Ross’s Top Things to Do in Banff After Skiing: Your Guide to Off-Mountain Adventures
Ross, June 2025
image: Fatbiking in Kananaskis Country (Cycling 101 / Karl Lee)
Banff and Lake Louise are among the most beautiful and varied ski destinations in North America. So much so that it’s easy to overlook the amazing range of off-mountain activities that the area has to enjoy, some of which I was lucky enough to experience back in March. So whether you’re a non-skier or just fancy a giving your ski legs a rest, here’s my guide to the most fun you can have without your skis on!
The Banff Gondola
Just outside of the main town of Banff and next to the Rimrock Hotel, the Banff Gondola is an excellent way to experience the beautiful views of Bow Valley that aren’t available from Banff Avenue. Easily accessed via the resort shuttle service (around a 20-minute journey), the gondola ride itself will take you to an altitude of 2,200m, whisking you above the treetops in around 8 minutes to the summit of Sulphur Mountain.
Once you’re there, there’s plenty to keep you entertained; you can enjoy the most breathtaking views of Cascade Mountain and Bow Valley that are available in the area, and you can take the easy 500m boardwalk to Sanson Peak and check-out the Sulphur Mountain Cosmic Ray Station and the 1903 weather observatory.
Once you’ve got all of your photos of the spectacular views, there’s plenty more to keep you up there. The Sky Bistro offers fine dining in the way of world class tastes of the Rockies. For something a little more low-key, the Northern Lights Alpine Kitchen offers core Alpine cuisine in a buffet format. You can also enjoy the Above Banff Interpretive Centre, which offers interactive ways to learn about the areas rich natural and indigenous history – kids will particularly enjoy this one!
Lastly, if you go later in the evening, the lack of light pollution makes the Banff Gondola makes for a great place to see the stars on a clear night – if you’re really lucky, you can get a fantastic view of the northern lights as well!
Fat E-Biking with Radventures
To experience the more immediate area in and around Banff town, a guided E-bike tour with Radventures is one that I’d highly recommend. During the winter, you’ll be riding by snow-covered forests, frozen rivers, and stunning mountain backdrops, and be taken to some of the towns most scenic and significant historical sites.
Bikes and helmets are all provided in the cost of the tour (you’ll be shown how to operate the bikes as well), with the only things you’ll need to take being some warm cloths – gloves are a must! Once you’re out and about, the tour guides are super friendly, helpful, and enthusiastic. You might even be treated to a cheeky hot chocolate break on the way!
As well as the above, Radventures offer a full range of unforgettable excursions – you can discover the Icefields Parkway, wonder at the winter wildlife on a dedicated tour, or trek through the iconic Johnston Canyon, to name but a few. Whatever adventure you choose, you can experience the unforgettable sights and stories of this beautiful part of the world is with the people who know and love it most. With Radventures, you couldn’t be better looked after.
Johnston Canyon Icewalk
Travel Alberta / Stevin Tuchiwsky
As one of the national park’s most cherished attractions, Johnston Canyon is something that everyone should experience at least once. Discover Banff Tours offer a guided hike through the canyon along the mix of natural paths and steel catwalks up to the beautiful frozen Upper falls. It’s around 1.2km to the Lower Falls and 2.5K to the Upper Falls, with the elevation gain being minimal meaning you don’t have to be an experienced hiker to enjoy this special part of the Rockies.
With a guided tour, you’ll be offered transportation from most hotels in Banff (approximately a 30-minute drive), as well as ice cleats which will fit over most regular boots/shoes to avoid any unintentional slip-ups - having seen a lot of people trying the hike in winter without them, these definitely come recommended! This means that you just have to bring yourself and a warm set of clothes and you’re good to go.
First up will be the Lower Falls, where you can venture into a natural cave and take in the flowing waters from the waterfalls further up. After this, the Upper Falls will be the highlight of your hike – in winter, the falls become gigantic pillars of ice that are popular spot for ice climbers. There are a few viewing platforms up here too, great places to get your photos from. As with the whole national park, there’s also a good chance that you might see some elk or deer on the drive up or in the canyon itself.
As with the e-biking, the guides offered by Discover Banff Tours are the exact people you want to be showing you around – super easy going, friendly, and they have so much knowledge about the area. You’ll be treated to some history of the canyon and how it was formed, and they’ve been known to keep some maple cookies on them for when you stop to take in the sights.
Ice Skating on Lake Louise
Whether you’re staying in downtown Banff or up in Lake Louise itself, it would be a shame not to visit one of the most famous lakes in the world. Just a 40-minute shuttle ride away from downtown Banff, the frozen lake in winter is bound to be among the best pictures that you’ll get on your trip, and being able to say that you’ve walked on Lake Louise is certainly one for the bucket list.
For those of you who are a little more adventurous, you’ll want to give ice skating on the lake a try. You can pick up some skates from the rental shop in the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, and there’s a good-sized area at the lake shore where you can whizz around in the most unforgettable setting that ice skating can provide. If you do choose to give this a go then you’re far braver than me…I’m quite content with the view of the lake and the occasional person falling over!
If you’re wanting to become acquainted with the area’s history, then either of the tour companies mentioned before can offer guiding and transport to/for the lake. The mountaineering stories of the Canadian, American, and Swiss pioneers discovering and scaling the mighty peaks are incredible to hear and will heighten anyone’s appreciation of this iconic place.
If you’re on guided tour, then be sure to check out some iconic landmarks on your return journey to Banff as well – the Morant’s Curve is one of the most well-known pictures taken in Canada, and will be familiar to anyone who’s ever looked at a $10 bill. For the mountaineers, there are some fantastic spots to view Mt. Temple, the tallest mountain in Lake Louise, as well as the awe-inspiring jagged peaks of Mt. Castle.
Banff is one of those places where a day without your skis on doesn’t have to be a day wasted. Whether you want to enjoy the spa facilities in your hotel, sample the excellent shops, cafés and restaurants on Banff Avenue, or get out there and experience the unique natural beauty of the Rocky Mountains, there truly is something for everyone in this Canadian classic resort. Your next trip to Banff is sure to be you most memorable holiday yet!
Contact our Ski Specialists today on 0131 243 8097 or Enquire Online now.