Banff Holidays

Banff town is the lively heart of it all, packed with lodges, restaurants and shops within easy reach of the slopes - ideal for group ski holidays and first-time visitors. For a quieter, more scenic base, the hamlet of Lake Louise puts you right beside the iconic lake and its ski resort. Families often love the ski-in, ski-out convenience of resort accommodation, while those after affordable Banff ski holidays will find great-value stays and self-catering options in and around town. Nearby Canmore, just outside the park, offers another budget-friendly alternative.

For skiers and snowboarders, the season runs from November to May, with reliable powder and a long winter making it perfect for ski holidays to Banff. December to March delivers the best snow conditions and festive mountain atmosphere. If you prefer hiking, wildlife and those mirror-still turquoise lakes, visit between June and September, when the weather is warm and the trails are open. Spring and autumn bring fewer crowds and excellent value.

No trip is complete without the big-hitters: gaze over the Bow Valley from the summit of Sulphur Mountain via the Banff Gondola, marvel at the glacier-fed Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, and admire the fairytale "Castle in the Rockies", the Fairmont Banff Springs. Drive the jaw-dropping Icefields Parkway to the Columbia Icefield, or stroll Banff Avenue with the mountains rising at every turn - this is the scenery that makes holidays to Banff and Lake Louise so unforgettable.

Banff is a true skier's paradise, home to three spectacular resorts - Lake Louise, Sunshine Village and Mt Norquay - together known as the SkiBig3. With hundreds of runs across every ability level, it's ideal for group ski holidays and sociable trips with friends, while gentle beginner slopes and ski schools make family ski holidays a joy. Long seasons, dependable snow and dramatic alpine views mean world-class Banff ski holidays for everyone, from first-timers to seasoned pros chasing fresh powder.

Beyond the slopes, Banff is a year-round playground. Soak in the steaming Banff Upper Hot Springs, glide across frozen Lake Louise on ice skates in winter, or hike, canoe and mountain bike through emerald valleys in summer. Keep your eyes peeled for the park's famous wildlife - elk, bighorn sheep, and if you're lucky, grizzly and black bears roaming wild. Thrill-seekers can try dog-sledding, snowshoeing or a scenic helicopter flight over the peaks.

After a day in the mountains, Banff's cosy, convivial dining scene is the perfect reward. Warm up with hearty Canadian comfort food, fresh-caught trout and world-class steaks, or tuck into poutine and maple treats. The town's lively après-ski bars, mountain-top restaurants and craft breweries buzz with atmosphere, while candle-lit fine dining and fireside lounges add a touch of romance - rounding off any Banff and Lake Louise holiday in style.