Are you trying to find the best winter activities in Lake Louise? Although we enjoy Lake Louise all year round, my favorite season is winter. Although most people associate the Canadian Rockies with summer travel, I think Lake Louise’s winter season is truly magical.
Lake Louise offers an abundance of incredible winter activities. This past year, when spring finally arrived, I started to feel depressed. It is, of course, a glorious moment when the lake thaws and regains its breathtaking turquoise color.
To be honest, I adore wintertime in the mountains. I adore snowboarding and the feeling of coziness you get when you come home from a hard day and enjoy a hot chocolate by the fireplace. We know you will love it too, but banff is great for that feeling.
Must Try Things To Do in Lake Louise in Winter
Enjoy the Winter Wonderland
Taking in the breathtaking views of Lake Louise is among the best things to do in Lake Louise during the winter. For more than a century, Lake Louise has attracted tourists to the Canadian Rockies.
In the winter, Mount Victoria and a hanging glacier provide a picturesque backdrop for Lake Louise, which is covered in a thick layer of fluffy snow. Millions of tourists visit this pristine wilderness area each year.
It’s a breathtaking sight, and the beauty of nature still has a magical quality. No matter the season, we have visited Lake Louise numerous times, and it never ceases to astound us. Winter may just be the best season. Enjoy the winter wonderland at Lake Louise while cozying up by the fire with a cup of hot chocolate.
Just remember to wear warm clothing because, in the winter, the lake is mostly in the shade and can get extremely cold.
Ice Skate or Play Hockey on Lake Louise
The renowned Lake Louise is the most iconic and picturesque spot in Banff for ice skating. It should come as no surprise that it is frequently ranked among the top ice skating rinks in the world.
It’s even better because Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise looks after the frozen lake. Unlike other natural lakes, the lake is regularly resurfaced and cleared of snow, allowing visitors to enjoy ice skating throughout the winter months.
Every few winters, Lake Louise has the potential to freeze well ahead of any significant snowfall, creating a lake the color of blue glass. Although it’s a breathtaking natural event that can occur in November, November is usually the worst month to visit Banff, so don’t plan on seeing the lake in this manner as a visitor.
This kind of lake freezing has also only occurred a few times in the previous thirty years, and even then, it has only lasted a few days at most. I only mention this to set realistic expectations because, although the surface will probably be a frosty white, the views are still breathtaking!
Snowshoe Around Lake Louise
Lake Louise is a great location for a snowshoe excursion. It’s difficult to find a more picturesque place on Earth to go snowshoeing than Lake Louise.
The lake is covered in a thick layer of snow as it freezes over each year. Use the lakeside winter trails or arrange to have a guide from the area.
Though you can also go to Mirror Lake or Paradise Creek, the most well-liked snowshoeing area is on Lake Louise’s northern shore. Wilson Sports in the village has rentals available, or you can schedule a tour with Great Divide Nature Interpretation.
Snowshoe on Lake Louise Ski Resort
One of the best winter tours in Banff is the guided snowshoe experience offered by Lake Louise Ski Resort, if you’d like to go on a snowshoe at an altitude. Although we don’t participate in these snowshoe excursions, we do ride at Lake Louise and frequently spot them while out on the tour close to the Gondola.
Great views can be seen from these snowshoe tours, and on a clear day, you can see a very long way down the valley. Make a tour reservation here.
Walk the Lake Louise Lakeshore
Walking along the Lake Louise lakeshore is one of the most relaxing activities you can do in Banff if snowshoeing isn’t your thing.
Although most visitors to Lake Louise don’t go past the Chateau, walking around the path that skirts the lake will reward you with some fantastic views. It feels like you’re strolling through a winter wonderland, which is why I adore walking the path in the winter.
Hike to the Fairview Lookout
Many of the best hikes around Lake Louise are hazardous and inaccessible in the winter. Nonetheless, the Fairview Lookout is a quick and enjoyable winter hike that most guests can finish and enjoy. This trail has an elevation gain of 165 meters over its short 2.4 km length.
Reaching the lookout should take less than an hour. Once there, the historic Chateau Lake Louise Hotel will be visible to you with stunning winter views. The lookout platform at the top offers a breathtaking view that is well worth the effort, but don’t expect the view on the way up because it is forested.
Have a Meal inside an Old Train Cart
Take in some Canadian cruising in an antique dining car at Lake Louise Railway Station & Restaurant! Here, you can savor dishes like the Spinach Herb Lasagna and the Paradise Bowl, a soba noodle dish. You can also get some traditional Canadian staples.
They are often missed due to their somewhat obscure location. To truly enjoy this restaurant in Lake Louise, you have to be aware that it exists at all, but once you’ve eaten in a historic rail cart, you might not want to go anywhere else!
Go Ice Climbing
With an abundance of routes and diverse winter climbs, Banff National Park is a popular destination for ice climbers. The Louise Falls, a frozen waterfall that permits a solid ice climb, is the most famous feature in the Lake Louise region. Expect to share the climb with others on the weekend because it’s a popular route in the park. It can be entertaining to watch the ice climbers even if you have no interest in doing the same.
It is recommended that you schedule a beginner’s experience with Yamnuska Mountain Adventures, who will meet you at Johnston Canyon, if you have never gone ice climbing.
Yamnuska has some of the best guides in all of North America, and it’s an excellent place for beginners. Take into consideration enrolling in one of their ice climbing courses or camps if the sport is more appealing to you.
Enjoy the Lake Louise Ice Bar
Taking advantage of the ice bar is another enjoyable winter activity in Lake Louise. The Banff Ice Bar serves mulled wine and other cocktail warmers from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Lake Louise! Weather permitting, the Ice Bar is open from approximately mid-December to early April. They serve up delectable hot chocolate dishes and even have kid-friendly treats.
This bar is one of a kind in Banff during the winter, as it was constructed from 20 300-pound blocks of ice each.
Ski at Lake Louise Ski Resort
Going skiing or snowboarding is one of the best winter activities in Lake Louise! The Lake Louise Ski Resort may have the best view of any ski resort in the world. Situated in the oldest and first national park in Canada, the resort offers an abundance of unspoiled landscapes.
When you’re not screaming down groomers, tackling a bowl, running runs, or hanging on to survive a steep chute, Banff National Park offers you breathtaking scenery and clean air. With terrain that will excite even the most experienced skiers, this place has something to offer everyone.
Brewster Country Christmas Dinner
Check into Lake Louise’s Country Christmas Dinner if you happen to be visiting around Christmas. A few nights a year, the Brewster Country Christmas Dinner fills you up with a hearty, home-cooked supper. From the Fairmont Chateau, arrive by sleigh to a line dance and music provided by a band.
Go Tubing at Lake Louise Ski Resort
In case you’re not into skiing or snowboarding, Banff’s Lake Louise Ski Resort offers a tubing park that’s perfect for kids and families. Enjoy sliding by yourself, competing with friends, or sliding tubes in groups!
Mush On a Dog Sled Team
Lake Louise is home to Kingmik Dogsled Tours, which offer an amazing winter experience. Over the years, we’ve had the good fortune to take several dog sled tours, and they’re always enjoyable.
I especially enjoy how peaceful the ride is—the only sound you can hear is the patter of the dog’s feet on the snow.
Take an Authentic Horse Sleigh Ride
Even though you might not be able to ride horses on the trails in the winter, you can still go on horse-drawn sleigh rides. Few places still allow you to travel through a wintry wonderland on a real sleigh. The ride, which lasts roughly an hour, travels to the lake’s terminus along the lakeside trail.
The sleigh runs until mid-April, weather permitting, but it begins in mid-December, just in time for Banff’s Christmas festivities. Since Lake Louise is mostly shaded during the winter and the temperature is usually well below freezing, wear warm clothing and be prepared.
This experience can be scheduled at the Fairmont or through Brewster Adventures; group and private tours are available, with prices starting at $45 per person.
Tackle the Trail on Cross Country Skis
With a pair of skis, you can enjoy the scenery on a number of cross-country or Nordic ski trails maintained by Parks Canada. Because trails are ranked according to difficulty, even novices can find a trail that suits their level of expertise.
The Great Divide Trail and the Moraine Lake Road Trail are two of the most well-liked trails. Rentals are available in Canmore, Banff, and Lake Louise. Without a doubt, you must visit the Nordic Ski Center in Canmore if cross-country skiing is your thing. Some noteworthy cross-country ski routes are:
Moraine Lake Road (15.6 km; gain of 250 meters)
Fairview (4.6 km; gain of 60 meters)
Tramline (195 meters / 4.8 km)
Loop around Lake Louise (4.1/15 meters)
Cheer on The World’s Fastest Skiers at the Ski World Cup
Attending the Audi FIS Ski World Cup in Lake Louise is the ideal way to welcome winter to the Canadian Rockies.
A small army of tourists, volunteers, media, and elite athletes descended upon the small resort town surrounded by massive mountains each year.
The World Cup speed circuit is about to begin, with the fastest skiers in the world competing to win titles as they travel the globe. November offers some of the greatest skiing in North America as well.
Experience the Ice Magic Festival
There’s a spectacular event at Lake Louise for two days only (Jan 26-28 & Feb 2-4, 2024, 6pm – 9pm). Winter in Canada isn’t the same without the Ice Magic event, which has been rescheduled several times, so 2024 promises to be incredible! This is the point at which ice becomes alive and is used to create architectural and artistic designs. You can watch sculptors from all over the world create various frozen figures during this time.
While it used to be free to wander around and see the ice carving events on weekends and between Monday and Friday, before 10 a.m. and after 5:30 p.m. In order to partake in the festivities, you will now need tickets, which go on sale starting on December 12, 2023. Every weekend, the public can view from 6 to 9 p.m. with a ticket. The principal happenings will unfold as follows:
January 26–27: Attend the 2024 Ice Magic Competition to see master craftsmen carve magnificent ice sculptures.
January 28: Take in a riveting live carving demonstration and the announcement of the 2024 Ice Magic Competition champions at the Award Ceremony.
Enjoy the finished ice sculptures and watch live carving demonstrations from February 2–4.
Warm Up at Walliser Stube
The Walliser Stube restaurant at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise serves European cuisine. It’s an elegant event that’s ideal for commemorating a special occasion, such as a winter honeymoon in Banff.
When you walk in, you’ll see expansive views of Lake Louise, but the food will make you feel as though you’re in Switzerland.
Only available at night, from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., reservations are strongly advised, particularly during the busiest summer months or around Christmas in Banff. Add as much wine as you like—it’s probably the best you’ll find outside of the Alps!
See Nearby Emerald Lake
Yoho National Park’s Emerald Lake is a breathtaking body of water. A family-friendly hike around the lake is highly recommended. When Emerald Lake freezes over in the winter, its brilliant emerald hue is lost.
But the lake’s elevation and the surrounding mountains’ natural forms produce a microclimate that promotes a lot of snowfall during the winter. Going to the lake is therefore like entering a winter wonderland.
You can go cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, or just take a leisurely stroll around the lake. Alternatively reserve a romantic, cozy cabin at Emerald Lake Lodge.
Bow Lake
If you feel like taking a short drive, head to Bow Lake by taking the Icefields Parkway, which is located just past Lake Louise. It will take roughly thirty minutes to get there, but you will probably be too enthralled with the scenery to notice the passing of time.
One of the first major stops is Bow Lake, and I promise it’s well worth the trip. Bow Lake is a frozen paradise in the winter.
Peyto Lake
Peyto Lake, the third-most-visited lake in the region, is located just past Bow Lake. It takes roughly ten minutes to walk on a well-kept path to reach the viewpoint.
Consider yourself fortunate if you are able to visit Peyto Lake during a period of recent snowfall but before the lake freezes over!
Wait for the Train at Morant’s Curve
The Bow Valley Parkway, which links Lake Louise and Banff, is a picturesque driving substitute for the Trans Canada. Along the way, there are several breathtaking locations to stop, many of which seem even more enchanted in the winter.
Nonetheless, Morant’s Curve is the most well-liked. Trains travel through the Canadian Rockies at this striking bend in the Bow River. Trains have an amazing view of the surrounding valley and the mountains of Lake Louise as they round the bend. In the winter, a lot of photographers come here to try and capture the iconic red Canadian Pacific Train against the snow.
The only drawback is that there isn’t a train schedule, so you might have to wait a while to see the scenery from a train. We’ve previously waited outside in the cold for the famous train for more than an hour!
