
Poutine
Poutine is a popular Canadian dish made of crispy French fries topped with cheese curds and smothered in...

Nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Banff is a vibrant mountain town within Banff National Park, renowned for its stunning snowy landscapes and luxury amenities. Established in the late 19th century around its famous hot springs, Banff carries a rich history of adventure and hospitality.
In late February, expect crisp mountain air, glistening snow, and daytime temperatures averaging -5°C to -10°C. Gather your friends for deluxe skiing at Sunshine Village or Lake Louise, then unwind at upscale lodges or indulge in Banff’s gourmet dining scene—perfect for creating unforgettable memories in this winter wonderland.
Customized for these preferences:
Travel StyleTravelling with friends
Dates25-28 February 2026
BudgetHigh budget
AccommodationHotel
Interests and Activities:
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Location
Alberta, Canadian Rockies
Currency
Canadian Dollar (CAD)
Religion
Christianity (majority)
Population
8,205
Language
English, French
Electricity
120V, 60Hz, Type A/B plugs
Time zone
UTCMST/MDT (UTC-7)
Country code
+1
Internet access
Broadband, Wi-Fi, good coverage
Climate
Cold winters, mild summers
Most visitors reach Banff by flying into Calgary International Airport (YYC), about 1.5 hours away by car. For a high-budget trip with friends, consider arranging a private SUV or limousine transfer for comfort and convenience, as rental cars also provide flexibility for exploring the area. Helicopter transfers and luxury shuttles are available too for a premium experience.
There is no direct train to Banff, but luxury train journeys with the Rocky Mountaineer include stops nearby. Private charters and high-end shuttle services offer seamless group travel. In winter, from February 25 to 28, weather can sometimes cause road closures or delays, so always check road conditions and allow extra time, especially if planning winter activities.
Banff experiences four distinct seasons, with cold, snowy winters and mild, pleasant summers. Winter, from November to March, brings frequent snowfall, ideal for skiing and snowshoeing. Temperatures often dip below freezing, so warm clothing is essential, especially for outdoor adventures and sightseeing tours.
From February 25 to February 28, Banff typically remains quite cold, with daytime highs between -8°C to -2°C and colder nights. Snowfall is common, and occasional snowstorms can occur, but extreme weather events are rare. The town and surrounding restaurants often host cozy après-ski events, making it a great time to enjoy local cuisine and winter festivals in a stunning snowy setting.
Banff’s culinary scene blends Canadian Rocky Mountain flavors with international flair, including Alberta beef, bison, elk, and locally foraged ingredients. High-end favorites like Eden and The Maple Leaf offer elegant dining, while Three Ravens and Sky Bistro serve gourmet meals with stunning mountain views. Try hearty poutine, house-made charcuterie, and fresh trout, paired with Canadian wines or craft beers from Banff Ave Brewing Co.
For drinks, Park Distillery crafts excellent cocktails with house-made spirits, and Bear Street Tavern is renowned for wood-fired pizzas and cocktails in a lively setting. Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options are widely available. Tipping 15-20% is customary for good service. During peak seasons, reservations are highly recommended for popular spots.

Poutine
Poutine is a popular Canadian dish made of crispy French fries topped with cheese curds and smothered in...

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Montreal-style bagels are smaller, denser, and sweeter than their New York counterparts. They are boiled in honey-sweetened water...
For a luxurious friends’ getaway in Banff, top hotels include the iconic Fairmont Banff Springs, known for its castle-like grandeur, and the Rimrock Resort Hotel, which offers stunning mountain views and close proximity to hot springs. Both feature excellent dining and spa facilities, perfect for an upscale retreat.
Consider staying in downtown Banff for easy access to nightlife, restaurants, and shops, or opt for the Fairmont’s secluded elegance. Book your accommodations early—especially from February 25 to 28—as this is peak winter season with high demand due to ski activities and the Banff SnowDays festival. Prioritize Hotels.com for the best selection, flexible cancellation, and loyalty rewards.
Kick off your mountain escape with breathtaking vistas and iconic landmarks, complemented by indulgence in Banff’s renowned culinary scene and local hotspots.
Ride the Banff Gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain for spectacular 360-degree winter vistas and interactive exhibits. Don't miss the Skywalk for incredible photos and a stroll along the ridge. Book in advance for a seamless, luxurious summit adventure!
Dine above the clouds at Sky Bistro, perched at the Banff Gondola summit. Enjoy exceptional Canadian cuisine with unbeatable mountain views. Reserve a window seat for an elevated dining experience!
Embark on a guided winter icewalk through the frozen cathedrals of Johnston Canyon. Trek safely with crampons provided, discovering dramatic frozen waterfalls and magical caverns in this iconic canyon.

Banff Gondola Ride Admission
Enjoy stunning panoramas of six mountain ranges on the state-of-the-art Banff Gondola. Soar to the top of Sulphur Mountain for a bird's-eye view of town & Canada’s first national park. Walk along the ridge line at your leisure, take photos, or visit a national historic site while enjoying the alpine scenery. Seasonal Experiences Included Bloom & Brunch April 4 to May 31, 2026 Celebrate the arrival of a new season atop Sulphur Mountain, breathing in the fresh spring air and taking in stunning landscapes. Sunset Festival June 19 to September 7, 2026 Enjoy live music, small bites and mountain views nightly with your Banff Gondola ticket. Mountaintop Christmas November 21 to December 31, 2026 Santa is coming to the Banff Gondola! Celebrate in vintage style atop Sulphur Mountain with timeless holiday activities, classic movies and festive surprises.

Athabasca Glacier Snow Trip from Banff
Visit Canada's famous glaciers on a full-day seasonal excursion from Banff. Your personalized small group tour takes you through an awe-inspiring landscape carved by glaciers and remnants from the last ice age, as you travel along the Icefields Parkway, one of the world's most scenic highways.
From $293 USD

Moraine Lake, Lake Louise & Banff Secrets | Award-Winning Tour
Explore the best of Banff National Park with the Canadian Rockies top-rated tour operator. This active, small-group guided tour is our best hits album, featuring the top destinations that should be on everyone's Banff bucket list, plus a tailor made selection of other stunning stops & memorable experiences that are both on and off the radar of most visitors. - Explore Banff National Park’s most popular locations, plus a few of our local secret spots - Guaranteed & expedited lakeshore access to the famous glacier fed lakes, Lake Louise & Moraine Lake (now closed to public vehicle access, meaning a tour is the best way to guarantee your visit) - Expert local guiding and a tailor made itinerary designed for you so you can maximize your experience on the day - A tailor made finish to the day, factoring in recent wildlife sightings and local insights to include a surprise stop or two (or three) that will leave you stoked you chose to explore with us!
From $144 USD

Discover Lake Louise (Spring & Fall Sightseeing)
Spring and fall is a fantastic time for sightseeing and viewing wildlife in Banff National Park. Foliage colour start to change, the first hints of winter begin to appear and a low sun makes photographic opportunities more dramatic. Come and discover beautiful Lake Louise at its very best! Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, there will be plenty of photo opportunities on this half day, small-group tour. Learn about the mountaineering history and how a tragic accident shaped Canadian mountain culture.
From $159 USD

Banff PRIVATE Safari Drive and Custom Nature Walk -4H
Your journey begins with a private safari drive, where you'll traverse the park's scenic routes in a comfortable vehicle designed for optimal wildlife viewing. As you travel through the diverse environments of Banff, your knowledgeable guide will share fascinating insights into the region's ecology, history, and geology. While wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed, your guide will take you to known hotspots where the chances of spotting animals such as elk, deer, bears, and various bird species are higher. After your safari drive, embark on a custom nature walk tailored to your interests and fitness level. This portion of the excursion will lead you down lesser-known trails, allowing you to explore the tranquil beauty of the park away from the more crowded areas. Whether you're an avid nature enthusiast or a casual explorer, this private safari and nature walk offers a unique blend of adventure and education, all set against the backdrop of Banff's stunning wilderness.
From $416 USD

Private Tour of Lake Louise and the Icefield Parkway for up to 12 guests
Private Banff and Lake Louise Tour 4 - 11 Guests Private small group mini bus Tour of the Banff area, Lake Louise and the Icefield Parkway for up to 11 guests. Morning stops include; Lake Minnewanka, Two Jack Lake, Norquay Lookout, Bow Falls, Lake Louise, Moraine Lake Afternoon stops include Crowfoot Glacier, Bow Lake Lake. Ask about adding stops in Yoho National Park to the itinerary! Takakkaw Falls, Natural bridge and Emerald Lake. Customizable itinerary and start times, free pickup in Canmore, Banff. Moraine Lake is open Late May to October, weather permitting.
From $1664 USD

Explore 3 National Parks - Exclusive Small Group Tour
Set out on a guided small-group adventure through three stunning national parks in Alberta and British Columbia. This thoughtfully crafted day trip blends epic views, scenic walks, short hikes and unforgettable moments — perfect for those eager to explore the Canadian Rockies! Marvel at towering Takakkaw Falls (seasonal), the turquoise beauty of Emerald Lake and Lake Louise, and the dramatic landscapes of Marble Canyon and The Natural Bridge. Enjoy a mix of scenic drives, short walks, photo stops, and a lunch break in Lake Louise Village — with plenty of stories and rest stops along the way! ・A full-day adventure through Banff, Yoho & Kootenay National Parks ・Discover Alberta and BC’s top natural wonders — all in one trip ・Come prepared! Bring snacks and dress for changing mountain weather ・Guided adventure with time to explore and relax ・Your experience comes first from start to finish
From $106 USD

Icefields Parkway and Ice Bubbles of Abraham Lake Adventure
Embark on an unforgettable journey and witness Abraham Lake's mesmerizing ice bubbles, embark on a short trek to Peyto Lake's viewpoint, and uncover hidden wonders along the Icefields Parkway. Highlights: - Peyto Lake: Walk or snowshoe along snowy forest trails and discover the stunning Peyto Lake set within the unspoiled Canadian Rockies. Immerse yourself in winter's peaceful charm and connect intimately with the natural world. *Snowshoeing is an optional extra, please contact BEFORE booking* - Abraham Lake's Wonder: Explore Abraham Lake's unique frozen bubbles, whether skating or taking a reflective walk, and revel in nature's intricate artistry. - Icefields Parkway Exploration: Travel the famed Icefields Parkway, revealing breathtaking vistas and cherished local gems. Every turn tells a story, enhancing the journey. - Rockies' Warm Embrace: Amid the grand landscapes, find solace in a cozy Rockies spot. Holding a hot drink while circled by towering peaks.
From $198 USD
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