One of the best times of year to visit the Canadian Rockies is in December in Banff. That is, if you enjoy winter, snow, and hot chocolate. December is the most magical time of year to visit Banff.
Consider Banff and the Canadian Rockies a top holiday vacation destination if you’re hoping for a white Christmas, which is almost a given.
If you’re a skier or snowboarder, December is a great time to visit Banff because the SkiBig3 Resorts have amazing riding. Aside from that, December in Banff means that holiday spirit abounds everywhere. It will be difficult to have a bad day in the most breathtaking place on earth, even if it is -10°C outside.
Things You Must Know Before You Visit Banff in December Month
Is Banff in December Very Cold?
What is the December temperature in Banff, Canada? In December, Banff is undoubtedly cold; it cannot be avoided. In fact, December brings with it some of the coldest temperatures of the year. The average temperature is around -4°C, and it drops below -10°C after dark. However, it is not uncommon for the temperature to reach -15°C or even -20°C.
Nevertheless, December weather in Banff can be fairly nice, with plenty of sunny days all through the month. Even in December, it can feel fairly warm to stand in the sun—at least for Alberta.
Although the winter air in Banff and Lake Louise is typically very dry and cold, you might be surprised to learn that Banff in December can feel warmer if you’re traveling from somewhere else in Alberta. The Chinook winds are to blame for this.
What Are Chinook Winds?
Learn about Chinook winds, or simply “Chinooks,” if you’re visiting Alberta during the winter.
A Chinook is a type of weather phenomenon that occurs in Southern Alberta when warm, dry winds from the Pacific blow over the Rockies in an easterly direction after traversing British Columbia. In a single day, the temperature can change by more than 20°C thanks to these warm winds!
The Chinooks are distinguished by their sudden changes in temperature and occasionally strong winds that can reach dangerously high speeds. The ability of the Chinooks to produce the most exquisite sunrises and sunsets in the Rockies is what I adore most about them.
Does it Snow in Banff in December?
In Banff in December, snow is to be expected, especially in the later part of the month. Huge 22 cm dumps of fresh powder have fallen on Canmore over the past few Decembers. Consequently, there is an abundance of snowfall at the ski resorts located further down the valley and along the Icefields Parkway.
In Banff, December brings an average of 10 centimeters of snowfall per week. Although it doesn’t snow every day, on average 3.6 days a week receive snowfall, according to Snow Forecast.
You will notice more snow the closer you get to Lake Louise and the Icefields Parkway. The town of Banff receives a moderate amount of snowfall, whereas the high peaks and ski hills receive the most.
One thing is certain: on Christmas Day, the ground will undoubtedly be sparkling white, so you can count on singing White Christmas.
What to Anticipate on a December Day in Banff
Some of the shortest days of the year occur in December. For the majority of the month, the sun will rise just before 9 a.m. and set around 4:30.
The good news is that you can get a lot done outside in those brief hours, and December has a lot of sunny days, so there won’t be a lot of snowfall. Thus, you may occasionally find yourself praying for fog, clouds, and delicious, powdery goodness—especially if you’re a ski bum.
Come December, Banff’s ski and snowboard seasons are in full swing. It will be less crowded the earlier in the month you spend shredding it on the mountain. From December 24 until after the New Year, expect holiday crowds.
The remainder of the park is in the same boat. Up until roughly a week after January, Banff experiences a noticeable increase in traffic during the holidays. The summer crowds are nothing compared to the hordes of visitors that come here to spend Christmas inside a snow globe.
Festivals in Banff in December
December is the month of celebrations. There is, of course, Christmas, the countdown to New Year’s, and all the general festivities associated with the holiday season in Banff and Lake Louise.
Additionally, there are Christmas at the Castle at the Banff Springs Hotel, The Spirit of Christmas at Cascade Gardens, Carols in the Park, the Santa Claus Parade of Lights, and a Mountaintop Christmas atop Sulphur Mountain.
What to Pack for Banff in December?
Numerous layers are present. Given that December is one of the coldest months of the year in Banff, you should make appropriate preparations. At the very least, that calls for a proper winter jacket, thermal underwear, merino wool socks, winter boots, gloves, and a hat.
You should bring items like cozy pants and a sweater for indoor activities. I wouldn’t suggest bringing a dress or dress shoes unless you are planning an elaborate dinner out. Don’t bother bringing any summer clothing at all during this time. A great dress-up combination for both men and women would be nice boots and a sweater to fit in!
This is a basic list to start with. For general winter packing, use the left column; if you plan to participate in snow sports, use the right column.
Can You Visit Lake Louise in December?
One of the greatest months to visit Lake Louise is in December! If you pack a decent jacket, it’s just as gorgeous and not nearly as crowded as Banff in the summer.
Anticipate the construction of an Ice Castle and the renowned Ice Bar by mid-December. Come here with loved ones to experience a warm, fuzzy feeling while strolling around the ice castle and sipping hot chocolate. In addition, you can enjoy Lake Louise ice skating while touring the lake in a horse-drawn carriage.
At Lake Louise Ski Resort, skiing and snowboarding are additional enjoyable activities. After the gifts are opened, going to the ski resorts is a great Christmas Day activity because there isn’t much open on this day.
It’s still simple to find parking and take full advantage of Lake Louise despite the crowds. Simply pack warmly and arrive at Lake Louise early. Since it’s the shortest month of the year, the sun will set earlier than five o’clock. I would advise arriving in Lake Louise by 10 a.m. for uninterrupted sunshine.
Things You Can Do in Banff in December Month
Enjoy the Christmas Festivities
It is impossible to visit Banff in December and not feel the spirit of Christmas! There’s always somewhere to sip mulled wine and listen to jingles, from Downtown Banff to Lake Louise.
There’s a lot more to do in Banff during the holiday season, but my favorite is to go to Carols in the Park and stay at the Banff Springs Hotel! A summary of everything available for Christmas 2023 can be found here.
Banff Christmas Market
The Warner Stables is home to the Banff Christmas Market. Every year, it takes place in late November or early December instead of December since Banff gets too crowded during the holidays to host it then.
But, I thought I should bring it up here in case you happen to come in November and December. Enjoy local fare, browse local artisan booths, and snap some pictures with Banff’s most beloved Clydesdale horse at the festive Christmas Market.
Christmas at the Castle
The Banff Springs Hotel, also known as “The Castle,” is the location of Christmas at the Castle. They throw a ton of exciting holiday events every year. The best part is that you can enjoy them all without having to be a guest!
You can take the kids to their North Pole to engage in crafts like making a gingerbread house. Additionally, they host the Christmas Concert Series, which takes place throughout December on various dates and features a range of Canadian musicians. This year’s addition is an incredible outdoor area featuring a curling rink, a skating rink, and fire pits for marshmallow roasting. Adult beverages like wine and beer will be available!
Christmas Carol at The Castle
The Castle welcomes back The Tale of Scrooge with special performances on Christmas Eve and Day, as well as lovely singing and sound effects. One of the best activities in Banff for families is to see A Christmas Carol.
In Search of Christmas Spirit
An amazing light show that begins in Banff Avenue Square and travels through the Cascade of Time Garden tells this live Christmas tale. This is a free event that usually takes 45 to 1 hour to finish, but you still have to register in advance for tickets. So go ahead and enjoy a hot chocolate.
Banff’s Hot Chocolate Trail
You and your family will be stuffed with whipped cream and sprinkles after visiting the Banff Hot Chocolate Trail. The route points out the top spots in Banff for hot chocolate, so if you’re only here for a few days, make sure to check them out!
Banff Craft Beer Festival
This tasting event, which is billed as “the most beautiful beer festival in the world,” is partially held outside.
You can go there to sample every one of Alberta’s distinctive craft beers. Alberta Beer Festival tickets begin at $25.
Santa on the Slopes
Five days before Christmas, visit any of the SkiBig3 resorts and keep an eye out for Mr. and Mrs. Claus. It’s common to witness them shredding in the days preceding Christmas. On December 25th, you can ski for free if you want to dress up like Santa!
Brewster Country Christmas Dinner
Five days before Christmas, visit any of the SkiBig3 resorts and keep an eye out for Mr. and Mrs. Claus. It’s common to witness them shredding in the days preceding Christmas. On December 25th, you can ski for free if you want to dress up like Santa!
Ski or Snowboard
Enjoy three incredible ski resorts in Banff (Nakiska in Kananaskis is nearby). Before deciding to move here, our main reason for visiting Banff in the winter was to snowboard at all of the SkiBig3 resorts. Three mountain resorts make up SkiBig3, and they’re all located inside Banff National Park. Three excellent and distinctive ski resorts are available: Mt. Norquay, Banff Sunshine, and Lake Louise.
One of the best winter activities in Banff is skiing or snowboarding here. The closest ski resort to the town is Mt. Norquay; Banff Sunshine is roughly 20 minutes away, and Lake Louise is about 40 minutes away. All of them are excellent choices!
Cross Country Ski/Nordic Ski
Sliding through the snow while your heart races is the low-impact sport of cross-country skiing. The pristine wilderness beauty that Nordic skiers will encounter, particularly in Banff, is undeniable.
Here, cross-country skiing is a serious pastime, and lots of people enjoy going outside to stretch their legs. A well-liked and secure location for family cross-country skiing is the Nordic Center close to Canmore.
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. Regardless of the conditions on other natural lakes, visitors can enjoy ice skating at Lake Louise every day because the lake is routinely cleared of snow and resurfaced.
Every few winters, Lake Louise has the rare ability to freeze well in advance of any significant snowfall, producing a lake of blue glass. Though November is usually the worst month to visit Banff, don’t count on seeing the lake this way. It’s an incredibly beautiful natural occurrence.
There have only been five instances of the lake freezing like this in the previous thirty years. I only mention this to set realistic expectations because, although the surface will probably be a frosty white, the views are still breathtaking!
Hike Johnston Canyon
One of the best hikes in Banff during the winter is the Johnston Canyon walk. Despite being one of Banff’s busiest trails in the summer, the winter months offer an entirely different experience. Although there isn’t as much tourism in the winter as there is in the summer, the area is still very popular, so if at all possible, try to visit in the morning on weekdays.
You should hike to the end of the Johnston Canyon trail to see the upper and lower falls if you want to see a frozen waterfall. In December, you might be fortunate enough to witness some ice climbers in action! There is a gradual elevation gain along the well-maintained Johnston Canyon Trail. Even though it gets very cold in the winter, microspikes are a great idea.
Go Dog Sledding
Dog sledding is among the top winter activities in Banff. You can go dog sledding in Kananaskis with Howling Dog Tours, which departs from Canmore, or you can go to Lake Louise and mush your way around.
