The Canadian Rockies and Lake Louise are some of the prettiest places on the planet. It is one of the most popular destinations for travelers from around the world, but it can be avoided by visiting in winter.

When Old Man settles into winter, the land becomes a wintry paradise, bringing with it a seasonal shift of adventures best enjoyed with snow. There are three world-class ski resorts in the park, but there are plenty of other things to do. If there is a good northern lights forecast and you pack your warmest layers, you can go to Lake Louise and see how cold it can get.

The best national parks in Canada.

Alberta's Rocky Mountains from the Sulphur Skyline Trail, Jasper National Park
The incredible views of Alberta's Rocky Mountains from the Sulphur Skyline Trail, Jasper National Park © Moritz Wolf / Getty Images

Sulphur Mountain summit

One of the best ways to get to know the land is by summiting the mountain. The trail goes from the Upper Hot Springs parking lot to the summit. It can be done in less than ten minutes. The Bow Valley and the town of Banff can be seen from the rooftop observation deck. Santa's workshop can be found at the summit of the Banff Gondola between November and December.

Is it necessary for me to have a visa to go to Canada?

People stand at the bottom of a frozen waterfall in Johnston Canyon in Canada during winter at Banff and Lake Louise
When the waterfalls of Johnston Canyon freeze over, it becomes a winter wonderland just right for ice hiking and climbing © Matthew Skubis / Getty Images

Johnston Canyon ice walk

If you want to go to the cerulean blue waterfalls, you'll need ice cleats and hiking poles. You can see frozen waterfalls and snow-covered trees on the three-mile round trip journey. Climbers can make their way up the icefalls as they hike along the icy trails and catwalks in the canyon. Johnston Canyon has an excellent range of routes from beginner to expert.

Getting around in Canada.

Get local insight on destinations all over the world with our weekly newsletter delivered to your inbox.
People meditate on the edge of Moraine lake in deep snow during winter at Banff and Lake Louise
Forest bathing is really guided meditation, and there's nowhere better for it than Moraine Lake © Josiah Holwick / properfilms

The forest is near the lake.

This is a fully clothed activity. In Japan, forest bathing is called shinrin-yoku, which means "taking in the atmosphere of the forest" Hire a guide from Forest Fix to lead you through a guided meditation, take a slow walk in the woods, smell the trees, and breathe in the crisp mountain air. This form of nature therapy has become very popular over the past few years, and Moraine Lake is a great place to try it out.

This winter, the great outdoors are the place to be.

People in red jump suits with lantern helmets climb down a rocky trail in a cave during winter at Banff and Lake Louise
Exploring Rat's Nest Cave is an exciting spelunking adventure any time of year © Josiah Holwick / properfilms

Cave exploration

There are more than two miles of tunnels at the Rat's nest Cave, which is open year-round. You will be more than 180 feet underground once you get to the Grotto. Your guide from Canmore Cave Tours will teach you a lesson in natural history as you go through the challenge squeeze. You can go to the cave's Grand Gallery for a holiday concert between December 20 and December 23.

There are 21 amazing experiences that will make your Canadian adventure even better.

A helicopter hovers near snow capped mountains in winter at Banff and Lake Louise
Alpine Helicopter Tours offers an up-close and personal experience with the peaks of Banff and Lake Louise © Alpine Helicopter Tours

Winter whirlybird

Getting a close look at the snow-capped peaks is one of the best ways to appreciate the Canadian Rockies. You will be whisked away in a helicopter, piloted by an expert aviator, for 12 - 45 minutes of glorious sightseeing and have you say "Heli-Yeah!" as you soar among the clouds.

There are 14 road trips in Canada.

People make crazy poses next to a hot spring while wearing silly bathing suits during winter at Banff and Lake Louise
Posing for photos at Banff Upper Hot Springs in the old-fashioned bathing suits will be a highlight of your trip © Matt Corliss

Banff Upper Hot Springs

Relax in the hot springs and watch the sun go down behind the mountains. The highest operating hot spring in all of Canada is the only hot springs pool in the national park. Do you want to forget your swimmers? Rent a 1930s-inspired heritage bathing suit for less than $2 and you will get some of the best photos of your trip. The suits are cleaned between uses.

There is a book guide to Canada.

A man explores Cascade Park surrounded by medicinal plants during winter at Banff and Lake Louise
The local plants and trees have healing powers at the day-use area called Cascade Pond © Breanne Kiefner

Medicinal walk

You can learn about ancient plant-based remedies on a snowshoe tour through the woods. You can learn about the Indigenous plants and trees and their healing powers at this day-use area inside the park, which has the best views of Mount Rundle and is a good place to spot wildlife.

The best festivals, activities, and weather can be found in Canada.

A christmas tree is set up in opulent surroundings at the Fairmont Banff Springs during winter at Banff and Lake Louise
Christmas at the Fairmont Banff Springs is a highlight of the season © George Rose / Getty Images

Holiday happenings

When Kris Kringle arrives in town, everyone gathers around the fire at Banff Avenue Square to welcome him. Fairytale activities in the town include browsing locally made artisan gifts at the Christmas Market, celebrating Christmas traditions at the Fairmont Banff Springs castle, and taking a horse-drawn sleigh ride to Brewster's Barn.

The northern lights are photographed.

The article was first published on November 4th.