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Itinerary best for
  • First-Time Visitors
  • Snow Lovers
  • Skiers

Three ideal winter days in Banff and Lake Louise, from dog sledding and gondola rides to skiing world-class slopes and warming up with great food.

Ride a gondola to snow-capped summits, mush a team of huskies and glide through an alpine meadow on a horse-drawn sleigh. Carve fresh tracks at Mount Norquay, Sunshine Village or Lake Louise Ski Resort, then trace a frozen canyon past towering waterfalls. Cap each day with a wood-fired meal and a warm mug by the fire.

At a glance

  • 3-day itinerary
  • 331 km (206 mi) total distance
  • 4 hrs 27 mins drive time
  • Your starting point is in Calgary
2 destinations
Starts in

Calgary

Day 1 drive time: 1 hr 57 min, 141 km (88 mi)
Day 1

Banff

Fall in love with Banff, the heart of Canada’s National Parks system.

Winter street scene of Banff Avenue in the Canadian Rockies
Visitors walk the snow-dusted boardwalk near the summit of Sulphur mountain with the interpretive centre in the background.

Banff Gondola

Your enclosed gondola cabin will bring you up, up, up toward snow-capped peaks. At the summit, hold onto your toque! It can get windy, but the sparkling views are spectacular. Warm up in the interpretive centre and see a film about the Rockies, then try the locally inspired menu at Sky Bistro.

A girl walking by Bow Falls beside the Bow River in Banff

Winter Walk to Bow Falls

This serene walk starts in town and follows an easy path along the Bow River. (Grab a coffee or hot chocolate for the journey.) If the river hasn’t yet frozen, follow the sound of rushing water. The frosty mist and ice formations around the falls are captivating.

Travellers enjoy a sleigh ride pulled by a pair of white and grey horses through an alpine meadow with a mountain in the background.

Banff Trail Riders Sleigh Ride

Snuggle into a cozy blanket and let your team of horses pull your sleigh through a Banff alpine meadow. Towering evergreens and fresh snow make a serene backdrop for this quintessential mountain experience. Back at the stables, enjoy a steaming mug of apple cider by the fire.

A couple sits at a table at Farm & Fire restaurant with other guests and bartender in the background.

Dinner at Farm & Fire

Tuck into a wood-fired meal made with locally raised ingredients tonight. Farm & Fire grills up creative pizzas and exceptional steak. Plus, they have lots of vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options. Request a table near one of their fireplaces to amp up the coziness.

TIP FROM A LOCAL

Hit the local shops along Banff Ave if you’re looking for a special souvenir.

Day 2 drive time: 1 hr 42 min, 128 km (80 mi)
Day 2

Banff & Lake Louise

Choose from the best skiing in Banff, then try ice-walking, hot springs, and an elegant dinner.

Two skiers take a break mid-mountain before skiing at Lake Louise Ski Resort in Banff National Park
Day 3 drive time: 48 min, 62 km (39 mi)
Day 3

Lake Louise

An unforgettable day in gorgeous Lake Louise mixes adventure and luxury.

A team of dogs pull a sled through a clearing bordered by pine trees with the Rocky Mountains in the distance under a blue winter sky.