Banff in January and February are peak winter months and home to one of the best festivals of the season: SnowDays. In this episode, Celine shares what makes this time of year unique, including snow sculptures, Ice Magic at Lake Louise, skating, winter hikes, and what conditions are really like. 

If you're planning a winter trip to Banff National Park, this guide will help you know exactly what to expect and how to prepare. 

Mentioned in this episode: 

Banff in January

Banff SnowDays Festival

Ice Magic Festival at Lake Louise

Banff Winter Packing List

Winter traction devices

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Don’t forget to check out the free guides and planning tools on travelbanffcanada.com and banfftravelplanning.com.

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Not a skier? You are absolutely not alone and Banff is one of the best winter destinations in the world even if you never touch a chairlift.
In this episode, Banff travel planning expert Celine Brewer walks you through the most memorable winter activities for non-skiers: ice walks, winter hikes, wildlife viewing, scenic drives, hot springs, snowshoe tours, the Banff Gondola, and so much more.

You’ll learn what’s realistic in winter conditions, how to choose between activities, what to book ahead of time, and why Banff is just as magical off the slopes as it is on them.

Links mentioned in this episode

✔ Banff for Non-Skiers Guide
Everything you can do in Banff in winter without skiing

✔ Banff Winter Travel Guide
A complete overview of winter conditions, packing, activities, tips, and planning essentials. You can bundle this with my 7-Day Banff Winter Itinerary!
 

✔ Sunshine Meadows Snowshoe Tour
 One of the most beautiful beginner-friendly snowshoe tours in Banff National Park (affiliate link)

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Send in your questions here!

Don’t forget to check out the free guides and planning tools on travelbanffcanada.com and banfftravelplanning.com.

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Winter transforms Banff National Park into a completely different place. The waterfalls freeze, the crowds disappear, and even familiar trails feel brand new under fresh snow. 

In this episode, local Banff travel expert Celine Brewer walks you through the best easy winter hikes in Banff. These hikes are scenic and perfect for first-time winter hikers or anyone looking for shorter adventures.

✔ Easy Winter Hikes in Banff

✔ Banff Winter Travel Guide

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Send in your questions here!

Don’t forget to check out the free guides and planning tools on travelbanffcanada.com and banfftravelplanning.com.

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Planning a trip to Banff National Park isn’t like planning a regular vacation. Dates, hotels, shuttles, and even what’s open can vary dramatically depending on the month and the choices you make early on will shape your entire trip.

In this episode, Banff travel planning expert Celine Brewer walks you through the five essential decisions every traveller needs to make before they build an itinerary, followed by a 12-month Banff planning timeline for 2026 so you know exactly what to book and when.

Helpful Resources Mentioned

🗺️ Banff Itineraries & Guides
Done-for-you Banff itineraries with daily schedules, hotel recommendations, hiking options, and seasonal tips.

 📩 Banff & Jasper Cheat Sheets
Download my free starter planning guides (and get on my email list for 2026 updates).

🌄 Join the Travel Banff Facebook Group
For real-time questions, itinerary help, and seasonal updates. 

💬 Travel Consultations
Get a one-hour custom planning session with Celine.

Support the Podcast

Send in your questions here!

Don’t forget to check out the free guides and planning tools on travelbanffcanada.com and banfftravelplanning.com.

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December is when winter really begins in Banff National Park. If you’re wondering what conditions are actually like, what’s open, what you can realistically do, and how cold it truly feels, local Banff travel planning expert Celine Brewer walks you through everything you need to know.

Whether you’re visiting for skiing, skating on Lake Louise, winter hikes, or the holiday events around town, this episode will help you arrive informed and prepared.

Links mentioned in this episode

Winter & Christmas Guides

• Banff in December: https://www.travelbanffcanada.com/visiting-banff-in-december/
• Banff at Christmas: https://www.travelbanffcanada.com/banff-at-christmas/
• Visiting Banff in Winter: https://www.travelbanffcanada.com/banff-in-winter/
• Banff Winter Packing List: https://www.travelbanffcanada.com/banff-winter-packing-list/
• Banff Winter Hikes: https://www.travelbanffcanada.com/easy-winter-hikes-banff/
  
  

Safety & Resources

• Trail Conditions (Parks Canada): https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/ab/banff/activ/randonnee-hiking/etat-sentiers-trail-conditions
• Parks Canada Ice Safety (Skating): https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/ab/banff/activ/patinage-skating
• Canadian Red Cross Ice Safety: https://www.redcross.ca/blog/2019/12/ice-safety-know-when-it-s-safe-to-play
  
  

Weather & Driving

• Weather in Banff: https://weather.gc.ca/en/location/index.html?coords=51.179,-115.569
• Alberta 511 Road Conditions: https://511.alberta.ca/
• Parks Canada Icefields Parkway Winter Driving Guide: https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/ab/jasper/activ/experience/hiver-winter/pcghiver-ipwinter

Support the Podcast

Send in your questions here!

Don’t forget to check out the free guides and planning tools on travelbanffcanada.com and banfftravelplanning.com.

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You do not have to spend every day chasing the big-name lakes to have an amazing Banff trip. In this episode, Celine walks you through the best things to do right in and around the town of Banff, including easy walks, canoe and kayak options, bike routes, viewpoints, the Banff Gondola, and fun rainy-day activities. 

If you are feeling overwhelmed by all the choices, use this episode to anchor your itinerary with a couple of slower, close-to-town days that balance out your big driving and shuttle days.

Resources mentioned in this episode

• Banff Travel Consultations: Get 1-on-1 help direct from Celine Brewer
• Banff trip-planning email signup: Join my free weekly Banff trip-planning email for must-know updates (shuttle release dates, camping bookings, seasonal closures and more)
• Best Hikes Around Banff Townsite
• Best Banff Bike Trails
• Best Viewpoints Around Banff

Support the Podcast

Send in your questions here!

Don’t forget to check out the free guides and planning tools on travelbanffcanada.com and banfftravelplanning.com.

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How many days do you really need to experience Banff National Park?
In this episode, Banff travel planning expert Celine Brewer breaks down what you can realistically see and do with 3 days, 5–7 days, or a full 10-day Banff adventure. You’ll learn how to plan the perfect length trip based on your travel style, priorities, and pace, whether you’re a first-time visitor, avid hiker, or just want to soak in the mountain scenery.

In this episode:

• What to expect with 3–4 days, 5–7 days, and 7–10+ days in Banff
• How travel style, season, and fitness affect your ideal trip length
• When to add Jasper, Yoho, or Kananaskis to your itinerary
• Why 5–7 days is the “sweet spot” for most travellers
• Seasonal tips for summer vs. winter visits
• Sample day-by-day outlines for each trip length

🗺️ Banff Itineraries – I’ve created detailed itineraries that show exactly how to structure each trip length, with daily drive times, activity options, hotel picks, and hiking recommendations.

You'll find all my itineraries mentioned in the show including the 3-Day See-it-All Banff Itinerary, the 5 Day Banff Hiking Itinerary and the 7- or 10-Day Banff & Jasper Itinerary here: BANFF ITINERARIES

Support the Podcast

Send in your questions here!

Don’t forget to check out the free guides and planning tools on travelbanffcanada.com and banfftravelplanning.com.

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Every time I host one of my Banff Trip Planning Workshops, people bring incredible questions and this episode is packed with real ones from my October sessions!

In this episode, Banff Travel Expert Celine Brewer is answering your top Banff trip questions for 2026, including how to see a glacier without paying for a tour, the best stops along the Icefields Parkway, whether you can visit Moraine Lake and Lake Louise in one day, when to start booking hotels, and how to plan your trip if you’re driving, going car-free, or travelling in an RV.

If you’re planning a trip for next summer or fall, this episode will help you plan smarter, avoid overwhelm, and feel confident about what to see, when to go, and how to make the most of your time in Banff National Park, Jasper National Park and the surrounding area.

📅 Don’t miss my final live Banff Trip Planning Workshop of 2025
👉 Thursday, November 13th at 6 p.m. MST
Save Your Seat Here

Helpful Resources Mentioned

• Banff Car-Free Itinerary
• Icefields Parkway Guide
• GuideAlong App (use code TVLBANFF for 15% off)
• Moraine Lake Shuttle Workshop
  
  

Support the Podcast

Send in your questions here!

Don’t forget to check out the free guides and planning tools on travelbanffcanada.com and banfftravelplanning.com.

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Canmore may sit just outside the Banff National Park gates, but it’s a destination all its own. In this episode, local host Celine Brewer shares what makes Canmore such a great base for exploring the Rockies year-round: from summer hikes, biking trails, and cave tours to winter adventures like dog-sledding, ice walks, and cross-country skiing. You’ll also hear insider tips for parking, passes, getting around, and the best time to visit.

In this episode:

• Why Canmore makes a perfect Banff base 
• The best summer hikes and outdoor adventures around town
• Top winter experiences
• Local tips for parking, passes, and public transit
• Where Canmore fits into your Banff or Jasper itinerary

🗓️ Save your seat: Banff Trip Planning Workshop

Free Banff & Canmore Restaurant Guide

Links mentioned in this episode ⬇️

• Best Easy Walks & Scenic Trails in Canmore
  
  
• Grotto Canyon Ice Walk Tour
  
  
• Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary
  
  
• Kananaskis Conservation Pass

Support the Podcast

Send in your questions here!

Don’t forget to check out the free guides and planning tools on travelbanffcanada.com and banfftravelplanning.com.

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Choosing where to stay in Banff National Park can be confusing. Should you split your stay between Banff, Canmore, Lake Louise, or Jasper? In this episode, Celine shares how to decide based on your travel style, budget, and plans. You’ll hear the pros and cons of each area, which makes the best base for first-time visitors, and when it’s worth splitting your stay.

In this episode:

• Banff vs. Canmore + how to choose your base
• What to expect in Lake Louise and Jasper
• Tips for ski season and winter stays
• When it makes sense to move between towns

🗺️ Banff Itineraries – See how I break up each day by location, with drive times, hotel picks, and daily activity ideas. 

🏨 Hotel Guides

• Affordable Banff Hotels
• Banff Cabins for a Unique Stay
• Banff Hotels with Private Hot Tub
• Best Banff Hotels without a Car
• Best Luxury Hotels in Banff

• Best Canmore Hotels
• Best Canmore Hotels with a Pool
• Best Lake Louise Hotels

Support the Podcast

Send in your questions here!

Don’t forget to check out the free guides and planning tools on travelbanffcanada.com and banfftravelplanning.com.

Facebook Community: Travel to Banff, Lake Louise, Canmore & Kananaskis

Follow me on Instagram: @travelbanffcanada