With 8000 acres of skiable terrain, 29 lifts, and 362 runs – it's no surprise that people travel from around the world to ski and snowboard SkiBig3 in Banff and Lake Louise. Let’s face it, with over 9 metres (30 feet) of annual snowfall and a season that spans from early November until the end of May, this place is a skier and rider's paradise. It couldn’t get any better right? Well, for those looking for more than just “ski” in their Canada ski vacation, Banff and Lake Louise is an epicentre of Canadian culture, with Banff winter activities, from “soft” to “adventurous” to round out any snow enthusiast itinerary.
As skiers and snowboarders, we get that ski vacations are about more than just carving perfect turns and sipping Aperol Spritzes at après (although those two things do sound pretty amazing). They’re also about experiencing the culture of the winter destination you’ve chosen to visit; trying new activities through local tours and treating yourself to a one-of-a-kind winter activity you can’t do at home.
Knowing this, we make it easy to build Banff winter activities into your SkiBig3 Ski & Stay package. Below are a few options you can book with us, online or over the phone. Got questions? Our Vacation Specialists will be happy to choose the tour that’s right for you. You can give them a call anytime at 1-844-754-2443.
The Johnston Canyon Ice Walk, offered by Discover Banff Tours, is one of the most unique experiences you can find in Canada. What makes this tour so special is the natural phenomenon of Johnston Canyon itself, one of Banff National Park’s most iconic landmarks. While in the summer this 2.5km (1.5 mile) natural canyon draws visitors to walk along its iron catwalks, over roaring rapids towards its Lower and Upper Falls, in winter this narrow, geological spectacle becomes a corridor of glistening snow and ice. No longer roaring, the rapids and waterfalls become sculpted walls of glacial blue ice. This tour is offered in the morning, afternoon and night. At night, it’s your chance to see these frozen falls after dark, illuminated only by the glow of your headlamp. With ice cleats and hiking poles provided, this 2.5km (1.5 mile) round-trip tour is adventurous yet accessible to a variety of fitness levels.
Tours you can book through SkiBig3:
Tour includes: Hotel pick up/drop off, snack & hot chocolate, hiking poles, ice cleats, souvenir headlamp (night tour)
Tour distance: 2.5km (1.5 miles)
Tour length: 2.5 hours
Book online, or call us at 1-844-754-2443 for more booking options.
Photo courtesy of Banff Lake Louise Tourism
The Canadian backcountry is, in a word, jaw-dropping. What better way to explore it than by snowmobile? Because Banff and Lake Louise are located within the protected boundaries of Banff National Park, the snowmobile tours you can book through SkiBig3 don’t take place near the three resorts. We work with two tour operators, Toby Creek Adventures and White N’ Wild, based out of Invermere and Golden (towns located in British Columbia) respectively. Invermere is a 2-hour drive and Golden is a 1.5-hour drive from the Town of Banff.
Toby Creek Adventures has got everything from intro “valley tours”, to get beginners comfortable on sleds, to full-day adventures that take you past abandoned mines and frozen waterfalls around the Panorama area. Meanwhile, White N’ Wild offers half-day tours and a unique Twilight Ride in the powder-filled forests just outside Golden, BC. You really can’t go wrong with either option, both tours make an exhilarating and truly Canadian addition to your Canada ski vacation.
Tours you can book through SkiBig3:
Tours include: Tours vary, but expect high-performance snowmobiles, professional guides, hot chocolate & snacks
Tour distance from Banff: Toby Creek Adventures is 2 hours from Banff, White N’ Wild 1.5 hours from Banff
Tour length: 1-hour to 4-hour tours available, prices vary
Call us at 1-844-754-2443 for booking options.
Photo courtesy of White N' Wild.
While there’s no denying the jaw-dropping views you’ll witness from the top of SkiBig3 resorts – Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise Ski Resort, and Mt. Norquay – there's something special about exploring Banff winter activities in the valley bottom too. With 6 641 square kilometres (2564 square miles) of pure, protected wilderness, there’s no shortage of beautiful, snow-covered trails to explore by snowshoe in Banff National Park. If you enjoy the quiet, calm feeling that comes from walking in nature, we recommend booking a Guided Snowshoe Tour to add to your Canada ski vacation. Discover Banff Tours offers snowshoe tours in Marble Canyon, Paint Pots, and near the famous shores of Lake Louise.
Tours include: Hotel pick up/drop off, maple snack, warm drinks, professional guides, snowshoe equipment, interpretive materials
Tour distance: Tours can range from 2-5km, roundtrip
Tour length: Tours are approx. 4 hours each
Book online, or call us at 1-844-754-2443 for more booking options.
Photo courtesy of Discover Banff Tours.
Did you know Banff is home to over 311 species of birds and 53 species of mammals, including grizzly bears, wolves, cougars and even wolverines? In Banff and Lake Louise, it’s not uncommon to see deer having dinner in someone’s backyard or an elk walking across Banff Avenue. On a winter sightseeing tour, a trained, local guide will take you past common wildlife viewing spots, scenic viewpoints, and iconic landmarks of Banff and Lake Louise. If you’re looking to sit back and let someone else take the wheel, this is the perfect tour to learn more about Banff National Park's culture and wildlife while resting your ski legs for the day.
Tours include: Tours vary, but they can include hotel pick up/drop off, a snack and hot drink, a professional certified guide
Tour distance: All tours depart from the Town of Banff
Tour length: Tours vary, can be 3-5 hours
Book online, or call us at 1-844-754-2443 for more booking options.
Photo courtesy of Discover Banff Tours.
And finally, if staying cozy and cuddling up next to the ones you love is more your style, winter horse-drawn Sleigh Rides in Banff and Lake Louise are a magical way to experience this destination. Sleigh Rides are hosted in the snowy meadows outside Banff, with magnificent views of Cascade Mountain and Rundle Mountain. This memorable experience includes a ride through the crisp winter air, the chance to see Canadian wildlife (like elk and deer) and a fireside warm-up with a complimentary hot apple cider at the end. For big families and groups looking to book Banff winter activities, private Sleigh Rides are also available for up to 16 guests.
Tour includes: Cowboy guide/sleigh driver, hot apple cider
Meeting point: Warner Stables, in the Town of Banff
Tour length: 40 minutes
Book online, or call us at 1-844-754-2443 for more booking options.
Photo courtesy of Discover Banff Tours.
Plan ahead and save big on a Canadian winter vacation. Book a Ski & Stay package and save on lodging and lift tickets. Right now, SkiBig3 offers a No Questions Asked cancellation policy allowing for free itinerary changes and full cancellation refund on ski & stay packages up to 14 days from travel.
If you’re thinking about a visit to Banff National Park this winter, our reservations team will be happy to help you book anytime. Give them a call at 1-844-754-2443 or go online to access some exceptional Ski & Stay Package deals.
