Discover the Magic of Banff’s SnowDays

Every January, SnowDays Festival brings the wonders of winter to Banff and Lake Louise. Picture: snow and ice sculptures, hot chocolate by a campfire, family-friendly activities and horse-drawn ski jumpers! SnowDays is the quintessential Canadian experience you’ve been looking for.

Expanded this year to three weekends, SnowDays is a great reason to extend your winter itinerary in Alberta. Enjoy the festival during a stay in Banff National Park or as a day trip from nearby Canmore or Calgary. You might want to come back more than once!

Here’s what’s in store at this year’s SnowDays festival, happening January 19 - February 4, 2024.

Note: Events are free when not indicated as ticketed.

Spectacular sculptures

Two events at SnowDays showcase the artistic talents of Canadian and international sculptors. You’ll be amazed at the creations that come out of a block of ice or snow.

Ice Magic returns to Lake Louise (January 26-28 & February 2-4, 2024, ticketed). Watch sculptors in action on the first weekend and view their masterpieces on the second, with the postcard-perfect mountains of Lake Louise as your backdrop. The nighttime ticketed event allows you to stroll through illuminated displays and marvel at this unique frozen gallery.

Snow Sculptures come alive in downtown Banff throughout the festival. Visit Banff Avenue Square, Banff High School Field, the Whyte Museum and Bear Street to view these larger-than-life outdoor creations. Sculptors will be in action for the first week (January 19-25, 2024) as they carve, cut and smooth their ideas to reality. Come back later in the festival to see the completed pieces! Sculptures will be up until February 4 (weather-permitting).

Skijoring with style

Giddy up! Here’s where Alberta’s wrangler roots meet its world-renowned ski culture. Head down to Banff Avenue on January 20, 2024, for one of the most popular and exhilarating events of SnowDays: Skijoring! In this enthralling event, athletes and horses from Skijor Canada pair up for an impressive exhibit of horse-riding, trick-riding and ski stunts. You’ve never seen anything like this.

Family fun

The SnowDays Play Zone (Banff High School Field, Wednesdays to Sundays) is specially designed to maximize fun for kids. They’ll get their fill of fresh air through activities that embrace the joys of winter, including tobogganing and fat biking. The Play Zone is close to other SnowDays venues in Banff, making it easy to fit into your family’s festival plans.

Waivers will be required upon entry, and kids under the age of 5 must wear a helmet. Bring one or rent one (limited quantities available). Squeals of joy are optional, but highly recommended!

Live on Bear Street

Enjoy live entertainment? Take a stroll down Bear Street throughout SnowDays (4:00-8:00 p.m. daily on select nights). From live music by regional artists to circus acts, street performers and stilt walkers, the Bear Street Live Entertainment is the perfect activity after your day’s adventures.

Grab a hot cocoa and savour this magical environment as dusk takes over, lights flicker on, and the gallery of giant snow sculptures is lit up. Take in a performance, then make your way to one of Banff’s fabulous eateries.

Winter fun beyond SnowDays

The winter adventure doesn’t end with SnowDays! In Banff and Lake Louise, you have access to a wide range of world-class activities suitable for all ages and abilities.

• For skiing and snowboarding, choose from three local ski areas — Mount Norquay, Sunshine Village and Lake Louise Ski Resort — then take in some of the world’s finest après-ski offerings, from discounted appetizers to craft beers.
• Tubing is fun for the whole family and available at Mount Norquay or Lake Louise.
• Dreaming of ice skating? Enjoy a maintained rink with gorgeous views at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise or the Banff Train Station.
• Biking in winter? Join a Guided E-Fat Biking Tour to enjoy some two-wheeled winter fun.
• Banff and Lake Louise have diverse trails for both snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, for all levels of experience (equipment rentals are available). Guided snowshoe tours are also an option.
• Sit back under a warm blanket and enjoy the ride with either a fairytale-like sleigh ride or dog sled experience.

Warm-up activities

Ready to warm up after a day of play? Check out some of these options for indoor enjoyment.

• Find a hot drink at a local café.
• Take in local history and culture at one of the area’s historic sites, museums or galleries.
• Recharge with a soak at the Banff Upper Hot Springs or one of Banff’s spas.

No matter how you experience it, SnowDays is a chance to play and rediscover the inner child through classic Canadian winter activities in one of the country’s most scenic areas.

For a full event listing and more information on winter activities, visit the SnowDays Festival website.