There is something that draws me to icy landscapes. When the countryside is covered with blankets of snow, it amplifies the beauty of a scene by creating stark shadows and jagged lines.
Colours pop through the winter haze creating beautiful patterns of intense hues. To me, there is nowhere more arresting in winter than Banff, Canada.
The conditions can be harsh as the temperatures plunge to well below zero, but if you are brave enough to face the Canadian cold, a trip to Banff in winter will leave you with lasting memories that you will cherish for years to come.
Discover the Beauty of Banff Canada
An aerial view of the Spray Lakes just outside of Banff, Canada
From backcountry lodges to high mountain scenic hikes, Banff is beautiful.
If you really want to take in the scale and scope of the Rocky Mountains, take a scenic flight over Banff National Park, you will discover a beauty that you've never seen before.
Learn to take photos like this with the Best Landscape Photography Tutorial Ever!
Ready for a game of hockey on Lake Louise in Banff National Park, Canada
Ice skating is in every Canadian's blood. Dave and I both spent many winters in a hockey rink skating around the arena practicing our skills.
For a truly Canadian experience, take the game outdoors and play some pond hockey on Lake Louise.
Get all your winter gear and rent your pond hockey skates and gear at Wilson Mountain Sports
Sunrises are incredible in the Rockies. This is just outside Banff and a short drive from Lake Louise in Canada
Enjoying our photo journey of Banff Canada? Check out more at Hotels in Banff, Our top 8 Picks.
Dogsledding is a must do when you are in Banff Canada.
The only place to go dogsledding in Banff National Park is right here.
This trip takes you through The Great Divide Trail where you journey across the border from Banff Canada, into British Columbia.
The Alaskan Huskies of KingMik Dogsled Tours love to run.
Read all about our experience Dogsledding in Banff
Stargazing on Lake Minnewanka in Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada
Lake Minnewanka is one of the more famous lakes near Banff Canada and it is the perfect spot to go stargazing and photographing the dark skies.
Winter is the perfect time for dark sky photography because the sun goes down at 4:30 and you can be home from a night photography session by 9 pm.
Taking the train in the Rocky Mountains of Alberta is an adventure. It cuts right through the Banff, Alberta in Canada.
We took a photography tour with Rocky Mountain Adventures and it was an excellent way to discover hidden gems.
Their professional guides know Banff Canada inside out and can take you to many photo haunts frequented by local photographers where you can capture unique angles from a different perspective.
It is easy to stay warm in Banff National Park. Just throw on your cross-country skis
When winter comes, Banff residents don't hide indoors. They celebrate the snow getting active outside.
There are many cross country ski trails that are groomed daily for snow lovers.
Take in the view of the Banff Springs Hotel just outside of Banff, Canada.
Probably the most famous sight in Banff Canada is the Banff Springs Hotel. This is known as the castle in the Rocky Mountains.
We've never stayed at the Banff Springs Hotel, but whenever we are in Banff, we stop in for a peak and a tour.
The Banff National Park backcountry has some of the most beautiful views.
When visiting Banff Canada make sure you go into the backcountry.
We snowshoed into a backcountry lodge and what made it so special was all the incredible views of ice and snow like this!
Don't miss the Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary just outside of Banff Canada.
Just outside of Banff near Canmore Alberta is the Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary. This sanctuary rescues wolfdogs that have been abandoned or abused.
The dogs are beautiful, but they are wild and timid of humans.
People think it is cool to own a dog that is half wolf, half dog, but they are a lot of work and a very special animal that remains partly wild.
If you decide to adopt a wolf dog, do your research and know what you are getting into beforehand.
The Vermillion Lakes are a sight to see.
Probably the most photographed lake in all of Banff, Canada.
The Vermillion Lakes attract photographers from around the world each morning and night to capture magnificent sunrises like this!
Try your hand at Ice Climbing in Johnston Canyon
The Johnston Canyon walk is a sight for sore eyes. This winding path takes you through deep canyons covered in icy waterfalls.
Each view just keeps getting better and better until you reach the end where massive waterfalls plunge into a whirlpool of icy water.
See our Ice climbing Adventure in Canmore, Alberta.
Get to know the locals in Banff National Park by taking a sleigh ride on Lake Louise.
There is nothing more romantic than taking a horse drawn sleigh ride along Lake Louise.
Clydesdale horse pulls your sleigh along the lake's path to view the glacier as you sip hot chocolate while wrapped up in a warm blanket.
Explore a backcountry lodge in Banff National Park
A backcountry lodge is a magical experience.
The only way to access a place like this, Sundance Lodge, is to hike, cross country ski, or snowshoe in. Once you arrive you have the place all to yourself.
In the summer you can ride horses into this lodge.
Enjoy the winter landscapes offered throughout the Banff, Canada
Winter offers views like this with every turn you take in Banff, Canada.
Take a helicopter ride over the Rocky Mountains in Alberta
The best way to see Banff National Park is to fly over it. A helicopter tour is a spectacular way to really understand just how massive the Rocky Mountains are.
Helicopter Tours can be booked at Rockies Heli
Go heli-snowshoeing in the Rocky Mountains
We were treated to a snowshoe excursion in the mountains.
Our helicopter landed on a remote mountain top and we hopped out for a hike to take in the views of spectacular Banff, Canada.
Jump on one of the 3 ski hills inside Banff National Park
Banff is a unique national park because it houses three ski hills. Lake Louise, Norquay, and Sunshine Village.
Lake Louise is host to world cup downhill events and the hill is just outside the park is Nakiska Ski Resort, home of the '88 Winter Olympics alpine events.
See our video and check out our snowboarding adventure at Lake Louise
Banff, Canada is beautiful any time of year.
Summer is the busiest and most popular time of the year, but if you give winter a chance, you will discover that Banff is magical when it's covered in snow.
Just make sure to dress properly, pack your layers, and head outside to embrace the snow. You'll fall in love with winter in Banff.
Jenny Willingter says
It’s truly gorgeous there.
Jackie Sullivan says
Just want to say thank you for the incredible write up about Banff.
Our family is heading there in a week and looking for things to do.
I’ve just booked with Mark for the photography tour.
The Wolfdog Sanctuary looks like the perfect day out for the family.
Now I just need something special for my husband to do for a day out.
Great photos too.
Dave and Deb says
Your husband may love a photography tour with rmphoto adventures. It’s an amazing day out. He helps with photo processing too! http://rmphotoadventures.com/ Have a great time.
Marcel says
Great photos!
Christina says
Banff National Park is one of my favourite parts of the world. Love your photos. They’re really inspiring. Well done.
Fabio says
beautifull photos congratulations !!
Shaun says
Beautiful shots guys! I used to live in Alberta and took it for granted. Might be time for a visit…
Shaun
http://www.thislifeintrips.com
Priya sharma says
HI Dev,these all pics are awesome.As usual the way you describe your trip its just like make every day a travel adventure trip.thank you for this post.keep it up.
Maggie says
I really want to visit such Cool places, Relax, full of fun, Adventurous and beautiful like here ….. Superb pictures and all feeling Good !! Joyous !!
Stephanie says
Wow these shots are amazing! Great job!