During this time, the region offers a wide variety of seasonal experiences. Glide across icy lakes, explore frozen waterfalls, enjoy horse-drawn sleigh rides, or immerse yourself in Indigenous storytelling and festive markets. With so much to see and do, the Rockies provide the perfect combination of adventure, culture, and winter charm for every traveller.
Why Spend Christmas in the Canadian Rockies?
Christmas in the Rockies combines breathtaking landscapes with the warmth of mountain towns. Towering snow-capped peaks, serene frozen lakes, and sparkling forests create a breathtaking winter atmosphere.
Popular destinations like Banff and Lake Louise become holiday hotspots, filled with festive lights, charming shops, and local treats. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy sleigh rides in Banff, snowshoeing adventures, or serene hikes along icy trails. The Rockies provide the perfect combination of adventure, relaxation, and festive cheer, making it an ideal Christmas getaway.
Top Things to Do at Christmas in the Canadian Rockies
Credit: ©Banff Lake Louise Tourism BLLT / Paul Zizka @paulzizkaphoto
Sleigh Rides Through the Snow
A horse-drawn sleigh ride is one of the most iconic top Christmas Rockies things to do. Cozy under blankets as your horse guides you through snowy valleys, surrounded by towering mountains. The jingling bells, crisp air, and picturesque scenery make this a quintessential holiday experience.
Our Rockies Christmas Premium package includes sleigh rides, offering travellers a perfect way to enjoy the Rockies’ winter beauty while staying warm and comfortable.
Credit: ©Travel Alberta / Erik McRitchie @erikmcr
Indigenous Storytelling Experience
A unique cultural highlight of the Rockies is the Indigenous storytelling experience. Gather around a fire beneath a starry sky and listen as Indigenous guides share legends, traditions, and stories passed down through generations.
This immersive experience adds a deeper connection to the land and a meaningful cultural component to your Christmas trip.
Credit: ©Travel Alberta / Stevin Tuchiwsky @stevint
Embark on the Johnston Canyon Ice Walk
The Johnston Canyon Ice Walk is one of the most spectacular winter experiences in the Rockies — a must for travellers who love adventure and breathtaking scenery. This guided hike takes you along frozen waterfalls and icy canyon walls, where nature’s artistry is on full display.
With metal cleats to keep you steady, you’ll walk past shimmering ice formations and snow-covered cliffs that look straight out of a winter postcard. You can explore the Ice Walk as an optional add-on on our tours, adding a touch of adventure to your magical Christmas escape in the Rockies.
Credit: ©DCT / Lisanne Smeele
Ride the Sulphur Mountain Gondola
For panoramic views of the Rockies, the Sulphur Mountain Gondola is a must-do experience. Ride above the snowy landscape in comfort and take in breathtaking vistas of Banff and the surrounding peaks.
Whether you visit during the day or at sunset, the snowy Rockies sparkle below, creating a truly festive scene. This optional winter gondola ride can be added to our tours, offering a spectacular way to admire the Rockies from above.
Credit: ©Travel Alberta / Gerard Yunker
Ice Skate on Lake Louise
Skating on Lake Louise is a quintessential Christmas experience. With the majestic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise as your backdrop and towering mountains surrounding the frozen lake, it’s a marvellous winter scene.
The ice is meticulously maintained each season, offering a safe and scenic spot for skating. This is one of the most magical ways to enjoy the Rockies in winter and a perfect addition to any Christmas itinerary.
Additional Festive Activities in the Rockies
Credit: ©Banff & Lake Louise Tourism (BLLT) / Paul Zizka @paulzizkaphoto
Christmas Markets and Holiday Dining
Banff’s Christmas markets are brimming with festive charm. Browse wooden stalls filled with handcrafted ornaments, unique gifts, and local treats while sipping hot chocolate or mulled wine.
Holiday dining in Banff is equally delightful, with seasonal menus at local restaurants and hotels. From festive buffets to cozy dinners with mountain views, celebrating Christmas with a culinary twist is easy and memorable.
Credit: ©Travel Alberta / Roth Ramberg
Banff Upper Hot Springs
After a day of winter activities, relax in the Banff Upper Hot Springs. The warm, mineral-rich waters are surrounded by snow-capped peaks, offering a soothing contrast to the crisp mountain air.
This historic spa is the perfect way to recharge during your holiday adventure and enjoy a serene moment amid the Rockies’ stunning scenery.
While this experience isn’t part of our tour activities, guests who wish to visit can easily do so on their own time. The hot springs are just a short bus or taxi ride from the town centre, where our hotels are typically located (approximately 15–25 minutes).
Planning Your Christmas Vacation in the Canadian Rockies
December in the Rockies requires warm clothing and preparation for winter conditions. Pack layers, waterproof boots, gloves, scarves, and thermal gear for outdoor activities like the Johnston Canyon Ice Walk or sleigh rides in Banff.
To make the most of your winter in the Rockies, booking a guided holiday tour ensures a stress-free and magical experience. Our Rockies Christmas Premium Tour, departing December 23rd, 2025, offers all the festive experiences mentioned above and is the perfect choice for a holiday-focused adventure.
The Rockies Winter Premium Tour is another excellent alternative, offering many of the same iconic winter activities and stunning scenery for travellers seeking a Rockies winter escape.
For the most festive atmosphere, plan your visit in mid-December to early January when Christmas lights, markets, and seasonal events are at their peak.
Conclusion
Credit: ©Travel Alberta / Celestine Aerden, ©Travel Alberta / Hubert Kang
Spending Christmas in the Canadian Rockies is a magical, once-in-a-lifetime experience. From cozy sleigh rides and immersive Indigenous storytelling to thrilling adventures like the Johnston Canyon Ice Walk and skating on Lake Louise, the Rockies offer something for every traveller.
Celebrate the season with Discover Canada Tours and enjoy the perfect combination of adventure, culture, and festive cheer. Book your holiday adventure today!
For a full Canadian Christmas experience, consider the 9-day Yukon & Rockies Christmas Holiday Premium tour, which combines the Rockies with the scenic Yukon — an extended winter adventure featuring snowy landscapes, festive activities, and the chance to witness the Northern Lights in all their glory!
