I decided a long time ago that Winter was my favorite season (mind you, I’m from Texas). The crisp air, the gloomy but somehow enchanting hue, and the need to make our homes warmer and cozier is the magic of winter. And because of my “love for winter”, I felt the need to experience Banff in it. Canada in the Winter…I know. Banff had been at the top of my travel list for a long time, and I’m sure at the time, Texas was experiencing a very warm November. So in typical Courtney fashion, I asked my brother if he wanted to head North for a few days, and we were on a plane the next day with our warmest layers.
We flew into Calgary, rented a car and drove a little over an hour to get to our Airbnb in Canmore. As cute as the actual town of Banff is, I highly recommend staying in one of the surrounding towns because it is much cheaper.
Canmore is about a 30 minute drive from Banff, and has plenty of lodging options. I recommend trying out Red Rock Pizza for a delicious pie and Rave Coffee Roasters when you’re in the mood for some good coffee…which for me is ALWAYS.
The little Ski town Banff is THE CUTEST. It’s the perfect backdrop for a good “look where I am” Instagram post. We all have that intention for our Insta every now and then, so don’t feel guilty.
Make sure to make your way over to Lake Louise. In the summer you’ll see a stunning blue lake, but in the winter it’s just as magical. If you go when it’s just cold enough, the entire lake will be frozen and walkable.
After you’ve finished frolicking on frozen Lake Louise, hop back in the car and drive about an hour and a half North to see the stunning Glacier, Athabasca. This little detour was definitely the highlight of my trip, but keep in mind that it will be cold (hence why she’s a glacier) SO BUNDLE UP.
The Canadian Rockies are really something else. Enjoy the drive, and make sure to stop every once in a while to get out and really take in the views. It doesn’t matter what season it is, this place should definitely be a priority when deciding your next adventure!