Banff in the winter feels straight out of a snow globe – frozen lakes, towering mountain peaks, and that crisp, fresh air that makes everything feel a little more magical. While it’s known as a ski destination, you absolutely don’t need to ski to have an incredible trip here.

In fact, some of the best experiences in Banff have nothing to do with skiing at all. Imagine soaking in outdoor hot pools surrounded by snow, riding a gondola up a mountain at sunset, or dog sledding through quiet forest trails.

If you’re planning a winter trip and want a mix of adventure and relaxation without hitting the slopes, these are the best Banff winter activities that don’t involve skiing.

Looking for more to do in Banff? I mapped out exactly how to structure your days in my Banff Winter Itinerary so you can fit these experiences in without overpacking your schedule.

Quick Deets: Banff in Winter (Non-Ski Edition)

• Best for: Couples, first-time Banff visitors, non-skiers, relaxed adventure trips
• Ideal Trip length: 3 – 5 days
• Best time to visit: December – March for full winter experience
• Getting around: Rental car recommended (especially for Lake Louise)
• Vibe: Cozy mornings, active afternoons, slow evenings

The Best Banff Winter Activities

Walk Through Johnston Canyon to Frozen Waterfalls

If you want something active that still feels easy and accessible, this is one of the best Banff winter activities.

Johnston Canyon transforms completely in the colder months – the waterfalls freeze into massive blue ice formations, and the entire canyon feels like something out of a movie.

The trail itself is well-maintained and relatively flat, with a mix of forest paths and suspended catwalks built into the canyon walls.

• Distance: ~1.5 miles round trip to Lower Falls; ~3 miles to Upper Falls
• Time: 1-2 hours depending how far you go
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate

You can stop at the Lower Falls if you want something quick, or continue to the Upper Falls for even bigger frozen formations (which if you have the energy for, is definitely worth it!).

Pro tip: Rent or bring ice cleats – the trail can get slippery, especially near the falls.

Ride the Banff Gondola at Golden Hour

The Banff Gondola is one of the easiest ways to get those sweeping Rocky Mountain views without doing a full hike.

The ride itself takes about 10 minutes, but the real experience is at the top. There’s a full summit complex, complete with dining options and fire pits, plus a boardwalk that leads you along the ridge of Sulphur Mountain with panoramic views the entire way.

When to go: Book a time slot about 1 hour before sunset so you can see the mountains in daylight and as the light changes.

Dog Sledding Through the Snowy Forest

This was hands down one of the coolest of the Banff winter activities we did on our trip!

We booked with Kingmik Dog Sled Tours, and you’ll have the chance to ride through quiet forest trails with a team of huskies pulling the sled – and it’s way more immersive than it sounds.

The experience typically lasts about 1.5-2 hours and includes time to meet the dogs, take photos, learn how everything works, and even get a chance to ride on the back of the sled.

Cost: Usually around $200-$300 per person, depending on the tour length and time of year.

It’s definitely a splurge, but this is one of those activities that truly lives up to the hype – and one of the most memorable things you can do in Banff in the winter.

Ice Skate on Lake Louise

Ice skating on Lake Louise is one of the most iconic winter experiences in Banff – and for good reason.

The lake freezes over completely, turning into a natural skating rink surrounded by mountains and the Fairmont hotel. It literally feels straight out of a postcard. And, during the winter, there’s a huge ice castle right in the middle of the lake – it’s dreamy.

You can bring your own skates or rent them on-site. Access to the lake it completely free!

Pro tip: Go early in the morning or closer to sunset to avoid crowds and get that glassy, untouched ice.

Relax at the Basin Glacial Waters Spa

If you’re looking for something a luxurious & relaxing experience, spend a few hours at the spa at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.

The Basin Glacial Waters experience includes a mix of hot pools, cold plunges, steam rooms, and saunas – all designed to be done in a circuit.

They also offer guided sauna rituals called Aufguss, where a sauna master uses heat and essential oils in a choreographed session. It sounds niche, but it’s actually so relaxing and worth timing your visit around. Plus, the views are to die for!

Soak in the Banff Upper Hot Springs

If you don’t tack on a spa day in Banff, you should definitely make your way to the Banff Upper Hot Springs for a relaxing time, at a fraction of the cost.

The Banff Upper Hot Springs sit perched above town with sweeping views of the surrounding mountains — and when it’s snowing lightly? It honestly feels unreal.

The water stays around 98–104°F, so even when it’s freezing outside, you’re completely comfortable just floating there taking in the views.

It costs $19.75 for adults and $17.25 for youth/seniors (ages 3-17 and 65+), or there’s even a family rate available for $64.25. Tickets can’t be bought in advance, so you’ll have to go in-person. It’s open on a first-come first-serve basis.

Pro tip: Go right before sunset for the best lighting, then stay as the mountains fade into blue hour — it gets even more magical.

Take a Scenic Winter Drive Along Bow Valley Parkway

If you want incredible views without committing to a full activity, this is one of the easiest (and most underrated) of the Banff winter activities.

The Bow Valley Parkway runs parallel to the Trans-Canada Highway between Banff and Lake Louise – but feels completely different.

Instead of fast-moving highway traffic, this route is slower, quieter, and way more scenic. You’ll wind through forested areas with constant mountain views, and there’s always a chance of spotting wildlife along the way (though, sadly, we didn’t see any on our trip :/).

It’s also the perfect way to break up the drive to Lake Louise or pair with a stop at Johnston Canyon.

Where to stop along the way:

• Morant’s Curve: One of the most iconic viewpoints in Banff. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch a train passing through the snow-covered valley (it looks straight out of a postcard).
• Castle Junction: Wide-open views of the Bow River with Castle Mountain in the background. Easy pull-off and worth a quick stop.
• Hillsdale Meadows: A quieter, more open stretch along the parkway where you’ll get wide valley views and a good chance of spotting wildlife, especially in the early morning.
• Backswamp: One of those low-key stops you’d miss if you didn’t know it was there – peaceful, less trafficked, and great for taking in the snowy landscape without crowds.

Go Snowshoeing

If you still want a bit of activity without skiing, snowshoeing is a great option.

Popular areas like Johnston Canyon and trails around Lake Louise offer scenic routes that are easy to follow and don’t require much experience. Try the Fairview Lookout Trail in Lake Louise for a 1-3 hr trek with incredible views of Lake Louise.

It’s a slower, quieter way to explore Banff — and honestly feels way more peaceful than the ski slopes.

Walk Through Downtown Banff & Cozy Up After

A trip to Banff is not complete without spending some time exploring Downtown Banff!

Downtown Banff is super walkable, with a mix of restaurants, coffee shops, and little boutiques. It’s the perfect way to slow down between activities.

This is where you lean into the cozy side of the trip – long dinners, drinks, and warming up after being out in the cold all day.

Ready to Experience Banff in the Winter – No Skis Required?

Banff proves you don’t need to ski to have an unforgettable winter trip. Between the hot springs, mountain views, spa days, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences like dog sledding, there’s plenty of Banff winter activities to fill your itinerary.

If anything, skipping skiing lets you experience a different side of Banff – one that’s a little slower, a little more relaxing, and just as memorable!