Canada: a winter wonderland adventure
Step into our Canadian journey, a real-life winter wonderland that felt straight out of a Hallmark movie. From frozen lakes to majestic mountains, we’re sharing all the magical moments.
We went to Banff to celebrate New Years December 2024 to January 2025. We took a 5 day trip here from Great Falls, Montana. Banff is around a 6 hour drive from Great Falls. We stayed at the Fox Hotel in Banff and were able to easily make day trips to each of the locations we visited. The Fox Hotel was relatively reasonably priced (everything in Banff is very expensive this time of year, especially around the holidays) and it has cave like hot springs called The Grotto. We soaked in the hot springs after our days outside in the cold. We were able to take a free transit from our hotel to the downtown Banff locations.
Day 1: 6 hour drive from Great Falls, Montana to Banff. The scenery is unmatched driving into the park. We checked into the hotel and soaked in the Grotto hot springs at our hotel after dinner.
Day 2: Explore the town of Banff. Checked out the clothing stores, visited the Christmas store and made a custom ornament. Stopped by Banff Ave Brewery for a beer flight and some grub.
Day 3: Ski Banff Sunshine Village. Stop by the main lodge for some grub and hot cocoa. We only skied a fraction of the mountain in one day, so if you are staying for longer, we recommend a multi-day ski trip here.
Day 4: New Years Eve. This was our Lake Louise day. We spent some time ice skating on the frozen lake and walking around admiring the ice sculptures and beautiful mountain views. The bakery in the Fairmont Chateau had some delicious pastries. In the evening, we posted up at Banff Ave Brewery to watch some hockey and met some friendly Australians on holiday. Banff had an outdoor concert and indigenous dances followed by some fireworks to celebrate the New Year. It was dumping snow but we were bundled up and enjoyed the atmosphere!
Day 5: Breakfast at the cozy Chili's restaurant in the Fox Hotel before we began our drive back to Great Falls.
We also took the bus to Lake Louise for the day to ice skate on the frozen lake and check out the Fairmont Chateau. This was a magical experience we would recommend for any couples or families. After talking to a Canadian local who skis in the area every winter, we decided on Sunshine Village. This resort is definitely one you can ski multiple days due to the size of it. You take a gondola to the ski hill, which is a really pretty ride. Along our gondola ride we actually saw someone climbing a frozen waterfall with ice picks! One of the days we spent exploring the town of Banff. If we would have stayed longer, some other recommended activities are the gondola ride to the top of the mountain, continuing the drive to Jasper National Park (which isn't far from Banff), and another ski day. We definitely want to visit Banff again, hopefully in the summer next time to do some spectacular hiking! If you're looking for a more budget-friendly trip up here, we recommend visiting in early December or late January-February for more affordable pricing.
Ice skating on Lake Louise
One of the most exhilarating experiences we had was ice skating on the vast, frozen expanse of Lake Louise. The crisp winter air, the stunning mountain backdrop, and the joy of gliding across the ice made for an unforgettable memory. Right next to the iconic Fairmont Château Lake Louise, we also marveled at the intricate ice sculptures, adding to the magical atmosphere.
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Skiing at Sunshine Village, Banff
For the thrill-seekers in the family, hitting the slopes at Sunshine Village in Banff was an absolute highlight. The panoramic views from the top of the mountain while skiing or snowboarding were simply breathtaking. The local recommendation proved right; it’s an incredible all-around ski resort, perfect for creating those active, joyful memories. After a day on the slopes, we loved exploring the charming town of Banff, with its cozy shops and stunning mountain views at every turn.
A true winter wonderland
Our entire trip to Canada felt like stepping into a winter Hallmark movie. The festive Christmas shops, the constant presence of beautiful snowy landscapes, and the warm, inviting atmosphere truly created a magical setting. We even enjoyed a relaxing soak in the Grotto hot springs at Fox Hotel & Suites, which was the perfect way to unwind after our snowy adventures. This feeling of pure winter bliss is what we hope our children will recall when they look back at our Canadian memories.
Planning your Canadian adventure?
If you're considering a trip to Canada, especially in winter, our top recommendation is to visit Lake Louise. Whether you try ice skating or simply admire its beauty, it's a must-see. And if you're a ski enthusiast, Sunshine Village in the Banff area truly lives up to its reputation as an amazing resort. Don't miss out on these incredible experiences!