Winter in the Canadian Rockies is Pure Magic

While freezing, winter is a magical time in the Canadian Rockies whether you want to hike, ski/snowboard or just enjoy the views.

Spoiler alert: I'm obsessed with Canada. It is positively my favorite place to travel no matter what time of the year. I recently got back from another winter trip to the Banff area and lightly put, it was magical. I can't recommend winter travel to Banff and beyond enough!

Whether you want to hit the slopes, eat all the foods or simply just sightsee, there is plenty to do.

Outdoor Adventures

I don't ski or snowboard, but the Banff and Lake Louise area offers several incredible hills which offer challenging runs and breathtaking views! Mt. Norquay is located right within Banff, and near Lake Louise, the Lake Louise Ski Area and Sunshine Ski Hill are nearby.

If you're like me and don't ski/snowboard, there is still a ton to do! Banff and beyond offers many great hikes from those that are shorter to those that will take a greater part of the day. A great hike for all levels in the winter is the Lake Louise Shoreline. Also...don't forget about sleigh rides! You enjoy the beauty of the Canadian Rockies while being pulled by horses in Banff, Lake Louise and Kananaskis.

My Favorite Places to Eat

Now that you've sufficienty worked up an appetite, it's time to refuel. A few of my favorite places to eat in Banff include the The Eddie Burger+Bar, Bear Street Tavern, Sky Bistro and Saltlik. Canmore and Lake Louise also offer great eating options! Poutine is one of my favorite foods to eat while in Canada as what we have in the states is subpar.

Need dessert? Stop by BeaverTails for a sweet treat!

Enjoying the View

After lunch, it's a great time to walk around Banff or Canmore and enjoy the shops. Not into shopping? Check out the Banff Upper Hot Springs and enjoy some relaxation or check out the Banff Gondola and enjoy one of the most scenic views in Banff. If you plan to visit the Banff Gondola, making a reservation in advance will improve your experience.

You can also enjoy the beautiful views from the comfort of your vehicle and check out the Icefields Parkway or the Bow Valley Parkway. Watch out for wildlife and be sure to check out the most up to date weather / driving conditions as there are definitely areas with no reception!

Are you ready to feel like you're in a Hallmark movie? Make a plan to visit the Canadian Rockies in the winter!