Unique Things To Do In Gaylord, MI: Exploring Michigan In Style

It has been years since our visit to Gaylord in Michigan. But the Alpine village left such a lasting impact that anytime I hear something good about the city, it feels personal!

As a traveler and travel writer, I have to write about itineraries or stuff like things to do in Gaylord, MI. However, this time, I have decided to keep it very candid. 

This time it’s not about how much I know. On the contrary, it’s about the connection I felt and the meaningful things that happened to me. 

And you know, I was very happy when my feelings for Gaylord were validated by the “Slow Tourism Movement” started by Pure Michigan. 

So, the next time I am in Gaylord, I will just smell the tulips, relax and unwind, and have the best pizza. 

Nevertheless, Gaylord, with its diverse terrains, has a lot to offer to outdoor enthusiasts. 

So, you can be a traveler like me, just soaking in the moment. Also, you can be a traveler eager to explore the trails.

Irrespective of the type of traveler you are, you wil have many options as you search for “What to do in Gaylord, MI today.”

Let’s discuss all those in this Tour and Travel Blog. 

What Is The Best Time To Visit Gaylord, MI?

What Is The Best Time To Visit Gaylord, MI_

April to October is the best time to visit Gaylord, MI. The summer months from May to July are ideal for many outdoor activities, such as biking, hiking, and elk spotting. 

Also, Gaylord celebrates the Alpenfest in the summer season. It is a celebration of the Alpine heritage. 

The temperature in Gaylord starts dropping from November, and the lowest temperature becomes sub-zero. Moreover, October is the wettest month in Gaylord and February usually has the most amount of snowfall. 

Do you want to know more about the weather conditions in Gaylord, MI, by month? Have a look at the table below. 

MonthsHighest Temperature (Degree Celsius)Lowest Temperature(Degree Celsius)Days of Rainfall
Janurary-5-107
February-3-126
March4-67
April12-110
May 2079
June25109
July27148
August26147
September22108
October15412
November7-39
December-1-88

Unique Things To Do In Gaylord, MI For Adults And Children

It’s not easy to find a quick answer to what is Gaylord Michigan known for. However, here I have jotted down my favorite experiences during the trip to this beautiful “Alpine Village.”

1. Spot Elk At Gaylord’s City Elk Park: Free Things To Do In Gaylord, MI

  • Location: 116 Grandview Blvd, Gaylord
  • Hours Open: 24 Hours

Is Gaylord, Michigan, worth visiting for a wildlife enthusiast? Of course! 

You can plan a day trip to Gaylord’s City Elk Park and find the elk grazing peacefully.

2. Exploring The Trails At Aspen Park: Things To Do In Gaylord MI In Winter

  • Location: Commerce Blvd, Gaylord
  • Hours Open: 6 AM to 11 PM

Aspen Park, with its unique geographical features, is the one-stop destination for bikers, hikers, and casual strollers. 

During the winter months, the wooded and hilly terrains here become ideal for cross-country skiing. 

3. Visiting The Call of the Wild Museum: Things To Do In Gaylord, MI, To Know About Local Culture

  • Location: 850 S Wisconsin Ave, Gaylord
  • Hours Open: 9 AM to 9 PM

A theater, a gift shop, and a display of North American wildlife in their natural habitat! The Call of the Wild Museum is a fusion of all these. 

Here you will learn about the local history and wildlife, and collect some fun souvenirs from the award-winning gift shops. 

4. Relaxing At A Spa: Things To Do This Weekend For Adults

If the week-long activities have kept you busy, you can visit a spa this weekend for massage, Reiki, aromatherapy, and other wellness services. 

The Holistic Spa at 104 W Main St is a popular spa here. 

5. Spending Time At Otsego County Sportsplex: The Kids’ Favorite

  • Location: PO Box 1886, 1250 Gornick Ave, Gaylord
  • Hours Open: Monday and Friday: 6 AM to 7 PM; Tuesday & Thursday: 6 AM- 8:30 PM, Wednesday: 6 AM – 7:30 PM, Saturday: 8 AM – 6 PM; Sun: 10 AM – 6 PM

The Olympic-sized swimming pool and ice rink are the biggest attractions of Otsego County Sportsplex. 

However, it also has segments for Yoga, Kayaking, and Karate training. Moreover, you can rent a room to play softball, baseball, or golf here. 

6. Playing Golf At Bavarian Falls Park: Things To Do In Gaylord, MI In The Afternoon

  • Location: 850 S Wisconsin Ave, Gaylord
  • Hours Open: 10 AM to 10 PM

You can spend the afternoon trying your luck at the turf. The golf course at Bavarian Falls Park is a favorite of young couples, and the scenic view here is relaxing. 

7. Watching Sunsets At Otsego Lake State Park

  • Location: 7136 Old Hwy 27 S, Gaylord
  • Hours Open: 8 AM to 10 PM

Kissing by Lake Otsego was the biggest “IT” moment for my partner and me in Gaylord. It’s a place to relax away from the noise of city life. 

Also, the Sun setting behind the trees offers transcendental views.

8. Exploring The North Blueberry Farm

  • Location: 3964 Hallenius Rd, Gaylord

Want to have the best blueberries in the region? Head to the privately-owned North Blueberry Farm. 

Enjoy some slow moments here, cherishing the scenic beauty, and carry some fresh blueberries back home.

9. Visiting The Otsego County Historical Society

  • Location: 320 W Main St, Gaylord
  • Entry: Free

Otsego County Historical Society is a museum that brings the history, culture and socio-economic characteristics of Gaylord under one roof. 

The hours of cooperation vary for the museum. So, call at +1 989-732-4568 to plan your visit.

10. Visiting The Gaylord Area Council For Arts

  • Location: 125 E Main St, Gaylord
  • Entry Fee: Free

How beautifully Gaylord has built an art community to promote its local talents! A visit to the Gaylord Area Council for Arts is one of the best things to do in Gaylord if you want to know about the local culture. 

Further, the Gallery Room here is fascinating, and you will see different forms of art here. Some of them even depict the history of the area.

11. Collecting Fresh Produce At Gaylord Farmer’s Market

  • Location: 829 W Main St, Gaylord
  • Hours Open: Saturday, 10 AM to 2 PM

All of us who talk about sustainable tourism must pay a visit to Gaylord Farmer’s Market. Michigan has always been one of the biggest promoters of the farm-to-table culture. 

At Gaylord Farmer’s Market, I got to see how things happen. Local farmers and vendors gather here with their fresh produce. 

Moreover, you see so much energy and emotion when you buy something from them or just have short and meaningful conversations. 

It’s the best way to know about the local community. 

12. Shopping At Old Spud Warehouse

  • Location: 314 S Otsego Ave, Gaylord, MI
  • Hours Open: Monday-Saturday, 10 AM to 6 PM, Sunday: 12 PM to 4 PM

The old world charm of the Old Spud Warehouse building spoke to me at first glance. Along with the clothes and accessories, what I loved the most there were the vintage items. 

I collected all the gifts for my friends from there.

Where To Eat In Gaylord? Know The Restaurants In Gaylord MI

You must have heard of Detroit-style pizza. Also, the pasties in the Upper Peninsula Region are a sheer gastronomic delight. 

Further, if you have a sweet tooth, all roads in Michigan lead to Mackinac Island, home to the famous Mackinac Island fudge. 

Along with these signature dishes, the local fresh ingredients and flavors such as thimbleberries, cudighi, and white fish, cherries, apples, maple syrup, and artisan cheese make Michigan an ideal place for culinary tourism. 

Nevertheless, these are our favorite restaurants in Gaylord, MI.

  • Bennethum’s Northern Inn at 27 Old US Hwy
  • Mi Vallarta at 1006 W Main St
  • The Iron Pig Smokehouse at 143 W Main St

Things To Do in Gaylord, MI: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are the frequently asked questions and answers about things to do in Gaylord, MI.

Why Does Gaylord, Michigan Get So Much Snow?

Gaylord, the highest city in the Lower Peninsula region, gets copious snowfall due to its high altitude (411 meters), the northern and northwestern winds blowing into the city, and the lake-effect. 

The two Great Lakes, Superior Lake and Michigan Lake, are the two most prominent elements contributing to the heavy rainfall in the city. 

But how? Jim Keysor, the warning coordination meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Gaylord, says,

The process of lake-effect snowfall, and rainfall, is the process of cold air moving across an unfrozen body of water … and we normally have a wind direction that blows from north and northwest that brings the air across the Lakes into our area.

What Is The Snowiest City In Michigan?

Munising, Houghton, and Marquette are the snowiest cities in Michigan. However, this year (2024-25 Winter), Gaylord has become the center of attraction due to a heavy snowfall of 204.6 inches. 

However, it is still behind Munising, which had a record snowfall of 238 inches in the 1996-97 winter, and in the 2024-25 winter season, it recorded a snowfall of more than 218.1 inches. 

What Is Gaylord Famous For?

With heavy snowfall and a mild summer, Gaylord is the ultimate “Alpine Village” you want to visit. No wonder that it is often referred to by this nickname. 

Its skiing and golf resorts attract a lot of enthusiasts every year, and it is the ultimate land of outdoor adventure with diverse terrains and activities such as biking, hiking, elk spotting, etc. 

With a Swiss heritage and a sister city to Pontresina in Switzerland, Gaylord also celebrates the Alpine connection through festivals and other cultural activities. 

Alpenfest is the biggest celebration in this regard. In 2025, Alpenfest in Gaylord will take place from 8 to 12 July 2025. It is the 60th year of the festival.

Moreover, don’t miss the Alpine-themed architecture when you are in Gaylord. 

What Should I Wear To Gaylord Ice?

You should wear long pants, a hat, gloves, and a Gaylord Rockies parka to Gaylord Ice. 

Gaylord is one of the coldest cities in Michigan, and snowfall reached a record high in the 2024-25 winter season.

What Is America’s Snowiest City?

Valdez, in Alaska, is the snowiest city in the United States. 

Thanks to the Aleutian low-pressure system, frequent and lasting snowstorms, and mountain drainage, Valdez experiences around 325.3 inches of snowfall in a year. 

What Is The Coldest City In Michigan?

In the Upper Peninsula, Stambaugh is the coldest city in Michigan, with the temperature going down to -30 degrees Celsius on 20th January, 2025, and -28 degrees Celsius on 21st January 2025. 

In winter 2024-25, the Upper Peninsula and some parts of the Lower Peninsula experienced frigid cold. 

Further, the temperature in various parts of the Upper Peninsula decreased to -25 degrees Celsius. 

Nevertheless, here is a list of the temperature records of the cities in the Upper and Lower Peninsulas of Michigan during the winter of 2024- 25.

Name of the CityTemperature (Degree Celsius)
Stambaugh-28
Ironwood-27
Herman-25
Marquette Area-19
Bergland-17
Munising-14
Manistique-13
Sault Ste Marie-13
Engadine-13
Houghton/Hancock:-12
West Branch-12
Atlanta-9
Kalkaska-6
Battle Creek-5
Grand Rapids-5
Vanderbilt-4
Lansing-4
Gaylord-4

What Month Does Michigan Get The Most Snow?

December to February are the snowiest months in Michigan. However, snowfall in Michigan starts in November and continues till April. 

In the 2024-25 winter season, the Upper Peninsula Region of Michigan had a snowfall of over 320 inches (National Weather Service). It was the highest of the season. 

Further, Gaylord had a snowfall of 204.6 inches in the 2024-2025 winter season1, achieving a 138% high of the usual average of 148 inches. 

Also, during the same months, Traverse City received 152.2 inches of snow, and Detroit received 28.7 inches.

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  1. https://www.yahoo.com/news/much-snow-did-michigan-season-145317508.html? ↩︎

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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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READ MORE what is the latitude of las vegas

What Is The Latitude Of Las Vegas? – Geographical Coordinates

BY  Abdul Aziz Nov 24, 2021

Can you imagine going anywhere without google maps nowadays? I guess not. If you do, you might be some genius in remembering roads.  But, even if you are, a new place with enough sightseeing to do can overwhelm you with the directions even in GPS. Especially in a place like Vegas, it covers a small area but the varieties of things you will encounter there are endless.  I am not saying that you have to memorize the entire latitudinal and longitudinal coordinates. However, ‘Las Vegas latitude’ is a very commonly asked question on the internet mostly when people are visiting the city.  What Is The Latitude Of Las Vegas? Las Vegas is located in the southwestern part of the US.  Latitude of Las Vegas, Nevada, USA: 36.169292  Latitude to Longitude Las Vegas, Nevada, USA: 6° 6' 52.7292'' N and 115° 10' 22.1268'' W. But, the article doesn’t end here. As we have already mentioned travel, I will be mentioning places you can travel through, along this latitude.  Places To Visit In Vegas  When you search 'what is the latitude of Las Vegas for travel purposes, your eyes will automatically scout through the attractions there. Especially, if your GPS location shows you are somewhere on that geographical coordination.  Here are a few places you can visit when around the Eastern to Western Vegas.  1. The Strip Location: 36.1147° N, 115.1728° W The strip is the entertainment junction of the city. It is filled with some of the most famous central avenues on Las Vegas Boulevard. If you are staying around the latitudinal area of the city, in no time you will be exposed to the key part of Vegas filled with casinos, live entertainment shows, and lots and lots of night lights. It is known for being the most expensive and luxurious hotel in the area if you want to get that royal experience. If not then you can stay in the western outskirts as reaching the Strip won’t be a nuisance from there. “This was our first time to Vegas and we loved it. All the glitz and glamour was well worth the cost. We loved all the bright lights and stunning views at night. We found the strip very clean and any restrooms we used along the way were spotless as well. We were never annoyed by the entertainment along the strip, although some of it could be very loud which really wasn't necessary. No one bothered us. If asked "would you like a picture with me" a no thank you was enough for them to continue on their way. All stores and restaurants along the strip we visited were great. All attractions we did on the strip were well worth the money. All the freebies we saw were perfection. All the employees we encountered on the strip in different establishments were all very kind and very nice to us. They were always helpful.” - Sheera85 2. Valley Of Fire State Park  Location: 36.5073° N, 114.5352° W This nature’s preservation is a beautiful attraction stretched around 40,000 acres along the latitude of Vegas. If you want a day that will take you away from the night buzz of Vegas and expose you to the daylight then this is the place for you.  This place has ancient trees and petroglyphs dating back from 2000 years. The Valley Of Fire State Park is also an excellent sight if camping adventures increase your travelling high. “The state park derives its name from red sandstone formations, which formed from shifting sand dunes 150 million years ago. These features, which are the centerpiece of the park's attractions, often appear to be on fire when reflecting the sun's rays. It is absolutely beautiful, and from someone who is generally not a fan of travelling to historic sites just to take pictures, that says a lot. The entrance fee is $10, and you get a park map to guide you to all the different locations to see. You can drive anywhere in the park, and get off and take pictures anywhere as well, so you have a ton of freedom to just enjoy the experience and the view.” - Akaash 3. Shark Reef At Mandalay Bay  Location: 36.0903327°N, 115.1765442°W Vegas is the entertainment city of the world but it is not just known for this. If you are searching for ‘what is the latitude of Las Vegas’ then stumbling across this location might just be your lucky day.  Just like the previous one, this can also be a daylight attraction however not strictly. This reef is a magical wonder filled with 2,000 animals including sharks, giant rays, piranha and endangered green sea turtles.  This is not just a perfect destination for the blue world lovers but will also attract the most dullest of minds. “The Aquarium is more than worth the money you pay. This is the only attraction in the entire city we actually enjoyed on our 8 day trip. The huge lizard, the pihrana fishes, the jellyfish, and sharks just to name a few were amazing. Words to describe it are interesting (the girl explains to you about many aspects of the sharks etc.) it was educational, it was fun and exciting, and a great way to spend a few hours enjoying yourself. This exhibit was just marvelous, and I do recommend it to everyone young, old, and in between.” - valsetz 4. Stratosphere Tower  Location: 36.1475° N, 115.1566° W If you want to experience the magnificent view of the entire city with luxury then you should find yourself in the Stratosphere Tower. It is estimated to be 1149 feet tall and also has been the second tallest broadcast tower in North America.  This tower also hosts one of the largest hotels and will provide you with the utmost luxury.  “An elegant resort positioned between Freemiont and the main strip. We went there to see the "Michael Jackson" show and prior to the show we browsed through the shops. Be careful as the shops will try to entice you into their stores for a free sample and then up-sell you with very expensive merchandised.” - frankpN4138VZ 5. Fremont Street Experience  Location: 36.1708° N, 115.1443° W Fremont Street is not just one experience, it is a blast of 100. This downtown destination holds home to all the action. If noise and crowd are your traveling buddies then you will have the time of your life with nights of live music, special events, concerts, and light shows.  This place also doesn’t fall short of adventure as the superhero-zoom Zip-Zilla Zipline that will traverse you through the entire length of the street. This is definitely not for the faintest of hearts! “We were catching a late night bus or of Las Vegas and we decided to spend our last few hours at the Fremont Street Experience, which is not far from the Greyhound Bus Terminal. We highly recommend coming here if you come to Las Vegas as there's great atmosphere, free entertainment and it's lots of fun. We loved the overhead screen which gave the area a lot of colour and light.” - bucketlisttravellers Along The Latitudes The reason why we search 'what is the latitude of Las Vegas' is mostly that you find yourself lost in your GPS. However, if you plan your travel along the latitudinal and longitudinal borders of the city. It will make your travel much easier as transportation along the main highway will be bringing some solution to the itinerary. Read More: What Is The Best Time To Visit Morocco? A Guide To National Parks In Idaho – Latest Guide Batista Restaurant Las Vegas – Restaurant Info, Ratings & Reviews

READ MORE Wendover hotels

Top 6 Most Popular Wendover Hotels In West Wendover In 2022

BY  Abdul Aziz Sep 20, 2021

Stunning West Wendover holds the most magnificent view of the clear salt lakes. The place’s unique military history delivers the presence of the rich history. And this naturally beautiful place has become the most attractive tourist destination in West Wendover. Wendover hotels are not only gorgeous, but the modern luxurious amenities are also too attractive. The casino culture of the place attracts more travelers and tourists.  Wendover is full of different sizes of casinos, and casinos mean the more lucrative features of the hotels. You are getting all the modern attractions with the natural view. The clear blue lake and the miles-long salt flats are making these places a more desirable destination for adventure lovers and photographers. The small mountains and various safe hiking places are making this the most seductive stop in the USA. Are you looking for a tourist place which is full of modern equipment and luxury? Then the Wendover hotels are the best example of meeting your expectations and surrounding yourself with natural beauty. Top 6 Most Popular Wendover Hotels In West Wendover The popular hotels of Wendover hotels all have the facility of the Casino. West Wendover is a small city in Elko country. Indeed this is a small town, the versatility of the area makes the area special.  This small area is popular for its natural beauty and friendly local people. The luxurious hotels with casinos and bars are everywhere in the town. Here is a list of the six most popular hotels in West Wendover. 1. Rainbow Casino & Hotel Rainbow casino and hotel is the most popular hotel among all Wendover hotels. This is the perfect place where you can lay down in bed calmly. This place is the perfect place to take a rest and rejuvenate your mind. The beauty of salt lake city is lying under the natural beauty and playing casino games. All the modern luxury items are available in your rooms. LCD television, minibar, small countertop refrigerator, air conditioner, and iron board everything is available in your hotel rooms. The internet wifi access and indoor pool facility are the most attractive features of the hotel and the casino bar. When you want to play and enjoy your days while accessing all luxury of the hotel rooms, this is the fittest place where you get all the luxury items under a single roof. 2. Wendover Nugget Hotel & Casino Large casinos and beautiful small hills are the main attraction of the place. Stay and play and pamper yourself with all the modern luxury items. The luxury items are all the best almost 500 deluxe rooms are available, along with the whirlpool bath services. The big entrance is colorful and luxurious to look at. The front entrance is inviting the guest with their widely stretched hands. All the suites are luxurious. The hotel’s unique pool and spa help keep your mind cool during the time of the game. Besides the casino bar, cigar bar, and Starbucks area, it adds more points to the nugget hotel and casino. If you do not want to play the Casino, you can simply relax in your room and take a calming hot tub bath. 3. Montego Bay Casino Resort Montego Bay Casino Resort is one of the best travelers preferred among all the Wendover hotels. The environment is very calming and when you are simply traveling in the town. When you want to take a simple break, this Montego Bay Casino resort is the best suitable stop. Over 500 rooms are available for guest reservations. As the casino is the most popular place to play the coins, the night view of the resort is so attractive; indeed, you see the beautiful small hills in the background, and the big gate is in front of you, along with the big parking lot. In the middle of the building, a large size swimming pool is available to relax your mind. You can simply enjoy the swimming pool view from your rooms. All rooms have a modern spa-like facility along with the Jacuzzi and facility of hot bathtubs. 4. Peppermill Wendover Hotel Casino Peppermill Wendover hotel-casino is the best place to get all the facilities like other casino hotels in West Wendover. The free big parking is available in front of the West Wendover hotel. Each of the hotel rooms has all the modern amenities along with a nice relaxing ambiance. The LCD monitor and the other facilities like minibar, air conditioners, and varieties of gaming slots, and varieties of poker games are available.  This Wendover hotel-casino is very popular among all travelers because of its good quality foods. The indoor and outdoor pool facilities are helping you spend more relaxing time with your particular person. Peppermill Wendover Hotel Casino is scoring ten out of ten because of its beautiful and romantic ambiance. Also Read: Top 10 Affordable Hostels In Los Angeles – California 5. Red Garter Hotel & Casino Are you looking for a small stopover while traveling in the West Wendover? This hotel is relatively new, and they offer a good room quality within your budget. All the rooms of the hotel are scoring ten out of ten in the quality aspect. The rooms are all cozy, and the environment is calm and friendly. When you feel exhausted while playing the casino game, the swimming pool helps you to freshen up your mind. This casino hotel is perfect for a small stopover while you are traveling on the road. Many moving travelers are visiting this casino hotel as the perfect stopover. The most attractive features of the place are their dining menu. The versatile food and menus are making this hotel the most preferred place for all moving travelers. Also Read: Top 10 Hotels In India 6. Quality Inn Stateline Quality Inn Stateline is proving very comfortable suits at an affordable price. This inn is just situated in the middle of the town, and many popular casinos are just throwing away the distance from the place. This popular cozy Inn Just 10 minutes drive from the Bonneville Salt flats. When are we talking about Wendover hotels? What comes first into your mind is a large crowded casino hotel or a cozy room. This is the best place which brings you a lot of mental peace. This less crowded place is popular and a small distance from the popular casinos. The salt lakes are most attractive for the adventure traveler, and if you are one of them, then a smart and comfortable inn is the best suitable place for you. As the comfortable room amenities and the delicious dining meal items are making your mind fresh. Frequently Asked Questions How much do hotels in Wendover cost? Based on Trip.com, the average cost per night for hotels in Wendover is USD 121. Hotel prices can vary from time to time. This price is only for reference. What hotels in Wendover are suitable for couples? Whether you are on a honeymoon or vacation with your loved one, Supreme 8 by Wyndham, Best western plus Wendover, and Motel 6 Wendover are the ones chosen by the couples. Wrapping Up  Wendover is popular among adventure-loving traveler, photographers, and many gamblers. Undoubtedly the salt lakes of the Wendover are the most popular places to explore, but the casino popularity is making this place the most desired traveling destination. If you are planning to travel to West Wendover, then do not forget to share your travel story with us. You May Also Like:  Alabama Travel Guide Top 10 Most Popular Paraguay Food That You Must Try Best Time To Visit New York – Know All About New York Weather

READ MORE Banff National Park

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

BY  Sibashree Nov 11, 2024

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 HighlightsBanff 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  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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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, 2024Power of Presence - Wellness Retreat1st-3rd November, 2024Embrace Joy - Your New Freedom - Wellness Retreat7th-10th November, 2024Banff Wine & Yoga Festival 8th-11th November, 2024Banff Sunshine Community Ski Day6th December, 2024Mt Norquay Community Ski Day7th December, 2024Lake Louise Community Ski Day8th December, 2024SnowDays Play ZoneJanuary 2025Aerial Yoga Teacher Training16th-19th January 2025SnowDays 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.  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.