Banff in December: Weather, Things to Do & Tips

December is when Banff really settles into winter. By this point in the season, the mountains are usually snow-covered, the ski hills are open and many of the winter activities people come to the Canadian Rockies for are underway. If you’re considering Banff in December, you can expect a very different trip from summer, with skiing, snowshoeing, winter hiking, skating and Christmas events all part of the experience.

As Canmore locals, we spend a lot of time exploring Banff throughout the winter, and December is one of our favourite months to be here. Banff weather in December is cold and can be unpredictable, but with the right clothing and a little flexibility, it’s a great month to enjoy the national park without needing to wait for the deepest part of winter.

There are a few things that are especially important to know before you go. Snow and ice conditions can vary early in the month, winter driving requires more preparation, and not every summer trail is suitable once avalanche season begins. In this guide, we’ll help you understand what to expect from December weather, the best things to do, where to stay, what to pack and some of the winter activities we enjoy ourselves.

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Is December a Good Time to Visit Banff?

Yes, December is a great time to visit Banff if you want a true winter trip. You’ll have access to most of the activities people associate with winter in the Rockies, while the Christmas season adds another reason to visit, especially later in the month.

Whether December is the best time to visit Banff really depends on what you want from your trip. If skiing, skating, snowy mountain scenery and winter activities are high on your list, December is an excellent choice. If your priority is hiking, turquoise lakes or long daylight hours, another time of year will suit you better. Our guide to Banff by season is a good place to compare what changes throughout the year.

Timing within winter matters too. Banff in November is quieter and can be a good option for an early-winter trip, but snow conditions are less predictable and some winter activities may only be getting started. By December, winter is much more established.

On the other hand, Banff in January generally brings colder temperatures, deeper winter conditions and fewer Christmas visitors. December is a nice middle ground if you want plenty of winter activities along with the atmosphere of the holiday season.

For most travellers choosing December, the bigger question isn’t whether there will be enough to do. It’s deciding which winter experiences to fit into your trip and knowing how to prepare for the weather and conditions. That’s what we’ll cover below.

Banff Weather in December

It’s hard to know what to expect for weather in Banff in December, so it’s best to plan your winter wardrobe with flexibility in mind.

Banff Temperatures in December

Average December weather in Banff is actually quite pleasant for winter in Canada. The average daily high temperature in Banff in December is -5°C (23°F), while the average daily low is -14°C (7°F). These are mild winter temperatures that visitors can easily dress for by using layers.

Keep in mind these are historical monthly average temperatures for Banff in December and the actual daily temperatures you will experience can be quite different. On any given day, the December Banff weather can be a daily high well above 0°C (32°F), or the daily high can be bone-chillingly cold. A few times a year we can see daily highs between -20 to -30°C (-4 to -22°F).

Does It Snow in Banff in December?

The beautiful blanket of snow covering Canada’s best national park is what makes visiting Banff in December so special. Right in time for Christmas, Banff receives its highest monthly snowfall with an average of 44 cm of snow. It doesn’t snow often though, with a daily chance of getting snowfall at roughly 10%. If you are concerned about driving in the snow, you may wish to check out these Calgary Airport shuttles to Banff.

What December Weather Feels Like

The recorded temperature is only a small part of the story as shade or wind can have a big impact on how you feel. A temperature of -5°C will feel almost warm if you are standing in the direct sunlight, with little wind. That same temperature can feel much colder if you are in the shade and/or there is some wind.

The effect of wind on sub-zero temperatures can be extreme. With the wind-chill effect, -5°C will feel like -9°C with a light wind of 10 km/h, while a 40 km/h gust of wind can make it feel nearly 3x colder at -14°C.

Things to do in Banff in December

Banff Christmas Activities

You’ll love visiting Banff at Christmas. With snow around the Town of Banff and covering the surrounding mountains, it can feel a little like being inside a real-life snow globe. In town, Christmas lights and decorations add to the festive atmosphere everywhere you look.

There are plenty of fun things to do in Banff at Christmas, especially if you’re visiting with kids. Over the years, we’ve taken our kids to several different Christmas events around Banff and Canmore, and these are some of the ones we’ve enjoyed most.

Mountaintop Christmas at the Banff Gondola: A trip up the Banff Gondola around Christmas is a special experience. This was one of our favourite places to take the kids for Santa photos, with the gondola ride, mountaintop scenery, kids’ activities and a visit with Santa all part of the experience.

In Search of Christmas Spirit: This free outdoor Christmas experience takes over the Cascade of Time Garden on select evenings from mid-November into early January. Follow an illuminated walking trail through the gardens with large wildlife sculptures, lights, sound and a Christmas story inspired by Banff National Park. The experience takes about 30 to 45 minutes and is a great family-friendly activity after dark. Tickets are free, but you do need to reserve them in advance.

Santa on the Slopes at Sunshine Village: If you’re skiing at Sunshine Village before Christmas, watch for Santa on the slopes. In past years, kids could get a candy cane and a photo with Santa during his weekend visits. Check the Sunshine Village events calendar for the current schedule.

The Spirit of Christmas: This festive store on Banff Avenue is packed with Christmas decorations and is a fun stop while you’re walking around downtown Banff. We’ve also taken the kids here for Santa photos in past years.

The Malcolm Hotel in Canmore: We’ve also taken the kids to see Santa at The Malcolm Hotel in Canmore. Afterwards, we walked along Candy Cane Lane, a festive path between the hotel and the creek with Christmas inflatables and decorations. It was great fun for the kids.

Christmas events and Santa appearances can change from year to year, and some begin as early as mid-November. If seeing Santa or attending a specific Banff Christmas event is important to your trip, be sure to check the current schedule before you go.

Note, in some years the opportunities to get photos with Santa in Banff start as early as mid-November.

Visit Lake Louise

Close your eyes and picture the most beautiful winter scene you can imagine. Chances are that your winter wonderland closely matches the winter scenery at Lake Louise. Throw in some Christmas magic and you will not soon forget a visit to Lake Louise in winter.

A visit to Lake Louise in December will have something for everyone, from simple sightseeing to adventurous winter sports. A must for all visitors is the walk along the Lake Louise Lakeshore, one of our favourite easy walks in Banff. Only 2.3 km one way, it’s especially beautiful in winter. Many people choose to snowshoe this trail, but it is often hard packed and ok to walk on if you have good winter boots on.

Looking for a truly Canadian experience you won’t soon forget? Bring or rent some ice skates and enjoy ice skating on Lake Louise. A large public skating surface is cleared on the lake in front of the Chateau Lake Louise. If you like pick-up hockey, there is a separate ice surface for you, complete with mini-hockey nets.

Many of the beautiful hiking trails around Lake Louise are closed in the winter due to avalanche risk, but there are many beautiful snowshoe trails in Lake Louise. One of our favourites is the Fairview Lookout snowshoe trail, which leads to a lookout where you can look over the frozen surface of Lake Louise towards the Chateau. The views are so beautiful!

Yet another magical activity at Lake Louise in winter is a horse-drawn sleigh ride. You’ll feel like you are in a fairy-tale as you glide silently across the snow soaking in the scenery of this real-life snow globe. If you can’t make it to Lake Louise, you can also enjoy a sleigh ride from the Town of Banff.

If you enjoy sitting back and enjoying the winter scenery, but are craving more action, then you should try dog-sledding at Lake Louise in December. Dog sledding is an exhilarating winter experience at Lake Louise you’ll remember forever.

The Lake Louise ski resort isn’t just for alpine skiers. There are several fun things to do at the Lake Louise ski hill in December, including snow tubing and a winter sightseeing gondola.

The famous Chateau Lake Louise hotel offers many wonderful winter and Christmas activities in December. More on this below…

Prefer to visit Lake Louise with a guide? This half-day winter tour from Banff is a great option if you want to experience Lake Louise in winter without worrying about driving or planning the day yourself.

Downhill Skiing

You can enjoy plenty of downhill skiing in Banff in December, and by this point in the season all three Banff ski resorts are typically operating. Known collectively as the SkiBig3, Banff Norquay, Sunshine Village and Lake Louise Ski Resort each offer a different experience.

Sunshine Village Ski Resort

Sunshine Village is my favourite Banff ski resort. I love the wide-open terrain and the incredible views of the surrounding Banff mountain peaks.

Perched high on the Continental Divide, Sunshine gets a tremendous amount of natural snow and offers one of the longest ski seasons in Canada. It has terrain for all skill levels, although much of the mountain is especially well suited to intermediate skiers.

Sunshine often opens for the season in November with a limited number of lifts and runs, then gradually opens more terrain as the snow falls. By December, ski conditions are usually well established, and one of the biggest advantages of Sunshine is its elevation. You can sometimes find very little snow on the valley floor in Banff or Canmore while enjoying excellent winter conditions higher up at the resort.

If you’re new to skiing, our guide to the best green runs at Sunshine Village will help you figure out where to start.

Lake Louise Ski Resort

Another of our favourites is the Lake Louise Ski Resort. With more than 4,200 acres of skiable terrain, the Lake Louise Ski Resort is one of the largest ski resorts in North America. It offers a well-balanced mix of beginner, intermediate and expert terrain, which makes it a great option for groups with different ability levels.

The mountain scenery is also a big part of the experience, so be sure to stop occasionally and take in the views.

If you’re a beginner, our guide to the best green runs at Lake Louise will help you find some of the easiest terrain to start with.

Banff Norquay

A favourite with Bow Valley families, Banff Norquay is the closest ski resort to the Town of Banff. Norquay has terrain for all ability levels, including beginner runs, but it is especially well known for its steeper terrain.

It’s also the only ski resort in Banff National Park to offer night skiing, making it a great option if you want to fit more skiing into a shorter Banff trip.

Ski Resorts Near Banff National Park

In addition to Banff’s Big 3 ski resorts, there’s a variety of downhill ski resorts just outside Banff National Park.

Nakiska Ski Area: Tucked away in Kananaskis Country, Nakiska is the closest mountain ski hill to Calgary. Nakiska hosted the alpine skiing events for the Calgary 1988 Olympic Winter Games.

Kicking Horse Mountain Resort: 150 km west of Banff in Golden, BC, Kicking Horse offers the 5th most vertical in North America. Get there the easy way with a shuttle and lift ticket package from Banff.

Panorama Mountain Resort: 170 km west of Banff in Invermere, BC, Panorama is a large destination ski resort. You’ll enjoy an easy visit as the slopes are never far away from the intimate ski village at Panorama Mountain.

Cross-Country Skiing

Cross-country skiing is a very popular winter activity around Banff in December, and by this point in the season there is usually enough snow for many of the main trail networks to be open. Some of the best places to try cross-country skiing in Banff in December are around Lake Louise and the Town of Banff.

If you’re new to the sport, Lake Louise is also a beautiful place to learn. You can book a cross-country ski lesson, or start with one of our recommended cross-country ski trails in Banff.

Cross-Country Skiing in Kananaskis

There is also excellent cross-country skiing in Kananaskis Country, with a large network of trails for different experience levels and styles of skiing.

Two easy trails we enjoy are Watridge Lake and the Wedge Connector.

The Watridge Lake Trail is a popular groomed and track-set trail from the Mt. Shark Day Use Area to Watridge Lake. It’s a great option if you want an easy outing in a beautiful setting, and you can extend your day with the short but steep Karst Spring Trail if conditions and footwear are suitable.

The Wedge Connector is another good choice for beginners. The trail is relatively flat, travels through a mix of evergreen and aspen forest, and offers occasional views of the surrounding Kananaskis mountains. Near the end, the trail opens into a clearing by Evan-Thomas Creek with some especially nice mountain views.

If you’re staying in Banff and want the easiest option, Lake Louise and the trails around the Town of Banff make the most sense. If you have a car and don’t mind driving farther, Kananaskis offers even more cross-country skiing to explore.

Winter Hiking

Just because there is snow on the ground, it doesn’t mean you can’t go for a hike in Banff in December. Many of the popular hiking trails in Banff are still widely used in the wintertime, but some close due to avalanche risk. Be sure to check yours before you go.

Winter hiking trails can be very slippery in spots. I hurt my shoulder pretty good from slipping and falling while winter hiking Upper Stoney Lookout. Learn from my mistake and wear winter traction devices (like microspikes, which ironically I had in my bag at the time of my fall).

If you’d like some inspiration and advice on winter hiking, we recommend these Easy Banff Hikes in Winter.

Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing has long been one of our favourite things to do around Banff in winter. There are many great snowshoe trails in Banff and Lake Louise, but our favourite area to go snowshoeing is Kananaskis Country.

Depending on the year, the snow pack may not be very deep in early December, but you’ll almost always find deeper snow along the southern reaches of the Smith-Dorrien Highway. Chester Lake, Penstock Loop and Sawmill are our favourite Kananaskis snowshoe trails in this area. You’ll almost certainly find good snow.

Snowshoeing in the Canadian Rocky Mountains doesn’t need to be a difficult, epic journey. There are plenty of options for Easy Snowshoe Trails in Kananaskis.

Wild Ice Skating

Wild ice skating is one of the best free things to do in Banff in winter. Early each winter, visitors to Banff have an opportunity to ice skate on a crystal clear lake before it is covered with snow for the duration of winter. Often, the opportunity to go wild ice skating only lasts a few days or weeks, so you need to act quickly when the window is open.

Popular destinations for wild ice skating around Banff and Canmore are Gap Lake, Lac Des Arcs, Johnson Lake, the Vermillion Lakes and Lake Minnewanka.

Please be safe when enjoying wild ice skating around Banff National Park. According to Parks Canada, the ice needs to be 15 cm (6″) thick for walking or ice skating alone and 20 cm (8″) for ice skating parties or games.

Make your own safety decisions while wild ice skating near Banff in December. You’ll often see people taking risks by skating on clear lakes when the ice simply isn’t ready. Don’t assume it’s safe just because others are skating. The Canadian Red Cross has some excellent safety advice for outdoor skating in Canada.

Given how fun wild ice skating is, and the very limited window of opportunity, it’s no surprise that wild ice skating parking lots fill beyond capacity and people tend to park illegally on the road nearby, causing safety issues.

Be aware that the RCMP regularly patrol these areas and ticket and tow illegally parked vehicles. Your best bet is to go wild ice skating as early in the day as possible.

Fat Biking in Banff

Fat biking is a relatively new winter activity, but there are already plenty of opportunities to go fat biking around Banff in December. Many trails are multi-use in Banff, so you may be sharing your fat bike trail with winter hikers or people snowshoeing. Please take extra care not to ride over any cross-country ski tracks.

Parks Canada maintains a selection of designated winter fat-biking routes in Banff National Park, ranging in difficulty from beginner to intermediate. There are significantly more approved fat bike trails in Kananaskis Country.

Ice Walks

Ice walking is a ton of fun! There is so much to love about this unique Banff winter activity. The feeling of walking uphill on a frozen riverbed is so unusual and exciting, we never get tired of it. Our personal favourite is the Grotto Canyon ice walk near Exshaw, but the Johnston Canyon ice walk is also a super popular thing to do in Banff in winter.

As locals, we often do these ice walks on our own with a good pair of microspikes. We love our Kahtoola MICROspikes.

If you’d rather not worry about winter trail conditions, buying your own winter traction devices or finding your way, joining a guided ice walk is a great option. You can book a Grotto Canyon Icewalk or a Johnston Canyon Icewalk, with the equipment and local guidance taken care of for you.

Wildlife Spotting

You can certainly look for wildlife on your own, and our guide to spotting wildlife in Banff includes tips from a local wildlife photographer.

But if seeing wildlife is high on your Banff wish list, a guided Banff wildlife safari is well worth considering. An expert guide knows where animals are most often seen, what to look for and how to spot wildlife you might easily miss on your own.

Where to Stay in Banff in December

There’s no better feeling than walking into a warm hotel lobby after a day of playing in the snow in Banff National Park. The rustic alpine décor along with a warm fire will make you feel so cozy. The feeling in the air is extra special when staying at a hotel in Banff in December as the Christmas decorations add a touch of winter magic.

A good place to start is our list of the best hotels in the Town of Banff. In addition, here are a few highly recommended Banff hotels for a visit in December:

Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel

I’ve stayed at the Banff Springs Hotel during the Christmas season several times and can confidently say there are few places more magical than the Banff Springs Hotel at Christmas. This iconic Banff hotel is incredible any time of year, but when it is decorated for Christmas it’s a place you won’t soon forget.

The Banff Springs Hotel goes all-out at Christmas. Guests who book the Christmas at the Castle package will enjoy a variety of special Christmas events. Examples from past seasons include Bedtime Stories with Mrs. Claus, private photo sessions with Santa, Holiday Crafts with Mrs. Claus and the Snowflake Scavenger Hunt.

Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

I love visiting Lake Louise in December. With downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, skating on Lake Louise, snowshoeing and dog sled tours, there are almost too many excellent winter activities to choose from.

The best place to base your visit to Lake Louise in December is the iconic Chateau Lake Louise. Special Christmas experiences at the Chateau Lake Louise include sleigh rides, sipping a cocktail at the Ice Bar, toasting s’mores at the lakefront campfire and decorating gingerbread houses.

To see if the Fairmont is right for you, check out our Chateau Lake Louise review. If not, don’t worry as there are plenty of other excellent Lake Louise hotels to choose from.

Moose Hotel and Suites

You can’t get a better location in central Banff than the Moose Hotel & Suites. You’ll love the beautiful mountain views as you soak in one of the two rooftop hot tubs or warm up by the outdoor firepit. You’ll also enjoy the full-service spa and the indoor swimming pool.

The Malcolm Hotel in Canmore

Canmore is a charming resort town just minutes outside the Banff park gates and you’ll love Canmore in winter as much as you love Banff! The Malcolm Hotel hugs the shores of Policeman’s Creek, one of my favourite spots for a scenic winter walk in Canmore.

Guests of the Malcolm Hotel in December will love the heated rooftop pool and hot tub with views of the magnificent Three Sisters mountain.

When we travel, we often stay at vacation rentals so we can enjoy many of the comforts of home. If you prefer to stay at a vacation rental, there are a wide variety of VRBO rentals in Banff and Canmore to choose from.

What to Bring to Banff in December

With such a wide variety of winter activities and highly variable December Banff weather, it’s hard to know what to bring for your visit. I’m fortunate enough to live minutes from Banff, but if I had to pack for a trip to Banff in December, here’s what I’d bring:

Warm Clothing

It’s such a cliché, but wearing layers is key to being comfortable in Banff in winter. In addition to your layers, you’ll need winter boots, warm socks, winter gloves, a good toque and sunglasses.

Winter Gear

Once you’ve got your layers all sorted, don’t forget to bring along a large hiking daybag to store your Banff hiking gear and the layers you don’t need at the moment.

I like to pack light, which for me often means renting equipment instead of bringing my own. There are tons of gear rental shops in Calgary, Canmore and Banff to meet all your equipment needs.

A few small but useful items I’d recommend you bring are a thermos, microspikes and hand warmers.

Where to Find Good Snow in December

When people think of December, they often think of deep, dark winter. But around Banff, December is still early in the winter season. Depending on November snowfall, it can sometimes be hard to find good snow for certain winter activities.

When Banff and Canmore have not had good November or December snowfall, we have a few go-to places to find good snow for some winter fun. In Banff National Park, you’ll often find great snow conditions around Lake Louise. In Kananaskis Country, you’ll typically find better snowpack around the Kananaskis Lakes and along the southern reaches of the Smith-Dorrien Highway, especially around the Chester Lake area.

Driving in Banff in December

December in Banff means winter driving conditions. With any luck the highways will be clear, but the weather is unpredictable so you should always check the forecast and be prepared for winter driving conditions.

For visiting the Icefields Parkway in December, make sure you have tires either with M+S (mud and 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 on the Icefields Parkway in the winter. It’s crucial to check road conditions and for potential closures before heading out, and always leave yourself plenty of extra time in winter.

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