Banff is hosting Winter Wonderland activities during the holidays

Nov 16 2020, 10:59 pm

This is the ideal way to spend the winter.

While the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has essentially barred any chance of escaping to warmer climates over the colder months of the year, that just makes all the more reason for living your very best snow-covered life up here in Canada.

Banff and Lake Louise Tourism is hoping to help you in that pursuit with a number of winter wonderland activities being held at a number of iconic spots throughout the Rocky Mountains.

From the Banff Gondola to downtown, visitors will be able to partake in socially distanced ways of celebrating the holiday season starting November 26.

In Search of Christmas Spirit

This live outdoor Christmas story will be read alongside a “sensory extravaganza of light and sound,” states the Banff and Lake Louise Tourism release.

When: Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings starting November 26 and each evening from Christmas Eve to January 2
Time: Departures are every 15 minutes from 5 to 9:30 pm
Where: Check in at Banff Avenue Square, collect a lantern and head over to the nearby Cascade Gardens
Admission: Free, though reservations are strongly encouraged. Book online

Hot Chocolate Trail

Follow a map of 21 restaurants and coffee shops offering holiday-themed hot chocolates to warm up both your body and your Christmas spirit!

When: November 26 to January 3
Where: Participating restaurants and coffee shops

Christmas Artisan Trail

Check out this deconstructed Christmas market at 18 different locations across Banff and Lake Louise — the perfect way to work through that holiday gift list!

When: November 28 to January 3
Time: 10 am to 5 pm on select weekends
Where: 18 locations throughout Banff and Lake Louise

Mountaintop Christmas

Find Santa at the top of the Banff Gondola alongside cookies, maple taffy, and a Christmas movie.

When: November 14 to December 30
Where: Banff Gondola
Price: All activities free with gondola admissions, starting at $53

Santa on the Mountain

Visit Santa while shredding the ski hill at Sunshine Village and Sunshine Mountain Lodge this December.

Where: Sunshine Village and Sunshine Mountain Lodge
When: 11 am to 2 pm. on December 12, 13, 19, and 20

Torchlight Parade

Celebrate the New Year in the Town of Banff by viewing a torchlight parade on December 31. A number of Mount Norquay ski and snowboard instructors will ride down the North American run with torches in hand to put on a unique light show for onlookers.

When: December 31
Time: 7 pm
Where: Anywhere with a view of Mt. Norquay
Admission: Free

Chandler WalterChandler Walter

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