Winter Magic at Fairmont Banff Springs

Winter at Fairmont Banff Springs feels like a true holiday wonderland. The hotel is breathtakingly beautiful that time of year, with twinkling lights, festive decorations, and holiday events that make the whole property come alive. There’s something so special about bundling up to go ice skating right at the lodge, surrounded by the mountains, or joining one of the group snowshoeing outings through the forest. It’s the kind of place where you can fully lean into the magic of winter.

During the holidays, Christmas at the Castle transforms Fairmont Banff Springs into a festive paradise for all ages. Kids can spend their mornings at “Kids @ The Castle” or “The North Pole,” crafting ornaments, painting, decorating cookies, or even building gingerbread houses. There are storytimes with Mrs. Claus, private sessions with Santa, and family snowshoe tours through the Adventure Centre. The evenings are filled with live entertainment, including A Christmas Carol, The ABBA-solutely Fabulous Holiday Show, and themed concerts like Rocketman Revisited and Blue Suede Shoes – Elvis Tribute. For adults, The Thirsty Reindeer pop-up bar serves festive cocktails, while the 1888 Chop House and the hotel’s Festive Afternoon Tea offer incredible seasonal dining experiences. The whole atmosphere glows with warmth and joy—a true celebration of the season.

Each night ends perfectly at one of the cozy bars, where you can unwind by the fire with a cocktail or a glass of wine after a day of skiing in Lake Louise or exploring the area. One morning, I sat at breakfast overlooking the ice rink and the beautiful private igloo dining setup—just as two deer wandered past. It was one of those picture-perfect Banff moments that feel completely surreal. The outdoor pool at night is another highlight—warm, steamy, and surrounded by snow, it’s the ultimate way to relax after a long day on the slopes.

Breakfast by the igloo as two deer wandered past.

We also spent time snow skiing at all three of the area’s incredible resorts—Banff Sunshine, Mount Norquay, and Lake Louise. Each has its own charm, and we’ve loved them all so much that we keep coming back year after year. On our last trip, my husband and son even spotted a Canadian lynx wandering near the top of the Lake Louise ski hill—one of those once-in-a-lifetime mountain moments that makes the experience even more unforgettable.

We spent one afternoon soaking in the nearby hot springs, and another evening trying curling for the first time, which was such a fun and unexpected experience. Even outside of the Christmas season, Banff has a special kind of magic—during the SnowDays Festival, downtown Banff transforms into a winter art gallery with free snow sculptures on display for a few weeks. At night, they’re beautifully illuminated, making a walk through town feel like something out of a winter dream. Ice Magic is another can’t-miss event—a professional ice-carving competition that’s ticketed but incredible to see up close. Each time we visit, we make sure to stop at The Grizzly House, a local favorite where fondue is the specialty and the atmosphere is as cozy and nostalgic as it gets. And it’s always fun stopping by the old-fashioned candy store in town—it feels like stepping back in time, surrounded by sweets and treats that make everyone smile.

On our multiple trips to Banff, we’ve loved exploring the local dining scene—there’s so much great food packed into this mountain town! Some of our favorite spots include Hello Sunshine Sushi & Karaoke (fun and lively, especially for groups), St. James’s Gate Irish Pub, Saffron Indian Bistro, Banff Social, The Bison Restaurant & Terrace for incredible Canadian fare and views, and Bear Street Tavern for cozy pizza nights. For drinks, we love PARK Distillery Restaurant + Bar, Waldhaus, and The Vermillion Room—all perfect for relaxing after a day of exploring the mountains.

No visit to Banff would be complete without a hike at Johnston Canyon, whether in the summer or winter. It’s about a 40-minute drive from town, and the lower falls trail is an easy and beautiful one-hour round-trip (about 1.2 km). I’ve done it many times, and it remains one of my favorite experiences in the area—walking through the canyon, hearing the rushing water, and seeing the frozen waterfalls in winter is something truly special.

After Banff, our next stop is the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, followed by the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge to experience the town and park blanketed in snow. Before our flight home out of Calgary, we like to stay two nights at the Fairmont Palliser. It gives us time to catch a Calgary Flames hockey game and visit WinSport Canada Olympic Park, where we once saw an incredible half-pipe competition—the perfect ending to a classic Canadian Rockies winter adventure.

If you plan to visit Fairmont Banff Springs during the winter, it’s best to plan ahead. Things book up quickly during this magical time of year. Be sure to reserve any on-property experiences early, such as holiday events, dining, and spa appointments, as many can sell out weeks in advance. The same goes for ski passes and equipment rentals at Banff Sunshine, Mount Norquay, or Lake Louise. Booking online ahead of your trip can save both time and stress once you arrive. With so much to see and do, a little planning goes a long way toward making your stay smooth and unforgettable.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Banff page.