Top Winter Activities for Non-Skiers: Lake Louise, Banff, Canmore & Kananaskis

Winter in the Bow Valley isn’t just for skiers. Whether you’re craving a slow, scenic wander or a warm drink with a mountain view, Banff, Canmore, and Kananaskis are filled with winter activities for non-skiers that feel just as magical as a powder day. From frozen canyon walks to cozy cafés, here’s how to experience winter at your own pace.

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Explore Snowshoe Trails Made for Beginners & Adventure-Seekers

Snowshoeing is one of the easiest ways to step into winter. With soft snow underfoot, and endless terrain to wander through, it’s accessible, beginner-friendly, and a beautiful way to explore. 

Where to Go: 

• Johnson Lake (Banff)
• Fenland Trail (Banff)
• Lake Louise Lookout Trail (Lake Louise)
• Grassi Lakes (Canmore)
• Kananaskis Village Loops (Kananaskis)

Snowshoe Rentals:

• GearUp Sports (Canmore)
• Trail Sports (Canmore) 
• Wilson Mountain Sports (Lake Louise)

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Take an Ice Walk Through Frozen Canyons

Few winter experiences feel as otherworldly as walking through a frozen canyon. Towering rock walls rise above you, icy waterfalls appear frozen mid-flow, and the soft crunch of ice underfoot turns the whole outing into a true winter escape. 

Top Ice Walks & What Makes Each Special

• Johnston Canyon (Banff)
• Grotto Canyon (Canmore)
• Stewart Canyon (Lake Minnewanka, Banff)
• Marble Canyon (Kootenay National Park)

Tips for a Safe Ice Walk: 

• Wear microspikes (highly recommended)
• Dress in warm, moisture-wicking layers
• Avoid standing close to cliff edges
• Join a guided tour for added safety and local storytelling

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Glide Into the Season: Outdoor Ice Skating

Mountain skating hits a whole different level of magical - crisp air, open space, and views that feel straight out of a winter postcard. 

Wild Ice Skating Safety:

Skating on natural ice is an incredible experience - but only when conditions are safe. Before heading out:

• Check local reports for ice conditions, cold snaps, and freeze-thaw cycles.
• Never skate on flowing water (rivers, creeks) unless officially deemed safe.
• Look for clear, thick, consistently frozen ice - avoid milky, cracked, or slushy patches.
• Bring essentials: a friend to skate with, food and water, and a backpack with spare clothes
• When in doubt - don't go out. Stick to maintained rinks.

Best Places to Skate in Banff, Canmore & Kananaskis:

Banff

• Lake Louise: One of the most iconic skating experiences in Canada.
• Fenlands Outdoor Rink: A beautiful, quiet rink just minutes from town.
• Banff High School Rink: Night skating under soft lights with a lively local vibe.
• Bow River Ice: Occasional clear, smooth sections during deep freezes.

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Canmore

• Gap Lake: A short drive from downtown Canmore, often clear and snow free ice. 
• Cougar Creek Skating Rink: A local’s favourite - simple, quiet, and great views of Mount Lady MacDonald.
• Larch Ice Rink: A beloved community rink with maintained ice and fewer crowds. 

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Kananaskis

• Kananaskis Village Skating Rink: A scenic oval surrounded by evergreens and mountain views
• Lower Kananaskis Lake: Occasional crystal clear ice, ideal for unique photos and leisurely skates. 

What to Bring:

• Skates
• Helmet (recommended for natural ice)
• Warm layers + hand warmers
• A camera for that perfect mountain backdrop

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Slow Down & Reset: Cozy, Restorative Winter Experiences

Winter in the Bow Valley naturally invites slowness - a chance to warmup, unwind, and reconnect with yourself or your travel crew. These restorative activities pair perfectly with crisp, snowy days.

Where to Find the Warmth: 

Everwild Canmore - Nordic Spa & Hotel: Inspired by nature’s elements, Everwild offers a full thermal experience circuit with heat, cold, and quiet spaces designed for grounding and renewal, and an array of saunas and steam rooms - a calm contrast to the energy of winter adventures.

Pop Into Local Bookstores & Galleries: Discover mountain photography, local artisan work, and handcrafted goods at places like Elevation Gallery, Café Books, or the Canmore Artists Guild. 

Warm Up at a Cozy Local Cafe: Some of the best winter moments happen over a mug of something warm. Whether you’re grabbing a latte before a winter walk or settling in with a book, cafés are the heart of the Bow Valley’s cozy culture.

Explore Handmade Markets & Winter Shops: Banff and Canmore’s boutiques and season markets offer plenty of unique, locally made gifts and souvenirs. 

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Seek Out the Best Winter Viewpoints

Sunrise over a snowy peak. Sunset glowing pink across frozen lakes. Winter light transforms even familiar landscapes into something cinematic. 

Banff

• Vermillion Lakes: Mirror-like reflections of Mount Rundle - especially dreamy at sunrise.
• Surprise Corner: Unforgettable views of the Banff Springs framed by the mountains.
• Two Jack Lake: A peaceful spot for perfect winter portraits.
• Cascade Ponds: Sweeping valley views just minutes from the base. 
• Mt. Norquay Viewpoint: Sweeping valley views just minutes from the base.

Canmore

• Engine Bridge: A beloved landmark framed by rugged peaks.
• Rundle Forebay: Calm winter reflections and occasional morning mist.
• Quarry Lake: A favourite among locals for its expansive mountain views.

Kananaskis

• Mt. Lorette Ponds: Turquoise ponds surrounded by snowy pines.
• William Watson Lodge Lookouts: Panoramic mountain vistas.
• Wedge Pond: Perfect for golden-hour glow and reflection photos. 

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Embrace the Classic Winter Stroll

Slowing down might be the best way to experience winter in the Boe Valley. Let the snow fall, breathe in the crisp mountain air, and wander without a plan. 

Banff

• Banff Avenue: Classic, cozy, festive - especially at dusk.
• Bow River Trail: Gentle riverside paths with picturesque bridges.
• Cascade Gardens: Quiet pathways overlooking the Banff Springs.

Canmore

• Policeman’s Creek Boardwalk: Winter quiet + incredible photo ops.
• Main Street & 7th Ave Shops: Quant boutiques, artisan goods, and cozy cafes.
• Riverside Park & Pathways: A scenic loop with great mountain views.
• Three Sisters Pathway: Open views, easy walking, and perfect photo stops. 

Kananaskis

• Ribbon Creek Trail: Gentle forest stroll along a frosted creek.
• Bill Milne Trail: Flat, scenic, and beginner-friendly.
• Pocaterra Day Use Area Trails: Quiet forest walks with glimpses of the surrounding peaks.

Small Winter Joys to Make the Stroll Even Better: 

• Grab a hot chocolate before you wander
• Time your walk with golden hour
• Pack a thermos for a scenic mid-walk break
• Capture the crunch of snow under your boots

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Plan Your Winter Escape

Slowing down might be the best way to experience winter in the Bow Valley. Let the snow fall, breathe in the crisp mountain air, and wander without a plan. 

Whether you’re planning snowshoe adventures, ice walks, cozy café days, or scenic winter strolls, Basecamp properties put you close to the best winter activities while giving you a warm, modern, and mountain-inspired place to come home to.

Stay With Us This Winter

• Basecamp Resorts Canmore: Townhouse-style suites, rooftop hot tubs, and mountain views - steps from cafes, skating rinks, and winter trails. 

• Basecamp Suites Canmore: Spacious, modern suites perfect for longer winter stays or family trips.
• Everwild Canmore - Nordic Spa & Hotel: A nature-inspired retreat centred around elemental wellness - the perfect balance of winter adventure and deep restoration.
• Basecamp Suites Banff: Modern suites in the heart of Banff, close to winter walks, skating, and local shops.
• Sundance by Basecamp: For travellers craving a quiet, nature-forward winter escape.

Wherever you rest your head, your winter days begin and end with comfort, connection, and mountain calm.