In Banff and Lake Louise, the holidays bring a diverse array of shows, events, and festive gatherings for all. Christmas is a little different this year, but measures have been taken to ensure a safe and festive experience for all.
Here are all the must-visit holiday happenings in Banff National Park this season.
This enchanting experience will help you find that unbeatable sense
of Christmas spirit that we are all seeking in this year of uncertainty. Bundle
up for a walk through the Cascade of Time Garden, where you’ll witness a live
Christmas story told by the animals of Banff National Park.
The story is delivered by illuminated puppets, dazzling sculptures, and ingenious sound effects. It’s a tale of hope and unity that will strike a chord with everyone this Christmas in Banff and Lake Louise. Book your free tickets and get ready for a totally transformed walk through the park.
Where: Check-in and start at Banff Avenue Square before heading to Cascade of Time Garden
When: Thursdays - Saturdays, November 26, 2020 – January 2, 2021
Time: 5 p.m. -
10 p.m.
Cost: Free
Credit: Devaan Ingraham
Embrace the festive season and explore curated Christmas goods available in pop-up stores throughout downtown Banff businesses. The Banff Christmas Artisan Trail, a ‘deconstructed’ holiday market, is an opportunity to find unique gifts for loved ones and fill up your Christmas stockings. Sync with the Hot Chocolate Trail for a night of shopping and sipping for the perfect addition to your Christmas escape.
Where: Participating restaurants and retailers in Banff
When: Weekends November 28, 2020 – January 3, 2021
Cost: Free admission
Credit: Orange Girl Photography
Warm up with a holiday-themed hot chocolate from one of the many participating venues on the annual Hot Chocolate Trail. Why not stay a little longer and hit all 20+ stops on this tasty trail? Don’t forget to share a picture of your delicious drink online with hashtag #MyBanffChristmas.
Where: Multiple locations in Banff and Lake Louise
When: November 26, 2020 – January 3, 2021
Cost: Costs of speciality hot chocolates change from venue to venue.
Credit: Paul Ziska
Jump aboard the Banff Gondola and visit Santa's Workshop at the summit of Sulphur Mountain. Enjoy Christmas delights, pose for a photo with Santa, and explore the Elk Interpretive Centre.
Where: Banff Gondola
When: November 14 – December 30, 2020
Cost: All activities are free with gondola admission. Kids travel free with each paying adult when you visit before 12 noon.
Credit: Chris Amat
Head to Lake Louise for a Christmas dinner that you'll never forget! Start with a horse-drawn sleigh ride to a cozy barn, tuck into a Christmas feast, and then dance the night away with a live band.
Where: Brewster Barn
When: December 23, 26, 28 & 30, 2020
Credit: Orange Girl Photography
Looking to hit the slopes for Christmas? Gather your gear (don’t forget your face covering) and your nearest and dearest and experience the winter wonderland of Banff National Park’s ski resorts.
If you want to see the joyful man hitting the slopes, Banff Sunshine will host Santa on the Mountain on various weekends in December.
Before you go, book ahead and check for operational changes at the resorts this ski season.
Credit: Banff Tourism media
In the northwest of Canada where eighty percent of the area
is wilderness, lies the Yukon. With friendly locals, wildlife to observe,
activities to immerse yourself in and fascinating history to explore, this destination makes
for the perfect fly-drive holiday.
Lace up your boots and hit the back country. With trails at your doorstep for exploring, hiking is the best way of seeing the province on a fly drive holiday. There are areas suitable for all levels of hiking, from the congenial leisure walk to the avid hiker. Head to Saskatoon at the Meewasin Valley, this area offers over 105 km of trails across 67 square km of land. It provides year-round adventure and sightseeing opportunities in the heart of beautiful Saskatoon. Benefit from the well-maintained, multi-use pathways to cycle, jog or walk the scenic riverbank trails. Sections of the Meewasin Trail are also part of the Trans Canada Trail which extends almost 24,000 km across Canada from coast to coast. Keen for a challenge? Look at some of the best back country hiking at places like Prince Albert National Park, Lac La Ronge, Meadow Lake- and Narrow Hills Provincial Park in the north or Grasslands National Park and Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park in the south.
Imagine swimming thousands of miles to find that special someone. Whales complete this every single year, known as a whale migration, to find suitable habitat for feeding and reproducing. In British Columbia, these stunning orcas, also known as killer whales, are a prominent site and seeing them is a once in a lifetime experience. As well as orcas, expect to find humpback whales, grey whales and minke whales. These amazing creatures call BC their home from April to October. When the sun is out the whales come to play. From tail flukes to pectoral slaps, go for a whale watching trip and you can bask in their playful nature and enjoy the sunset with a relaxing drink, perfect for families and solo travellers. You can also go paddleboarding with orcas for a unique perspective from the water to see these magnificent creatures. You must, of course, always keep four hundred metres away from them for their safety and yours.
Welcome to the province of Saskatchewan, Canada – a place of breath-taking landscapes, wide-open spaces and hospitality that is second-to-none. This province is big – 651,900 km2, in fact, and has nearly 100,000 lakes and waterways. Natural beauty is not the only thing this province is known for though. Join us on a culinary journey of Saskatchewan, where food and drink abound, and you will find something good to eat around every corner!
Welcome to the fourth largest province in Canada. With five National Parks and six UNESCO Heritage sites, Alberta is a wonderful and varied place to visit. This blog will explore this great province and expose you to the unique qualities that make this area a location sure to be your next travel destination. A playground for outdoor adventure, popular summer activities include hiking, biking, horse riding, rafting, and fishing. As the seasons change and snow begins to fall, head to Alberta for world-class winter activities including skiing, snowboarding, dogsledding, snowshoeing, heli-skiing, ice climbing and more. From wildlife in the Rockies to Waterton Lakes National Park, and art and culture to explore, Alberta is a wonderland packed with options for every traveller.
Atlantic Canada is famous for its fresh and abundant seafood, from succulent lobster, to scallops, mussels, oysters and cod – but it offers so much more. Dine at a seaside restaurant, take a stroll through a local farmers' market, or take in one of the many culinary festivals. It’s truly a foodie’s paradise.
Here's a round up of a few amazing foodie events and experiences that we thought you might want to try: