Explore Banff Winter Tours with Discover Banff Tours: An Unforgettable Snow-Filled Adventure
Nestled within the awe-inspiring Canadian Rockies, Banff is a winter wonderland where snow-capped mountains and serene frozen lakes paint a breathtaking landscape. For those looking to experience this captivating winter environment, Discover Banff Tours provides an extensive range of guided adventures that bring the beauty of Banff to life. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, nature lover, or simply looking to experience the magic of winter, there’s a tour suited just for you. Here, we’ll explore the top Banff winter tours offered by Discover Banff Tours, in effect giving you all the reasons to add these unforgettable experiences to your winter itinerary.
Banff Sleigh Rides
Why Choose Banff Winter Tours with Discover Banff Tours?
Discover Banff Tours has been a trusted provider of authentic and immersive tours in Banff National Park for years. Their knowledgeable guides, commitment to small-group experiences, and passion for showcasing Banff’s natural beauty set them apart. With a wide selection of tours available, you can explore Banff’s winter landscapes in unique ways, from snowshoeing to ice walks, wildlife viewing, and more.
The Top Banff Winter Tours You Can’t Miss
1. Johnston Canyon Icewalk ©
Without doubt, The Johnston Canyon Icewalk is one of Discover Banff Tours’ most popular winter offerings. At any rate this guided tour allows you to explore a frozen canyon, complete with waterfalls, ice pillars, and ice caves. The tour takes you along easy-to-navigate walkways not to mention being suitable for a wide range of fitness levels. Winter visitors will be mesmerized by the dramatic scenery. Layers of ice transform the canyon into an otherworldly winter sculpture garden.
•Tour Length: Approximately 4 hours
•Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
•Highlights: Frozen waterfalls, ice formations, guided commentary on geology and wildlife
Johnston Canyon Icewalk Tour
2. Banff Wildlife Tour in Winter
Build a connection to our World Heritage Site as you visit Banff’s landmarks, learn its history and view wildlife in their natural winter habitat.
The tour will include some of the most scenic and historically significant highlights of Banff such as the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, Bow Falls, Surprise Corner Lookout, Hoodoos Viewpoint and Lake Minnewanka. Plus, enjoy hot chocolate or fresh water (depending on the time of year) and maple cookies at one of the scenic stops. It’s a complete orientation to Banff and a great tour for seeing wildlife in the morning!
Included:
- Water or Hot Chocolate
- Maple cookie snack
- Hotel pick up and drop off
- Professional certified guide
- Hands on interpretive tools
- Small group size (up to 24 guests per guide)
3. Discover Lake Louise and Yoho in Winter
Step into a winter wonderland as you journey from Banff to the breathtaking landscapes of Lake Louise and Yoho National Park. This small group tour unveils iconic locations, hidden gems, and captivating stories told by our expert guides.
Your adventure begins with a scenic drive, pausing at secret stops for photo ops and short walks, where guides share tales of the Rockies’ history, wildlife, and geology. Arriving at Lake Louise, marvel at the Victoria Glacier and the majestic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, surrounded by a stunning amphitheater of peaks.
Continue to Yoho National Park, where highlights include the iconic Natural Bridge and serene Emerald Lake. At Emerald Lake Lodge, savor a gourmet lunch featuring local flavors, followed by dessert around a cozy outdoor campfire with a s’mores kit in hand. This tour offers an ideal mix of exploration, storytelling, and free time to capture the Rockies’ enchanting winter beauty.
Included:
- Hotel pick up and drop off
- Small group size (up to 12 guests per guide)
- Professional certified guide
- Hands on interpretive tools
Includes: hotel pick up/drop off, hot chocolate, S’Mores, lunch’
Highlights:
Iconic Bow Valley Parkway Drive – One of the best drives in the Canadian Rockies for a reason.
Lake Louise & Shoreline Walk – Take shoreline walk around this UNESCO World Heritage Site to get the best vantage points of the Chateau Lake Louise.
Emerald Lake – A gem of its own. The shores are adorned by cozy Emerald lake lodge where a gourmet lunch awaits.
S’mores & campfire – A Canadian Tradition of marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers roasted over the campfire till they reach melty perfection.
Natural Bridge – Witness a stunning rock formation shaped by the Kicking Horse River, creating a breathtaking arch that showcases nature’s artistry.
Quiet escapes and majestic views – Discover quiet stops that showcase breathtaking landscapes and reveal the true beauty of the Rockies away from the crowds.
Banff Snowshoeing Tour
4. Evening Icewalk © at Johnston Canyon
The Johnston Canyon Evening Icewalk is all about heightening your senses, appreciating the darkness, the scents of the fresh pine forest, and enjoying the silence of a night spent beneath the stars. At one point, the group turns out their lights and you’re immersed in the peaceful stillness of a winter night.
Light your way through this narrow, water-formed canyon as your small group follows our guide to the canyon’s lower falls. The suspended catwalks, built into the limestone walls, make this an easy trip for everyone. Along the way, your guide will highlight unique features by powerful flashlight and pause for moments of darkness and quiet to foster an appreciation for spending time in the canyon at night.
At our turnaround point, your guide will illuminate the expanding ice that encases the rushing water and escort you through a natural tunnel onto the viewing platform, beside the cascading Lower Falls themselves. Warm-up with hot chocolate and a maple cookie snack while you look around the Lower Falls, the turnaround point.
The return journey is your opportunity to travel without your headlamp (should you wish!). You’ll be amazed as to how quickly your eyes adjust to the darkness, enough for you to travel through the pine forest guided only by the ambient light of the moon and the stars above your head.
Included:
- Maple cookie snack
- Hot chocolate
- Hotel pick up and drop off
- Small group size (up to 12 guests per guide)
- Use of hiking poles
- Souvenir headlamp
- Professional certified guide
- Ice cleats
5. Snowshoeing to the historical Paint Pots
Snowshoe on an easy trail along a bridge across the frozen Vermilion River and along the snowy path winding through a forest of pine trees to the Paint Pots, a cultural treasure within our National Park.
Learn about the history of the fur trade as you explore the fascinating Paint Pots, which are mineral deposits once used by First Nations people for rock painting.
Along the way, you will hear stories of Banff’s indigenous people, explorers, and fur traders who lived in and traveled through the Rockies. After this crisp winter walk, enjoy a uniquely Canadian treat: hot maple taffy poured into snow to make a sweet frozen dessert. Plus try a crazy carpet slide down the hill while it’s being made – kids and adults alike love this part of the tour!
This is an excellent trip for beginners as it covers a mainly flat terrain with minimal elevation gain, and also suits anyone wanting a pleasant activity outdoors and explore one of the Kootenay National Park hikes.
Included:
- Hot chocolate
- Maple taffy treat
- Hotel pick up and drop off
- Small group size (up to 12 guests per guide)
- Use of hiking poles
- Professional certified guide
- Hands on interpretive tools
- Snowshoes
Insider Tips for Making the Most of Your Banff Winter Tour
When planning your Banff winter tour with Discover Banff Tours, here are a few tips to ensure you have the best experience possible:
1.Firstly, Dress in Layers: Winter temperatures in Banff can drop significantly, especially during early mornings and late evenings. Dressing in layers allows you to stay warm but adjust as needed. A base layer, insulating layer, and waterproof outer layer are essential.
2.Secondly, Wear Appropriate Footwear: Many winter tours involve walking on icy or snowy surfaces, so it’s important to wear sturdy, insulated boots with good traction. Some tours provide ice cleats, but it’s always best to come prepared.
3.Thirdly, Book in Advance: Winter is a popular time to visit Banff, and Discover Banff Tours often books up early. Booking your tour in advance secures your spot and ensures you won’t miss out on your preferred experience.
4.Check Weather Conditions: Winter weather in Banff can be unpredictable, so be prepared for changes in conditions. Tour guides prioritize safety, and certain activities may be modified or canceled depending on the weather.
5.Bring a Camera: Banff’s winter landscapes are incredibly photogenic, so don’t forget to bring a camera to capture the stunning scenery.
What Makes Discover Banff Tours Stand Out
Undoubtedly, Discover Banff Tours is more than just a tour provider—all in all they’re storytellers who bring the history, culture, and natural beauty of Banff to life. By emphasizing small-group experiences and environmental stewardship, they ensure that each tour has a minimal environmental impact while providing guests with an authentic experience. Their knowledgeable guides have years of experience and are passionate about sharing the wonders of Banff with visitors.
Frequently Asked Questions About Banff Winter Tours
Q: Are the Banff winter tours suitable for beginners?
A: Yes, most Banff winter tours with Discover Banff Tours are designed to be accessible to beginners. Tours like the Johnston Canyon Icewalk and the winter wildlife tour are easy and suitable for all fitness levels.
Q: What should I wear on a winter tour?
A: It’s essential to dress warmly in layers, wear waterproof outer clothing, and bring gloves, a hat, and scarf. Insulated boots with good grip are also highly recommended.
Q: Can I book a private tour?
A: Yes, Discover Banff Tours offers private tours for guests looking for a more personalized experience. Private tours can be customized to fit your interests and schedule.
Banff Private Tours
Q: What wildlife might I see on a winter wildlife tour?
A: In winter, it’s common to see animals such as elk, deer, bighorn sheep, and sometimes even coyotes. To that end the guides at Discover Banff Tours are experts in locating and identifying local wildlife.
Book Your Banff Winter Tour Today
In summary, Winter in Banff is a season of magic, where every turn reveals a new breathtaking view, and every trail leads to a fresh adventure. Discover Banff Tours invites you to embrace the beauty of Banff in winter through their carefully curated selection of tours, designed to highlight the natural wonders of this world-renowned destination.
Whether you’re icewalking through Johnston Canyon, snowshoeing at Lake Minnewanka, or experiencing the mystery of Grotto Canyon by night, these tours promise memories that will last a lifetime. Book your Banff winter tour with Discover Banff Tours today and start planning the ultimate winter adventure in the Canadian Rockies.
