banff snowshoeing tours

18 BEST Places to Go Snowshoeing in Banff

Snowshoeing in Banff is one of the best winter activities to enjoy in the Canadian Rockies. Come December , the whole region is covered in a fluffy layer of beautiful snow and all you will want to do is get outside and enjoy!

We love the sounds of wilderness in the winter, and you’ll be shocked at just how quiet a winter scene can be with a few birds chirping off in the distance and most sounds muffled by the snow.

Snow-laden trees are gorgeous and you’ll be forced to stare up along forested trails until you reach open lakes or meadows. The sheer scale of the monstrous Canadian Rockies in the winter will humble you. We may be biased, but the mountains in Banff look way more impressive when blanketed in a thick layer of snow. Snowshoeing in Banff is a real treat, so you should get out and experience the magic of the Canadian Rockies in the winter. Here are our favorite snowshoe trails in Banff.

Book a Snowshoeing in Banff Tour!

• Snowshoeing on Top of the World
• Snowshoeing Tour to the Paint Pots
• Discover Lake Louise & Snowshoeing
• Snowshoeing Tour to Marble Canyon
• Private Snowshoe with Expert Guide Banff
• Half Day Adventure Winter Tour

Avalanche Awareness in the Canadian Rockies

Almost every winter season, there is a loss of life in the Canadian Rockies due to avalanches. While this tragedy mostly befalls athletes in backcountry skiing, winter mountaineering, and ice climbing, snowshoers can enter avalanche terrain (many times without even knowing it).

We do not recommend any snowshoes entering avalanche terrain and strongly advise snowshoers to remain aware of where they go. Many of these snowshoes end near avalanche terrain, such as Taylor Lake and Chester Lake.

We have heard multiple stories of people witnessing inexperienced snowshoers walk up avalanche terrain or stand directly in their avalanche runout zones without realizing it. Always be aware of your surroundings and the forecast. Avalanche Canada is an excellent resource in the winter, and if you decide to get really into snowshoeing, backcountry skiing, splitboarding, or ice climbing it’s recommended to take an Avalanche Safety course.

Where to Go Snowshoeing in Banff

Taylor lake.

• Length: 14 km
• Duration : 5 – 7 hours
• Elevation Gain : 924 meters
• Difficulty : Moderate-Difficult
• Parking: Taylor Lake Lot

This is likely the most audacious snowshoe in Banff you can tackle as it is 7 km one way and climbs nearly 1,000 meters in elevation. The lake sits at the base of Mt. Bell and opens up to some spectacular views. It’s a really serene place and a fantastic day out in the mountains of Banff for active visitors who come to Banff in the winter.

Continue on the trail and enjoy the nearby Panorama Meadows as the widely spaced trees and piles of snow feel like another world. The one downside to this hike is that the vast majority takes place in the forest so there isn’t much for views until the end. It’s a great payoff though!

Trail conditions can be pretty mixed. Some days it’s possible to hike all the way to Taylor Lake other days it’d be near impossible to reach without snowshoes. We recommend snowshoes as it’s best not to posthole (make deep footsteps) as skiers don’t appreciate a ruined trail. Also, it allows you to explore the meadow or walk on the lake. Keep in mind the surrounding slopes are avalanche terrain so you do not want to be near the runout.

Speaking of skiers, Taylor Lake is very popular for backcountry ski and splitboarding and you will see tracks from those touring going up Panorama Peak and through the meadows.

DO NOT follow their tracks uphill in these areas as they enter avalanche terrain, and you should have avalanche training and gear (beacon, probe, and shovel).

As you make your way up or down the trail keep an eye/ear out for descending skiers as they can move fast down the trail.

Johnston Canyon

• Length: 11.7 km
• Duration : 2 -5 hours
• Elevation Gain : 608 meters
• Difficulty : Easy-Moderate
• Parking: Jonhston Canyon Parking Lot

The Johnston Canyon walk is the best thing you can do in Banff in the winter or summer for free. In the winter it’s truly magical and has fewer tourists (but still busy).

Have you ever stood on a frozen waterfall before? Neither had we until the Johnston Canyon hike. Due to the region’s elevation and the sub-zero temperatures of winter, the waterfalls of Johnston Canyon freeze in time. It’s a pretty surreal experience and entirely accessible for all.

Once you reach the end of the trail and the most impressive frozen fall, you’ll probably find some ice climbers. If you’re feeling adventurous book an ice climbing tour yourself. With fresh snow, it’s the perfect time to don a pair of snowshoes and be the first to break trail to this popular natural feature in Banff. Though it’s perfectly possible to hike Johnston Canyon without snowshoes, but a pair of boots with microspikes will be helpful!

Tunnel Mountain

• Length: 4.5 km.
• Duration: 1 hour+
• Elevation Gain : 266 meters
• Parking: Three official parking lots or Banff Town Center.

Tunnel Mountain is awesome because it’s right in the heart of Banff. It’s beloved by locals for its accessibility, and you can snowshoe or easily hike to its peak in the winter. It may be one of the smallest mountains in Banff National Park, but it still offers tremendous views of the surrounding valleys.

This Banff snowshoe moves slowly up the mountain through several switchbacks and offers various viewpoints out into the Bow and Spray Valleys. It’s great for sunrise or sunset and it rarely disappoints. Most days it’s possible to hike the path without snowshoes as it only takes a day or two after a fresh snowfall for a well-trodden trail to get packed.

• Trailhead : Peyto Lake Lower Parking Lot
• Distance : 2.7 km
• Elevation : 115 meters
• Difficulty : Easy/Moderate
• Time : 45 – 60 minutes (depends on how long you enjoy the view)

This is a great snowshoe in Banff that is accessible for any skill level. It involves walking to the first viewpoint and then continuing on past the viewpoint to an overlook that sits on Bow Ridge. The elevation gain past the first viewpoint is only about 50m and worth the little effort as it provides better views out to the Peyto Glacier, the source of Peyto Lake .

However, you should be mindful and careful to stay away from Bow Summit, which enters avalanche terrain. It’s a busy area and you should not be surprised to find a lot of backcountry ski tourers as it’s the most accessible ski tour in the park.

Emerald Lake

• Trailhead : Emerald Lake Parking Lot
• Distance : (N/A)
• Elevation : (N/A)
• Time : Depends on how long you enjoy the view

Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park is one of the most iconic winter scenes in the Canadian Rockies and makes for a great snowshoe location. You can walk across the frozen lake or enjoy some of the maintained trails around the lake. You have some fantastic scenic views, and it’s a breathtaking scene.

It’s kind of a pick-your-own flavor adventure, but do keep in mind the Emerald Avalanche Slide Path that is well marked by Parks Canada. After, you make your way around the frozen lake warm up with a hot chocolate at the Cilantro Cafe part of the Emerald Lake Lodge.

• Trailhead : Bow Lake Parking Lot
• Distance : N/A
• Elevation : N/A
• Time : Depends on how long you explore

Bow Lake is a tremendous location for a snowshoe on the Icefields Parkway. There is no set trail across the frozen lake, but it has an ample supply of astounding views and plenty of fresh snow. What’s more, there is no avalanche risk on the safe flat lake.

Chester Lake

• Trailhead : Chester Lake Trailhead
• Distance : 9.7 km
• Elevation : 424 meters
• Difficulty : Moderate

Chester Lake is not based in Banff National Park and is instead in Kananaskis Country Provincial Park so it makes more sense for those who chose to base themselves in Canmore over Banff. It’s a fantastic Canmore snowshoe and very popular.

So it’s possible if it hasn’t snowed in a while to make it a wintertime hike, but if you plan to make it to the lake it helps to have snowshoes as the snow softens at elevation. It starts out a little steep at the beginning so be prepared to climb a bit of elevation. It’s a wonderful spot to get outside in the winter and enjoy Kananaskis Country.

Sulphur Mountain

• Length: 10.1 km
• Duration: 2 – 4 hours
• Elevation Gain : 744 meters
• Parking: Banff Gondola / Hot Springs

Sulphur Mountain is easily one of the most popular hikes in Banff National Park. It’s a beautiful hike up that provides visitors with astonishing views over the Bow Valley and Spray Valley.

The trail leaves from the Banff Gondola or Banff Hot Springs parking lots and follows a series of switchbacks up Sulphur Mountain until reaching the Gondola Station. Follow the boardwalk along the ridge to the peak and stunning views out across the valley and Banff.

Although you can hike it, many people love to get their snowshoes out to enjoy the winter scene.

Due to its proximity to Banff town, and the fact that you can take the Banff Gondola up to the peak instead of sweating it out on the trail means that Sulphur mountain becomes very busy, particularly the peak.

Lake Louise Area

Lake Louise is a great place for a snowshoe tour. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a more scenic location in the world for a snowshoe than Lake Louise. Every year Lake Louise freezes over and there are a number of winter trails along with ice skating and horse-drawn sleigh rides.

The most popular snowshoe is along the Northern side of Lake Louise, but you can also head up to Mirror Lake or over to Paradise Creek. Or enjoy the Lake Louise Lakeshore, Fairview Lookout, or Louise Creek.

If you’d like to experience a snowshoe at elevation Lake Louise Ski Resort offers guided snowshoe tours. We’ve never taken part in these snowshoe tours, but we do ride at Lake Louise and we often see visitors out on tour near the Lake Louise gondola. Book a tour here.

• Length: 2.1 km
• Duration: 2 hours
• Elevation Gain : 59 m
• Difficulty : Easy
• Parking: Paint Pots parking off Highway 93

The Paint Pots is another short and sweet trail with minimal elevation gain just off of Highway 93 south in Kootenay National Park. 19 km west of Castle Mountain Junction is this wonderful area that receives significant snowfall. It’s a great snowshoe to combine with Marble Canyon to make a full day.

Wapta Falls

• Length: 4.8 km
• Elevation Gain : 125 m
• Parking: Wapta Falls Rd.

Wapta Falls is another snowshoe that is just outside of Banff. It’s the largest waterfall of the Kicking Horse River and one of the  best things to do in Yoho . It’s 18 meters high and a whopping 107 meters wide, making it one of the most impressive sights in the Canadian Rockies. It’s an awesome and short hike in the summer, but I personally think it’s most magical in the winter when the water turns to ice.

While this is a fabulous winter hike, it can also be a great snowshoe. The trail is longer and winds through the woods most of the way, but once you get to Wapta Falls you are in for a treat.

Marble Canyon

• Length: 1.4 km
• Duration: 1 hour
• Elevation Gain : 54 meters
• Parking: Marble Canyon

Marble Canyon is in Kootenay National Park, not far from Banff National Park on Highway 93. If you are staying at nearby Storm Mountain Lodge this is a fantastic place to head.

This is an easy snowshoe to see the beautiful colors of Marble Canyon. The frozen waters of Tokumn Creek have eroded a deep limestone gorge which is impressive to see.

There are walkways to make the viewing around Marble Canyon easier, and with snowshoes, you can walk through the forest to try your luck at seeing a hare. This snowshoe can also be done as a hike, though the trail does get slick so microspikes are recommended if you only have winter boots.

Expert Snowshoes in Banff

These Banff snowshoes pass through avalanche terrain or at the very least an avalanche runout . Please know and understand how to read avalanche reports and have a good understanding of the conditions that can cause an avalanche.

If you’re set on getting out to bigger snowshoes in the Canadian Rockies, I’d strongly advise taking an AST 1 course to gain a foundation of the science behind avalanches and what to do in the event of one. Yamnuska Mountain Adventures runs avalanche courses often.

Personally, I do not take part in these snowshoes and prefer ski touring if I’m going to take the risk. However, I’m familiar with a number of the routes from the ski touring, so I can comment on them.

• Paradise Valley
• Deception Pass
• Crystal Ridge

Snowshoe Winter Safety in Banff

You are responsible for your own safety in the park and even around town. Snowshoeing and spending time in the wilderness can have serious consequences, so always remain prepared.

• Check Parks Canada , Avalanche.ca , and the Avalanche Bulletin for up to date details on trail conditions and the avalanche forecast.
• When trails are icy a pair of poles or cleats may be more helpful than snowshoes.
• Always bring a map on longer snowshoes.
• Pack emergency layers, we always have an extra layer in case we need to weather the cold.
• Let someone know where you’re heading in case of an emergency.
• There are a lot of winter hazards to be aware of such as avalanches, disorientation, thin ice, hypothermia, and frostbite.

What to Wear for Snowshoeing

Pack for winter in Banff when preparing for your snowshoe. We dress in layers when heading out in the mountains. Here is a general list of what you should bring:

• Snacks and protein bars
• Hiking Poles
• First aid kit
• Emergency blanket
• Sunscreen and sunglasses
• Hand warmers
• Hat, mittens, and neck warmer
• Cell phone and Garmin In Reach

Wildlife Awareness in Banff in Winter

Although it’s winter, I still like to have bear spray on me while hiking in the winter. Bears are not true hibernators and can awaken at any time. Cougars, coyotes, wolves, and moose stay active throughout the year. Keep your eye out for foxes, elk, deer, and owls as well!

If you see wildlife do not approach it. Give them lots of space, and don’t make them change their course. The general rule is if you make wildlife change their course or move, you are too close.

Where to Rent Snowshoes in Banff

There are a few areas in Banff, Canmore, and Lake Louise to rent snowshoes. If you think you will be snowshoeing a lot, it may be worth buying a pair at Canadian Tire in Canmore.

Banff Snowshoe Rentals

• Snowtips-Bactrax
• Banff Adventures
• Chateau Mountain Sports

Canmore Snowshoe Rentals

Lake Louise Snowshoe Rentals

• Alpine Social Rentals
• Wilson Mountain Sports

Plan Your Trip to the Canadian Rockies

• Tours (New in 2024): The Banff Blog is partnering with one of the leading tour companies in Western Canada so readers can experience the magic of the Rockies with other travelers – without having to think about a thing. See all our 2024 tour offerings here!
• Hotels in the Rockies: There are many places to stay, from luxury hotels to wilderness cabins. See all our favorites here.
• Get to Banff or Canmore Without a Car : The Banff Airporter provides fantastic service connecting you from the Calgary International Airport (YYC) to Banff or Canmore.
• Get Around : We suggest renting a car to get around. You can search for rental cars on Rentalcars.com. Or embark on an epic campervan trip. We like to compare prices on Motorhome Republic and Outdoorsy .
• Cheaper Airfare: We also use Going to watch for cheap airfare deals!
• Hop On, Hop Off : This tour is taking Banff by storm. It’s exactly what it sounds like, hop on and off a bus bound for all the best attractions at your own pace!

About Cameron

Cameron is a resident of Canmore, Alberta. After traveling the world for six years, he settled down in the beautiful Bow Valley with Natasha. He has been featured as a travel expert with numerous publications worldwide and has spoken on several occasions about the power of travel. He has a passion for all things in the Canadian Rockies and loves to spend his time snowboarding, scrambling, camping, biking, and trail running. Conservation is a deep fundamental in his life, and he aims to inspire others to care about our natural world. You can learn more on the about us page. If you have found the content on this site helpful to your trip planning please consider supporting The Banff Blog. You can say thanks directly by buying us a coffee . All support is much appreciated!

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The Best Snowshoeing in Banff: Sunshine Meadows on the Continental Divide

Snowshoeing in Banff National Park is a must when visiting in winter. Adventurous yet also low impact, snowshoeing is a great way to take in the magnificent mountain scenery of the Canadian Rockies. It’s also a TON of fun in fresh powder!

To snowshoe beyond the beaten path, however, you must be knowledgeable regarding winter hazards. This includes avalanches, hypothermia, frostbite and thin ice. Trust me, you really don’t want to be snowshoeing in the wrong place in the Canadian Rockies.

Enter White Mountain Adventures (WMA). With the help of one of WMA’s professional guides, you can go further and explore beautiful backcountry areas that the average winter visitor will never see.

One such area is Sunshine Meadows . This place is a powder paradise, with miles of pristine knee deep snow and a backdrop of majestic mountains (including famed Mount Assiniboine!)

Sitting right on the border between BC and Alberta, this is one of the few places you can snowshoe two provinces in one day!

A gondola/chairlift combination removes the hardest ‘work’ of the day and offers the chance to see more for less effort. As a bonus, you won’t have to share the views or powder with anyone else!

In this post, I’ll share everything you need to know about snowshoeing Sunshine Meadows in Banff National Park, starting with an overview of our experience and finishing with a planning guide.

Here’s what to expect:

Why go snowshoeing in Banff

• Sunshine Meadows snowshoe tour: our experience
• What to wear
• What to bring

What to expect

Reservations.

Please note

Sunshine Meadows is part of part of Treaty 7 territory, the traditional lands of the Stoney Nakoda Nations of Chiniki, Bearspaw and Wesley as well as the Tsuut’ina First Nations and Blackfoot Confederacy Nations of Pikani, Kainai and Siksika.

Treaty 7 territory is also shared with the Métis Nation of Alberta, Region III. Before the signing of Treaty 7, the Ktunaxa and the Maskwacis people lived and travelled in this area.

We visited Banff in March 2022 and were hosted by Banff and Lake Louise Tourism . All opinions remain our own.

There are some affiliate links in this post – if you click one and make a purchase, we may receive a percentage of the sale at no extra cost to you.

There are so many reasons to go snowshoeing in Banff National Park. Snowshoeing offers the chance to:

• Explore remote areas otherwise difficult to reach on foot
• See beautiful views of snow covered landscapes
• Enjoy the peace and tranquility of walking on freshly fallen snow
• Try something new – if you can walk, you can snowshoe!
• Access quieter places, away from crowds
• Get a low impact workout – snowshoeing can burn up to 1000 calories an hour
• Learn more about the local wildlife, fauna and geology
• Have a lot of fun!

The best snowshoeing in Banff: Sunshine Meadows tour

White Mountain Adventures has been leading tours in Banff National Park for over 30 years. Simply put, they are outdoor adventure experts.

And that also means that they know that Sunshine Meadows is one of the best places to go snowshoeing in Banff! Read on for more information about our Sunshine Meadows experience.

Heading into the alpine

Our four hour snowshoeing adventure started at the bottom of the Standish Express chairlift at Sunshine Village Ski Resort, where we met our guide, Kristi. Most tours start in Banff or at the base of the gondola.

I say to say, it’s a bit of novelty getting to ride a chairlift in winter without skis or a snowboard. And in this case, it’s more just novelty too – taking the chairlift skips a long uphill section!

At the top, it was time to put our snowshoes on. The provided snowshoes were a little bigger than our own, but I’d soon find out why.

A few steps away from the chairlift and we passed underneath a brightly coloured rope. We were now officially out of bounds and exploring an unpatrolled backcountry area.

And that’s when our steps suddenly became very deep, even with the snowshoes. There was so much powder! Happy exclamations from Kristi indicated that today was a particularly good day.

Looking around, all I could see was an endless sea of white. A rocky snow covered ridge rose up on the right, with the 2,895-metre high Monarch Mountain obscured by fog behind.

Crossing the Continental Divide

Kristi soon took us aside to reveal that we had just crossed from Alberta to British Columbia. Sunshine Village, you see, sits right on the Continental Divide.

As Kristi explained, the Continental Divide separates North America’s drainage basins. All rivers on the eastern side drain into the Atlantic while all rivers on the western side drain into the Pacific.

The Divide provides a convenient border line between Alberta and BC and also supplies some pretty interesting weather patterns. This factor makes it difficult for the guides to accurately predict the type of conditions to expect on each snowshoe tour.

A wide valley appeared in front of us, beyond a steep drop-off. Kristi pulled out a photograph showing a summer version of the view. Just head was Rock Isle Lake, a popular summer scenic spot (we saw it when hiking back from Mount Assiniboine a few years ago).

The fun of falling

Continuing along to the right, we started to gradually descend into the valley. Before the first slope, however, Kristi stopped us and advised that we needed to learn how to get up after falling.

But wait, how likely were we to fall? ‘Oh, you will, everyone does,’ she laughed.

With so much loose snow, getting up really is a bit of a process. It’s not as simple as just pushing up with one arm, since that arm would potentially sink half a metre into the deep powder.

The best technique is to utilise the platform of someone else’s snowshoes and then rise up on a knee.

Kristi’s timing (as you’d expect from a qualified guide) was perfect. Just around the next corner, I slid down a steep slope and landed on my side.

With the soft snow providing the best cushion, it took a while for me to stop laughing. It set the tone for the rest of the tour.

Reaching Rock Isle Lake

We were all quite giddy as we slipped and slid our way down the hill, making our own tracks in the wonderfully deep powder.

In more serious moments, Kristi pointed out hoar frost on the trees, made us guess the age of the surrounding trees and taught us about the most prevalent predator in the Rockies (the pine marten).

My favourite part was when she pulled out her three metre long probe and made it disappear completely into the ground. That’s a lot of snow!

At times, it was hard to concentrate with so much beauty around us (and not a soul in sight!) But since falling wasn’t a problem, it didn’t matter too much. We all fell a few times, always with laughter.

At the bottom of the long hill, we crossed the frozen Rock Isle Lake to the small treed island. What an opportunity to explore such a iconic place! We shared hot chocolate and cookies while looking back at how far we’d come.

Returning to Sunshine Village

Leaving the island, we took a shortcut down a high cliff. Kristi and JR both tumbled down the steepest part while I inelegantly slid half way down.

Our return to the ski resort was slightly easier with the help of a rough snowcat track for the initial climb. I was pretty thankful as deep powder snowshoeing can be pretty tiring!

Huge mountains peeked out of the fog and low clouds to our right, offering a teaser of the distant wilderness. In the other direction, we could see skiers flying down the slopes of Lookout Mountain (2730m).

Crossing back into Alberta, we were also back within bounds of the ski resort. But it wasn’t quite over.

We took a meandering route through several tree groves, spotting animal tracks on the way. Kristi pointed out a tall larch tree, one of the oldest in the area. Our arrival at the gondola marked the conclusion of our fantastic alpine snowshoeing tour.

Essential details: Snowshoeing Sunshine Meadows

Want to experience the best snowshoeing in Banff? Here’s what you need to know about joining a Sunshine Meadows tour with White Mountain Adventures.

What to wear snowshoeing

High alpine weather can be extreme, with the potential for strong winds, heavy snow, very cold temperatures (-20°c and below) and freezing rain. Conditions can also change quickly.

No matter the weather in downtown Banff, you should be wearing the following:

• Waterproof winter pants ( ski pants work well)
• Waterproof jacket ( my favourite , as seen in this post)
• Warm hat ( a toque )
• Warm gloves ( some examples )
• Winter boots or waterproof hiking boots

Under the jacket, I’d recommend an insulated layer and warm base layer on top. Wear a pant base layer as well. I prefer the merino wool kind (soft, best warmth for weight, naturally antibacterial), which is what I have linked above.

Be careful not to wear too much as you don’t want to sweat and have damp clothes. Bring some extra layers (and a backpack) in case conditions change.

I personally use high top waterproof hiking boots ( these ones ) for snowshoeing. Winter specific boots would provide additional warmth.

WMA does recommend bringing ski goggles for this snowshoe adventure. I wore polarised sunglasses during the tour but had a pair of goggles as a back-up. JR felt more comfortable wearing his ski goggles.

If you’re not dressed appropriately for your tour, it will not continue as planned. Our guide did confirm to us that this does occasionally happen.

Read Next: A Complete Beginner’s Guide to Snowshoeing

What to bring snowshoeing in Banff

As well as the guiding know-how, White Mountain Adventures supplies the all important snowshoes for this tour.

Even if you have your own pair of snowshoes, plan to leave them at home. WMA provides the most appropriate snowshoes for the terrain and conditions.

Planning to go snowshoeing in Banff without a guide? Be sure to bring the 10 Essentials . These items can help prevent small inconveniences from becoming life threatening emergencies.

White Mountain Adventures’ Sunshine Meadows tour is rated to be moderate to strenuous in difficulty. I’d say moderate is pretty fair due to the deep powder. No experience is needed, so this experience is suitable for first timers.

Our route was 5km return with around 100m of elevation gain and 150m of descent.

The adventure starts at the top of the chairlift, with your guide leading the way. Expect plenty of stops for photos, instruction and interpretation during the three hour tour. There is a long break for hot chocolate and cookies as well.

The type of experience you will have varies according to the weather conditions. On clear, sunny days the views will stretch for miles. After recent snowfall, the powder will be particularly deep. On snowy days, the views will be limited but the experience will be atmospheric!

We didn’t have the best visibility during our tour, with intermittent cloud obscuring the distant mountains.

But that is the reality of snowshoeing at this elevation and along the Continental Divide. The particularly special aspect of our tour was the sheer amount of pristine powder.

No matter what happens, you’re guaranteed a fun time with plenty of laughter.

White Mountain Adventures’ Sunshine Meadows snowshoe tours run daily between late November and mid April. In 2022, the price was $109/adult. A minimum of four adults is required for the trip to run.

Alternatively, you can book a private tour. The 2022 price was $656 plus $30/adult for the Sunshine Village gondola/lift ticket.

I would recommend making a reservation as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Other places to go snowshoeing in Banff

While Sunshine Meadows is definitely one of the best places to go snowshoeing in Banff, here are some other ideas for independent adventures:

Lake Louise Shoreline : Easy lakeside trail with great views of Victoria Glacier and surrounding mountains, with frozen waterfall at the end. 4km return with no elevation gain.

Lake Louise Fairview Lookout: Short and steep trail to an elevated viewpoint over frozen Lake Louise and the Fairmont Chateau. Be sure to return via the same path. 2km return with 100m elevation gain.

Johnston Canyon : This quiet yet easy trail provides an alternative access to the upper falls in this scenic canyon. Start at the Moose Meadows parking lot (not the main Johnston Canyon one). 5km return with 120m elevation gain.

Ink Pots: Intermediate level extension of above trail leading to brightly coloured mineral hot springs (partially covered in snow in winter). More information on HikeBikeTravel . 12km return with 220m elevation gain.

Depending on recent weather, the above trails may feature packed down snow. In that case, snowshoes would not be needed and a pair of hikers and microspikes would be more appropriate.

For more advice on snowshoeing in the Banff area, chat with knowledgeable Parks Canada staff at the Banff Visitor Centre (located at 224 Banff Ave) or the Lake Louise Visitor Centre (located at 201 Village Rd).

Remember to bring the 10 Essentials and tell someone where you’re going and when you plan to be back. Inexpensive snowshoe rentals are available through Banff Adventures .

Looking for other exciting winter activities in Banff? We’ve put together a huge guide with all the best things to do in Banff in winter – check it out !

Read these related posts next:

Essential Travel Tips for a Winter Road Trip in Canada

The Complete Guide to Travelling Canada in Winter

How To Start Hiking in the Winter (Without Freezing!)

What to Wear in Canada in Winter: A Complete Guide

65 Cool Things to Do Across Canada in Winter

Climbing Mt Norquay’s Via Ferrata, Banff, Alberta

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One half of the Canadian/British couple behind Off Track Travel, Gemma is happiest when hiking on the trail or planning the next big travel adventure. JR and Gemma are currently based in the beautiful Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada

Saturday 23rd of April 2022

Thanks for sharing all these amazing tips, Gemma. Fabulos post!

Banff Tours

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Grassi Lakes Ice Hike

Johnston Canyon Ice Hike

Grotto Canyon Ice Hike

Guided snowshoeing & ice hikes, private walking tours, 4 hours total, $145/adult (+13), hotel pick up: 8:30am or 1:00pm , hiring a private guide is by far the easiest and safest way to explore canada's national parks in the winter. we supply the snowshoes or ice cleats and teach you how to use them as you marvel at the natural world around you. follow acmg certified guides over snow and ice to the blue water of cold springs and frozen waterfalls. travel through forests and canyons to enjoy a warm seat and hot drink at your destination..

We provide:

Transportation to and from trailhead

Mulled Apple Cider, Tea

Camp Chairs and Wool Blankets

Certified Expert Guide

What to bring:

Winter boots

Sweater and Jacket

Refillable water bottle

Grassi Lakes

Even in the coldest days of winter the blue water of Grassi Lakes does not freeze. Explore natural and human history with your private guide. Take a picture with the waterfalls overlooking the town of Canmore. Enjoy a warm seat beside shimmering springwater pools.   Elevation gain: 120m, Distance: 3 km, Difficulty: Easy.

Johnston Canyon

Surround yourself with silent waterfalls of blue ice. Find out the nefarious story behind the canyon's name while your guide serves mulled apple cider or tea at your destination. This is hike is a must-do for those who want the best of Banff. Elevation Gain: 130m, Distance: 5km, Difficulty: Easy/moderate.

Grotto Canyon

Hear the satisfying crunch as your spikes bite into the thick ice underfoot. This deep canyon creates a natural walkway of ice through its corridor. Connect with history by viewing ancient native art on the canyon walls and learn their significance from your guide. At the frozen waterfalls, we set up chairs and blankets to serve cider or tea.   Elevation Gain: 100m, Distance: 4km, Difficulty: Moderate.

Marble Canyon  Snowshoe

Troll Falls Snowshoe

Vista Lakes Snowshoe

Marble canyon.

Just 35 minutes from Banff, we visit the blue waters of Marble Canyon in British Columbia. This family snowshoe outing, learn how water carves rock or how the first people here hunted. At our destination, luxuriate with your own camp chairs and warm drinks above rushing water and white canyon walls.   Elevation Gain: 20m, Distance: 1.6km, Difficulty: Easy.

Pick Up: 8:30am or 1:00pm

Troll Falls

Where locals come to play on days off, this mostly flat trail through the woods takes you to a magical place. At Troll Falls you can hear the water rushing beneath the pillar of blue ice. This makes a great spot to set up a chair and warm up under a blanket while your guide serves mulled apple cider or tea.  Elevation Gain: 30m, Distance: 3.4km, Difficulty: Easy/Moderate

Vista Lakes

Come play where the snow is deepest and the mountains are among the tallest. Vista Lake sits below the imposing face of Storm Mountain and is a great spot to enjoy silence on the frozen lake or jump into the snow with reckless abandon: all is fair in love and snowball war. Elevation Gain: 130m, Distance: 3km, Difficulty: Moderate

• Haute Route Glacier Trek
• Cortina Dolomites Hut-To-Hut Trek
• Stubai Alps High Route
• Oetztal Alps High Alpine Hut Circuit
• Alps Treks & Hikes: Custom Trips and Private Guiding
• Merano High Mountain Trail
• Bernese Alps Eiger Trek
• “Best of Provence” Hiking
• Tour du Mont Blanc Hike
• Self Guided – Dolomites High Route #1
• Self Guided – Dolomites High Route #2
• Self Guided – Dolomites Hut-to-Hut Trekking
• Self-Guided – Tour du Mont Blanc Hike
• Self-Guided: Merano High Mountain Trail
• Wapta Icefield Glacier Trek
• Canadian Rockies Backpacking
• Day Hikes in the Canadian Rockies
• Kids and Youth Camps Canadian Rockies

Snowshoeing in the Canadian Rockies

• Custom and Private Guided
• Cortina Dolomites Via Ferrata Hut Trek
• Brenta Dolomites Bocchette Trail Via Ferrata
• Rosengarten Dolomites Via Ferrata Hut Trek
• Dolomites High Peaks Via Ferrata
• Arco & Lake Garda Via Ferrata
• Provence Via Ferrata & Scrambles
• Wapta Ski Traverse
• Bow – Yoho Ski Traverse
• Canadian Wilderness Ski Traverses
• Backcountry Ski Tours in the Canadian Rockies – Day Trips
• Rogers Pass Backcountry Skiing
• Stanley Mitchell Hut – Ski Touring Week
• Bow Hut – Ski Touring Week
• Purcell Mountain Lodge Ski Touring
• Sorcerer Lodge Ski Touring
• Talus Lodge Ski Touring
• Fairy Meadow Ski Touring
• Kokanee Glacier Ski Week
• Heli-Assisted Ski Touring
• AST 1 and 2 Avalanche courses
• Haute Route
• Oetztal Ski Traverse
• Silvretta Ski Traverse
• Ortler Ski Traverse
• Dolomites Ski Traverse
• Custom Private Guide
• Svalbard Ski and Sail
• Monte Rosa Peaks Traverse
• Stubai Alps Peaks Traverse
• Alps Custom Trips
• Rockies Classic Private Guide
• Arco and Lake Garda
• Bugaboos Alpine Rock
• Rockies Private Guide
• Kids Day Camps
• Introductory
• Private Guide
• Summer Camps
• Family Treks

Banff, Jasper, Yoho, Kootenay, Glacier National Parks and Kananaskis, Canada

Day-hikes or multi-day trips to backcountry huts or lodges

Snowshoeing in the Canadian Rockies Highlights

• Winter wonderland in the beauty of the Canadian Rockies
• Solitude and quiet
• Rustic lodges and alpine cabins
• Beautiful, panoramic high-level trails
• All levels welcome – a perfect family adventure!

Experience the serenity of the spectacular winter backcountry in Banff, Jasper and Kootenay National Parks on snowshoes! Get away from the busy ski resorts and spice up your ski vacation in Banff or Jasper with a snowshoeing trip.

1) Half day trip close to Banff Daily departures at 1.30PM with pick-up at your hotel in Banff. Scenic walks with little vertical gain below tree line to Vista Lake and Paint Pots. Transport and snowshoe rental included. (For this trip we act as a booking agent for a licensed Banff operator).

2 ) Single day trips Custom trips from casual valley walks to challenging peak ascents eye to eye with the glaciers of the Canadian Rockies.

3 ) Multi-day trips with lodging in rustic backcountry huts or comfortable backcountry lodges with private rooms. Spend the evening with home-cooked food next to an open fireplace in a log cabin – the ultimate Canadian Rockies winter experience! Trips include excursions to the Bow Hut at the Wapta Icefield, Skoki Lodge close to Lake Louise or Elisabeth Parker Hut at Lake O’Hara.

Please see our itinerary tab for more detailed custom itineraries.

• Details and Logistics

Can I Do It?

Single day sample itineraries.

We have scheduled single day itineraries out of Calgary, Banff, Canmore and Lake Louise as well as daily trips on a custom basis out of Jasper, Rogers Pass, Golden and Revelstoke.

Here are some sample itineraries in the Canmore, Banff and Lake Louise areas.

Lake Louise Alpine Peaks / Banff National Park

Saddle Mountain, Banff National Park: Start and finish at Lake Louise and climb up to Saddle Mountain with great views of the north face of Mt. Temple and the glaciers around Lake Louise. Snow conditions permitting, it might be possible to even climb Mt. Fairview, the best viewpoint around Lake Louise, but a bit of a grunt to get all the way to the summit. Possibly return trip by descending to Paradise Valley. Time return trip: 5 hrs, add 3 hours for Mt. Fairview, 2 hrs for Paradise Valley.

Lake Louise Grand View Loop

Lake Louise – Lake Agnes – Beehive – Louise Falls, Banff National Park: One of the most popular hikes in summer renowned for its world class views tends to be quite a serene adventure trip in winter. Climb along the trail past the Lake Agnes tea house and up the steep slope to the Beehive view point (avalanche conditions permitting). Return trip via the six glaciers trail and Louise Falls. Return trip 5 hrs.

Kananaskis Provincial Park / Peter Loughheed Provincial Park

Burstall Pass and Snow Peak: Burstall Trail Head – Robertson Glacier – Burstall Pass, Peter Loughheed Provincial Park: A 30 min drive from Canmore takes you to a beautiful area called the Spray Lakes, which is a favorite for ski touring and snowshoeing with Canmore and Calgary locals on the weekends. After following a scenic forest road past a couple of lakes, we head into the alpine on a narrow hiking trail and eventually into a beautiful high valley. Great views of some glaciers and rugged mountains, like Mt. Robertson, Birdwood and Assiniboine in the distance. Optional ascent of Snow Peak, if you not tired out yet at Burstall Pass. Return trip 6 hrs, add 2.5 hrs for Snow Peak. Driving time from Canmore about 40 minutes, 1 hr from Calgary.

Chester Lake and Elephant Rocks: One of our most popular trips! A 1.5 hrs walk takes us into a beautiful alpine cirque surrounded by spectacular peaks at the base of Chester Lake. Another 30 minutes takes us higher to Elephant Rocks, an awesome playground to do downhill slides and jumps into the deep snow on snowshoes. Enjoy the spectacular view to the other side of the valley with Mt. French and Mt. Robertson. This trip can also be done as a loop walk and in spring for those who are keen, we could also do a couple of challenging peak scrambles in the area. Driving time from Canmore about 40 minutes, 1 hr from Calgary.

Kootenay National Park

Mt. Stanley Ice Wall. Easy trail hike in Kootenay National Park: A windy trail leads us into one of the most spectacular hanging valleys of the Rockies – countless frozen waterfalls (often with ice climbers hanging off them…..) and the glaciated north face of Mt. Stanley make for stunning views while wandering around up there. Return trip 5 hrs. Driving time form Banff and Lake Louise: 30 min.

Paint Pots, Vermillion River . The classic half day trip just west of the rockies divide on the BC side. An easy walk in great scenery that takes us by the paint pots.

MULTI-DAY SAMPLE ITINERARIES

In sequence from easier to more difficult.

Lake O’Hara / Yoho National Park

4 to 5 hrs hiking / day, mostly light forest and tree line terrain with some alpine bowls and many frozen lakes. Another trip in the Lake Louise area. Lake O’Hara is one of the prettiest and in summer busiest spots of the Canadian Rockies, but very quiet and serene in winter. The terrain is very suitable for snow shoeing. Only the 13 km walk-in (sometimes better done on nordic gear) is a bit mind numbing. For lodging, you have a choice between the Lake O’Hara Lodge (rooms, fully catered) and the rustic Elisabeth Parker Hut (dormitory sleeping, no running water). The day trips from the lodge or hut lead into beautiful alpine bowls with enormous rock walls and some of the tallest summit of Banff and Yoho National Park looming over your head.

Magnificent Skoki / Banff National Park

4-6 hrs hiking time/day, mostly forested – non-glaciated terrain: Lake Louise – Skoki Lodge, Banff National Park: A classic trip to one of the oldest and probably nicest log house lodges in the Rockies, the Skoki Lodge, which has been granted the protection of a world heritage site by the UNESCO. A very scenic trip into the lodge with vistas of frozen lakes and hanging glaciers to arrive at this magnificent place in the late afternoon. While there, as well as on the way to Skoki, there is the option of some easier peak ascents.

We recommend to make this trip at least three days with two overnights at the lodge. Early reservation required if you want to be sure to get a spot at Skoki. In early and late season, we’re often lucky even on shorter notice. One way to Skoki in winter will take approx. 5 hrs.

The Wapta Icefield / Banff National Park

Depending on itinerary chosen, 4 to 8 hrs hiking / day. All alpine, above tree line terrain, above the huts glaciated. Peyto Lake – Peyto Hut – Mt. Thompson – Bow Hut – Mt. Crowfoot – Bow Lake, Banff National Park: The heart of the classic Wapta Traverse on snowshoes! Across vast glaciers with ascents of the two most prominent peaks visible from the Icefield Parkway. Lodging in Alpine Club Huts right at the glacier. A two-day trip is also possible to Bow Hut with one peak ascent the following day. Popular but more challenging is also the “Little Wapta Traverse” from Bow Lake to Peyto Lake (3 or 4 days). Here’s some images of the Wapta terrain on our Wapta Ski webpage

Little Yoho / Iceline Loop – Yoho National Park 8-9 hrs of hiking on the approach day (all below treeline), then alpine and glaciated terrain: Field – Yoho Valley – Takakkaw Falls – Stanley Mitchell Hut – Iceline Trail – Emerald Lake, Yoho National Park: Yet again, one of the most popular multi-day hiking trips in the summer but rarely a soul seen there in winter. This trip is rather challenging as to endurance and stamina. It requires one night in a tent or open shelter below Takakkaw Falls and at least one night in a simple, but very cozy log hut of the Canadian Alpine Club, the famous Stanley Mitchell Hut. Super-scenic trip – a marvelous winter adventure for the fit, which requires at least three days. The initial 8 hrs hut approach can be shortened by an overnight stay in an improvised shelter half way.

1) Half day trip close to Banff: Daily departures at 1.30PM with pick-up at your hotel in Banff. Scenic walks with little vertical gain below tree line to Vista Lake and Paint Pots. Transport and snowshoe rental included. (For this trip we act as a booking agent for a licensed Banff operator).

2 ) Single day trips: Custom trips from casual valley walks to challenging peak ascents eye to eye with the glaciers of the Canadian Rockies.

3 ) Multi-day trips with lodging in rustic backcountry huts or comfortable backcountry lodges with private rooms. Spend the evening with home-cooked food next to an open fireplace in a log cabin – the ultimate Canadian Rockies winter experience! Trips include excursions to the Bow Hut at the Wapta Icefields, Skokie Lodge close to Lake Louise or Elisabeth Parker Hut at Lake O’Hara.

Detail and Logistics

Meeting point and time.

Scheduled half-day trips: Pick up at your hotel in Banff around 1.30 pm Custom Trips: Arrangements depending on chosen itinerary.

Climate, Weather, Temperatures

Winter mountain weather in the Canadian Rockies is often influenced by cold, continental air originating in the arctic. Be prepared and equipped for temps between 0 C to -25 C (-32 F to -15 F).

Services Included in the Total Price

Scheduled half-day trips . Guiding by a certified hiking guide, transport from Banff to trail head and back, snowshoe rental, snack

Custom Trips. Guiding by a certified(ACMG and/or UIAGM/IFMGA) mountain, ski or alpine guide, snowshoe and telescope hiking pole rental. Depending on the planned itinerary also the use of avalanche safety equipment (transceiver, probe and shovel).Transport and lunches can be provided on request.

Scheduled Half-Day Trips.  Good general fitness for a 2-3 hour walk on snowshoes. No previous snowshoeing experience required. Return trip distance about 3 km nearly level walking.

Single day trips.  All levels! Custom trips only. Required fitness level depends on your objective chosen. No previous snowshoeing experience necessary.

Multi-day trips.  Custom trips only. Same as above plus the requirement to carry overnight gear in your backpack. Trips into alpine terrain might require the use of avalanche safety equipment, the use of which we will train with you in a 30 minute avalanche safety exercise.

SNOWSHOEING DAY TRIPS ALPINE

1. Technical Equipment

• Collapsible ski poles* • Snow shoes • Avalanche transceiver (475 Megahertz) • Lightweight snow shovel • Avalanche probe • Backpack (30-40 liters) with rain cover. Some have built-in rain covers (eg. Deuter backpacks). Rain covers can also be bought separately. Otherwise bring a big plastic (garbage) bag as an inside liner for your backpack. • Climbing harness for glacier travel • One locking carabiner • Crevasse rescue equipment, if you are familiar with it. (Prusik slings, webbing, pulleys, auto-locking device). Your guide will bring a full set.

All items marked with ‘*’ can be rented from a rental shop locally.

Harness, carabiner, transceiver, snow-shovel and avalanche probe can be provided by OnTop. Please bring your own equipment if you have it.

2. Clothing

Temperatures in the Canadian Rockies vary hugely. Early season (December – February) temps can drop as low as –30C overnight, whereas in spring (mid-March – May) it can warm up to above freezing temps and overnight lows are not usually below –10C. The list is meant as a guide line, but we realize that our guests have their clothing priorities and substituting certain items with other equivalent pieces of clothing might be a valid alternative. If you do so, you should discuss it with your guide in the pre-trip briefing.

• Wind and waterproof shell jacket with hood (Gore Tex or similar) • Wind and waterproof over pants (Gore Tex or similar) • Warm pants (insulated / fleece/ polypro) • Fleece or wool pullover or jacket • Medium weight fleece shirt • Capilene, fleece or wool underwear, top and bottoms • 2 Pairs of gloves (lightweight and heavier weight) • Scarf or neck gaiter • Socks: thick (wool) outer and thinner liners • Wool or fleece hat, covering the ears • Gaiters (unless pants lock tightly to your boots or ski pants have integrated gaiters) • Sun hat, preferably with wide rim • Bandana (optional)

3. Other items:

• Sun Glasses (with very good UV protection, extra pair is a good idea) • Sun screen and lip protection • Water bottle, preferably insulated, minimum volume: 1 liter or camelbak (if too cold, bladder tube might freeze up!) • Head lamp • Blister kit (optional) • Zip-lock bag for wallet and other documents to keep them dry (recommended) • Snacks (candy bars, dried fruit, sandwiches, nuts, etc.) • Personal items (Prescription medicine, extra contact lenses and maintenance equipment, extra pair of prescription glasses etc.) • Pocket knife or leatherman tool • Goggles, camera, film and extra batteries (optional)

SNOWSHOEING DAY TRIPS BELOW TREE LINE

1. Technical Equipment:

• Collapsible ski poles* • Snow shoes • Backpack (30-40 liters) with rain cover. Some have built-in rain covers (eg. Deuter backpacks). Rain covers can also be bought separately. Otherwise bring a big plastic (garbage) bag as an inside liner for your backpack. • Gaiters (unless pants lock tightly to your boots or ski pants have integrated gaiters)*

All items marked with ‘*’ can be rented from a rental shop locally or OnTop and may already be included in your trip price.

Please bring your own equipment if you have it.

Temperatures in the Canadian Rockies vary hugely. Especially early season (December – February) temps can drop as low as –30C overnight, whereas in spring (mid-March – May) it can warm up to above freezing temps and overnight lows are not usually below –10C. The list is meant as a guide line, but we realize that our guests have their clothing priorities and substituting certain items with other equivalent pieces of clothing might be a valid alternative. If you do so, you should discuss it with your guide in the pre-trip briefing.

• Wind and waterproof shell jacket with hood (Gore Tex or similar) • Wind and waterproof over pants (Gore Tex or similar) • Warm pants (insulated / fleece/ polypro) • Fleece or wool pullover or jacket • Medium weight fleece shirt • 1 Pairs of gloves (heavier weight) • For pants see Gaiters Technical Equipment • Scarf or neck gaiter • Thick wool socks • Wool or fleece hat, covering the ears • Sun hat, preferably with wide rim • Bandana (optional)

• Sun Glasses (with very good UV protection, extra pair is a good idea) • Sun screen and lip protection • Water bottle, preferably insulated, minimum volume: 1 liter or camelbak (if too cold, bladder tube might freeze up!) • Head lamp • Blister kit (optional) • Zip-lock bag for wallet and other documents to keep them dry (recommended) • Snacks (candy bars, dried fruit, sandwiches, nuts, etc.) • Personal items (Prescription medicine, extra contact lenses and maintenance equipment, extra pair of prescription glasses etc.) • Pocket knife or leatherman tool (optional) • Goggles, camera, film and extra batteries (optional)

Please read and fill out this additional Reservation Form and FAQ .

Do I need to sign a Release of Liability & Assumption of Risk Agreement (a.ka. liability waiver)?

Yes, you do. Mountaineering, skiing, climbing, hiking, via ferrata and all other wilderness and adventure travel activities are inherently risky with potential for injuries or even death. It is very important to us that you are aware of those risks before you start the booking process, which includes filling out a booking form and paying a deposit. With signing the liability waiver, you confirm that you understand the potential risks and hazards, and are willing to accept the risks, which includes giving up legal rights you may have. This would also be the time to ask questions or address concerns before you book. For your reference here is a link to our Liability Waiver . Our booking terms & cancellation policy with more details can be found  here

GROUP SIZES

Client / guides.

Any size for custom trips!

Trip Info Links

Avalanche Bulletins Private Ice Climbing Banff Weather Banff National Park

DIFFICULTY: Snow Shoeing Canadian Rockies

• All levels!
• Perfect for families!

Snow Shoeing Canadian Rockies

2023 / 2024 dates.

Custom Trips: Anytime from November to May

1 client – from CAD $550 2 clients – from CAD $660 (for both) 3 clients – from CAD $690 (for all 3) 4 or more clients – ask us for a quote* GST (5%) to be added to all pricing.

Longer, more remote, or more difficult hikes that require longer days may incur a premium.

*We offer discounts for groups of four or more clients signing up together.

On request, we can quote you in your preferred currency

Canada: 340 Canyon Close, Canmore, AB T1W 1H4, Canada

USA: 119 S. Sherwood, Fort Collins, CO 80155, USA

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Snowshoeing Tour to Paint Pots

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Try one of the most memorable snowshoeing trails near Banff. This easy 3-kilometre trail takes you to the historical Paint Pots—a cultural treasure within our National park

Icewalk + Paint Pots Snowshoe

Private Snowshoeing Tours

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