How to Pack for Banff in the Winter

Taking in the views at the summit of Sulphur Mountain.

Here is your full list and tips and tricks on How to Pack for Banff in the Winter!

Banff in November is a fun mountain destination to visit! Most places are quiet with a lot more of a local feel and everything is covered in snow! Banff is really beautiful in November. Pretty much all of the activities and sightseeing you will do in Banff is outdoors. Bringing the correct gear and dressing appropriately will make all the difference on your experience in Banff in November.

I spent six days in Banff National Park where I explored the mountains, lakes, glaciers, canyons, breweries and so much more, it was a blast. After spending the majority of my trip outdoors I came up with a full packing list for Banff. The temperatures in November can get very cold, you want to pack accordingly.

Here is my November Banff packing list that will help you pack for the weather and all the outdoor activities you are going to do!

Let’s get into it-

How to Pack for Banff in the Winter

Clothes

Bring the warmest clothes you have! Temperatures get very cold here, you have to dress accordingly or you will be freezing.

Winter coat- parka or ski coat (the warmest coat you have)
Snow pants
Thermal layers (tops + bottoms)
Fleece zip-up
Wool sweater
Flannels
Jeans
Leggings
Overalls
Long sleeve shirts
Sweatpants/joggers
Bathing suit
Pjs
Underwear
Bras
Socks (make sure to bring some warm ones!)
Neck warmer (balaclava)
Scarf
Beanies
Liner gloves (get the liner touchscreen gloves so you fingers don’t freeze when you use your phone outside)
Mittens

Riding the Banff Gondola up Sulphur Mountain.

Shoes

Bring a pair of winter hiking boots, ones that are very comfortable since this is what you will mainly be wearing all day everyday. Be sure to find a insulated pair that are waterproof. I wore my hiking boots to do everything in while in Banff; exploring downtown, on small hikes, to and from the ski resort, etc.

Winter hiking boots! – something waterproof, warm + comfy to wear all day everyday. I wore my Danner boots everywhere and I was really happy with how comfortable, waterproof and warm they were.
Teva reember– comfy shoes to change into at the end of the day.

Toiletries

The air is dry here! Be sure to bring face moisturizer, body lotion and chapstick.

Pick up all carry-on size (3oz or less) toiletries if you bring only a carry-on. This is what we did and had plenty of everything.

Moisturizer
Body lotion
Deodorant
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Chapstick
Makeup
Shampoo
Conditioner
Body wash
Face wash/face wipes
Face sunscreen
Med kit
Medicine
Vitamins

Photographing the Canadian Rockies with a 35mm film camera.

Electronics

Are you into photography? Bring your cameras with you to Banff! There are some pretty incredible places to shoot, you will have a lot of fun.

DSLR camera
35mm film camera
Polaroid camera
GoPro
Phone chargers
Camera chargers
Extra film
Extra SD cards
Headphones

Miscellaneous

Wallet: license, credit card, debit card, insurance card, cash, passport
Purse/fanny pack
Backpack
Book
Pens
Hand sanitizer
Hand + toe warmers
Ski goggles
Liquid IV
Snacks
Water bottle

Lake Louise gondola with mountains in the background.

What size luggage should you use?

When packing for your trip to Banff consider only taking a carry-on bag and personal item, even in the winter! Not checking a bag makes your travel days so much easier.

When you pack your carry-on, use packing cubes to keep everything organized.

Wear your most bulky items (boots + winter coat) on the plane so they don’t take up room in your bag.

Use your backpack for things like: book, toiletries, cameras, snacks, etc. I then like to use a fanny pack to hold my important travel documents, cards, cash and cellphone in for easy access and safe keeping.

Packing for a trip is exciting because it means it’s almost time for your new adventure!

When you pack for Banff, try and think about how much use you can get out of each item of clothing before throwing it into your suitcase. Don’t overpack…you are going to be bundled up most days so no need to have multiple outfit changes.

Other than for pajamas, I never wore a short sleeve shirt because it was simply too cold. Layers are you friend in Banff, pack smart so you can re-use and re-wear different layers each day.

Have you visited Banff in the cold winter months before? If so, do you think there is anything else I should add to this list? Let me know in the comments below!

Thanks for being here! 😊🥾🌲🏔️

How to Pack for Banff in the Winter