We’ve got the perfect Banff or Lake Louise rest day equation to complement your adrenaline-filled resort days: Energize + Unwind + Indulge.
Thankfully, this formula is easy, thanks to the flexibility of a SkiBig3 Lift Ticket. Grace days are available for all multi-day lift tickets, meaning you can choose when to hit the slopes, and when to hit the snooze button and take a Banff rest day. Plus, as a SkiBig3 Lift Ticket holder, you can access a multitude of local partners with offers that are waiting to fill your vacation with apres adventure and indulgence.
While it may be tempting to channel your inner sloth on your days off, there’s so much to do outside of the resorts that you won’t want to miss. Active adventures like:
Not to mention, on the resort grounds, there are plenty of activities to do besides skiing and snowboarding. Banff rest day activities like:
Lake Louise Ski Resort offers Guided Snowshoe Tours on the resort. No experience necessary! | Photo by Philip Forsey
There are a ton of indoor options to do just that, and one of our favourites is a short drive to Canmore. Try the Snow Flow yoga class at WildHeart Studio. Suited for all abilities, this class focuses on deep stretches to repair and strengthen your muscles for days on the slopes. If you want to stay closer to town, we recommend checking out Banff Yoga Practice or Flow State Yoga too!
Banff Yoga Practice is a locally-owned studio, offering flow and aerial yoga classes, located in the heart of Banff. | Photo courtesy of Banff Yoga Practice
Banff’s per capita of spa services is pretty favourable, leaving no shortage of options to treat your muscles and mind. To set a positive mindset for the day, try a spa or massage treatment at one of the many spa locations found across Banff and Lake Louise.
We recommend booking a half-day mountain retreat through Cedar & Sage for a morning of ‘teatox’ and smudging, acupuncture, and massage. Or to tap into a fresh vacation look, try out locally-owned BEATNIK Hair Salon or Body Concepts nail and beauty salon for a mountain glam transformation. You’ll feel as flawless as a freshly tuned pair of skis!
The SPA at the Fairmont Banff Springs is another tried and true favourite, perfect for a day to unwind and truly indulge. If you want a more nature-based remedy, try soaking in the thermal waters of the Banff Upper Hot Springs.
Cedar & Sage Co., located in the Bear Street Mall, offers massage, smudging, and aromatherapy treatments, to name a few. | Photo courtesy of Cedar & Sage Co.
Our preference for indulgence is as varied as Banff National Park’s terrain. If you just went to the spa"ahhhh" all day, top it off with a healthy, nurturing meal from Nourish Bistro. Their ‘Num Num Nachos’ are a unique spin on classic comfort food (think a rainbow of colour and flavour), and their ‘King Kong Noodles’ will warm you right up from the frosty streets of Banff.
If your kind of indulgence means kicking back with a bevy, we recommend sipping something local. Banff Ave Brewing Co., located in the heart of town, is an inviting, relaxed atmosphere to let your hair down. Their rotating and seasonal selection of hand-crafted beer is sure to whet your palette.
Nourish Bistro's famous vegan nachos are made with 28 fresh ingredients! | Photo courtesy of Nourish Bistro
There is plenty of brain food to choose from, too! Satisfy your curiosity and learn more about Banff National Park with a visit to the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies. From current exhibits featuring local artists, to fascinating material from the archives, you can easily get lost for an afternoon exploring the local timeline. You'll learn plenty about the SkiBig3 resorts, too!
Gateway, Rocky Mountain Park, [1921], Byron Harmon fonds, V263/NA-3436, Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies.
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.
