BHAG : Flannel Shirts and Frozen Waterfalls in Banff Canada

There is a quiet kind of magic in Banff during winter.

You feel it the moment you step onto Banff Avenue. Snow crunches softly underfoot, the air is crisp and invigorating, and the mountains loom above like ancient guardians.

Every shopfront is dusted with snow, warm lights glowing through frosted windows. I can see why people call this the spiritual heart of the Canadian Rockies.

It feels alive, peaceful and full of promise.

But as I stroll along the avenue in my light travel gear, it becomes pretty clear that I am not quite dressed for the season. The locals all wear thick flannels and layered winter gear, looking effortlessly rugged and right at home.

That is my cue. I duck into a charming little store called the Rocky Mountain Flannel Company.

Inside, it is a sea of colour and comfort—thick cotton shirts in rich reds, greens and blues, all perfectly suited for this alpine setting.

I try one on and it fits like a warm hug. I walk out in a deep forest green flannel and suddenly, I feel like I belong.

Looking for a better view of the place, I head toward the Banff Gondola.

In eight minutes, I am soaring 700 metres up Sulphur Mountain, with panoramic views opening up beneath me.

The higher we climb, the smaller Banff becomes, like a charming patchwork of rooftops set against a backdrop of endless peaks.

At the summit, I step onto the observation deck and the scenery takes my breath away.

Snow covered ranges stretch in every direction.

Six distinct mountain ranges all rolling out beneath a winter sky. It is silent, powerful and absolutely awe inspiring.

But I want to see more, and from ground level.

So I sign up for the Johnston Canyon IceWalk, one of the most iconic experiences in Banff National Park.

I meet my guide, Andy, in town, and we hit the road along the Bow Valley Parkway.

This winding drive is a highlight in itself, framed by towering evergreens and snow dusted cliffs.

We are lucky enough to spot an elk grazing in a meadow beside the road, majestic and totally unbothered by our presence.

Seeing wildlife in their natural habitat like that is something I will never forget.

At the canyon, I gear up with micro spikes, a must for the icy terrain, and we set off.

The trail leads us along steel catwalks suspended above a frozen creek, with sheer canyon walls rising up on either side.

The deeper we go, the quieter it gets. The only sound is the soft scrape of cleats against packed snow.

Ice forms shimmering blue curtains along the walls, and the waterfalls have frozen mid cascade, caught in time.

After about two kilometres, we reach the end point, a dramatic cavern framing a waterfall that has transformed into a sculpture of ice and mist. It is like stepping into another world.

With my cheeks flushed from the hike and my legs pleasantly tired, I head back into Banff for a well earned meal.

At Park Distillery, I warm up beside the fire with a locally crafted drink and one of their famous bison burgers. Rich, juicy and packed with flavour, it is the perfect end to a day that has been as scenic as it has been satisfying.

Banff in winter is like nowhere else. From flannel shirts and frozen waterfalls to sweeping summit views and unforgettable wildlife encounters, every moment is a memory waiting to be made.

Part 1 of Adam’s Canadian adventures airs 7pm Friday in Better Homes and Gardens