The enchanting Banff National Park lays the magic on thick for Christmases in Lake Louise, where you'll feel like you've fallen into a snow globe. Jingling sleigh rides, scenic skating and hockey on the frozen lake and gala dinners by the dozen are just a few of the festive treats on offer.
No need to fret over December snow, a high ski area (most over 2000m) is usually covered by December, and the ever-white Sunshine Village, another world famous ski area, is literally a bus ride down the road.
If your little elves have made it onto Santa's “nice” list this year, make their dreams come true and stay at the colossal Fairmont Chateau, where there's usually no end to activities like Christmas cookie decorating, gingerbread house making, festive workshops, choir practices, story time, a board game menu and a visit from Santa on the 24th.
Meanwhile, Banff's just a bus ride away for “parades of light”, carollers, ice carving stations and all the loud forms of ceremony that our friends across the pond do best.
Christmas Snow History
Top alt:2,637m
Average snow depth
Christmas101cm
Bottom alt:1,646m
Average snow depth
Christmas78cm
Resort alt:1,646m
Christmas ski rating