Tour Overview
| Duration | 6 Days / 5 Nights |
|---|---|
| Destination | Banff National Park — Canadian Rockies Winter Experience |
| Price From | $2,495 per person (twin share) |
| Tour Style | Winter Sports & Ice Magic |
| Best Season | November — April (ski season). Northern Lights best Dec-Feb. |
| Data Source | SkiBig3 / verified 2026 pricing |
Itinerary Highlights
Day 1: Arrive Calgary — Winter Transfer to Banff
Fly into Calgary and transfer through a winter wonderland to Banff. The Rockies in winter are magical — the peaks wear thick coats of snow, the air is crisp and clear, and the crowds of summer are gone. This is when Banff reveals its true mountain character. Check into your hotel and gear up with premium ski/snowboard rentals. Welcome dinner at a classic Banff steakhouse. Overnight in Banff.
Day 2: Ski Big 3 — Lake Louise Ski Resort
Full day at Lake Louise Ski Resort, one of North America’s largest ski areas with 4,200 acres of terrain, 145 named runs, and a vertical drop of 991m. The resort spans four mountain faces, each with its own character: the Front Side for groomed cruisers, Larch for intermediate bowls, Ptarmigan for steep chutes, and the Back Bowls for legendary powder. The views from every run include the Victoria Glacier and Lake Louise far below — skiing doesn’t get more scenic. Lunch at the Whitehorn Lodge (2,042m), the resort’s highest restaurant. Afternoon: ski with a complimentary “Ski Friends” guide (volunteer local experts who show you their favorite hidden runs). Evening: après-ski in Lake Louise village. Overnight in Banff.
Day 3: Johnston Canyon Ice Walk & Banff Upper Hot Springs
A rest day from skiing — but still active. Morning: guided ice walk through Johnston Canyon. In winter, the waterfalls freeze solid, creating cathedrals of ice — the Lower Falls form a 30m frozen pillar, and the Upper Falls become a massive ice cone. The catwalks suspended over the canyon, coated in frost, take you through a world of ice formations, frozen spray, and the surreal blue glow of light filtering through ancient ice. Crampons provided for walking on the frozen canyon floor. Afternoon: soak in the Banff Upper Hot Springs (outdoor pool at 38-40°C), with steam rising from the water as snow falls around you and the snow-covered peak of Mount Rundle frames the view. This is peak Canadian winter contentment. Evening: Banff Avenue exploration and dinner at a fondue restaurant. Overnight in Banff.
Day 4: Sunshine Village Ski & Northern Lights Chase
Morning at Sunshine Village, Banff’s highest ski resort (base at 1,660m, summit at 2,730m). Sunshine straddles the Continental Divide between Alberta and British Columbia, and its high elevation means reliable snow — it has Canada’s longest non-glacial ski season (November to May). The resort is accessed by a 5km gondola ride from the parking lot. The terrain includes Delirium Dive, one of North America’s most famous off-piste areas (named one of the world’s top 10 steep ski runs). Afternoon: free ski or try the “Banff Sunshine Sightseeing Gondola” for non-skiers. Evening: Northern Lights chase. Banff sits at 51°N latitude with minimal light pollution, making it a viable aurora viewing location during strong solar activity. Your guide will take you to optimal viewing spots away from town lights. The aurora borealis over the Rockies’ peaks, reflected in frozen lakes, is an experience few travelers ever have. Overnight in Banff.
Day 5: Dogsledding & Icefields Parkway
Morning: dogsledding adventure near Canmore or Lake Louise. A team of 6-8 Alaskan huskies pulls you through snow-covered forest trails, with you driving (mushing) or riding in the sled. The dogs are born to run — their excitement is palpable, and the silence after they stop (broken only by panting and the crunch of snow) is the sound of pure winter wilderness. The bond between musher and dogs, and the profound quiet of the forest, makes this one of the most memorable experiences in the Rockies. Afternoon: drive a section of the Icefields Parkway in winter — a completely different world from summer. The road is plowed (conditions permitting) and the frozen waterfalls, snow-draped peaks, and complete absence of other vehicles create an otherworldly atmosphere. Stop at Bow Lake and Peyto Lake (the viewing platform may require a short snowshoe). Farewell dinner at the Fairmont Banff Springs, the “Castle in the Rockies” — its grand halls, roaring fireplaces, and views of the frozen Bow River valley are the essence of mountain luxury. Overnight in Banff.
Day 6: Final Morning & Depart
Optional final morning activities: snowshoeing at Lake Minnewanka, ice skating on the frozen lake (conditions permitting), or a sleigh ride at the Banff Springs. Transfer to Calgary Airport. The Rockies in winter leave an impression that lasts a lifetime.
Inclusions
- 5 nights Banff hotel with daily breakfast
- 2-day SkiBig3 lift ticket (Lake Louise + Sunshine Village)
- Premium ski/snowboard rental package (skis/boots/poles or board/boots)
- Johnston Canyon ice walk (guided, crampons provided)
- Half-day dogsledding adventure
- Banff Upper Hot Springs entry
- Northern Lights chase with guide + hot chocolate
- Winter Icefields Parkway drive (guided, conditions permitting)
- Farewell dinner at Fairmont Banff Springs
- All transfers + helmet + winter gear recommendations
