December is when winter really begins in Banff National Park. If you’re wondering what conditions are actually like, what’s open, what you can realistically do, and how cold it truly feels, local Banff travel planning expert Celine Brewer walks you through everything you need to know.

Whether you’re visiting for skiing, skating on Lake Louise, winter hikes, or the holiday events around town, this episode will help you arrive informed and prepared.

Links mentioned in this episode

Winter & Christmas Guides

• Banff in December: https://www.travelbanffcanada.com/visiting-banff-in-december/
• Banff at Christmas: https://www.travelbanffcanada.com/banff-at-christmas/
• Visiting Banff in Winter: https://www.travelbanffcanada.com/banff-in-winter/
• Banff Winter Packing List: https://www.travelbanffcanada.com/banff-winter-packing-list/
• Banff Winter Hikes: https://www.travelbanffcanada.com/easy-winter-hikes-banff/
  
  

Safety & Resources

• Trail Conditions (Parks Canada): https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/ab/banff/activ/randonnee-hiking/etat-sentiers-trail-conditions
• Parks Canada Ice Safety (Skating): https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/ab/banff/activ/patinage-skating
• Canadian Red Cross Ice Safety: https://www.redcross.ca/blog/2019/12/ice-safety-know-when-it-s-safe-to-play
  
  

Weather & Driving

• Weather in Banff: https://weather.gc.ca/en/location/index.html?coords=51.179,-115.569
• Alberta 511 Road Conditions: https://511.alberta.ca/
• Parks Canada Icefields Parkway Winter Driving Guide: https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/ab/jasper/activ/experience/hiver-winter/pcghiver-ipwinter

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