Banff Family Christmas
- 5 Days
- 19 Experiences
Experience the enchantment of the holiday season in breathtaking Banff National Park. This 5-day itinerary is specially crafted for families looking to immerse themselves in the festive spirit while indulging in iconic Christmas activities such as sleigh rides, ice skating, and exploring the stunning winter wonderland. Get ready for a memorable holiday adventure filled with laughter, joy, and unforgettable moments.
Who's it For?
- Adventurous Families
- Nature Lovers
- Christmas Enthusiasts
When to Go
- November & December
Trip Itinerary
Getting to Banff and Lake Louise
With plenty of transportation options to get you to and from the Banff and Lake Louise area, you can rest easy knowing you'll be able to plan a seamless journey from start to finish.
Learn about getting here.Day 01
Welcome to Banff, the perfect place for your picturesque mountain Christmas vacation. Arrive at Banff in the early afternoon and check into your accommodation before setting out to explore this winter wonderland on a guided fat biking expedition. Finish the evening at a local Banff steakhouse surrounded by wood, fire, and warmth.
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Day 02
Get an early start to your day, enjoy breakfast at your accommodation and then head up to Lake Louise for two iconic Christmas activities in Banff and Lake Louise – wild skating on the frozen Lake Louise and dog sledding. Grab a hot chocolate and a quick bite to warm up in between at the Guide's Pantry and then finish your day by dining lake-side at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and wander the hotel viewing their spectacular Christmas displays.
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Public Transit
Distance: 60km
Use Roam Public Transit Route 8X for a hassle-free journey from Banff to Lake Louise. Be sure to reserve your tickets in advance.
Walk
Distance: 0.1km
Located in the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, this is a quick walk from the lakeshore.
Walk
Distance: 0.5km
From the Lake Louise lakeshore, take a short walk down the Louise Creek Trail to the Great Divide trailhead where your dog sledding tour starts.
Day 03
Start your day with a classic horse-drawn sleigh ride through the snowy meadows of Banff. Afterwards, have lunch at Wild Flour Bakery before strapping on your snowshoes for a guided snowshoeing experience. Then, feel like you're in a winter fairy tale exploring Banff’s Christmas lights display and finish your evening with a classic winter dining experience of fondue.
Multiple Travel Options
Distance: 1.5km
If it's warm enough enjoy an easy walk to the stables across the Nancy Pauw pedestrian bridge. If it's a little cool for you liking, the drive to the stables takes about 10 minutes from town and there's parking available.
Multiple Travel Options
Distance: 1km
Return to your hotel after lunch. Snowshoeing locations will vary but your provider will provide transport with a pick up from your hotel.
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Walk
Distance: 1km
It's an easy walk from downtown Banff to the Cascade of Time Garden.
Day 04
Soar high above Banff with the Banff Gondola and explore Santa’s mountaintop workshop. Then, unwind with a relaxing visit to the Banff Upper Hot Springs. Soak in the warm waters while surrounded by snowy vistas. Spend your day exploring Banff’s quaint streets and shops including the Spirit of Christmas - Banff's very own year round Christmas shop! And finish up with a cozy meal at the Maple Leaf.
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Walk
Distance: 0.5km
The hot springs are just a short walk from the gondola station so make sure you pack your swimsuit when you leave for the day.
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Walk
Distance: 0.1km
From Bear Street, it's quick walk to Banff Ave (it's the next street over).
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Day 05
Start your last day in Banff by experience the joy of sliding down a mountain at Mt. Norquay’s tube track. Once you’re done whooping it up on the track, head back into town for one last lunch, at Farm & Fire where you can enjoy a variety share plates featuring locally sourced ingredients.
Shuttle
Distance: 7km
Mt. Norquay offer a free shuttle with regular departures to the skill hill in the winter.
Where to Stay
Here's some accommodation options that work for this trip:
Reservations & Booking
Some of the activities require reservations or bookings upfront. Here is an overview of all providers:
Guided E-fat Biking Tour
Ice Skating on Lake Louise
Dog Sledding in Lake Louise
Sleigh Ride in Banff
Guided Snowshoeing Tour
Banff Gondola
Soak in the Banff Upper Hot Springs
Tubing at Mt. Norquay
Good to Know
Maximise your trip enjoyment with a little pre-planning. Here's our pro tips:
Get a Park Pass
Make a reservation for gear/ activities
Learn about the best ways to get around
Check the weather forecast