If eight thousand acres of skiable terrain across three ski resorts, nine metres of snowfall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, jaw dropping Rocky Mountain vistas and over a hundred and thirty bars don’t grab you (trust us, they will) then try these ten Banff & Lake Louise adventures on for size.
Ice Skating on Lake Louise
Step inside the snow globe that is Lake Louise, the picture perfect winter wonderland with glacier capped peaks and a giant ice castle on a lake surrounded by locals and travellers ice skating on the frozen lake. Sigh.
Ski three resorts on the one pass
Ski the impressive Sunshine Village, the majestic Lake Louise and local’s favourite Mt Norquay all on the one ski pass. That’s three mountain resorts within a simply stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site accessed by two gondolas and twenty six chairlifts. Did we mention the eight thousand acres of skiable terrain topped up with nine metres of super dry and uber light Canadian powder snow? It’s worth mentioning again.
Ice walk the Johnston Canyon
Take an Ice Walk on the Johnston Canyon where wolves, moose, elk and coyotes play. Guides will kit you out with ice cleats for walking and share stories of the gold and silver mining of days gone by as you traverse steel catwalks to view the canyon below and both the lower and upper icefalls. Take your camera and thank us later.
You can book the Ice Walk as part of an activity package with Ski Max.
Dog Sledding
Have dog, have sled, will travel. Strap yourself in behind a team of arctic dogs and prepare for a wild ride. Originally used as a means of transport by the Inuit people of the Canadian Arctic and the early settlers of Banff & Lake Louise, dog sledding is now offered as a leisure activity so you can experience the unique perspective of silent woods and solitary trails from within the warmth of a dog sled.
Cross-country Skiing in Lake Louise
Click into some cross country skis and hit one of the area’s classic cross country trails through dense forest and rolling terrain. For night skiing try the single or double track sets at Tunnel Mountain Campground Trailer Court.
Après apres apres
Choose from a hundred and thirty plus bars in Banff and get your apres drinking arm on. From local house made vodka, rye and gin to mulled wines, martinis and cognac.
Whatever your tipple you and your dancing shoes will be welcome with a big Canadian grin.
Caving Grotto Mountain
Go deep into Rats Nest Cave, a vast and intricate system that lies below Grotto Mountain. The temperature in the cave remains much warmer then the air above so it can also be tackled in winter. Guides will take you through over four kilometres of explored caves deep inside the Rocky Mountains.
Snowshoeing in Banff or Lake Louise
Take a guided snow shoe to scenic canyons, vast meadows, and off-the-beaten-path locations with a guide who knows the destination, history, flora, fauna and more inside out. Prefer your snow shoe to come with a helicopter? Then check out ‘heli showshoeing’ and board a chopper to reach a breathtaking peak and get your snow shoes on.
Horse drawn sleigh ride in Banff or Lake Louise
Climb aboard a horse drawn sleigh as you peruse the snow laden streets of Banff and Lake Louise with a cowboy at the helm.
Ice Fishing
Ice fishing can take some time, drop your hook through the hole in the ice inside or outside an on lake cabin and wait. Just as well your guides have created a fish and steak fry to dine upon while telling tales of the fish that got away. This is an iconic Canadian experience, worth the wait.
SkiMax Holidays have package deals to Banff from AU$969 per person for seven nights including six days of skiing. Check out their deals here.
