Canmore and Banff in Winter Are Basically a Windows Desktop Background IRL
It’s been on my bucket list forever to visit Alberta, Canada. Partly because Lake Louise is my desktop background, but mostly because I’m obsessed with mountains. As someone born and raised in New York, escaping to the mountains is my favorite way to ~feel alive~ and forget about the chaos of everyday life.
So when I got the chance to visit Canmore and Banff, it was an immediate yes. This was a dream come true!!! Banff, in particular, is in my top three “must-go-before-I-die” destinations. The twist? I’d be visiting in winter. Snow-covered mountains in what could potentially become my favorite place on Earth? Sign me the f up.
Spoiler alert: This trip was by far the most magical I’ve ever taken. If you’re craving a winter wonderland that has it all — jaw-dropping scenery, incredible food, adventure, and cozy vibes — Alberta in winter needs to be at the top of your bucket list.
I experienced the magic via a road trip, so my pro tip is to rent a car for the week to make transportation a breeze. Now, let me walk you through the highlights of my week so you can copy my itinerary shamelessly. You’re welcome in advance.
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What to Pack for Alberta, Canada, In The Winter
Girly pop, this isn’t a beach getaway — this is a bundle-up-or-freeze-your-ass-off situation. Dressing properly is non-negotiable if you want to enjoy Alberta’s winter magic without becoming a human icicle. My biggest tip? LAYERS. Lots of them. Here’s your ultimate packing checklist:
Warm pants (thermal leggings or lined pants, pls)
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Sweaters or long-sleeved shirts (for that cozy chic mountain vibe)
A warm jacket (leave the fashion puffer at home unless it’s functional)
Warm socks (thick ones — your toes will thank you)
Fleece or wool winter hat (obviously)
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Swimsuit (for the hot tubs with mountain views!!)
Sunglasses (snow glare is no joke)
Thermals/base layers/long johns (lifesavers)
Snow pants (you will want to make a snow angel, trust me)
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Gloves or mittens (preferably waterproof)
Neck warmer or scarf (or both, tbh)
Sturdy warm shoes (winter boots or hiking boots — make sure they’re warm and grippy, no heels or Uggs, bb girl)
Where to Stay in Alberta, Canada
Mount Engadine Lodge (Canmore)
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If you’re looking for stunning photo ops, this is the spot. Glamping at Mount Engadine Lodge was an absolute dream, complete with breathtaking pink and purple sunrises right outside your door. (The photo below is proof.)
Winter glamping is such a unique experience, and the lodge’s location is perfect for snowshoeing, hiking, or just soaking in the peace of nature.
The Malcolm Hotel (Canmore)
Remember when I said to pack a swimsuit? This is why. The Malcolm Hotel is beautiful, and their outdoor hot tubs are the perfect place to relax while soaking in views of the snow-draped Rockies. Plus, they host a Festival of the Trees during the winter, decking out their lobby with holiday-themed trees and wreaths that’ll give you all the ~holiday feels~.
Fairmont Banff Springs (Banff)
This hotel is the definition of l-u-x-u-r-y. The Fairmont Banff Springs is not only breathtakingly beautiful, but it also offers some of the most gorgeous sunrises and sunsets over the mountains I’ve ever seen in my life. I KNOW I SAID THAT 5 TIMES, BUT IT’S TRUE! I left Alberta with about 100 pics of sunsets — all in different spots.
One of the biggest highlights was prob dining at 1888 Chophouse, an absolute must-try. The food was phenomenal, and they even brought out a champagne cart upon arrival — I’m not lying.
Don’t skip the spa and mineral pools, either. After a day of adventuring, there’s nothing better than soaking in those serene, warm waters while surrounded by mountain views.
Things to Do (Canmore)
An absolute highlight. 10/10, no notes. Visiting Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary was such an incredible experience. This rescue and safe haven for wolfdogs doesn’t just let you admire these majestic creatures — you get to learn all about them! The staff taught us all about preserving wild wolves in their natural habitat, and yes, we even got to pet some of them. Plus, the scenic walk around the sanctuary was unreal.
Exploring Canmore with a private guide? Say no more. This tour was the perfect mix of adventure and indulgence. Our guide showed us stunning local highlights, shared tidbits about Canmore, and kept us fueled with hot chocolate and pastries.
Explore and Shop in Downtown Canmore
No trip to a mountain town is complete without a little shopping and eating, obv. My absolute favorite meal of the trip was at Bridgette Bar. The food? Perfect. The vibe? Immaculate. The ambiance? *chef’s kiss*.
If you’re up for a shopping spree, don’t miss Big Bear Trading Co. and The Tin Box. From unique gifts to mountain-inspired goodies, these spots are full of souvenirs to bring back home.
Things to Do (Banff)
Hot Chocolate Trail
This was, quite literally, the sweetest experience of my life. During Christmastime, Banff hosts a Hot Chocolate Trail, where participating restaurants, bars, and cafes serve up limited-time, holiday-themed hot chocolates. You follow a map to try them all, which I may or may not have taken as a personal challenge (I had eight — zero regrets). It’s festive, cozy, and a must-do if you’re in town for the holidays.
MORE LIGHTS, BB. The Cascade of Time Garden puts on the most adorable event called In Search of Christmas Spirit where you follow a Christmas story as you stroll through a magical garden. It’s sweet, family-friendly, and the perfect activity for some holiday fun.
While the gondola is great any time of day, I went at night — and let me tell you, it was next level. Not only do you get breathtaking views of Banff under the stars, but the immersive Four Wonders art installations at the summit are unreal. Picture multi-story, interactive displays, plus food, drinks, and cozy stargazing by the fire. Obsessed.
Banff Christmas Market
Okay, you know it’s not a winter wonderland without a visit to See Santa. I highly recommend stopping by the Banff Christmas Market when you’re in town. From shopping for handmade gifts by local artists to sipping hot chocolate or mulled wine, it’s packed with festive vibes. Add in food trucks, live Christmas music, and photo ops with Santa, and it’s got it all.
Visit Lake Louise
Okay, I’ve already used the word “obsessed” like 100 times, but there’s no better way to describe my feelings for Lake Louise in winter. The frozen-over lake is straight out of a Hallmark movie. You can walk across it, snowshoe, or just take a million photos (pls don’t look at my camera roll). And if you’re visiting in January, you’ll find an ice-skating rink on the lake. Truly bucket list-worthy.
Johnston Canyon Icewalk
I told you there would be some adventure! The Johnston Canyon Icewalk was hands-down one of my favorite experiences of the trip. Imagine hiking light trails surrounded by snow-covered trees and frozen waterfalls. It was a fairly easy hike (a little incline, but we wore ice cleats) with 360 scenic views.
Banff Highlights & Wildlife Tour
If you love a good tour, you’ll def enjoy this one with Radventures. Not only did we hit some of the park’s most stunning scenic spots, but we also got up close and personal with wildlife like deer, elk, and bighorn sheep. It’s perfect if you’re short on time but want to see all the best bits with an expert guide to answer your 100+ questions.
Explore and Shop Downtown
Banff’s downtown is just so god damn adorable. Honestly, you could skip everything else and still have the best time just wandering through its charming streets. From boutique shops to local favorites like Rocky Mountain Soap Company, Branches Marketplace, Paper Den, and Rocky Mountain Flannel Company, it’s a shopper’s paradise. (You don’t have to tell me and my credit card twice.)
So, like I said, a magical winter wonderland that I will be returning to yearly. See you next December!!!!
Topics: Travel
Katie Corvino