You MUST have winter boots or hiking boots, winter coat and pants, warm hat and warm gloves. Ski goggles are recommended.
Joining this trip means being prepared for any kind of weather. High alpine weather can be extreme and may be completely different than in town weather.
**If you are not properly prepared for winter conditions as described you will be turned back.
Please be at the meeting location on time. If you are not, the guide may not be able to wait for you and you will not be eligible for a refund.
- Best Banff Snowshoeing Experience!
- Backcountry snowshoe trekking at its best
- Amazing deep powder snow - every time
- Gondola and chairlift ride to the edge of the backcountry at Sunshine Meadows
- Views of Mt. Assiniboine and 360 degrees around
- Crossing the Continental Divide into British Columbia
- Hot chocolate, cookies, handwarmers included!
Best Banff Snowshoeing
Experience Canada's top guided snowshoeing adventure in Banff National Park at world famous Sunshine Village Ski Resort and Sunshine Meadows, where a gondola and chairlift ride takes you straight to the land above the tree line! The best Banff snowshoeing experience and a must for your list of things to do Banff.
Put your snowshoes on and walk with us into a white powder paradise where there are no trails and it's simply miles and miles of powdery wilderness in front of you. You'll access the beautiful winter backcountry with one of our professional guides the way the Banff National Park is meant to be experienced - as a mix of fun, challenge, and learning, combined with the simple enjoyment of being outside in nature.
Joining this Banff snowshoeing trip means being prepared for unusual challenges: Days may be beautiful with sun sparkling off of fresh snow or they may be very snowy with near whiteout conditions. On the beautiful days, Banff snowshoeing offers you memories of a sea of mountains in all directions. On days when the weather is "not so good" as we like to say, you'll head home with the sense of exhilaration and accomplishment that comes from a real experience - a real mountain winter day in Banff National Park!
Public Scheduled Tours
"We went on the snow shoeing trip today with Sam. It was fantastic. The best thing we’ve done on our trip. Sam was a great guide; very informative, encouraging and made everyone feel welcome. Thank you for a wonderful experience". - Jenny
private custom tours
Daily Departure (mid-November - early April)
The ultimate Snowshoe experience. Choose when and where you want to go, or let us build your itinerary based on your desired experience and level of activity.
faq
Can we bring our own snowshoes?
Though it is possible to bring your own snowshoes, our snowshoes are better suited for the deep soft snow we experience at Sunshine Meadows. Typical snowshoes you may find at your local sports shop or rental shop will be smaller, providing less floatation and making travel more difficult.
When should I make a reservation?
You can book your snowshoe tour online with us anytime up to 24 hours before program start. You can also give us a call in the morning to see if space is available and we will accommodate if we can.
Do I need any snowshoeing experience?
No prior experience with snowshoeing is required. If you know how to walk, then you know how to snowshoe. Keep in mind that you will have to widen your stance a bit and also snowshoes don't like to go backwards.
What fitness level is required for this snowshoeing adventure?
Our Snowshoe on Top of the World at Sunshine Meadows takes place at 2200m (about 8000ft) elevation, and weather is typically 10 degrees colder than at valley bottom. Factored in with the deep snowpack, we rate this program as requiring a moderate level of fitness. Our snowshoe program will typically have us travelling 3km (2 miles) through deep snow, which is roughly the equivalent of a 6km (4 mile) summer hike. As for strength and balance requirements we like to offer the 'chair test'. When moving from standing to seated position, if you are able to stop yourself an inch above the chair and return to standing without pain, then you are fit to snowshoe. This test ensures you are able to keep you weight on your toes when descending on the snowshoes. This is important as the cleat beneath your toes prevents sliding. If, on the other hand, you have to 'flop' into the chair, then it will be better to join us on an icewalk experience. Leaning back places weight on the heel of the snowshoe, which lifts the cleat off of the snow and turns the snowshoe into a ski.
Where do we go snowshoeing?
Our snowshoe tenure is located outside of Sunshine Village Ski Resort in British Columbia's Assiniboine Provincial Park. We access the area via Sunshine Village's gondola and chairlift system, which takes us to the summit of Standish Mountain at the edge of the area boundary. From here we leave the province of Alberta and step into beautiful British Columbia. Descending from treeline into Sunshine Meadows, we cross the frozen and snow-covered Rock Isle Lake, with expansive views of endless rolling terrain framed by some of the highest and most dramatic mountains in the Canadian Rockies. Climbing gently from the lake's edge, we gradually make our way back into the ski area where we descend again to reach the gondola top station for our return journey to the parking area.
How should I dress for snowshoeing?
We always recommend checking the local weather before joining this excursion and dressing accordingly. At a minimum, we require ski jacket and snowpants, as well as good winter boots, mitts and hat. Appropriate layers underneath including synthetic or merino wool base layer (cotton not recommended as it retains moisture and will leave you feeling cold). More thinner layers are better than one heavier layer, as you can adjust by adding or removing layers (layering also helps wick moisture away from the skin keeping you warmer and dry). A good warm pair of socks or two thinner pairs is advised, ensuring you still have room to wiggle your toes. Squeezing your feet into tight boots reduces blood flow and makes toes colder than a proper fit with thinner socks. Boots should be insulated, waterproof and cover at least the ankle.
Lastly, remember to care for your face, with goggles and facemask or buff a good idea on colder/windier days. Sunglasses and sunscreen are a good idea particularly as the sun gains strength as Spring approaches. UV light is stronger at higher elevation, and the snow has a multiplying effect.
Is this snowshoeing tour suitable for children?
Due to the high elevation, deep snow and potential for colder temperatures, we do not recommend our Snowshoe on Top of the World for children under 12 years of age. The remote nature of the terrain makes it difficult to turn around if clients find it too challenging. For children under 12, we recommend hiring one of our private guides for a lower elevation snowshoe program where we can start our snowshoe right from the parking area. Give us a call or email for information on private group snowshoe options.
Is it safe to go snowshoeing?
Snowshoeing is a safe way to enjoy the best of winter in the Canadian Rockies. It is easy to learn, low impact and offers a unique way to explore nature with family and friends. Our guides are experts in terrain selection and avoid any terrain at risk of avalanche. In addition, all guides are trained in wilderness first aid. Greatest risk is in exposure to cold, which is why we reserve the right to refuse service if we feel clients are not dressed appropriately for conditions, or if weather conditions are deemed too cold to proceed safely.
Should I pack a lunch?
Hot chocolate and fresh-baked cookies are included with your snowshoe program. We recommend eating before your tour begins rather than bringing your lunch with you. You are welcome to bring your own food and non-alcoholic drink with you, as there is time to enjoy your lunch on the drive as well as during the 20minute gondola ride.