More than 30 local businesses in Banff, Alberta, are currently participating in a town-wide hot chocolate trail to help draw in more visitors during the winter season. The event is a major part of the annual SnowDays festival and will run until February 8, 2026.
Organized by Banff & Lake Louise Tourism, the Hot Chocolate Trail allows people to visit different cafes and restaurants to try unique cocoa recipes. Residents and tourists can find participating shops by using a digital map or picking up a paper guide at the visitor centre on Banff Avenue.
This year, the trail is focusing on reducing waste by using the Banff Borrows reusable cup program, where people can borrow a mug instead of using a disposable one. Local spots such as the Lake Louise Inn and Good Earth Coffeehouse are participating, according to Banff & Lake Louise Tourism.
The project is designed to turn people watching the outdoor ice carvings and snow sculptures into customers for local shops during the slower winter months. Industry partners at SkiBig3 noted that the trail adds a warm activity for visitors to enjoy while they explore the town’s winter attractions.
