I truly cannot understand what took me so long to visit the Canadian Rockies. I chose to visit Banff national park in December and I am so glad I did! 1st the beginning of December is still considered an off part of the season so the crowds are less, hotel and car rental availability saves you some money in your pocket book and I mean it is a real winter wonderland! Grab your warm clothes and follow me along this 5 day Banff National park adventure!
So first things first. Where to stay? I opted to drive a bit out of the way and chose to stay at Emerald Lake Lodge. While this lodge is not fancy by any means, it makes up for it with beauty. The lodge offers a relaxing lounge area and they have a restaurant on site that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. You can opt for a closer to stay in Banff or even splurge at the Fairmont Lake Louise.
Alright lets get down to everything you must see while visiting in winter in Banff National Park!
Day #1
Hike around Emerald Lake. I loved this trail. Be sure to rent some snow shoes!
Check out Natural Bridge located about 5 minutes from Emerald Lake lodge
Grab a yummy dinner at the Emerald Lake Lodge
Day #2
Hike through Johnston Canyon
Soak the afternoon away at Banff hot springs
Take a gondola up to Sulfer Mountain and eat dinner with a view at the Sky Bistro
Day #3
Drive the Icefield drive. This is an excellent blog post that breaks down 15 epic stops in one day!
Day 4 & 5
Explore Lake Louise. There are so many things to see and do around this area. Here were my top things
Ice skate at the Fairmont Lake Louise
Take a walk along the Lake Loise shoreline
Eat Fondue at Wallister Stube
Hike to this lookout to get a great view of the Fairmont lake Louise
I hope this post has inspired you to visit Banff! Until Next time
xoxo
A wandering Story – Jacqueline