Travelling to Banff in March: Why go & what to expect

last updated: October 2023

The Canadian Rockies are generally considered a summer destination; an ideal trip for those who love hiking and wish to photograph the insanely turquoise waters of the glacial lakes. These are definitely bucket list worthy experiences, and indeed hold a place near the top of my travel wish list. However, I visited Canada during Easter, close to the end of March and found myself in a winter wonderland that left me wanting for more Canadian winter. Travelling to Banff in March is an ideal spring ski trip and a perfect opportunity to explore the Rockies all dressed in white but with temperatures and hours of daylight that will not hinder your sense of adventure.

So without further ado, here are the answers to your most pressing questions for planning your trip to Banff and the Canadian Rockies in March.

TRAVELLING TO BANFF IN MARCH: WILL THERE BE SNOW?

HELLS YES! March is still very much winter in Banff. For those of you visiting from countries where March is the beginning of spring, you are in for a treat.

March in Banff is what you would call the epitome of winter. Canadians wouldn’t agree to this though simply because there is more daylight and warmer temperatures. In Alberta, January and February are typically extremely cold with temperatures hovering around -10°C / 14°F and heavy snowfall or icy conditions! Hence, March is probably the best time to visit if you would like to experience a winter wonderland with temperatures around freezing (0°C / 32°F). If the thought of freezing temperatures still seems too low for travel and sightseeing, note that due to the Chinook winds, the air is dry; a low humidity environment always makes you feel warmer than expected. Alberta also experiences many days of sunshine therefore, if it is not snowing, it will probably be sunny!

For some useful information on Banff’s climate and weather check out climate-data.org, Banff & Lake Louise Alive and Travel Alberta.

Banff town view Sulfur mountain — BOW RIVER / BANFF TOWN FROM SULFUR MOUNTAIN

TRAVELLING TO BANFF IN MARCH: WILL I BE ABLE TO SKI / SNOWBOARD?

ABSOLUTELY! Snow fall is still very frequent high in the mountains with many of the ski resorts getting their best powder in March.

Even the towns at lower altitudes get a fair few snow showers. When we visited in late March, we skied in both Sunshine Village and Lake Louise ski resort. Snow conditions were excellent, and temperatures were significantly lower than the ones one would typically encounter in the Alps in Europe even in high season. I will never forget the snowy slopes sparkling like they have been encrusted with diamonds during my first run of the day in -10°C / 14°F (though the temperature rose later in the day). So, if you are a skier or snowboarder, make sure you set a few days aside to ski in Sunshine Village or Lake Louise. Not only are they world class ski resorts but you will also be visiting at optimum conditions.

TRAVELLING TO BANFF IN MARCH: WILL THE LAKES BE FROZEN?

OH YES! This may be a bit of a bummer for those of you interested in peppering your IG feed with canoes floating in emerald waters…

However, frozen lakes are equally enchanting to see and photograph and also incredibly fun! The frozen lakes of the Rockies provide a stunning playground for some of the most quintessential Canadian experiences: ice skating, playing ice hockey as well as lake crossing in a dog sled. Doesn’t that bucket list fill up quickly during winter in Canada?

A case in point is famous Lake Louise which is equally stunning in winter as it is in the summer. And much less photographed, if I may say so…

PLANNING YOUR WINTER TRIP TO BANFF: WHAT ARE THE TOP THINGS TO DO?

YOU GUESSED IT. Snow related activities! Downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, dogsledding, sleigh rides…

All the fun activities Canadians have invented to pass the time on the icy surface of a frozen lake, a snowy forest or mountain slope can be experienced in March. If you are a hiker, a few of the traditional summer hikes are also available, such as the Johnston Canyon hike. Bear in mind that you may need crampons (you can rent some). Having said that, even if you are not super active, have young kids or feel less adventurous, there is still tons to do in winter in Banff. In Canada, life in the outdoors does not stop during winter. Even some of the traditional laid back summer activities such as fishing are possible with a magical twist: ice fishing!

PLANNING YOUR WINTER TRIP TO BANFF: WHAT SHOULD I PACK?

Warm, practical, comfortable inner layers and weather-proof outer layers.

A weather resistant, warm jacket; if you are going skiing, then that is your ski jacket. After all, there is a relaxed vibe in all venues in Banff, even in 5* hotels. I would also recommend weather-proof trousers even if you are not planning to go skiing. You may get the occasional snow spraying while snowshoeing or dogsledding. For the inner layers, pack wool, cashmere or fleece jumpers and breathable base layers. Last but not least, I would recommend bringing both snow boots and hiking boots / warm walking shoes. The towns at lower altitudes still get a fair few snow showers and even though they are cleared of snow fairly quickly, there can be loads of deep snow in the forests and near the lakes.

No matter whether you are skiing or not, I would recommend having a look at my après ski packing list. It contains useful recommendations on what to pack for a trip in a cold / snowy destination.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Get ready to love winter, to love snow, to love the outdoors! Canadians do know how to have fun in the cold, probably because of the stunning backdrops that one encounters at every turn of their mountain roads! At a time when most of us stay at home counting the days until the summer, do visit Banff and get swept up in this celebration of winter, nature and life in the great outdoors!

This is not a sponsored post & I am not affiliated with any of the hotels, restaurants or organisations mentioned.

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