd November, 2024
Embrace Joy – Your New Freedom – Wellness Retreat 7th-10th November, 2024
Banff Wine & Yoga Festival  8th-11th November, 2024
Banff Sunshine Community Ski Day 6th December, 2024
Mt Norquay Community Ski Day 7th December, 2024
Lake Louise Community Ski Day 8th December, 2024
SnowDays Play Zone January 2025
Aerial Yoga Teacher Training 16th-19th January 2025
SnowDays Festival 17th 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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Among all Sahara desert animals, this one is very colorful. This lizard is widely seen in Africa and central and south Asia. The average span for the lizard to live is 8 years. 6. Black-Faced Fire finch This bird is from a unique bird species. The species are less endangered because they can be found abundant in the region of Sub-Saharan Africa. The scientific name of the bird is Lagonosticta larvata. Recently, according to the new report by the BBC, their population is declining very fast. The color of the male’s face is black while the female has more of a gray appearance. These beautiful red birds are another habitant of the Sahara desert.  7. Hyrax They are the thickest herbivorous animals you could find in the Sahara Desert. People there call them small pigs. They usually hide under perforations and came out when they want food or for hunting. They live within a group of 10 to 50 animals and hunt together. Hyrax is another Sahara desert animal which is looking gorgeous with its brown fur. These herbivorous mammals are permanent residents of the Sahara Desert. Though Hyrax is also found in the Gobi desert of Mongolia.  8. African Wild Dogs They are the natives of sub-Saharan Africa, and now they are on the list of endangered species. The scientific name of the animal is Procavia capensis which occurs in the sub-Saharan area of Africa. Their face continuously grows especially the upper incisors and at a certain point, it looks like small tusks. Only about 40 species of these dogs managed to survive, which comprised 6000 adults. These wild dogs are not coming near to extinction among all the Sahara desert animals. The outbreak of diseases, hunting from humans, and other causes like less rainfall in the Sahara Desert cause the decline of African wild Dog species. They are highly socialized reptiles who live and hunt in groups. Their primary source of food is antelopes. Females are the ones who leave their pack when they matured, not men. 9. Red Neck Ostrich These can be found in North Africa, and it is the biggest bird on this planet. The scientific name of the bird is Struthio camelus camelus. This bird is one of the extant subspecies and lives in some of the harshest climates in the Sahara. They have a mix of pink and red long necks and can grow up to 10 feet. The male ones have black and white feathers as opposed to females, who possess grey feathers. Now, due to the increase in Ostrich farming around the world, the population of these species is declining rapidly. They are extinct in 12 countries and are now limited to only six countries. This desert Ostrich is coming near to extinction. Only a few are left. 10. African Silver Bill They are the most adaptive Saharan Birds. They usually live in arid places, and so Sahara is the perfect place to live for them. The scientific name of the bird is Euodice cantans living mostly in the south of Africa. The African Silverbill is also very sociable, like African Wild Dogs. They usually eat Grass and seeds. Among all Sahara desert animals, this bird species is an example of a small passerine bird. The size of the bird is about 4 and a half inches long. 11. Saharan Cheetah Meet the fastest one among all the Sahara desert animals. One of the top Predators in the Sahara is Cheetah. Sadly their species are endangered, and only about 300 mature adults are left in the Sahara. The African cheetah has its scientific name as Acinonyx jubatus hecki and is considered a subspecies native of the Saharan desert. They can be found in the western parts of the Sahara. They mainly hunt at night, and their favorite prey is antelope, but sometimes they also hunt rabbits. 12. Addax Antelope An endangered species, which is now becoming very rare to be seen, is Sahara desert animals. The main reason for wiping out this species is the excess of hunting. These species are mainly locals of Niger and Chad. The addax is a desert-adapted African antelope with the scientific name Addax nasomaculatus. The animal is almost on the verge of being exterminated. These are characterized by their long twisted horns, and the color of their coat is mainly white. They are very adaptive to Sahara because they can live without water for many days. They eat grasses and leaves of desert plants, and it is their primary source of water. Frequently Asked Questions!!! (FAQs): Q1. Do Any Animals Live In Sahara Dessert? Ans: Yes, there are animals who have chosen to stay in Sahara Dessert. The mammal species that have been founded in the dessert are Gerbil, Jerboa, Cape hare, and Dessert Hedgehog. Q2. Which Is The Most Important Animal In The Sahara Dessert? Ans: Perhaps the Dromedary Camel is the most popular animal in the Sahara Dessert. It can be domesticated, rather it has been domesticated for thousands of years and they give their service to the desert nomads. Q3. What Animal Has Adapted To Sahara Dessert? Ans: The Fennec Fox, who has learned to endure the heat of the Sahara Dessert. Their large years are not only for cuteness, but they use it to hear predators from afar and also use them to release body heat. The large ears help them to stay cool on hot days. Wrapping It Up: If you want to enjoy the tour of the Sahara Desert and want to see these animals live then, you should visit Morocco. Morocco is famous for the Sahara Desert, and many tour companies offer Sahara tours. Sahara desert animals are all very rare, and many of them are near to extinction. So what about your planning to travel to the Sahara? Do not forget to share your exciting tour story with us. Read Also: 10 Best Things To Do In Phoenix(Arizona) Discovering The 11 Most Beautiful Places Of Adventure In The World Why To Engage Competent Tourism Companies For Executing Best Leisure Time

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What To See In Lassen Volcanic National Park: Into The Darkness Of Subway Cave After A Fire Breakout

BY  Sibashree Oct 15, 2024

Lassen Volcanic National Park was in the news recently as the fourth-largest wildfire in California exploded out of proportion. The park's officials evacuated staff from the Mineral community near the park headquarters.  120 people were there in the community, and the evacuation started as the fire started moving east to the park on the evening of 26th July 2024.  However, the park fire reached near containment in August, and on 17th August 2024, the park was partially reopened. You may wonder what to see in Lassen Volcanic National Park after the fire breakout and if there is any significant destruction in the places of interest in the park.  Let me assure you. The park officials stated that the fire had never entered the park. However, there are still risks in the southern part of the park and Mill Creek and Mineral communities.  Nevertheless, the reopened parts of the park are out of danger despite some lingering smoke. So, Subway Cave, located around 15 miles north of Lassen Volcanic National Park, is one of the safest sites to explore after the fire incident. Make a rush, as it remains open from late April to November.  What To See In Lassen Volcanic National Park After The Fire Breakout (Exploring The Underground World Of A Lava Tube) Yes, you got me right! I am talking about the Subway Cave. The self-guided trail inside the cave is ⅓ miles long and 30 feet wide, and complete darkness is inside. So, many call it the journey into darkness. The USDA Forest Service maintains the cave, which remains open from dawn to dusk.  Before I get into more stories and facts about the cave, I want to present the basics you need to know briefly.  Important Facts About Subway Cave, Lassen National Volcanic Park Location in the ParkA 2-minute walk from the parking lot near the junction of “Highway 89” and “Highway 44” in Old StationAmenitiesPicnic TablesDrinking WaterParkingToiletsInterpretive SiteFeesFree (You can make donations)Pet-FriendlyNoParking FacilitiesMany Parking Facilities, Buses and RVsOutdoor ActivitiesInterpretative Sessions, Caving, PicnicTemperature Inside the Cave46 Degree Farrenheit Nearby AttractionShasta County (Mountainous landscape and multiple picnic locations)Nearby Trails*Cinder Crone TrailSpattercone Nature TrailButte Lake to Widow Lake, etc.  *Many hiking trails in the park, such as the Lassen Peak, Bumpass Hell, and Mill Creek Falls, are closed as the park has partially reopened after the recent wildfire explosion. So, check with the park authorities before you plan a hike on the park trails.  This Is How The Subway Cave Was Formed  If you are a keen learner of geology and want to know what to see in Lassen Volcanic National Park, you cannot avoid the lure of Subway Cave. I have already shared an account on the geothermal wonders of the park. This cave is an example of how lava flowed around 20000 years ago and created some magic.  A major lava explosion happened all across the Hat Creek area around 20000 years ago. The top layer of the lava flow became cold and hard in contact with air. Thus, a hard cap was formed. However, there was a continuous flow of molten lava below this cap.  The molten lava drained out Over time, but a hollow tube structure remained there. As you hike this trail, you will find traces of the more recent lava flows.  Route To The Subway Cave Is Bumpass Hell on your list of what to see in Lassen Volcanic National Park? Are you planning a trip to the park soon? Then, you will be disappointed as the Bumpass Hell trek route is closed after the park has reopened following the recent fire breakout.  Further, as Bumpass Hell is closed, you must take the Warner Valley Area route to  Devils Kitchen, which is the cave's opening. Devils Kitchen is a 4.4-mile hike from the Warner Valley Area (camping here is closed for 2024).   Accessing The Subway Cave  You have to climb down metal stairs as you access the Subway Cave. You will get down into a wide opening in the ground. The ground surface has a leveled floor. However, you must be careful as you get off the stair flight.  Further, you must wear sturdy footwear to avoid injuries and difficulties where the floor gets rough.  Fortunately, the ceiling and walls are quite smooth, minimizing the hiking difficulty level while hiking. Also, there is complete darkness inside the cave. So, you will need a flashlight to make it to the end.  The weather inside is a little cold, even in summer. So you will need a light jacket. Moreover, don’t forget to read and follow the interpretative signs through the trail to better understand the place.  The best thing about this park is that it’s 30 feet wide. So, even with complete darkness inside, you never feel suffocated.  What To See In Lassen Volcanic National Park Subway Cave It is not a long walk inside the Subway Cave. However, this short walk is enough to make it feature on the list of what to see in Lassen Volcanic Park.  Lucifer’s Cul-de-sac (An Attraction Very Few Knows About) Have you listened to Satan’s Cul-de-sac from Gangland Buries Its Own? The first thing that may amaze you inside the cave is Lucifer’s Cul-de-sac. There is a split as you enter the cave, and you are to turn to the right if you want to continue the trail. However, you will notice a big room if you are adventurous enough to turn left, when I tell you about Lucifer’s Cul-de-sac, The ceiling height starts from 6 feet and gets higher up to 15 feet. The most amazing thing about this room inside the cave is the rock formation on the ceiling and walls. It’s gothic and justified its name.  https://open.spotify.com/track/6cq37W4OXjEdQRLh2IVQOF As The Hike Advances  The ceiling height will vary as you continue the trek, and there are small boulder-like rock formations in many places. So, be careful with your steps and do not stumble upon them. Also, because of these rock formations, you must not wear an open-toe shoe while walking through the cave.  Nevertheless, the ceiling formation is fascinating, and in one section, it looks like stoned rainfall or water ripples. The section is called the Lavacicle Lane. Molten lava dripped off through the cracks in the ceiling cave, and there were formations of “drip pendants” or “lavacicles.”  Further, as you plan to take the exit, you notice all the colors in the lava rock formation, including green, blue, white, and brown lines.  Getting Out Of The Subway Cave As you approach the end of the cave, you will find a metal stair flight similar to the one at the entrance. From the top of the exit staircase, you can hike through an on-ground trail to the west or north to find the parking lot.  However, I prefer to take another walk through the cave and get back to the entrance. It will be so much fun to explore this unique geological formation again.  Things To Remember Before Getting Into The Darkness Of The Subway Cave  Subway Cave is a hidden gem if you consider what to see in Lassen Volcanic National Park. However, once you take the hike and read the interpretative signs, you will learn why it is geologically unique.  Nevertheless, you must be careful about certain things to ensure complete safety throughout the hike.  You will find rattlesnakes in the trail, and you have to be respectful to these reptiles. You must not make any move to catch or hurt them. Moreover, you cannot go off trails or litter inside the cave.  No food, water, or firelighting is allowed inside the cave. There are picnic areas nearby for you to catch refreshments. Wish you a safe, easy, and fun-filled experience inside the Subway Cave!  Also read Why Include Whale Watching In Your LA Itinerary. Traveling On A Budget: Tips For Affordable Adventures. From Cocktails To Kickflips: Must-Try Activities In San Diego.