5-Day Winter Itinerary for Banff and Lake Louise – The Ultimate Guide

Base yourself in Banff for days 1–2 and switch to Lake Louise for days 3–5, staying in two hotels within easy walking distance of the town core and shuttle stops. This setup minimizes cold detours and keeps you on the best routes for winter hiking and ice walks.

Each day blends a walking stroll with a cozy stop at a lakeside cafe, and you plan ahead to be off the trail before shadows deepen. The rockies between Banff and Lake Louise frame your map choices, with the nearest parking and trail options that fit a brisk winter rhythm. This article also features an interactive map so you can adjust plans without losing momentum; they can tweak the pace by year and conditions, and that clarity helps you travel lighter and plan that day with confidence.

Day 1 – Banff core: walk the Fenland Trail and Bow Falls outlook, then check into two notable hotels: Fairmont Banff Springs and Rimrock Resort Hotel. End with a stroll along Banff Ave, a quick shop, and a warm drink before sunset.

Day 2 – Lake Louise area: take the shuttle to Lake Louise Village, stroll the lakeshore when the surface is safely frozen, and warm up in the hotel lobby of Fairmont Lake Louise or Post Hotel & Spa. If ice allows, take a short trail to the Plain of Six Glaciers Tea House for tea with a view of the shadow of surrounding peaks before returning to your base. For a gentler option, add a loop past Healy Creek for a quick break, then refuel at a lakeside cafe.

Day 3 – Moraine Lake and Rockpile: an early shuttle gives you a shot at Moraine Lake; afterward, a loop on the trail to the Rockpile for sweeping between peak panoramas. Mind safety with layers and a warm lunch; if the weather shifts, reverse direction to Banff for the afternoon and adjust lodging accordingly.

Day 4 – Johnston Canyon Icewalk: book a guided interactive ice walk along frozen falls, then drive toward the Icefields Parkway for a short hike near lakes and glacial shadows. The Healy Creek loop offers a quieter option if crowds build, then return to your hotel by evening.

Day 5 – Easy wind-down: soak at the Banff Upper Hot Springs, browse the shops on Banff Ave, and finish with a sunset stroll along the Bow River path. This article provides a crisp, practical plan that respects daylight hours and safety, with travel tips you can reuse next year.

Banff & Lake Louise Winter Travel Guide

Base in Banff Townsite for a flexible year-round escape; here you can roam the streets after a snow-filled day, then hop on ROAM for quick hops to trails and viewpoints. ROAM offers a free option on select routes, helping you skip parking hassles while you chase light on powder days. For a bucket-list day, book a Columbia Icefield snowcoach ride and a teahouse lunch, then cap the evening with a soak at Banff Upper Hot Springs.

Banff is located in the heart of the Rockies, a prime starting point for adventure across Alberta’s front ranges.

• Where to stay
  • Fairmont Banff Springs – iconic, family-friendly, with spa and dining.
  • Banff Park Lodge Resort Hotel & Conference Centre – convenient, comfortable, good value.
  • Rundlestone Lodge – cozy, walkable to the core, strong mid-range option.
  • Sunshine Mountain Lodge – ski-in/ski-out access near Sunshine Village.
• Getting around
  • Use ROAM for easy, central hops within Banff; winter driving can be slow–plan extra time and carry traction devices.
  • Icefields Parkway demands attentive planning in snow; consider a guided day trip if you’d rather not drive.
• Winter staples and teahouse experiences
  • Lake Agnes Teahouse and Plain of Six Glaciers Teahouse offer warm meals and tea with mountain views.
  • Reserve a morning or early afternoon slot to avoid crowds and catch softer light on the trails.
  • First-timers can opt for guided options to learn trail etiquette, layering, and safety basics.
• Adventure options
  • Skiing: Mt Norquay, Lake Louise Ski Resort, and Sunshine Village provide varied runs for all levels; multi-day passes save time.
  • Snowshoeing and ice walks: Sulphur Mountain via the Banff Gondola; Johnston Canyon trails become magical with frozen waterfalls.
  • Icefields: Columbia Icefield snowcoach tours, plus glacier cruises on the icefield; explore Peyto and Mistaya viewpoints along the drive.
• Evening and other leisure
  • Soak at Banff Upper Hot Springs to unwind after a full day; warm water with mountain air is unmatched.
  • Stroll Banff Ave for warm drinks, shopping, and night photography opportunities; Vermilion Lakes offer tranquil reflections.
  • Stargaze over the surrounding ranges on clear nights; the darker skies away from town center reveal more constellations.

1. Day 1: Arrive Banff, explore the town, and ride the Banff Gondola for Sulphur Mountain views in the late afternoon, followed by a warm dinner.
2. Day 2: Lake Louise area; morning snowshoe to Lake Agnes Teahouse, then afternoon at Lake Louise Ski Resort or a scenic stroll along the lakefront.
3. Day 3: Icefields Parkway day trip; Columbia Icefield snowcoach to the Athabasca Glacier, with Peyto Lake outlook stop if road conditions allow.
4. Day 4: Canmore or Banff slope day; choose Mt Norquay or Sunshine Village in the morning, then a teahouse lunch and a mellow evening soak.
5. Day 5: Wind down with a soak at Banff Upper Hot Springs, short canyon or lake wander, and a farewell dinner in town.

Note: July brings longer daylight and different scenery; this guide targets winter, when the mountains show a frosted stillness and the light can be pristine for photography. If you plan in January–March, start early to maximize daylight and check road conditions on the Icefields Parkway. Don’t miss the chance to combine a teahouse experience with a snowcoach ride for a complete, here-and-now alpine escape.

Day 1: Arrive in Banff and Have Lunch Downtown

Park in the townsite lot near Banff Ave and enter the core on foot, then head straight to lunch. Usually, booking ahead is a must at popular spots, especially in July, and a table with views across the street puts you in the heart of banff’s energy. If youre new to the area, choose a place with small-batch pastries or local craft drinks to start your day on a personal note.

Three practical steps keep you on track: a 10-minute stroll along Banff Ave to the Bow River lookout, a 20-minute museum visit for local stories, and a quick browse through boutiques across the street. If the sun is out, you’ll glimpse powder peaks above as you look toward the ridges that rise above townsite. One-way streets help you weave between spots without backtracking.

For lunch, book a table at The Maple Leaf, known for Canadian fare and a few small-batch sauces. Try the elk or bison dish, and grab a seat by the window to watch the snow-dusted peaks above the townsite, with emerald tones coloring the valley below. Parking is usually convenient within a short walk, especially if you arrive before the lunch rush.

Begin the afternoon with a light coffee in one of downtown cafes before you head back to the hotel. Look for small-batch roasts, and if youre passing by a bakery, grab a pastry to enjoy later on the slopes. Three options to fill the hours: a riverside stroll with views along the Bow River, a visit to the Whyte Museum or the Banff Park Museum for local history, and a quick shopping loop across Banff Ave for local crafts and treats to bring home.

Day 2: Sunrise at Lake Louise and Moraine Lake Viewpoints

Plan to be on the Lake Louise Lakeshore 60 minutes before sunrise to catch the first light and the almost glassy water. yoho, the crisp air sharpens every detail as the valley wakes. Enter the lakeshore area early to find free space and minimal crowds and prepare your gear.

From the trailhead near the parking lot, take the Lakeshore Trail for a long, flat morning walk along the snowy shoreline. The calm surface reflects the surrounding peaks, and the first light on the ice can glow with pink and gold. Bring a tripod for steady shots and pack extra batteries; this daily rhythm helps you capture multiple angles and move through a few vantage points.

Moraine Lake Viewpoints: If Moraine Lake Road is open to traffic, drive to the Rockpile viewpoint for a great panorama over the lake and valley. If not, enter Moraine Lake area via the winter shuttle and head to the Moraine Lake viewpoint from the designated drop-off area. From Rockpile you likely catch the broadest shot of the mountains and the lake, with light shifting through the trees. Allow 20–30 minutes here, and consider a longer pass to Consolation Bay if time allows.

Icewalk option: On a calm, snowy morning, an icewalk along the lakeshore offers fresh angles; wear microspikes and stay on solid ice. If you prefer a warm pause, the Lake Louise area teahouse serves hot drinks and snacks after your photo session; keep the stop short to keep the day on schedule.

Back at the car, plan your return to the road and keep an eye on the clock for your next stop. This day stays inside the national park, and you should follow trail signage and park rules. The snowy trails are quiet in the early morning, and the camera-ready views are ready to reward your effort.

Day 3: Johnston Canyon Snowshoe Trail and Banff Townsite Walk

Begin Johnston Canyon Snowshoe Trail at first light for firm snow and quiet catwalks. Lower Falls is a 1.5 km round trip, and the Upper Falls extension adds roughly 2.5 km; plan 1.5–2 hours for the Lower Falls and 3–4 hours for the full canyon if you linger for photos and subalpine views. Dress in layers, carry a small thermos, and bring traction devices if conditions are icy; the canyon often stays shaded, so you wake to cooler air.

Book shuttles through your lodge or use ROAM; the nearest stops are at the trailhead parking lot. Winter times typically run from 8:00 to 17:00 with roughly every 20–30 minutes during peak periods, but verify day-of because weather and snow can alter schedules. If you prefer flexibility, driving and parking at the trailhead works, though parking fills quickly on busy days of the week.

Banff Townsite Walk lets you stretch after the snowshoe and soak in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. Start on Banff Ave near the historic train station, then stroll toward the Bow River and the Whyte Museum, passing storefronts and lodges that line the historic core. In winter the town glows with candlelit windows and ice art; plan short stops for hot drinks on patios and at heritage sites along the way.

After the stroll, stop at a historic lodge for a quick break and a photo, then continue along Banff Ave to capture the town’s great mix of old-world charm and modern convenience. This article shows how easily you can combine a scenic walk with a casual lunch or a comforting Canadian coffee. If you want a longer option, rent a bike and explore the river path or consider a long weekend that includes a side trip to Jasper to enjoy subalpine scenery and wildlife along the corridor.

Patios shine on sunny days; warm drinks and mountain views on a sheltered patio make a perfect break. Banff’s walkable center hosts convenient stops at the central streets and the Banff Park Museum, with calls for photos at key corners and historic storefronts. For a broader plan, remember that canoe experiences are popular in summer and can pair nicely with a day in town after a lakeside outing at Lake Louise or Minnewanka.

To finish, pack layers, waterproof footwear, and a compact bag with snacks and water. The nearest lodges along Banff Ave are easily reached after your stroll, and shuttle connections from most stays simplify the ride back to your room. Wake up early to beat crowds and maximize light, and thank you for reading this day-by-day article.

Day 4: Icefields Parkway Day Trip: Peyto Lake and Glacier Views

Start the day early by heading north along the Icefields Parkway from Banff toward Jasper and hit Peyto Lake first to catch the turquoise glow on the water. The route delivers natural drama from subalpine meadows to towering glacier walls, and the light on the lake in the morning is often unforgettable.

Peyto Lake is located along the parkway with a dramatic canyon below the overlook. The turquoise hue comes from glacial silt, and the boardwalk gives you a quick, accessible vantage point. If you want a closer feel, a short hike from the plaza adds another perspective without a long commitment.

Continue north to the Columbia Icefield region, where a glacier dominates the skyline. You can opt for an icewalk on a guided route or simply savor the views from established viewpoints. This leg is highly photographic, with blue-tinged ice and sweeping mountain silhouettes; powder on sheltered parts of the trail is common in winter.

Other stop options along the parkway include Mistaya Canyon and Bow Summit, both offering dramatic rock formations and deep ravines. A moderate trail from the parking area lets you roam into the subalpine environment and return with a sense of accomplishment. If weather turns, you can shorten the hike and still come away with striking glacier views.

Plan to spend about 2-3 hours at Peyto Lake and 1-2 hours around the Icefield area, then reserve additional time for the canyon or a brief stroll through Canmore on the way back. The total drive stays in the realm of tens of miles between stops, with plenty of opportunities to pull over for quick photos and short icy stints. This day works well as a loop from either Banff or Lake Louise, and you’ll finish with a sense of Canada’s rugged landscape that stays with you long after you return home.

Day 5: Downtown Banff Dining, Shops, and Scenic Photo Stops

Wake up with a simple plan: book a dinner reservation at The Maple Leaf on Banff Avenue, then walk to the Bow River overlook for sunset reflections over the town.

For dinner, reserve a table early; local spots along Banff Avenue offer elk tenderloin, bison, and Alberta lamb, and booking ahead keeps your year on track by avoiding a long wait. Only a few tables stay open after 7 pm, so plan ahead.

Afterward, explore local shops along Banff Avenue and Caribou Street. Areas around the core feature Canadian-made gifts, cozy knitwear, and art prints; a little time here pairs well with a warm coffee stop where you can unwind.

Capture scenic photo stops at Surprise Corner, with peaks rising behind the Fairmont Banff Springs, and at a Bow River overlook along Banff Avenue for river reflections as the light fades.

Unwind with a couple of quick walks from the trailhead near the edge of downtown or a short coffee break before a final stroll. If you notice bear activity in the area, follow the local notice for safety.

For a broader Canadian Rockies feel, a couple of hours’ drive can take you to Jasper or Yoho. These areas offer blue-green lakes and powder days; check the latest road notices, and consider a separate booking or reservation if you plan a day trip and want to tailor stops around your interests.

In case you have extra time, a little after-dark stroll delivers a different mood, and a kayak option around nearby lakes can round out a year-long trip when seasons allow.