Winter Weather in Banff National Park
Picturesque winter in Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada, generally lasts from
November to March and temperatures typically range from -5 to -20°
Celsius (23 to -4° F). December and January are usually the
coldest months when temperatures can drop to -30° Celsius (-22°
F). The average annual Rocky Mountain snowfall in Banff, Alberta, Canada is 235 cm.
In November, bears go into hibernation. Some will emerge in late March,
after more than four months of winter sleep. Winter is a great time
for Ptarmigan viewing in the sub-alpine regions of the National Park, seeing
resident eagles along the Bow River, and backtracking mammals in the
snow.
| Month |
High (°C) |
Low (°C) |
High (°F) |
Low (°F) |
| November |
1 |
-8 |
32 |
18 |
| December |
-5 |
-14 |
23 |
7 |
| January |
-5 |
-15 |
23 |
5 |
| February |
0 |
-11 |
32 |
13 |
Outdoor Recreation
Sled Dog Tour Packages
Feel your heart race as you sled through the pristine
wilderness of the Canadian Rockies on a dog sled! Experience a winter
adventure you will never forget! Contact the concierge for tour information
and reservations. Ask about our wonderful ski packages.
Sleigh Ride Packages
A sleigh ride with family and friends adds the perfect
"western touch" to your winter holiday. Depending on snow conditions,
sleigh rides run from November to early April. Contact the concierge for
additional information and sleigh ride reservations. Ask about our ski
tours and ski packages in the Canadian Rockies.
Winter Hiking
A few of our favourite National Park winter hikes in the area include
Fenland Trail (a short hike), Cave and Basin Loop, Sundance Canyon, Stewart
Canyon, and Stoney Woman Mountain. For more information on winter hiking
in Banff, Alberta, Canada, Banff National park trail maps, and Rocky Mountain winter trail conditions,
stop by the Banff Information Centre. Combine your Canadian Rockies hiking adventure with
one of our ski packages.
Back Country Ski Trip Packages
Adventurous tourists with some Rocky Mountain ski experience should
take a day trip into the beautiful back country of Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada,
with an Association of Canadian Rocky Mountain Guides certified ski guide. Call
678-2885 or check www.acmg.ca to hire
a certified guide or ask about The Juniper's ski packages.
Winter Mountaineering Packages
Adventurous and experienced travelers may wish to hire
an Association of Canadian Mountaineering Guide certified Rocky Mountain guide
for some winter mountaineering. Call 678-2885 or check www.acmg.ca to hire a Canadian Rockies certified guide. What better way to enjoy a
ski vacation during your stay in our Banff, Alberta, Canada accommodations.
Cross Country Skiing Packages
Explore picturesque Rocky Mountain winter on a cross-country ski. Take
advantage of our ski packages. Some cross-country ski trails nearby include
the Cascade Valley trail and the Spray Valley loop. For more Canadian Rockies trail information,
trail conditions in addition to ski packages, contact the Banff Information
Centre.
Snowshoes, Skates, and Toboggans!
Rent some snowshoes and explore picturesque Banff, Alberta,
Canada in the snow. Stop by the Banff Information Centre for winter trail
suggestions. You might also want to rent some skates and take a thermos
of hot chocolate to one of Banff's outdoor skating areas. Ask the
concierge where to rent all kinds of winter gear including ski equipment.
Downhill Ski Packages
Banff National Park accommodations in Alberta, Canada, showcase many of
the world's great Rocky Mountain ski resorts with many ski packages available. Ski
the great outdoors in the beautiful Canadian Rocky Mountains in Banff,
Alberta, Canada. Ask the concierge for ski resorts offering contacts and
information regarding ski packages.
Cultural Events
Buffalo Nations Museum
Journey into the extraordinary heritage of the Indians
of the Northern Plains and Canadian Rockies. The Buffalo Nations
Museum is a cultural exhibit that celebrates the richness, diversity,
continuity and resilience of the native peoples of this area. Explore
the ceremonies, dances, songs, and legends of the Stoney, Blackfoot, Sarcee,
Peigan, Ojibway, and Cree nations. For museum hours call
762-2388
Santa Claus Parade
Every December Banff, Alberta, Canada, holds its annual
Santa Claus Parade. Check with the concierge for this year's parade
details.
Ice Sculpture Festival
In January take in beautiful winter Rocky Mountain scenes at
the Ice Magic International Ice Sculpture Annual Competition and Family
event at Lake Louise. Contact Banff/Lake Louise Tourism at 762-8421 or
check www.banfflakelouise.com for details.
Soak in History - A Winter Treat
Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada, was originally made famous for
its natural hot springs where early tourists came to “take the waters”.
Spend an afternoon soaking in the Banff Upper Hot Springs or take an interpretive
tour at the Cave and Basin. Call 762-1515 for the Upper Hot Springs or
762-1566 for the Cave and Basin Interpretive Centre.
Banff Lake Louise Winterfest
Take in events and entertainment for the entire family.
Contact Banff/Lake Louise Tourism at 762-8421 or check www.banfflakelouise.com for details.
Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies
For a warm, indoor option check out the current exhibition
at the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies. For details contact the Whyte
Museum at www.whyte.org or by phone
at 762-2291.
The Eleanor Luxton Historical Foundation Tours
Step back in time at one of Banff, Alberta, Canada's,
historical homes. For a tour of the historical Luxton home please contact
the Whyte Museum at 762-2291 for times and availability of tours throughout
the year.
The Banff Centre
Check to see what's
on at The Banff Centre's music, theatre, and art venues: www.banffcentre.ca
Call the Banff Centre Box Office for more details 1-800-413-8368.
Wildlife in Banff National Park
Christmas Bird Count
Banff, Alberta, Canada's, Christmas bird count is part
of one of the largest collaborative, amateur scientific efforts in the
world. It has been underway for over 100 years. The Bow Valley Naturalists
is the local hosting organization. Ask the concierge for details on this
year's count.
Discover Wildlife in Winter
Winter wildlife abound as the cold and deep snow drives
the animals into the valley bottoms. Ask the concierge for additional
wildlife tour information.
Reading
Authors we recommend for books on wildlife in the Canadian Rockies
include Ben Gadd, Valerius Geist, Charlie Russell, Kevin Van Tighem, or
Sid Marty. Staff at the Bear and Butterfly (on Banff Avenue) or The Book
and Art Den (on Banff Avenue) can help you find great books by these authors.
Stuff for Kids in Banff
Sled Dog Tour Packages
Feel your heart race as you sled through the pristine
wilderness of the Canadian Rockies on a dog sled! Experience a Rocky Mountain winter
adventure you will never forget! Contact the concierge for tour information
and reservations. Ask about our ski packages for kids.
Sleigh Ride Packages
A sleigh ride with family and friends adds the perfect
“western touch” to your winter holiday. Depending on snow
conditions, sleigh rides run from November to early April. Contact the
concierge for additional information and sleigh ride reservations. We
have great ski packages for kids as well.
Buffalo Nations Museum
Journey into the extraordinary heritage of the Indians
of the Northern Plains and Canadian Rockies. The Buffalo Nations
Museum is a cultural exhibit that celebrates the richness, diversity,
continuity and resilience of the native peoples of this area. Explore
the ceremonies, dances, songs, and legends of the Stoney, Blackfoot, Sarcee,
Peigan, Ojibway, and Cree nations. For museum hours call
762-2388.
Snowshoes, Skates, and Toboggans!
In addition to our ski packages you can rent some snowshoes
and explore picturesque Banff National Park in the snow. Stop by the Banff Information
Centre for Rocky Mountain winter trail suggestions. You might also want to rent some
skates and take a thermos of hot chocolate to one of the Banff National Park outdoor skating areas. Ask the concierge where to rent all kinds
of winter gear for activities in the Canadian Rockies, including ski equipment |