Banff Winter Walks

Banff hiking trails can be enjoyed in winter, but you should be dressed appropriately and unless you are experienced in winter travel plan on shorter trips. While many trails are used by snowshoers and cross-country skiers, there are a few short, low-elevation trails that can be walked at any time of year, and as they are often well-travelled, snow is compacted. Here are a few of our favourites:

Fenland (2.1 km loop): An easy stroll through the forest, with the opportunity to see elk.

Tunnel Mountain (2.3 km one way): A popular winter outing accessible from the town of Banff offering town and valley views. Sometimes icy on steeper sections.

A young visitor investigates ice crystals on Johnson Lake.

Johnson Lake (3 km loop): A short drive from Banff, this trail encircles a forested lake, with open sections allowing views to Mount Rundle.

Johnston Canyon (2.7 km one way): A succession of frozen waterfalls are the highlight of this busy trail between Banff and Lake Louise.

Lake Louise Lakeshore (1.9 km one way): Although it takes around 40 minutes to reach the end of this famous body of water, many visitors shortcut across the frozen lake.

Lake Agnes (3.5 km one way): The teahouse is closed in winter, but the small lake is a popular destination for those wishing to escape the crowds down below at Lake Louise.

Winter Hiking Tips

Any form of travel through the Canadian Rockies during winter months should not be undertaken lightly.

Frostbite is a potential hazard, especially when cold temperatures are combined with high winds (a combination known as windchill). Most often it leaves a numbing, bruised sensation, and the skin turns white. Exposed areas of skin, especially the nose and ears, are most susceptible.

Hypothermia occurs when the body fails to produce heat as fast as it loses it. It can strike at any time of year but is more common during cooler months. Cold weather, combined with hunger, fatigue, and dampness, creates a recipe for disaster. Symptoms are not always apparent to the victim. The early signs are numbness, shivering, slurring of words, dizziness, and, in extreme cases, violent behaviour, unconsciousness, and even death. The best way to dress for the cold is in layers, including a waterproof outer layer. Most important, wear headgear. The best treatment for hypothermia is to get the patient out of the cold, replace wet clothing with dry, slowly give hot liquids and sugary foods, and place the victim in a sleeping bag. Warming too quickly can lead to heart attacks.