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Use our Travel forum for recommendations on everything from day trips to the best family-friendly holiday destinations.

Original poster

Banff in February

32 replies

ohnobutitsok · 15/05/2023 12:20

We're going to Banff Canada in February 2 adults and a 6 and 3 year old.

For those that have been especially at this time of year what were your must dos?

We're hiring a car so can get around.

Any tips or recommendations?

OP posts:
Parker231 · 15/05/2023 12:24

Are you going for the skiing? Plenty of good places surrounding the town and you can get a combined pass.

Original poster
ohnobutitsok · 15/05/2023 12:26

We cant ski but i was hoping to go up to a ski resort as i was told there were some tobogganing or other snow activities the kids could enjoy

OP posts:
Parker231 · 15/05/2023 12:30

Mount Norquay is just outside Banff and has tubing but there is a minimum height (and age?) requirement so your youngest may be too small.

Soontobe60 · 15/05/2023 12:31

It’ll be cold, snowy and possibly difficult to see what you want to see. Why February out of interest?

harridan50 · 15/05/2023 12:33

If not skiing I think some things will not be open

jaffacakeany1 · 15/05/2023 12:33

Take plenty of thermals, at I'm sure you will know, it'll be freezing! Go up the mountain on the gondola, and Lake Louise is a must, it's stunning!!

Clymene · 15/05/2023 12:34

It will be absolutely freezing. Their idea of a high in February is zero. Most of the time it will be well below that.

HappiDaze · 15/05/2023 12:34

Learn to ski then whilst you're there that'll keep you busy

Original poster
ohnobutitsok · 15/05/2023 12:37

The appeal of that time of year for me is the weather, just experiencing the temperatures is something means we're going then. Already purchased some clothes in the sales this year need to get the rest in winter before we go. The scenery is another reason i understand the lakes will be frozen so the green colour hidden but frozen waterfalls and glaciers sound amazing.

OP posts:
PinkPondQueen · 15/05/2023 13:19

If funds allow and the sky is blue & clear, do take the helicopter tour over the Rockies, from nearby Canmore. It is absolutely breathtaking and affords views which you just don't get from the Banff Gondola!

We also really enjoyed lunch at the Banff Springs Hotel as a special treat. It's a pleasant walk from the village and there is a spectacular view of it from across the river.

babysoupdragon2 · 15/05/2023 13:22

Have you booked? Banff is beautiful but February will really limit what you are able to do, especially with young kids.

We went in May and it was beautifully sunny but still snow and ice as soon as you hiked a short distance up.

No1HolidayPlanner · 15/05/2023 13:32

Just a warning about the cold. My son was close to Banff from November to April. They had some exceptionally cold spells.. as low as -45. They were advised to stay indoors a few days due to risk of frost bite.
I certainly would not go that time of year. The lakes stay frozen in Spring.. so I think April to May would be much better.. particularly with children.
He's back there now and I'm going in September to visit. I can't wait, scenery looks spectacular 😊

Clymene · 15/05/2023 13:44

With such young children you will be extremely limited in how much time you can spend outside. The risk of frostbite and hyperthermia is very real.

MooseBeTimeForSnow · 15/05/2023 13:49

Unfortunately Lake Louise looks like every other lake in February - covered in ice and snow. They do brush off the ice for pond hockey and skating.

If you don’t want to drive too far, the only glacier you have easy access to is the Crowfoot.

I’d personally recommend Nakiska ski area in Kananaskis for beginners. The green runs off the Bronze Chair are lovely. But yes, ski hills will close if it is too cold.

Take a look at Snowy Owl dog tours in Canmore. They let you drive.

Greetings from a Canmore resident!

lifeturnsonadime · 15/05/2023 13:53

I've been to Banff but in the summer, it will be freezing as others have said.

Are you committed to the winter because Banff is beautiful even in the summer months and I think you will be quite limited?

In Calgary they have built connecting malls and office blocks above ground level because the winters are so harsh.

Parker231 · 15/05/2023 13:55

MooseBeTimeForSnow · 15/05/2023 13:49

Unfortunately Lake Louise looks like every other lake in February - covered in ice and snow. They do brush off the ice for pond hockey and skating.

If you don’t want to drive too far, the only glacier you have easy access to is the Crowfoot.

I’d personally recommend Nakiska ski area in Kananaskis for beginners. The green runs off the Bronze Chair are lovely. But yes, ski hills will close if it is too cold.

Take a look at Snowy Owl dog tours in Canmore. They let you drive.

Greetings from a Canmore resident!

Canmore has the best cinnamon buns in Alberta!

MooseBeTimeForSnow · 15/05/2023 14:03

@Parker231 hmm. I’m not so sure, now that Good Earth has closed …

WallaceinAnderland · 15/05/2023 14:12

I would not take a 3 year old for a holiday in February. It will be far too cold and such a faff getting all the layers on and off every time you get in or out of the car.

The reason most people go there is to get outside and enjoy the scenery. You won't be able to do that as it will be too cold. Go in the summer instead.

Parker231 · 15/05/2023 14:42

MooseBeTimeForSnow · 15/05/2023 14:03

@Parker231 hmm. I’m not so sure, now that Good Earth has closed …

Oh no - loved it there - last time was early 2022. Best place to go on a cold day.

wistfullyfocused · 15/05/2023 18:52

Unless you have artic levels of good clothing - I’m being serious, taking a 3 year old in Feb is mad. -40 is not unheard of. You may well not step outside at that temperature. The reason to go on Feb is to ski. Of course people live there with kids, but they are set up for it and a cold snap doesn’t write off their holiday.

Parker231 · 15/05/2023 19:39

We were there last year for the skiing - gorgeous place but you do need to dress appropriately and keep moving!

Banff in February
Kay286 · 15/05/2023 21:10

I live in Canada (not banff ) but have visited a few times , unless you are skiing I’d pick a different month …. The lakes will be frozen and lake Louise and moraine are exceptionally beautiful but you won’t be able to see them in their glory. Moraine will have to ably be closed off due to a avalanche risk .Yes you’ll see frozen waterfalls …I did Johnson canyon and that had some part frozen water in November but the lakes were also still unfrozen and so pretty. Feb you will really limit yourself what you can see and do.

it will be absolutely freezing , and not comfortable for lots of walking even with the best clothes. (Espec U.K. clothing )

Original poster
ohnobutitsok · 16/05/2023 09:45

Thanks for the replies flights are booked i did a similar thread on tripadvisor in January to gauge opinions and responses. I checked the temps at the time from this February so understand how cold it will/might be if they have a colder than normal snap. Ive looked at Norquay ski resort and i suppose theres nothing stopping a ski lesson i just presumed as the adults never skiied we wouldnt be able to go. Sightseeing will obviously be in short bursts due to the weather n kids. il be buying and have bought proper ski clothes merino wool thermals, base layers etc are there any other proper canadian clothes that would differ to what i can get here someone mentioned above uk clothes wont be great? Thanks for the banff blog!

Maybe it'll be a disaster time will tell hey!

Maybe one day we'll go back in summer to see the lakes in their green glory

OP posts:
Clymene · 16/05/2023 14:08

Assuming you're flying to Calgary, you don't have to go to Banff

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