Experience The Excitement of Banff, Canada in November: Events and Activities For 2024
Heading to Banff National Park this November? This guide showcases all the best things to do in Banff and Lake Louise as the early winter season sets in and as the holidays approach. November brings a festive charm, with numerous events, festivals, and activities that kick off the Christmas spirit the whole family will love. Early snowfall and crisp mountain air transform Banff into a picturesque winter wonderland, ideal for both romantic getaways and family vacations.
With fewer crowds, visitors can connect more deeply with local culture and enjoy some of the best outdoor adventures and sightseeing tours without the lines of peak season. From riding the Banff Gondola up Sulphur Mountain, to hiking Johnston Canyon, or soaking in the Banff Hot Springs, one will leave only itching to come back!
PLAN YOUR BANFF GETAWAY WITH CANADIAN ROCKY MOUNTAIN RESORTS
Planning a trip to Banff and feeling overwhelmed by the endless options? Our expertly curated 3-day and 7-day itineraries are designed to highlight must do activities and offer a taste of the region’s premier mountain resorts. Discover the unique charm of Buffalo Mountain Lodge, The Post Hotel & Spa, and Emerald Lake Lodge – each offering a distinctive resort experience that will elevate your Canadian Rockies adventure.
November 2024 Festivals & Events
Don’t miss nine epic days at the annual Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival – where filmmakers, authors, and photographers share their adventures, explorations, and stories from the most spectacular mountain regions around the world. With over 70 events, exhibitions, guest speakers, and the Festival Marketplace, one will leave with a deeper appreciation for mountain culture and the adventures to be had on this amazing planet. View the full festival schedule here.
Taste for Adventure is a two-week culinary celebration where restaurants throughout Banff National Park showcase new and exclusive menus. A true haven for food lovers, this event invites visitors to indulge in dining experiences that will delight every sense. Each participating restaurant offers a unique menu; be sure to check individual websites for details and reserve your restaurant of choice early.
Our recommendation? The Prow, of course. As the vanguard of Rocky Mountain cuisine, The Prow is more than a restaurant, but purveyors of an authentic and elevated Rocky Mountain culinary experience. Traditional Rocky Mountain ingredients – such as Bison or Elk – are taken to new heights through an exciting and novel menu offering. Explore our Taste for Adventure Menu. RESERVE EARLY!
November 14 – 17, November 22 – 24, November 29 – December 1, December 6 – 8
The Banff Christmas Market is a festive event that kicks off the holiday season. It features a charming outdoor market with a variety of vendors selling handcrafted gifts, holiday decorations, and seasonal treats. Visitors can enjoy live music, entertainment, and food stalls. Tickets must be pre-purchased here.
Explore the best hot chocolate in Banff and Lake Louise via the Hot Chocolate Trail treasure map – where more than 20 restaurants and cafes put their unique spin on this delicious treat. From kid-friendly classics to spirited concoctions for adults, information on the treasure map can be found here.
Don’t miss out on the exciting hot chocolate offerings at The Prow!
Experience an immersive and captivating trail walk through the Cascade of Time Garden, steps from downtown Banff. In Search of Christmas Spirit tells a heartwarming holiday story through glowing animal sculptures and celebrates the wildlife that call Banff National Park home. This enchanting experience is ideal for the whole family. This event is hosted on select evenings; watch for schedule dates closer to and purchase tickets here.
Hosted in downtown Banff, The Santa Claus Celebration of Lights, celebrates the start of Christmas season with a whimsical weekend full of celebrations, performances, musicians, and a special visit from Santa Claus and his dancing elves. Visit Santa’s Workshop to find festive crafts, decorate cookies, and mail letters to Santa, himself!
The Banff Craft Beer Festival is an annual celebration of craft beer, featuring tastings from Alberta based brewers. Located at the Cave and Basin and set against the stunning Rockies, explore local brews, delicious food pairings, and live entertainment with friends and family.
HIKING & TRAILS
WINTER HIKES, SNOWSHOEING & CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING
While many high elevation trails close for winter, several lower elevation paths remain open year-round to walk, hike, snowshoe, cross-country ski, or even bike. To pick a trail fit for November conditions, check out any of the following that range in difficulty and distance: Johnston Canyon, Tunnel Mountain Summit, the Lake Louise Shoreline, Bow River Trail, Marsh Loop, Fenland Trail, Sundance Canyon, Spray River Loop, Boom Lake, Sunshine Meadows, Shadow Lake, Healy Pass, or the Plain of Six Glaciers. For the avid adventurist, hike to the summit of Sulphur Mountain and take the Banff Gondola down, or cross-country ski up Moraine Lake Road to spot a beautiful view of Moraine Lake and The Valley of The Ten Peaks.
GUIDED ICE WALK TOUR
Explore the breathtaking early winter landscapes by foot on a guided ice walk tour. Tour companies like Discover Banff Tours and Banff Adventures provide ice cleats and guide groups through the meandering icy trails of Johnston Canyon toward frozen waterfalls, or to
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE ACTIVITIES
SKIING AND SNOWBOARDING
Ski season kicks off in mid-November as Banff’s premier ski resorts open their slopes including Lake Louise Ski Resort, Sunshine Village, and Mount Norquay Ski Resort – often referred to as “Banff’s Big 3”. Seize the opportunity while in the Canadian Rockies and enjoy some of the best slopes in the world before the holiday rush arrives. Choose from a full day or half day lift ticket; often at a discount if purchased online.
BANFF GONDOLA (DAY OR NIGHT RIDES)
Ride the Banff Gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain – an absolute must-do that offers spectacular panoramic views of the Rockies, The Town of Banff, and the Bow Valley in every direction. While the views of the mountains are stunning from ground-level, experiencing them from the mountain top is an unparalleled experience. Be sure to check out the interpretive exhibits and the multi-sensory theatre for a touch of local culture and history.
From November to March, the Banff Gondola features Nightrise – a captivating after-dark event where light and sound projections create an enchanting perspective at the summit. As a bonus, the views of the stars from the top are unbeatable.
VERMILION LAKES & MOUNT RUNDLE
Vermillion Lakes are discreetly nestled beneath Mount Rundle, and together provide a breathtaking backdrop for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Particularly majestic at sunrise, when the vibrant colours of the dawn sky illuminate Mount Rundle is a sight beyond words. The surrounding trail offers easy routes to walk, bike, or run year-round.
GUIDED ICE CLIMBING TOUR
Experience the thrill of a lifetime and climb one of the many frozen waterfalls in the area. Whether beginning or experienced, tour companies like Yamnuska Mountain Adventures and Banff Adventures provide ice picks, specialized equipment, and professional guidance for a safe and exhilarating climb. While locations may vary, popular ice climbs include Johnston Canyon, Sundance Canyon, Silverton Falls, or Mistaya Canyon along the Icefields Parkway. Ice climbing is weather dependent and typically begins in late November.
ICE SKATING
As fall turns to winter, ice skating becomes a favorite activity in Banff National Park as the dozens of lakes and rivers freeze over. Lake Louise, celebrated for its stunning scenery, is among the most popular spots to skate, alongside Vermillion Lakes, Two Jack Lake, Lake Minnewanka, and the Bow River. More information on skate spots can be found here.
SNOW TUBING AT MOUNT NORQUAY
Enjoy the thrill of snow tubing down Alberta’s longest tube lanes at Mount Norquay’s Tube Park – a fun alternative to skiing that captures the same beauty and excitement of the mountains. Choose from day or night tubing adventures.
SCENIC DRIVES
BOW VALLEY PARKWAY FROM BANFF TO LAKE LOUISE
A trip to Banff is not complete without a day trip to the equally as charming Lake Louise Village, famous for it’s remarkable landscapes, world-famous skiing, and Lake Louise, itself. The lake is framed by the towering peaks of Mount Victoria and Mount Fairview, offering an unforgettable view. An easy trail surrounds the shoreline to casually stroll and take in the changing season.
While many take the Trans-Canada Highway between Banff and Lake Louise, the Bow Valley Parkway offers a scenic and memorable alternative. This route provides stunning views, excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, and several highlights along the way including Johnston Canyon, Castle Mountain Viewpoint, Moose Meadows, and Morant’s Curve.
ICEFIELDS PARKWAY FROM BANFF NATIONAL PARK TO JASPER NATIONAL PARK
Embark on a scenic drive along the iconic Icefields Parkway – a 227 km parkway that connects Banff National Park and Jasper National Park. Renowned for its spectacular mountain scenery, this route offers more than 100 glaciers, vast icefields, and cascading waterfalls – and is not a drive to skip! Several points of interest exist along the way including Bow Lake, Peyto Lake, and the Columbia Ice Fields. The Icefields Parkway Guide Map highlights a full list of stops to consider
Sightseeing Activities
November is an excellent time to spot elk, moose, bighorn sheep, and other wildlife in the Banff area. Popular spots to see wildlife up close include Two Jack Lake, Lake Minnewanka, and Buffalo Mountain Lodge, nestled on the side of Tunnel Mountain, is surrounded by lush forest with wildlife often seen passing by from suites and patios.
November may see the tail end of the elk rutting season. While this is a fascinating time to observe these magnificent animals, they are dangerous during this period, and extra caution is advised.
Wildlife tours from companies like Discover Banff Tours, Banff Adventures, or Sundog Tours are an attractive option for spotting wildlife that come with the safety of a group and knowledge of a local guide.
Banff National Park is perfect for stargazing, especially in November with its shorter days and early sunsets. The Northern Lights are best seen between September and April, with November being prime time to catch a glimpse. Top spots include Lake Minnewanka, Two Jake Lake, and Vermillion Lakes.
Insider Tip! The outdoor hot tub at Buffalo Mountain Lodge, set amidst a quiet forest, offers a unique stargazing experience from the comfort of the warm hot tub waters and relaxing jets.
Alternatively, join a tour, such as the Banff Sunset and Stars tour with a local guide leading the group to the best locations.
Whether interested in landscapes, night skies, or local wildlife, the Banff area offers photography enthusiasts endless opportunities to capture the picture-perfect shot. Join a tour from companies like Banff Photo Workshops, Mountain Photo Tours, or Rocky Mountain Photo Adventures to discover the absolute best spots for any photographic pursuit.
INDOOR AND RELAXATION ACTIVITIES
Relax in the soothing hot pools at the Banff Upper Hot Springs, an experience made magical by the stunning backdrop of snow-covered peaks that surround.
The natural, mineral-rich water is geothermically heated from three kilometers (1.8 miles) underground before bubbling up on the earth’s surface at temperatures up to 47°C (116°F). The hot springs have been a beloved destination since the early 20th century, offering a relaxing soak amidst stunning alpine scenery. Overlooking the hot pools is the The Bathhouse, designated a Federal Heritage Building, featuring historical exhibits and interpretive displays about the history of the hot springs. Note: The water temperature is regulated between 37°C and 40°C (98°F and 104°F) for a comfortable .
Unwind in the warm waters of the outdoor hot tub at Buffalo Mountain Lodge, just steps from the main lodge and embraced by nature. Enjoy mountain views by day and starry skies by night. A nearby firepit with cozy lounge furniture offers the perfect setting for warm, memorable evenings. With a bit of luck, one may even see wildlife pass by, adding to the charm.
Indulge in a day of rejuvenation at one of the area’s many luxurious spas. The Willow Stream Spa offers a tranquil escape with its views, whirling pools, and head to toe treatment menu. The Red Earth Spa is known for its soothing massages and skincare treatments, while Cedar & Sage Co. Spa emphasizes natural and holistic approaches to relaxation. Award winning Temple Mountain Spa located in the Post Hotel & Spa stands out as an extra-ordinary and haven of quiet relaxation.
Banff embodies a culture of wellness that nurtures mind, body, and spirit, perfectly harmonized with the surrounding mountains and fresh air. Yoga classes and wellness retreats are a popular way to stay healthy while connecting with the beautiful environment of the Rockies. Rejuvenate with a yoga class at studios such as Banff Yoga Practice or Flow State Yoga Studio. For a more immersive experience, consider a wellness retreat focused on yoga, meditation, mindfulness, or nature immersion. Details can be found on the Banff Lake Louise Tourism site.
MUSEUMS & CULTURAL EXHIBITS
Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity is an educational centre providing programs across mountain culture and artistic disciplines – and poised as one of Canada’s leaders in arts, culture, and creativity. Attend various artistic programs including performances, live music, dance, theatre, and literary events.
Constructed in 1903, The Banff Park Museum is one of Canada’s oldest natural history museums. Housed in a historic log building, it showcases taxidermy specimens of local wildlife and exhibits on the region’s geology, offering a fascinating glimpse into the region’s natural history.
The Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies is dedicated to sharing the history, culture, and the many fascinating perspectives of the Canadian Rockies. It features a diverse collection of artwork and historical artifacts, and hosts exhibitions about Indigenous cultures, mountain exploration, and local history.
DINING AND SHOPPING
Dining in Banff National Park is a culinary treat, with standout restaurant experiences from casual to fine dining. One of the most popular spots for dinner is the Grizzly House, famous for their fondue and exotic meat pairings including beef, buffalo, lobster, rattlesnake, and shark. Other popular restaurants include The Prow for classic Rocky Mountain ingredients, Bluebird for their wood fired menu, Lupo for their unique take on Italian cuisine, Eddie Burger + Bar for a classic burger and milkshake, and Nourish Bistro for their vegetarian and vegan menu. For a fine dining experience, consider The Dining Room, featuring a menu curated by Executive Chef Hans Sauter, known for his international accolades and creative approach to fresh market cuisine. Though located in Lake Louise, it is well worth the short, twenty-minute drive from Banff to indulge.
Banff’s charming downtown offers a blend of boutique stores, art galleries, and clothing shops. Get a head start on holiday shopping by visiting local vendors including the Rocky Mountain Soap Company for their natural bath and body products made locally in Canada; The Spirit of Christmas for festive holiday decorations; Monod Sports for premium outdoor gear, equipment, and clothing; The Banff Tea Co., for a wide variety of specialty teas; or the Canada House Gallery showcasing Canadian artists. Don’t pass by The Fudgery without tasting some of the freshest hand-made fudge around.
Given Alberta’s rich farming and agricultural industry, it’s no surprise the province has a thriving microbrewery scene. Over the past decade or so, a surge in microbreweries have popped up across the province, and Banff National Park is no exception to its very own locally brewed craft beer. Banff Ave Brewing Co., Three Bears Brewery & Restaurant, and Park Distillery Restaurant & Bar are popular breweries offering their own local flavour of craft beer.
WHERE to stay in banff?
For a truly memorable getaway, book your accommodations at Buffalo Mountain Lodge. A destination in itself, Buffalo Mountain Lodge blends mid-century modern decor with timeless ski lodge architecture, elevating any stay beyond a mere place to sleep into an authentic Rocky Mountain resort experience.
Set back from downtown and perched on top of Tunnel Mountain, the lodge is surrounded by lush forest, while every room promises to capture views of the stunning mountain scenery. Accommodations are cozy, cabin-style rooms featuring wood-burning fireplaces and private balconies. On-site amenities include an outdoor hot tub and firepit, a fitness area, a distinguished restaurant (The Prow), and a lounge with a chic ski-lodge vibe.
A five-minute drive or scenic twenty-minute walk from downtown, the lodge strikes the perfect balance between proximity to attractions and tranquility where only the sounds of nature are heard.
BOOK YOUR BANFF GETAWAY AT BUFFALO MOUNTAIN LODGE
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