Experience the Magic of Banff and Lake Louise’s Enchanting Winter Festival!

Canadians truly understand how to maximize their winter experience, and few places achieve this as well as Banff and the beautiful Lake Louise. Experience firsthand the excitement of the winter season at the forthcoming annual SnowDays festival. Spanning from Jan. 17 to Feb. 2, the festival highlights all the aspects that make winter so extraordinary. Regardless of your age — or your ability to endure the cold — you are certain to discover something enjoyable.

The festival includes a diverse range of activities, such as ice climbing, snowshoeing, and sleigh rides, all set against the unparalleled backdrop of Banff National Park. The kickoff event features what might be the world’s most exceptional winter sport: skijoring. A favorite among festival attendees, you will observe skiers and snowboarders being towed over jumps in a thrilling display of equestrian skills and skiing tricks.

This year, the Hub will present a new ‘Weekend of Wonder’ running from Jan. 24 to 26, featuring crafts, workshops, and performers. Nearby, Central Park will host an upgraded Play Zone with fat biking, curling, hockey shots, and more. Another major attraction at this year’s festival is Ice Magic, which displays remarkable ice carving talents. The theme at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise this year is Nature’s Whisper, reflecting the stunning natural scenery of the area. In Banff, artists will create ice sculptures embodying the theme Hidden Treasures.

“SnowDays is an ideal opportunity to book a night’s stay in our winter paradise. With numerous free activities offered, it ensures fantastic value. Gather your family and enjoy a wide array of winter experiences, alongside this year’s thrilling festival program,” states Kristina Macdonald, Director of Experience Development & Events at Banff & Lake Louise Tourism.

Here are just a few of SnowDays’ key highlights:

Skijoring

Skijor Canada teams (composed of a horse, rider, and slider) will race down a track showcasing their skill, speed, and style, reaching velocities of up to 30 miles per hour. Be sure to arrive early, as both sitting and standing areas at the event fill up quickly.

Where: Banff Avenue between Caribou and Wolf Street for the main show.

When: Jan. 18 and 19 from 2 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.

Price: Free

Snow Sculptures

Snow sculptures rank among the most favored elements of SnowDays, and visitors are bound to be astounded by the extraordinary talent showcased. Leading ice-carving artists will inspire you as they create intricately detailed, imaginative designs from seven large blocks of snow. Discover the pathway of stunning sculptures extending from Bear Street to Central Park.

Where: Downtown Banff

When: Watch live snow sculpture carving from Jan. 17–20 and 21-23. Take a leisurely stroll through the finished gallery of works from Jan. 24 to Feb. 2.

Play Zone at Central Park

For this year’s festival, Play Zone shifts from the Banff High School field to Central Park. Join us to enjoy an exciting variety of winter activities.

Where: Central Park

When: Thurs. 4 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., Fri. & Sat. 12 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Price: Free

Weekend Of Wonder

The Weekend of Wonder represents a brand-new feature of the celebrations. It’s an all-ages, three-day carnival on Bear Street. There will be numerous activities, and children can even attempt ice carving with Little Chippers. Meet sled dogs, snap pictures at the photo booth, and more.

Where: Bear Street

When: Jan. 24-26, Fri. and Sat. 12 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Price: Free

Snownights

SnowDays does not conclude with the setting sun. Enjoy evening activities such as Nightrise at the Banff Gondola, nighttime ice walks, and more.

Where: Across Banff and Lake Louise

When: Jan. 17 – Feb. 2

Price: Varies

Ice Magic

Lake Louise transforms into an ice sculpture marvel with the return of Ice Magic at the iconic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.

Where: Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

When: Jan. 29-Feb. 2 from 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. for sculpture viewings and live carving exhibitions throughout the day

Price: Tickets are available for guests from participating Banff and Lake Louise hotels.