Ready for the winter trip of a lifetime that’ll make you feel like you’re in a Hallmark movie?
Banff in winter has entered the chat. You might know that Banff in summer or Banff in fall is amazing, BUT with the right planning this Canadian gem can be even more magical.
In this post, I’m giving you everything you need to know to plan a trip to Banff in winter — where to stay, getting there, and more.
Make sure you check out my guide on things to do in Banff in winter for bucket list activities you need to try!
First, When Is Winter In Banff?
Winter in Banff National Park is from December through March.
During that time, you can expect lots of snow and cold temperatures!
However, if you want to skip all the winter crowds, you can experience winter in Banff closer to February.
Most tourists who come to Banff in winter should leave by then, and you’ll have these beautiful Canadian Rockies all to yourself.
What Is The Temperature Like?
Below are the Banff in winter high and lows. All temperatures are in Fahrenheit.
- December 23° – 7°
- January 25° – 7°
- February 32° – 11°
Read Next: Best Christmas Towns in the USA
Getting There and Around
Fly into the Calgary Airport! Here are the fast facts about driving from the airport to Banff:
- Calgary International Airport (YYC) — About a 1.5-hour drive from Banff National Park via the TransCanada Highway
Whether or not you rent a car for Banff in winter entirely depends on what you think you’ll be doing! Naturally, renting a car will give you the most freedom.
Click here to see your rental car options!
However, you can also take a shuttle from the Calgary Airport to Banff National Park in winter. A few shuttles will take you to your destination for as low as $10!
You can read more about getting to Banff without a car here.
Where to Stay
Here are some recommendations on where to stay—get ready to snuggle with some warm blankies and hot cocoa!
Fairmont Banff Springs (Luxury)
If you’re visiting Banff in winter, I suggest going all out on accommodations so you’re as cozy as possible. And this property is the place to be. You’ll enjoy 360 views from just about every part of the hotel, pools, a spa, and access to snowsports!
Rimrock Resort Hotel (Luxury)
Rimrock Resort Hotel is an excellent place to stay for your winter adventure! Enjoy a gorgeous view of the Rockies from your window, then head to the lobby to cozy up by the welcoming fireplace. Talk about a home away from home!
Canalta Lodge (Mid-Range)
If you’re looking for more apartment type accommodations that won’t break the bank, then the Canalta Lodge is for you! You can book suites with mini kitchens and enjoy the outdoor firepit. Plus it’s pet-friendly, so Fido can come too!
Banff in Winter FAQ
When is the Tourist Season?
Winter in Banff starts in December and ends in early March.
This is when Banff in winter tourism peaks. However, you can skip most of the crowds by planning your trip around February.
What is the Currency?
When exploring Banff in winter or any other season, remember that the money used is the Canadian dollar.
I always like to look up the current exchange rate here.
Can I Use Credit Cards?
You can certainly pay for items in Banff with a credit card.
Most Visa and Mastercards are widely accepted.
What is the Language?
In Banff National Park, most folks speak English.
Otherwise, there is a heavy French influence in Canada, so you can get away with speaking French too!
Tips for Visiting Banff in Winter
Let’s wrap this up with some tips for visiting Banff in Winter.
Use Snow Tires
Better safe than sorry!
When visiting Banff in winter, ensure the car you rent has winter tires! You can also ask the rental car company to give you an ice scraper and shovel!
Check Road Conditions
Plans can change if a road is closed!
Make sure you are checking road conditions and that the route you plan to take is open. You can use this link here for more information.
Bring Sunglasses
Snow can severely burn the heck out of your eyes. Wear sunglasses to protect your pupils!
Wear Sunscreen
The snow reflects some intense light at you!
That being said, wear sunscreen and make sure you are moisturizing.
Grab Banff Park Passes
For visiting Banff National Park in winter, purchase a national park pass.
You can see alllllll the information about the fees here.
Of course, you can buy it when you arrive, but I like to plan ahead.
Save Money with the Shuttle
To save money, rent a car for the days you need them!
If you want to only rent a car for part of your trip to Banff this winter, then use and shuttle and rent a car only for the days you know you will use it!
This is also a good trick for visiting Banff any other season.
Stay Calm When Driving
If you’re from Arizona like me, driving around Banff in winter can seem daunting.
I mean, I rarely even see snow let alone drive in it!
However, you must stay calm and trust yourself and your vehicle.
Ice road conditions are no joke; you shouldn’t be driving if you’re terrified of doing so.
Rest Assured
Also, Alberta does a great job of keeping up with the road to ensure it’s safe for driving.
Visiting Banff in winter is a popular vacation for most folks, so you can rest assured that Alberta will take care of the roads for you!
Remember, when you’re ready to explore the best winter activities, head to my list of things to do in Banff in winter!
