Banff in November: Weather, Tips & Things to Do

November is when Banff starts to feel much more like winter, but without the full winter crowds or conditions you’ll find later in the season. Visiting Banff in November means you can expect snow in the mountains, quieter trails and attractions, and a mix of fall and early winter conditions depending on when you visit.

As Canmore locals, we know how quickly the Banff weather in November can change. Early in the month, you may still find bare trails and open water on some lakes, while later in November there is usually more snow on the valley floor and a better chance of winter activities getting underway. It is a month where being flexible with your plans really pays off.

There are also some great advantages to visiting Banff National Park in November. Crowds are much lower than in summer, accommodation can be more affordable, ski season begins, and Christmas events start popping up later in the month. At the same time, some popular summer attractions are closed and not every winter activity is ready yet.

In this guide, we’ll share what to expect from Banff in November, including the weather, the best things to do, what is open and closed, what to pack, where to stay and a few local tips that will help you make the most of this quieter time of year.

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Is November a Good Time to Visit Banff?

November can be a very good time to visit Banff, especially if you are looking for fewer crowds and better value. It is firmly in shoulder season, and it is one of the few times of year when you can often find cheaper accommodation in Banff before prices climb again for the winter ski and Christmas seasons. If keeping costs down is a priority, our guide to Banff on a Budget has plenty of additional ways to save.

The trade-off is that November falls between Banff’s main summer and winter seasons. Most of Banff National Park remains open, but some summer attractions have closed for the year while certain winter activities may not have enough snow or ice to operate yet. This is especially true earlier in November, so it helps to arrive with a flexible itinerary rather than planning your trip around one specific activity.

Later in the month, Banff starts to settle into winter. The Banff ski resorts begin opening as conditions allow, there is usually more snow at lower elevations, and Christmas events begin around Banff and Lake Louise. If you enjoy quieter sightseeing, scenic drives, winter hiking and the possibility of getting an early start on ski season, November can be well worth considering.

If you are still deciding when to visit, compare November with our guide to the best time to visit Banff or see how the year changes in our Banff by Season guide. You may also want to compare Banff in October with Banff in December to decide which shoulder or winter month is the best fit for your trip.

What to Expect in Banff in November

If you visit Banff in November, you’ll be rewarded with fewer crowds and lower accommodation costs. More importantly, you’ll enjoy incredible winter scenery but with the mountain lakes not yet completely frozen.

As the month progresses, some of the lakes may become frozen enough for skating. The days are shorter, so it’s much easier to enjoy sunrise and sunset though you’ll want to dress warm!

Important things to know about visiting Banff in November are that some of the activities may not have started yet and there are places that can no longer be visited (Moraine Lake being one of them). Once Canadian Thanksgiving has come and gone, there are a number of changes to activities in Banff National Park:

• The Lake Louise Shuttles and Moraine Lake Shuttles stop.
• Roam Transit also has several changes to the routes and schedules.
• Lake Louise teahouses are closed.
• Canoeing on Lake Louise, Emerald Lake and Moraine Lake is done for the season.
• Yoho Valley Road to Takakkaw Falls in Yoho National Park is closed.
• Lake Minnewanka Boat Cruise is done for the season.
• The Sightseeing Chairlift at Mt. Norquay and the Sightseeing Chairlift at Lake Louise are closed as the ski resorts prepare for ski season.

Because the days are shorter, you need to ensure your outdoor adventures are planned well within the daylight hours, since the temperature can drop significantly once the sun goes down.

Finally, be aware that road conditions can change rapidly due to snow and ice. Some roads, especially higher mountain passes, may close temporarily due to adverse conditions. It’s essential to check road conditions and be prepared for winter driving if you plan to rent a car for visiting Banff in November.

If you are concerned about driving in the snow, you may wish to read How to Get to Banff Without a Car. If you’d prefer someone else do the winter driving, check out these Calgary Airport shuttles to Banff.

Banff Weather in November

What can you expect for the weather in Banff in November? Be prepared for some colder temperatures and unpredictable weather.

The average daytime highs in Banff in November range from -5°C to 5°C (23°F to 41°F). Overnight lows can be much colder ranging from -10°C to -20°C (14°F to -4°F). You can expect snow when visiting Banff in November, though how much snow will vary. The snow will start accumulating throughout the month, getting the Banff ski resorts ready for ski season.

Lake Louise, being at a higher elevation, tends to be colder with average daytime highs ranging from -10°C to 0°C (14°F to 32°F) and average daytime lows from -15°C to -25°C (5°F to -13°F).

Best Things to do in Banff in November

Given the changing seasons, it’s important to the things to do in Banff in November. Some winter activities, including many dogsledding and sleigh rides, typically don’t begin until December. Johnston Canyon Icewalk tours, however, can begin in November

That being said, there are still plenty of places to explore between Banff, Jasper, Yoho, Kootenay, Canmore and Kananaskis. Here are the best things to do in Banff in November:

Explore Banff Townsite

For one of the easiest and most enjoyable free things to do in Banff, take a walk down Banff Avenue. Enjoy the main shopping street in Banff with fewer people. There’s plenty of shopping, coffee shops and restaurants to choose from on Banff Avenue. For a longer outing, take a stroll along the Bow River to Bow Falls.

Visit Lake Louise

Lake Louise is worth a visit any time of year. In early November, enjoy seeing the snow capped mountains surrounding the unfrozen lake. We’ve been fortunate to skate on Lake Louise as early as mid-November, but typically it’s around mid-December when the lake is ready for skating.

Go Skiing in Banff

If the snow conditions allow for it, skiing in Banff is possible as early as November. There are three ski resorts in Banff National Park. The ski resorts will typically have tentative opening dates of early November, so you’ll need to watch for official opening dates.

If you are a beginner skier you can read about the best green runs at Sunshine Village and the top runs at Lake Louise for beginners.

Hit the Banff Snowshoeing Trails

As the month progresses and enough snow falls, some of the trails will require snowshoes! Snowshoeing in Banff National Park is a fun outdoor activity. If the trails are popular enough, snowshoes may not be required as the snow will be hard-packed from the traffic.

Banff snowshoe trails can include the Ink Pots, Upper Stoney or Cascade Amphitheatre. Lake Louise snowshoe trails include Fairview Lookout or nearby Taylor Lake. You can also find a bunch of easy Kananaskis snowshoe trails that are fun to explore.

Winter Hikes in Banff

Often, there isn’t enough snow in November to require snowshoes, or popular trails have already been packed down. You can still enjoy plenty of winter hiking in Banff. There are several easy winter hikes in Banff National Park that don’t cross into avalanche terrain.

Some of our favourite Banff winter hikes include Tunnel Mountain, Johnson Lake and Surprise Corner to the Hoodoos.

Ride the Banff Gondola

Don’t miss seeing this winter wonderland from the incredible vantage point the Banff Gondola gives! Even on a chilly November day, you can walk the boardwalk before warming up inside. If you want to stay longer, enjoy a meal at Sky Bistro with one of the best views around.

If you’d prefer a little more activity, you can hike Sulphur Mountain and still enjoy the indoor activities at the Banff Gondola.

Take a Scenic Drive in Banff

You’ll likely drive some of these scenic drives in Banff as you explore Banff National Park, but they’re worth making time for even if they aren’t already on your route.

Bow Valley Parkway

There are several worthwhile stops along the Bow Valley Parkway, with Johnston Canyon and Morant’s Curve among the most popular.

Johnston Canyon is an easy-to-access canyon walk with waterfalls, catwalks and impressive winter scenery as the falls begin to freeze.

Morant’s Curve is a classic viewpoint over the railway and surrounding mountains. If your timing is right, you may even catch a train winding through the valley.

Highway 40 in Kananaskis

Highway 40 in Kananaskis has some of the most incredible mountain scenery and is well worth a drive. There’s no shortage of places to stop along the way including Barrier Lake, Wedge Pond and even Kananaskis Village.

Icefields Parkway

The Icefields Parkway is the road between Lake Louise and the town of Jasper, and is consdered by many to be one of the most beautiful drives in the world. Even if your plans don’t include going all the way to Jasper National Park, you can drive a short distance up the Icefields Parkway and stop at places like Peyto Lake and Bow Lake.

Snow tires or chains are required on the Icefields Parkway from November 1 to March 31. Snow tires should have the snowflake or M+S symbol.

Lake Minnewanka Scenic Drive

Lake Minnewanka Scenic Drive takes you past Johnson Lake, Two Jack Lake and Lake Minnewanka. The western section of Minnewanka Loop Road is closed to vehicles from November to May to reduce human activity beside an important wildlife corridor, so in winter you drive the open portion as an out-and-back.

See Frozen Waterfalls

If the temperatures drop enough, you may have a chance to see frozen waterfalls in Banff. One of the best places to see them is at Johnston Canyon.

Look for Northern Lights in Banff

With the sun setting so early and longer hours of darkness, November can give you a chance to see the Northern Lights in Banff. Check out our favourite apps for visiting Banff to get our recommendation for a Northern Lights forecasting app.

Go Cross-Country Skiing

Not all parts of the park will have enough snow for cross-country skiing in Banff in November, but there’s a good chance you will find enough in Lake Louise.

The Lake Louise Great Divide Trail (also known as “Old 1A”) is mostly flat, making it a great cross-country ski trail in Banff for beginners or families. It’s fun to note that the 10 km long (one-way) Great Divide Trail crosses the Alberta/BC border into Yoho National Park. From here you can continue another 3.5 km to the Lake O’Hara parking lot.

Kananaskis cross-country ski trails may also have enough snow by mid- to late November.

Try Fat Biking in Banff

Looking for another winter activity? Fat biking in Banff is one of our favourite winter activities. A fat bike tour around Banff townsite is an excellent way to take in the views around town.

Visit Banff Upper Hot Springs

Once you’ve spent the day taking in all the winter scenery, you can warm up at the Banff Upper Hot Springs.

Enjoy Banff Christmas Activities

If you’re ready to get in the Christmas Spirit, many of the Banff Christmas activities will start in November.

In Search of Christmas Spirit

In Search of Christmas Spirit is a unique evening experience in Banff. It’s held at the Cascade of Time Garden. As you follow along the lit trail, you’ll pass many sculptures and enjoy reading the story of the wildlife in Banff. The lights and sound effects make it an incredible experience.

This is a free event but requires reservations and runs on select dates from mid-November to the end of December.

Banff Christmas Market

The Banff Christmas Market is the perfect place to grab some Banff souvenirs, enjoy some live music and even have a visit with Santa. Pre-purchased tickets are required for the Christmas market in Banff. Dates are typically Fridays – Sundays from mid-November to mid-December.

Canmore Christmas Artisans’ Market

The nearby town of Canmore holds the Canmore Christmas Artisans’ Market at the Canmore Recreation Centre in late November.

Hot Chocolate Trail

Stop for a festive hot chocolate at one of the many Banff restaurants offering fun takes on hot chocolate! The Hot Chocolate Trail in Banff typically runs from mid-November to mid-February.

Take a Canmore Cave Tour

For the more adventurous, try Canmore Cave Tours. This fun tour takes place in Rat’s Nest Cave outside Canmore and operate year-round.

Wildlife Viewing in Banff in November

While the bears are making their way into their dens, winter is an excellent time to see deer, elk and bighorn sheep around Banff National Park.

Banff Mountain Film and Book Festival

The Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival celebrates mountain culture through the sharing of mountain experiences and ideas. You’ll hear about mountain adventures from authors, filmmakers and adventurers as they share their stories.

The Banff Mountain Film Festival typically runs from late-October to early November.

Indoor Things to Do in Banff in November

While there’s a saying that “there’s no bad weather, just bad clothing”, not every day needs to be spent outside.

Cave and Basin

The discovery of natural Banff hot springs at the Cave and Basin National Historic Site ultimately led to the creation of the Canadian national park system, which to this day is considered one of the best park systems in the world. During the winter, the Cave and Basin has more restricted hours, being open Thursday to Monday from 11 am to 5 pm.

Park Distillery Tour

The Park Distillery in Banff offers free daily tours where you can learn about the working distillery. A guided craft-spirit tasting is an optional paid add-on.

Afternoon Tea

After a morning adventure, spend some time enjoying afternoon tea. Both the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and Fairmont Banff Springs offer it.

When you are done at the Banff Springs Hotel, you can also spend some time walking around this iconic Banff hotel.

Go Wild Ice Skating

In some winters, temperatures drop quickly enough for the lakes to freeze before much snow falls, creating opportunities for wild ice skating in Banff National Park. In our experience, Johnson Lake is one of the lakes most likely to offer an early-season skating opportunity, though through the years we have seen other lakes freeze enough for skating.

The Canadian Red Cross recommends 15 cm (6 inches) for skating alone and 20 cm (8 inches) for skating parties. They also are a good resource for understanding what can affect ice thickness, one of which is changing air temperatures. With chinook winds, the area can have several days or even weeks of higher temperatures which can quickly affect the ice thickness.

We strongly recommend you fully read the ice safety information provided by Red Cross on what to do if you get in trouble on the ice and rescuing another person.

Also know that Parks Canada does NOT monitor these natural skating surfaces and skating on them is at your own risk. Parks Canada does recommend checking the thickness of the ice by drilling a hole or checking the cracks to ensure it’s a minimum of 15 cm thick. Though it’s better if you go in a group, if you do go out alone, always let someone know your plan.

Head to Emerald Lake

Emerald Lake is in nearby Yoho National Park and is another stunning lake to visit near Lake Louise. It’s important to know that starting October 1, winter tires are required .

What to Pack for Banff in November

Packing for Banff in November requires preparation for changing weather conditions as winter begins, temperatures start to drop, and snow starts to accumulate. Here’s a list of essential items to pack for November in Banff National Park:

Layered Clothing: Weather in Banff during November can be unpredictable, so packing layers is essential. Bring a mix of short-sleeve and long-sleeve shirts, along with fleeces and a warm winter jacket. Warm snow pants are also worthwhile packing for long days outside.

Warm Hat & Gloves: You’ll get a lot of use out of a warm hat and gloves, and possibly a scarf. These are essentials for Banff in November.

Hiking Boots: Comfortable, waterproof hiking boots with ankle support are essential Banff hiking gear if you plan to explore the best Banff hiking trails. Make sure they’re well broken in to avoid blisters.

Winter Boots: As it gets colder, you may want to switch from hiking boots to winter boots, or choose winter hiking boots that can do both jobs.

Micro Spikes: If snow is falling the trails can get icy and slippery. You’ll be glad you have micro spikes to avoid any falls! You can learn all about your options for traction devices for winter hiking.

Hand and Foot Warmers: Just in case your gloves or boots don’t keep your extremities warm enough.

Sunglasses: You’ll be glad to have sunglasses on those blue sky days, especially when the sun is reflecting off the snow!

Backpack: A daypack is handy for carrying essentials while exploring the parks, including water, snacks, a map, and extra clothing layers.

Camera Gear: Bring your camera gear and a tripod if you want to photograph sunrise, sunset or the night sky.

Reusable Water Bottle: Staying hydrated is crucial, especially at higher elevations. A reusable water bottle helps you reduce waste.

Sunscreen: Even in the fall, you can still get sunburned, so pack sunscreen with a high SPF. This is especially important when there’s snow on the ground as the snow reflects those harsh UV rays.

Chargers and Power Banks: Since you’ll be taking A LOT of pictures, a power bank is worth having to make sure you can keep your phone charged!

First Aid Kit: A basic first aid kit with essentials like bandages, pain relievers, and blister treatment can be a lifesaver on the trails.

Maps and Guides: While digital maps are helpful, it’s wise to carry physical maps and guidebooks as backup, as cell phone reception can be unreliable in some areas.

Bear Spray: If you plan to hike in bear country, it’s a good idea to carry bear spray and know how to use it safely. Bears are still around in November.

Where to Stay in Banff in November

Banff offers a range of accommodation options, from cozy lodges to luxury hotels, making it possible to find the perfect place to stay in November. Here are some of the best areas and places to consider for your stay in Banff:

Where to Stay in the Town of Banff

Staying in the town of Banff itself provides convenient access to shops, restaurants, and amenities while being close to the stunning natural surroundings. You can find a variety of accommodations in our list of the top hotels in the Town of Banff, from budget-friendly hotels to upscale resorts.

As the temperatures cool, you may also want to look for a hotel in Banff with a private hot tub or better yet, cozy up next to a fire in one of these best Banff Cabins.

Where to Stay in Lake Louise

Staying in the village of Lake Louise or at the shores of Lake Louise will save you some time on driving, especially if you plan to visit the Icefields Parkway and even into Yoho National Park. You could even split your time between two hotels.

Where to Stay in Canmore

Located just outside Banff National Park, Canmore offers a quieter and more budget-friendly alternative to Banff town. You’ll find a range of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals in Canmore.

Driving in Banff in November

You will likely encounter winter driving conditions in Banff in November since the weather is so unpredictable.

For visiting the Icefields Parkway in November, make sure you have tires either with M+S (mud & snow) or the snowflake symbol. These are required as of Nov 1. Read more about winter driving section here and more about driving the Icefields Parkway in the winter here before you head out. It’s crucial you check the conditions before heading out in case the road is closed due to avalanches and always leave yourself plenty of time in the winter.

For driving into British Columbia (if you are visiting Emerald Lake in Yoho NP or Marble Canyon in Kootenay National Park), make sure you have tires either with M+S (mud & snow) or the snowflake symbol. These are required as of Oct 1.