What to pack for Banff in Winter
5 nights · 3–25°F / -16 to -4°C · the Banff Upper Hot Springs stay open all winter, so pack a swimsuit for a soak after the cold
clothes
- insulated puffer or winter coat that covers your hips
- merino or thermal base layers, tops and bottoms
- 2 fleece or wool mid-layers
- waterproof snow pants for outdoor days
- warm pants for town and dinners
- wool socks, one pair per day
- warm hat, neck gaiter and gloves
for the outdoor days
- insulated waterproof boots with good tread
- slip-on ice cleats for icy sidewalks and trails
- insulated gloves plus a thin liner pair
- hand and toe warmers
- sunglasses for snow glare
- swimsuit for the hot springs
- small daypack for layers and snacks
toiletries + meds
- heavy moisturizer for the dry mountain air
- lip balm with SPF
- hand cream
- sunscreen for your face, since snow reflects UV
- saline nasal spray
- pain reliever
- blister pads
the stuff you always forget
- passport for crossing into Canada
- Parks Canada pass if you're stopping in the national park
- phone charger and slim power bank, since cold drains batteries
- insulated water bottle so it doesn't freeze
- offline maps, because cell service is spotty on roads and trails
- health insurance details or travel insurance info
- extra hair ties and a plastic bag for wet gloves