Winter Activities

Snowmobiling isn't offered by the National Parks but by operators in the region.

Outfitters offer full-day and part-day trips originating from Canmore, Banff and Lake Louise. For example, Wet and Wild Adventures has a day trip that shuttles riders to the majestic Canadian Rocky Mountains and the infamous Kicking Horse Canyon just outside of Yoho National Park. Each guest will operate a Ski-doo. Guided trips, filled with breathtaking scenic views and the opportunity to see wildlife, last approximately four and a half hours and include a delicious hot lunch at a remote lodge.

Half-day trips last about two and-a-half hours. Night “starlight rides” are also available, giving riders a chance to experience the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis).

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Dramatic vertical relief and cold winters make for reliably "phat" conditions from November through April.

These are only two reasons why the town of Canmore (about 45 minutes from Lake Louise) has earned itself a reputation as the "world capital of ice climbing". From Canmore or Banff the approaches are quick. A short drive and a walk anywhere from 10 to 60 minutes opens up a wealth of terrain - from easy topropes for beginners to multi pitch extreme classics. From Lake Louise there is even quicker access to the climbs along the Icefield Parkway or to the wealth of routes in Yoho National Park.

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There is no tubing, tobogganing or sledding in the Lake Louise area.

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The Lake at the front of the Chateau Lake Louise is transformed into an incredible ice skating palace every winter. Enjoy the public skating rink or bring your hockey stick for a pick-up game on the hockey rink.

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Sleigh Rides are available daily at the Chateau Lake Louise. Join a bona fide Brewster cowboy to dash through the snow while riding on a horsedrawn Belgian cutter. The ride will take you on the Lakeshore Trail toward Mount Victoria. For those who have always wanted to yell “Mush!” there are dogsled rides available daily at the Chateau Lake Louise. Riders will climb aboard a Kingmik dogsled to travel the Continental Divide.

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Join a guided ice walk into Johnston or Grotto Canyon for a glimpse into a frozen world of waterfalls and pillars of blue ice suspended in time. Often ice-climbers can be seen scaling the canyons massive ice walls. Tours include transportation, ice-cleats and an experienced guide.

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Explore the magnificent natural world of the Rockies in a truly Canadian way -- on snowshoes. This ancient, but effective and easy-to-master mode of transportation will get you through the snow no matter how deep. Join a guided tour for an outdoor experience following the tracks of wolves and wolverines, learning how owls hunt, and hear how life adapts to the cold.

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Although the downhill skiing is world class in Lake Louise, one could happily spend a vacation in this winter wonderland without boarding a single lift. The National Park that surrounds Lake Louise is a virtual playground, offering a full range of outdoor activities all with the majestic backdrop of the Canadian Rockies.

In addition to an expansive network of cross-country skiing, visitors can enjoy the mountains on an ice walk or climbing experience. To journey far from the beaten path one can hop on a snowmobile for a full or half day sightseeing tour.

Of course the lake itself is the focal point of activity. Its beauty can be taken in while cross- country skiing across it, riding in a horse-drawn sleigh around it or skating upon it.

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