Now that 2025 is winding down, we’ve been reflecting on the year, and one moment keeps coming to mind: the adventure of a lifetime in Banff, Alberta, this past January, finally witnessing skijoring among the snowy peaks of Rundle, Sulphur, Cascade, and Tunnel Mountains. For the record, we’ve been obsessed by this sport ever since discovering it on TikTok, and seeing it in person: with the horses gliding across the snow, skiers racing behind, truly felt like stepping into a whole different world, where the crisp mountain air, the drama of the mountain backdrop and we cannot forget about the fashion. 

Getting There

We like to think the journey is just as memorable as the destination, and this trip was no exception. After landing in Calgary, we faced the choice most travelers do: a rental or a shuttle to Banff (about 1.5 hour drive). We opted for the shuttle and in true Kleinknecht fashion, almost missed it, distracted by a round of celebratory welcome shots. The ride itself, winding through the valleys and framed by the towering mountains, only heightened the anticipation. 

Where to Stay

Banff has no shortage of incredible places to stay, but since we knew skijoring would be happening right on the main thoroughfare, we decided being in the heart of the action was the way to go. We chose the Mount Royal Hotel, which turned out to be perfect - just steps from the excitement, within walking distance of shops, bars, and restaurants, and with its own restaurant and rooftop hot tub to unwind after being outside all day. If you’re planning a trip, here’s a curated list of our top stay recommendations to help you make the most of your time in town.

• Mount Royal Hotel
• The Rimrock Resort Hotel
• Fairmont Banff Springs
• Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
• The Malcolm Hotel
• Juniper Hotel
• Tommy’s Neighborhood Bar

Coffee

One of the first things we look for on any trip is a great spot for morning coffee, and Banff did not disappoint. Our favorite find was Little Wild Coffee where the vanilla latte was, without exaggeration, absolute perfection. The warm, cozy atmosphere was the perfect way to start each morning. For anyone planning a visit, we’ve put together a list of our top coffee spots in town to help start your days just as beautifully.

• Little Wild Coffee & Gelato
• Whitebark Cafe
• Banff Roasting Company
• Evelyn’s Coffee Bar
• Mountain Folk Coffee Co.
• Wild Flour Bakery

Lunch, Dinner & Drinks

We spent plenty of time researching Banff’s dining scene, wanting to make the most of each meal. Our first lunch was at Farm & Fire, where the food was fresh and unfussy, and a round of midday Jameson shots did exactly what they were meant to - warming us up for an afternoon outdoors. No Banff dining story would be complete without Sky Bistro, perched at the summit of Sulphur Mountain and reached by gondola; the journey alone makes it memorable, and the sweeping views are more than worth it. 

Another standout was fondue at Waldhaus, a cozy, German-inspired restaurant tucked away at the Fairmont Banff Springs. Getting there felt like a little adventure of its own, made easier by the hotel’s shuttle, which we happily accepted. After long days out in the cold, most evenings ended at Tommy’s Neighborhood Bar, a local hangout that quickly became our go-to. No matter where you go, make sure to order The Shaft, Banff’s signature boozy iced coffee made with vodka, coffee liqueur, and espresso. Below, we’ve rounded up our favorite spots for dining, drinks, and lunches to help you plan your own time in Banff.

• Farm & Fire
• Brazen
• WALDHAUS
• Three Bears Brewery & Restaurant
• Anejo Restaurant
• Lakeview Lounge
• Rose & Crown
• Park Distillery & Bar
• Rundle Bar at Fairmont Springs
• Tommy’s Neighborhood Bar
• Sky Bistro

Things to do in Banff during the Winter

There are countless ways to fill a day in Banff, but we have to start with the reason we came in the first place. Skijoring takes over the town during Banff’s annual SnowDays Festival, when teams of athletes and horses from Skijor Canada arrive for two days of breathtaking competition - horse-riding, trick riding, and ski stunts unfolding right along the main street. Just as striking as the sport itself is the style: athletes and spectators alike show up dressed to the nines in unapologetic, Euro-trash-meets-Western fashion, complete with oversized furs, bold prints, and statement pieces that feel perfectly at home against the snow. Beyond skijoring, our days were filled with equally memorable experiences: a quiet sleigh ride through the valleys with hot apple cider in hand, and a gondola ride up the mountain that felt less like transportation and more like an event in its own right. Below, we’ve gathered our favorite activities and experiences to help you plan your own Banff itinerary.

• Gondola up Sulphur Mountain
• Skijor Canada
• SnowDays Festival
• See the Northern Lights
• Snowmobiling
• Dog Sledding
• Skiing & Snowboarding
• Banff Upper Hot Springs
• Horse drawn sleigh ride
• Christmas Market (during the holidays)

• Horse drawn sleigh ride

Banff delivered exactly what we hoped for, and it’s already a place we’re eager to return to. What makes it special is how much it changes with the seasons - winter and summer feel like entirely different experiences, and a warm-weather trip is already on our list. If you want to see how this journey actually unfolded - from the events to the outfits, landscapes, and everything in between, you can watch our full Banff episode on YouTube, where we documented the trip from start to finish.