A Perfect 7 Day No Ski Winter Itinerary for Canmore, Banff, Lake Louise and beyond!
The Canadian Rockies are vast and every stop is stunning, so in order to get the best of your vacation, plan to spend 7 days in this area at a minimum. Extra days can be added if you want to hit the slopes. Of course, you can do it in less time and it will still be great but the abundance of nature definitely requires time to stop and breathe and isn’t that what a vacation is all about.
Day 1: Calgary to Canmore
Flying into Calgary airport is the first step, the Rockies are located approximately 1 hour west of the airport but the views start almost right away. If you have a late flight, it may be worth spending the night in a Calgary hotel and enjoy the drive in daylight as it is a special experience to get closer to the huge structures that appear once you exit the city.
Day 2: Canmore Kananaskis
Canmore is the first town in the Rockies and although not as well known as Banff and Jasper, it has lots to offer. Bordering Banff National Park and Kananaskis Country, it offers an array of adventure activities and feels more off the beaten track than the National Park trails.
I highly recommend this as your first stop and spend at least two nights in Canmore. It is less touristy than Banff or Jasper and the mountain views are spectacular from all directions.
The other reason we love Canmore is that it has a very authentic Canadian feel, the majority of restaurant and cafes are locally owned and are top class. The “touristy” shops are generally Canadian produced crafts and souvenirs. Canmore also has a great selection of local breweries and distilleries which allow a behind the scenes experience and of course lots of tasting.
Accommodation in Canmore is also a little different than the National Parks. Vacation condos have exploded here and this gives great options for guests, from pent houses to studio condos. This type of accommodation is not as common in Banff and Jasper so a good reason to check it out if you like to stay in condo style accommodation rather than hotels.
Snow Wonder tour in Canmore Kananaskis
Canmore is located close to Kananaskis which has 5 Provincial Parks, the perfect location for a snow wonder tour. Age is just a number on this tour as your guide gets you to the best spots to ensure a magical snow day. No set itinerary allows you to converse directly with your guide to ensure the best snow experience and not repeat any areas that you may have already visited. Roast smores on a fire, try some snowshoeing if the mood takes you or just sit and relax at a mountain lodge or maybe an ice bar. The choice is all yours..
Banff Townsite. Photo Credit Paul Zizka
Day 3: Banff
Banff townsite was built with the sole purpose of attracting tourists. Therefore, it is beautifully planned with great views of Cascade Mountain from the downtown. Streets are named after the local animals and an array of cute shops and eateries line Banff Avenue.
Must see spots around Banff Townsite include:
The Minnewanka loop – this short drive has multiple stunning spots and frozen lakes, Cascade ponds, Two Jack Lake, Johnson Lake and Lake Minnewanka.
The Norquay Lookout – a great elevated spot to get a view of Banff Town, the big horn sheep seem to like the view also and you will often find them hanging out in the meadow. As with all wildlife, they are wild, do not feed them and keep your distance.
A ride up the Banff Gondola ensures superb views from the top of Sulphur Mountain. Look down on the snow covered town of Banff and marvel at the snow covered peaks. A private tour of Banff gets you to all the destinations allowing you to enjoy the views while being chauffeured driven by a knowledgeable local guide.
Click here for more details on our Banff private tour with gondola
Banff Gondola Photo Credit: Pursuit
Lake Louise
Day 4: Lake Louise and Yoho National Park
Lake Louise is an iconic destination in Banff National Park in winter. A stroll along the lake allows time to grasp the magic and wonder of this awe-inspiring sight. Ski Louise is the local hill and has been voted one of the best in the world. There are also multiple cross country ski trails in Lake Louise, where you can enjoy the outdoors and get a great workout. Yoho National Park is located 10 minutes from Lake Louise and is home to the lesser know Emerald Lake, along with Natural bridge. Yoho is a small Park packed with stunning scenery, tasty menus and great adventures.
If you would like a private guided experience, click here for details.
Johnston Canyon Trail
Day 5: Johnston Canyon and Icefields Explorer
Johnston Canyon is one of the easiest winter hikes for all the family. It is also one of the most spectacular, frozen waterfalls, a slow frosty creek, dramatic rocks and animal footprints in the snow. It is recommended to get on the trail early as this is a popular trail. Traction aids are essential as this trail can turn into a slippery experience that is not for the faint of heart.
The Icefields Parkway has been voted one of the most scenic drives in the world. Winter or summer, this road doesn’t disappoint. There are many short hikes and fantastic viewpoints. Bow and Peyto Lake are two of the most popular stops.
Day 6: Hiking at Night!
Have you ever thought about hiking in the dark? The days are short in the Rockies so in order to make the best of your vacation, getting out for a night hike is a perfect use of your time. This is a truly unique experience and gives you a great chance to experience the night sky. Headlamps, tractions aids and warm clothes are essential if you decide to take the step. Using a guide in this situation is highly recommended to stay safe and to choose the most suitable trail for you and your group.
I hope this has given you some great options to make your winter vacation in the Rockies the perfect escape. Explore Canmore are the official destination management organization for Canmore and have a wealth of information. Click Here to explore more. Banff Lake Louise Tourism will give you all the information you need for the National Parks. Click Here for Information
Author Information:
Laura is an Interpretive Guides Association (I.G.A.) Professional Guide. Laura is passionate about guiding visitors around the Rockies and making sure they experience all it has to offer.