1. Check out an ice hockey game

There’s nothing more classically Canadian than watching a live NHL ice hockey game. Check out the home Calgary Flames hockey team in action at the Scotiabank Saddledome in the city of Calgary. If you’re arriving via plane, this will be the very same city you’ll fly into to begin your ski vacation. 

2. Discover skiing in Banff’s backcountry

While this is technically still a ski adventure, this experience takes you off resort into a brand new environment – the backcountry of Banff National Park! Have you ever wanted to take that next step into the backcountry and felt some apprehension? With some instruction and guidance from a professional mountain guide, the unknown will start to make sense. An Intro to Backcountry course with Alpine Air Adventures is an excellent stepping-stone that works well as a supplement to an AST1 course.

3. Walk through an ice canyon at night

Some of Banff’s most popular summer attractions are just as compelling the winter months. Canyons gushing with powerful water forces in the summer are now seemingly frozen in time. Book an ice walk tour to see them for yourself, or check it out at night for an even more surreal experience.

4. Ice skate on a frozen lake

Banff and Lake Louise are brimming with frozen lakes encircled by mountain peaks – and many of them are just a short walk or drive away. If in Lake Louise, pick up your rentals from Chateau Ski and Snow and head out to the mountain lake matriarch – Lake Louise herself! Or check out any of these other beautiful locations for ice skating. Be sure to brush up on your backcountry skating safety first, and check with Parks Canada to ensure the ice is thick enough to safely skate on.

5. Take a stab at ice climbing

This winter activity is often considered type A fun – but don’t knock it until you try it! Ice climbers tout the magical world of sparkling ice and beautiful vistas as the draws that keep them coming back. Alpine Air Adventure offers ice climbing at the famous Johnston Canyon, or other magnificent frozen waterfalls in the park. This program is great for beginners or experienced climbers visiting the area. All guides are certified under the ACMG and or the IFMGA who lead this experience over one or two days. 

6. Speed down a tubing lane

Feel like a kid again with a spinny, snowy experience at Mt. Norquay’s tube park! No experience is necessary. Whether you’re a kid or a kid at heart, this is a thrilling activity for visitors of all ages. Little ones do have to be over 42 inches tall to ride and must be accompanied by an adult.

7. Elevate your turns with heli skiing

For the ultimate ski vacation, take your planks beyond the resorts via helicopter! RK Heli Skiing, based out of Panorama, BC, (a 2-hour drive from Banff), offers various backcountry adventures to suit your group’s ability and interests. Breakfast, lunch and an apres ski is included with most tours. Choose between group tours or private outings, all with the help of a qualified ski guide. 

8. Journey through the wilderness by snowmobile

With White N’ Wild or Toby Creek Adventures snowmobile tours, discover the backcountry near Golden or Panorama, BC, on this Canadian Rockies adventure. Family-friendly tours are available with both tour operators, or, you can take it to the next level with a private, full-day sledding excursion. Both operators can be booked through SkiBig3 online or by calling our Vacation Specialist at 1 844 754 2443. You’re guaranteed to find an adventure that suits your style. 

9. Wander on snowshoes

To go on a winter walk near Banff and Lake Louise, snowshoes are often a must to avoid sinking into knee-deep (or deeper) snow! They also help with traction in icy spots on certain popular walks. Rent a pair from the SkiBig3 Adventure Hub for a self-propelled adventure, and inquire with the Parks Canada Information Centre for recommendations on where to go. Looking for a guided experience? Snowshoe experiences are offered around Banff and Lake Louise, as well as at the Lake Louise Ski Resort. Book your snowshoe adventure online with SkiBig3, or call our SkiBig3 Reservations Team at 1-844-754-244 to learn more.