Photo credit: Reuben Krabbe / SkiBig3
That’s why the Skican team has put together a guide on what to see and do in Banff and Lake Louise on a seven-day trip. This fantastic ski destination is one of the top spots in Canada — not just for the great skiing and snowboarding — but for the classic ski town vibes and off-slope experiences.
Read on to learn what you should see and do on your visit!
Hit the Slopes at Three World-Class Ski Resorts
One of the best things about the Banff and Lake Louise area is that you can experience three world-class ski resorts right on your doorstep. No other ski area in the world offers a comparable variety of terrain — and that’s part of what makes Banff and Lake Louise special!
Photo credit: Reuben Krabbe / SkiBig3
Lake Louise Ski Resort is the furthest of the three resorts from the town of Banff, located a short 40-minute drive down the Trans Canada Highway. This resort offers spectacular views over Lake Louise itself and the Canadian Rockies.
Photo Credit: Reuben Krabbe / SkiBig3
Banff Sunshine Village is only a short drive west of town, and is spread across the three peaks of Goat’s Eye Mountain, Lookout Mountain, and Mount Standish. Meanwhile, Mount Norquay is right on the doorstep of the Banff city limits, the easiest of the three to visit.
Each resort has its own unique charms and you won’t run out of terrain to explore — even on a seven-day trip.
Explore the Beauty of Banff National Park
If you’re going to be in the Banff and Lake Louise area, exploring the nature and hiking trails in Banff National Park is an absolute must-do! One of the most spectacular national parks in Canada, Banff is a great place to see incredible local wildlife and picturesque scenery.
Photo credit: Jake Dyson
Even in winter, there are a number of great ways to get out into the beauty of Banff National Park. Check out popular destinations like the frozen waterfalls of Johnston Canyon or the scenic view of wintery Banff from the Tunnel Mountain Summit. From winter hiking to snowshoeing to cross country skiing, the natural wilderness is always at your fingertips.
Visit the Iconic Lake Louise & Fairmont Hotels
A couple of landmarks have captivated the imagination of Banff National Park visitors for generations: the two classic Fairmont hotels. The Fairmont Château Lake Louise on the shores of the wintery lake is a postcard-perfect scene, required on any visit to Banff, but the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel is equally iconic! Visit Surprise Corner on your way down from Tunnel Mountain to capture the classic shot of this hotel.
Taste the Exceptional Local Cuisine
Photo credit: Banff & Lake Louise Tourism / Noel Hendrickson
Whether you’re looking for food on-mountain, in town, or a place for après-ski drinks, Banff and Lake Louise offers a variety of mouth-watering choices. Each resort boasts a selection of dining options. From the Whitehorn Lodge’s panoramic views of Lake Louise to the fine dining of the Eagle’s Nest Canadian Bistro at Sunshine Village to the iconic Cliffhouse Bistro at Mount Norquay, you’ll never be short of bites on the slopes.
Head into town and you can check out great local drinks at the Banff Ave Brew Co. or Park Distillery, depending on your preference. The Rose & Crown Banff has live music every day of the week if you’re in the mood for some dancing!
Experience a Range of Unique Activities
When you’re finished with the essentials, there are a huge range of additional activities available in the Banff and Lake Louise area. If you want to do something unique on your trip, all you have to do is ask!
Photo credit: Devaan Ingraham
Why not try exploring Banff National Park on an authentic dog-sledding tour? If you’re tired after hitting the slopes all day, unwind and relax in Banff’s natural hot spring pools, where all your exhaustion will be washed away. There are sleigh rides for a romantic evening, tubing and tobogganing for the kids, and even ice climbing for those looking for an extra thrill!
With so much opportunity at your fingertips, there’s no time to wait! Start your quote today to book your own seven-day trip to Banff and Lake Louise.
