Banff and Lake Louise Winter Explorer Guide

By Jean-Christophe Béarez

My name is Jean-Christophe Béarez. I travel like an explorer, chasing unreal winter landscapes, frozen lakes, gondolas above the Rockies, hot springs and spas, fresh snow days, snowshoe tracks, and iconic ice walks in Banff and Lake Louise.

I chase unreal winter landscapes, frozen lakes that look painted, gondolas that lift you into silent mountain air, and warm spas that make the cold feel like part of the adventure. If you are planning Banff and Lake Louise in December or January, this is the stay plan and itinerary I would follow again, written from the road and built for full winter days.

Where I stayed in Banff and why it worked

Banff is my base when I want variety. I can do a gondola sunset, an ice walk, and still be back for dinner and a hot soak.

Stay option 1: Moose Hotel and Suites

• Explorer reason: rooftop hot pools after a cold day, plus spa and sauna energy that resets the body.
• Best for: winter recovery nights after snowshoeing, skiing, or long photo walks.

Stay option 2: The Rimrock Resort Hotel

• Explorer reason: quiet mountain retreat mood close to the Sulphur Mountain area.
• Best for: early starts and calm nights when you want nature first, crowds later.

Stay option 3: Mount Royal Hotel

• Explorer reason: central Banff Avenue base plus rooftop hot tubs for after adventure warmth.
• Best for: a walkable Banff stay with easy food, coffee, and night strolls.

Where I stayed in Lake Louise and why I switched bases

Lake Louise is a different kind of winter. The mornings feel quieter. The lake and glacier dominate the day. I move here when I want frozen lake time, skiing access, and early light.

Stay option 1: Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

• Explorer reason: iconic frozen lake atmosphere and direct access to winter lake moments.
• Best for: skating days and sunrise photo sessions without rushing.

Stay option 2: Lake Louise Inn

• Explorer reason: strong value in the village plus indoor pool and whirlpools for warm recovery.
• Best for: balancing budget with comfort in the Lake Louise area.

Cabin and homestay style option: Baker Creek by Basecamp

• Explorer reason: cozy cabin energy between Banff and Lake Louise, perfect for slow nights and early trail starts.
• Best for: travelers who want privacy and a more homestay feeling in the forest.

Nearby winter bases I add when I want more

Canmore

Canmore is a smart add on for better value and a relaxed vibe. If Banff feels busy, I sleep in Canmore and drive into the park for the big days.

• Basecamp Suites Canmore: modern suites near downtown, great for longer stays.
• The Malcolm Hotel: rooftop heated outdoor pool and hot tubs with big mountain views.

Kananaskis for spa day energy

When my legs are tired, I swap one activity day for a thermal reset at Kananaskis Nordic Spa. The hydrotherapy loop is simple and perfect: hot, cold, rest, repeat.

Yoho National Park for a bonus winter lake

If I want a quieter frozen lake scene beyond the Banff corridor, I add Emerald Lake in Yoho. It feels like a winter postcard, but I stay alert and follow avalanche signage and trail guidance.

My 6 day winter itinerary: frozen lakes, gondolas, ice walks, skiing, snowshoeing, spas

This plan is built for December and January. I keep it flexible for weather, but the rhythm stays the same.

Day 1: Arrive in Banff, gondola night and first soak

Stay: Moose Hotel and Suites or Mount Royal Hotel

• Check in, drop bags, then go straight to the Banff Gondola for a late afternoon ride.
• Walk the summit boardwalk for wide winter views and cold air clarity.
• Return to town for a relaxed dinner, then finish with rooftop hot pools or hot tubs.

Day 2: Ski or snowboard day

Stay: Banff

• I use SkiBig3 strategy so I can choose the best snow day: Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise Ski Resort, or Mt Norquay.
• Après plan: long shower, slow dinner, early sleep. The mountains reward early mornings.

Day 3: Johnston Canyon ice walk day

Stay: The Rimrock Resort Hotel or stay in Banff town

• Johnston Canyon becomes a frozen sculpture gallery in winter. The catwalk sections can be slick, so I always bring ice cleats.
• Spend extra time at the falls, then return to Banff for a warm meal and a slow evening.

Day 4: Move to Lake Louise, frozen lake day

Stay: Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise or Lake Louise Inn

• Drive to Lake Louise and go straight to the shoreline for the first full view of the frozen lake.
• If the rink is open, I rent skates and do a simple loop session while the mountains glow around the lake.
• Evening plan: hot drink, quiet lobby time, early night.

Day 5: Snowshoeing and Lake Louise gondola views

Stay: Lake Louise

• I choose a snowshoe route that matches conditions and avoids avalanche terrain unless properly trained and equipped.
• When I want a big view without a big climb, I add the Lake Louise winter sightseeing gondola.
• Night plan: cabin style dinner if I stay at Baker Creek, or a calm village evening if I stay in Lake Louise.

Day 6: Spa reset day or Emerald Lake bonus day

Option A: Kananaskis Nordic Spa

• Hydrotherapy circuit with hot pools, saunas, cold, and rest time.
• This is my best move when I want to end the trip feeling new, not exhausted.

Option B: Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park

• Short scenic drive, winter lake views, and a quieter day away from the busiest stops.
• I follow trail guidance carefully because winter conditions and avalanche zones matter here.

Winter safety and comfort notes I follow every day

• Ice cleats: I carry them for winter walking and canyon catwalks.
• Layers: base layer, mid layer, insulated jacket, plus wind protection.
• Winter hazards: avalanche risk, thin ice, hypothermia, fast changing weather. I check official trail reports and conditions before I go.

Hot springs update

Banff Upper Hot Springs has been closed for maintenance and upgrades and is expected to reopen in early 2026. I plan my winter soak nights around hotel rooftop hot pools and Nordic spa days instead.

Quick planning checklist

• Book gondola and ski days early if traveling during holidays.
• Pick Banff for variety and nightlife, Lake Louise for frozen lake mornings and ski access.
• Add Canmore for value, Kananaskis for spa reset, Yoho for a quieter bonus lake.