Visiting during Winter in the Bow Valley

The entire Bow Valley in Winter is magical. We've heard Banff be compared to Santa Clause's Village, Skating on Lake Louise with it's breathtaking beauty and New Year's Eve on the pond in Canmore (skating or not) during the fireworks is another one-of-a-kind experience.

Sure it can get cold, but the reality is that extended cold-periods (-15o Celcius) are the exception, not the rule.

Banff started as a summer destination and until the 1960's when the Banff Springs Hotel (now the Fairmont Banff Springs) opened it's doors year' round. After that this area has become as well known for winter and skiing as it has for summer.

[Kylie skating at night photo]