Banff

How to Plan the Dreamiest Christmas Get-Away to Banff, AB, Canada

Few places rival the snowy wonderland charm and storybook Christmas vibes of Banff, Canada. Everything you could dream of for a white Christmas in the mountains, complete with over-the-top decorations, adventurous activities, and a literal trail of hot chocolate, can be found in this very special place tucked away within Banff National Park, just 90 minutes from Calgary Airport.

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Every year, I aim to take a trip during December to experience the magic of Christmas in a new place — before I get too busy with my own holiday prep! Even after experiencing the famous German Christmas Markets and other US cities, Banff still ranks near the top of my list as one of the best and most memorable destinations.

Above photo: Banff Visitor Center

I have a ton of recommendations to share based on our recent trip. This guide will cover everything we did during our visit and travel tips for maximizing the fun!

• Where we stayed in Banff Springs
• Top things to see and do in Banff
• Where we ate
• Combining a trip to Lake Louise
• Essential links and travel tips

Where we stayed in Banff Springs

No one does Christmas in Banff quite like the Fairmont Banff Springs. From the moment we arrived, we felt fully immersed in a Christmas novel full of themed decorations, festive activities, and special holiday treats. Part of the allure and charm of Banff is the full-on “Christmas at the Castle” celebration of this destination hotel. In fact, many families come to stay here for Christmas Day because of the thoughtful and nostalgic details that make it feel like home — but without the exhausting work.

Our visit to Banff was over the second weekend in December, and we witnessed the final decorations being put into place. Exploring all the common areas and restaurants around the hotel was an attraction of its own. I was truly inspired!

Above photos: Fairmont Banff Springs

Check rates & availability for Fairmont Banff Springs below:

Top things to see and do in Banff

Downtown Banff Springs

Downtown Banff Springs is friendly, walkable, and oh-so-charming. Set against the dramatic backdrop of Cascade Mountain, the view looking down Banff Avenue is nothing short of iconic. Parking isn’t too terrible during the winter months (it is a different story during the summer), and once you are parked you can wander up and down the shop-lined streets dressed in holiday lights and festive decor.

Above photo: Banff Avenue

While there are plenty of souvenir and gift shops, there are also a lot of sporting goods stores, art galleries, and confectionaries. It is hard to come away empty handed! Don’t miss the adorable St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church and the Banff Visitor Center next door.

Above photos: Shopping in Downtown Banff

The best time of day to visit downtown is late-afternoon. The sun sets early, around 4:30 pm. As it does, strings of holiday lights start to twinkle and shop windows glow with warmth. It is massively festive and romantic! A lot of the shops stay open late for both the pre- and after-dinner crowds so you can truly make an evening of it.

Above photos: Downtown Banff Springs

Hot Chocolate Trail

Have you ever heard of anything as festive and wintery as a Hot Chocolate Trail? During the Christmas season, somewhere around 30 establishments come up with special holiday-themed hot chocolate creations that you can indulge in as you make your way around town.

If we had a longer stay, I would have made it my goal to visit each and every participating restaurant and cafe. For a really special variation, try whatever boozy concoction PARK Distillery has come up with using their own spirits. It is deeee-lish!

Above photos: Hot Chocolate Trail

In Search of Christmas Spirit at the Cascade of Time Garden

Cave Avenue, Banff | Website

In Search of Christmas Spirit is a walk-thru holiday light display located within the Cascade of Time Garden. During the warm-weather months, this area is a beautiful, landscaped public garden. During the festive season, it is transformed into a story trail with illuminated animal sculptures and garden features.

Above photo: In Search of Christmas Spirit at the Cascade of Time Garden

The Cascade of Time Garden is located downtown across the Bow River from the shops and restaurants. We left our car parked in the same spot and walked over the bridge to the garden entrance. It is important to reserve tickets in advance through the General Admission releases or through one of the participating hotels.

When we arrived, we were given lanterns to help illuminate the pathway as we walked the trail. Along the way, various light and sound stations tell the story of Owl and his animal friends in search of the Spirit of Christmas.

Above photos: In Search of Christmas Spirit at the Cascade of Time Garden

As far as outdoor Christmas light displays go, this was one of the most peaceful and enchanting experiences. We definitely felt immersed in the cultural heritage of the area. Allow about 1 hour to complete the trail.

Above photos: In Search of Christmas Spirit at the Cascade of Time Garden

Johnston Canyon Ice Walk

Bow Valley Pkwy, Improvement District No. 9 | Website

If you have a bit of adventure in you, the Johnston Canyon Ice Walk is a must while visiting Banff. This hiking trail is fairly easy unless you don’t have proper footwear (more on that in a sec).

We got up early to beat the tour groups to the trailhead. The guided tours are wonderful and a great way to learn more about the area. But, if you prefer a quiet walk, you will want to start out a little earlier. On our way, we encountered a big horn sheep in the middle of the road! Early morning is usually the best time of day to spot wildlife, but I didn’t actually think we would get so lucky.

Above photos: Johnston Canyon Ice Walk

The trailhead is well marked and there is a large parking lot. There are also restrooms and a small cafe (that didn’t seem to be open – maybe just in the summer?). If there is snow on the ground, you will probably want to be wearing ice cleats or crampons. Ice cleats are really essential for safety. We bought these and they were perfect. They slip right over your boots and provide traction in packed snow and ice. I wore these multiple times throughout our trip while walking/hiking around in the snow.

Above photos: Johnston Canyon Ice Walk

Upper Hot Springs

1 Mountain Avenue, Banff | Website

A touristy, yet very popular, attraction in Banff is Upper Hot Springs, a spring-fed pool that maintains a steamy temperature between 98ºF and 104ºF. While this may sound pretty good after walking around in freezing cold temperatures, it was a short soak for us before we were downright hot and had to get out.

Upper Hot Springs is located near the Banff Gondola. There is a large parking lot, but it fills up quickly. If you don’t want to test your luck in snagging a spot, you can also reach the entrance via the ROAM bus (Banff’s public transportation).

Above photos: Upper Hot Springs

Admission to the pool includes a single-use token for a locker. There is an additional fee to rent a towel or swimsuit. My only complaint was the level of effort shedding all of my layers of outerwear and clothing to get changed into — and then out of — my swimsuit. Otherwise, it was pretty smooth and the facilities were well-maintained.

In total honesty, this was not one of our favorite activities. The cost and effort were not justified simply due to the short duration of our use. Of course, plenty of other people love this attraction, especially the apres-ski crowd!

Above photo: Upper Hot Springs

Private Campfire

If you so happen to be staying at the Fairmont in Banff, or at another hotel that offers it, one of the best things to do is cozy-up to a private campfire, preferably with libations in-hand. If you aren’t able to make reservations for this experience, then a roaring fireplace inside a local pub or restaurant will tick this box quite nicely.

Campfires and fireplaces alike are a quintessential holiday focal point that set the mood for any merry-making gathering. We could not resist the opportunity to sink back into a couple of adirondack chairs and watch the sparks fly while sipping on craft cocktails from the Rundle Bar. It was so relaxing and romantic, much like the time we spend on our patio at home, only with snow-covered mountains in the background:)

This is a great activity for couples, families, or groups traveling together. Our private campfire was before dinner, but we ended up coming back to the Rundle Bar at the end of our evening to continue the whole fire + cocktails experience.

Above photos: Private Campfire Experience at the Fairmont Banff Springs

Canadian Pacific Holiday Train

Banff Train Station | 327 Railway Avenue, Banff

The Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) Holiday Train is a beloved tradition for train enthusiasts and local communities along its North American route. The train is completely covered in animated holiday light designs and features live musical performances during its stops. In addition to spreading cheer, CPKC raises money, food and awareness for local community food banks.

The CPKC Holiday Train stops in Banff for 1-night. Needless to say, you will want to check the schedule to see if your travel dates align with the stop in Banff. The 2025 schedule is posted on Facebook.

When the train arrives in Banff, the engine will stop directly in front of the train station. But, the box cars and the entertainment stage will be in front of the main parking lot to the right of the station. If you want a “front row” view, arrive at least 30-mintues ahead of the train’s scheduled arrival. After that, the entire town shows up for this incredibly fun event!

Above photos: CPKC Holiday Train

Surprise Corner

Buffalo Street, Banff | Website

Surprise Corner is a scenic overlook along the Bow River that offers postcard views of the Fairmont Banff Springs and surrounding mountains. There is a small parking lot at the end of Buffalo Street that is within a couple minute walk of the viewpoint. You can grab your photos and be on your way. Or, you can set-off on one of the trailheads that start here.

Bow River Trail follows the Bow River into town and ends at the train station. Bow Falls to Hoodoos Trail goes in the opposite direction along the Bow River, winding through the forest between the river and Tunnel Mountain.

Above photo: View from Surprise Corner

Dog Sledding

829 10 Street, Canmore | Website

If you have never experienced the thrill and rush of dog sledding, Banff is the perfect place to let some happy and hard-working huskies guide you through the beautiful landscape of Banff National Park.

We booked our dog sledding adventure through Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours. While there was snow on the ground in Banff, we didn’t think there would be enough for dog sledding. However, the dogs are not in town. The sledding is actually at a much higher elevation in Kananaskis Country near Canmore. Click here to book your dog sledding tour.

We had an absolute blast! My husband and I took turns driving the sled and riding as the passenger. The dogs are very well trained and the staff is super helpful. It was an unforgettable experience and an opportunity to see the remote and unspoiled landscape of the Canadian Rockies.

Above photos: Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours

We booked the Powder Hound Express Tour, which was 2-hours in total duration including the shuttle bus up to the trail. We had about 1-hour on the sled, followed by hot chocolate around a campfire. There is also an option to add-on an Alpine Helicopter Flight, which I’m sure is gorgeous and thrilling!

Above photos: Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours

Banff Trading Post

101 Cave Avenue, Banff | Website

The Banff Trading Post is a long-standing outlet for authentic Indigenous handicrafts. It was founded in 1903 and has been a part of Banff history ever since. While there are a lot of wonderful shops in downtown Banff, don’t forget to swing by the Trading Post, located on the opposite side of the Bow River, for unusual finds and a really amazing collection of moccasins and mukluks.

Above photos: Banff Trading Post

Banff Gondola

100 Mountain Avenue, Banff | Website

The Banff Gondola is Banff’s most popular attraction, offering panoramic views of of six mountain ranges, the Bow Valley and the town of Banff itself from the Sulphur Mountain summit. Click here to book your gondola ticket.

Parking at the gondola base was readily available during the late-afternoon timeframe and there was no wait for cabins. I’m sure this can vary depending on time of day and season though.

Above photos: Banff Gondola Base Station

The mountain station at the top is also home to a couple restaurants, a gift shop, and an interpretive center. We briefly stepped outside to explore the boardwalk that leads up to the Cosmic Ray Station and Sanson’s Peak, but the conditions were too treacherous to make the entire trek. However, we did make our way around to all of the interactive experiences set up for Nightrise, an immersive multi-media production that runs during the winter months.

Above photo: Sulphur Mountain Boardwalk

Above photos: Cosmic Ray Station (left); Mountain Station Terrace (right)

Above photos: Nightrise at Banff Gondola

Where we ate

Banff has a great food and restaurant scene! Between the dining options at the Fairmont and the diverse restaurants downtown, we had a hard time deciding. Here are the places we settled on — and all of them were amazing!

Bakery-Cafe’s

The cafes and bakeries in Banff are all-day establishments, serving up warm drinks and cozy carbs. Many of the cafes participate in the Hot Chocolate Trail, so they’ll hook you in even if you aren’t hungry. I couldn’t resist trying a BeaverTail after dinner our first night. It just looked like something uniquely Canadian that I had to try:). The best way I can describe it is fried dough slathered with toppings. Prepare for sugar overload!

• Wild Flour: 211 Bear Street #101 | Website
• BeaverTails: 120 Banff Avenue | Website
• Stock: 405 Spray Avenue inside the Fairmont Banff Springs | Website

Above photos: Bakery-cafe’s in Banff

Lunch

Our first lunch in Banff was actually brunch at The Vermillion Room following our Johnston Canyon hike. The all-you-can eat buffet spread was absolutely incredible! This was probably our favorite meal in Banff. We ran out of room in our stomachs before we could try everything. The restaurant itself is also so beautiful!

We had a light lunch at PARK Distillery following our dog sledding experience. The food was great and the hot chocolate was the best I’ve ever had. The restaurant also offers distillery tours, if you’re interested. We didn’t do the tour, but we did load up on bottles of vodka and maple rye old fashioned to take back home:)

• The Vermillion Room: 405 Spray Avenue inside the Fairmont Banff Springs | Website
• PARK Distillery: 219 Banff Avenue | Website

Above photos: PARK Distillery

Dinner

You really cannot go wrong with dinner at The Bison. Rated amongst the Top 100 Best Restaurants in Canada (and a long list of other awards), the menu features regional Canadian dishes including, of course, bison. We dined here between our downtown wanderings and our walk through the Cascade of Time Garden for an absolutely perfect first night in Banff.

Waldhaus and Sky Bistro are also highly rated favorites, each with unique alpine ambiance. Waldhaus is located a short shuttle ride away from the Fairmont (but still on-property) in a historic Bavarian-style cottage. Downstairs from the restaurant there is a more casual pub, in case you’re craving soft pretzels and German pilsners.

• The Bison: 211 Bear Street # 213 | Website
• Waldhaus: 1 Bow Falls Avenue | Website
• Sky Bistro: 100 Mountain Avenue inside Banff Gondola Mountain Station | Website

Above photos: The Bison

Combining a trip to Lake Louise

If you are coming all the way to Banff, it is hard to pass up the opportunity to drive 45-minutes north to Lake Louise. This is a very popular day trip from Banff. We decided to tack on a whole couple extra days and stay at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.

It is possible to drive up to Lake Louise for the day and enjoy some snowy activities if that is all the time you have. Otherwise, I whole heartedly recommend staying for a night or two because there is actually quite a lot to do! We enjoyed a horse-drawn sleigh ride, ice skating, hiking in the snow, and skiing.

Above photos: Lake Louise

The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is in a much more remote location, surrounded by mountains, forrest, and overlooking the lake. It is a different kind of winter wonderland and much, much more snowy! Read my complete guide to Christmas at Lake Louise here.

Essential links and travel tips

Essential Links

You MUST purchase a Parks Canada Pass in order to drive within Banff National Park boundaries. Since Banff Springs is located within the park, you will need this pass. Click here for online advance purchase.

The best way to get to and around Banff National Park and Banff Springs is by car. Parking can be tricky at popular attractions depending on the season and time of day. Public transportation is an available option. Click here to view ROAM bus schedules and route information.

The Banff & Lake Louise Tourism website is chok-full of visitor information, seasonal activity recommendations, trip ideas, history, and more. Click here to visit and bookmark this site while planning your trip.

Tours

Below are some tours associated with the activities mentioned in this post. One of the top benefits to a guided tour is the opportunity to learn more about the area from a local. It can also be nice knowing that someone else has researched all of the details and all you have to do is follow along. Other times, figuring stuff out on your own is part of the adventure!

Thank you for reading my post! Please feel free to add friendly comments or questions below!