Winter Relaxation & Adventure
- 6 Days
- 18 Experiences
Whether you're an adventure enthusiast or simply out to have fun with friends, this 6-day itinerary in Banff National Park has got you covered. It's a perfect blend of thrilling experiences and serene relaxation.
Over the next six days, you'll glide across Lake Louise, mush with huskies, explore cross-country skiing, take on fat biking, ride the Banff Gondola, and even test your mettle with ice climbing. But there's also time to stroll through Banff's charming streets, soak in natural hot springs, and savour delicious local cuisine.
For the best experience we recommend booking accommodation for 2 nights in Lake Louise and 4 nights in Banff.
Who's it For?
- Adventure Seekers
- Après Lovers
- Friends & Couples
When to Go
- November - April
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 National Park, the perfect place for a winter holiday full of action, adventure and relaxation. Start by arriving at your accommodation in the heart of Lake Louise Village, where you'll kick-off your winter adventure. Once you’ve checked in, head up to iconic Lake Louise and strap on your skates for for a few laps on the world's most scenic skating rink. When you've worked up an appetite, round off your day with a cozy meal.
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Multiple Travel Options
Distance: 4km
Use Roam Transit Route 8X to return to the village and then enjoy short 1km winter stroll to the Station Restaurant.
Day 02
Get your fill of adventure as you head out for an unforgettable dog sledding experience. Warm up with lunch at Alpine Social in the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and then if you can handle more time in the cold, get your heart rate up with an afternoon of cross-country skiing on the Pipestone Loop.
Car
Distance: 3km
Drive from your hotel to the Great Divide trailhead where the dog sledding starts from. Parking is available.
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Day 03
Head from Lake Louise to Banff for the next round of your trip. Take this as a relaxing day after going hard yesterday. Make your way into your accommodation in Banff and relax by exploring the town’s streets, picking up the perfect souvenir, grabbing a hearty meal and relaxing in an outdoor hot spring.
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Car
Distance: 60km
Drive from Lake Louise to Banff and after checking into your hotel take an easy walk into downtown Banff.
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Walk
Distance: 0.1km
Walk from Banff Ave to Bear Street (the next street over)
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Public Transit
Distance: 4km
The easiest way to access the hot springs from downtown is with Roam Transit Route 1.
Day 04
Start your day early with a guided fat biking adventure. Head out and explore Banff’s snowy trails while getting your pump on.Then, skip the workout but gain the views by soaring high above Banff with the Banff Gondola. Relax as you watch the sunset over the townsite from Sulphur Mountain and enjoy a sky high dining experience at Sky Bistro.
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Walk
Distance: 1km
Walk from your hotel to the meeting point in downtown Banff. Meeting points may vary by provider.
Public Transit
Distance: 4km
The best way to access the Banff Gondola from downtown is by Roam Transit Route 1.
Day 05
Start your day with your biggest adventure yet and experience ice climbing, a quintessential Canadian Rockies winter experience. Banff’s experienced guides will provide all the knowledge and gear you need for this hearty, full-day adventure. Refuel and warm up with fondue at Bluebird Restaurant and if you’ve still got movement in your legs, try a beautiful evening ice walk in Johnston Canyon, where you will see frozen waterfalls under a night’s sky.
Multiple Travel Options
Check with your provider to confirm your meeting point and if transportation is included.
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Walk
Distance: 0.5km
Located centrally in downtown Banff, it's an easy walk from most hotels.
Day 06
Take this last full day to relax and really enjoy yourself in this snowy winter wonderland. Go for a walk in a snowy forest, relax in a spa and take in your fill at one of Banff’s cozy cafes. If you’re looking for a unique dining experience, try the Eat the Castle tour at Banff’s castle. This day is about recharging before heading back home.
Multiple Travel Options
Confirm with your provider for meeting point and if transportation is provided
Public Transit
Distance: 2km
Just a short bus ride from downtown Banff, Roam Transit Route 2 will take you to the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel
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:
Ice Skating on Lake Louise
Dog Sledding in Lake Louise
Cross-Country Ski the Pipestone Loop
Soak in the Banff Upper Hot Springs
Guided E-fat Biking Tour
Banff Gondola
Mountaintop Dining at the Sky Bistro
Guided Ice Climbing Tour
Guided Ice Walk Tour
Guided Forest Bathing
Eat the Castle Guided Food Tour
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