8 Must-Visit Events in Banff and Lake Louise

From winter festivals and ice carving competitions to summer markets and cultural gatherings, Banff and Lake Louise host unforgettable events all year long. Set in the heart of Banff National Park, these signature festivals bring the mountains to life, inviting visitors to experience local culture, outdoor adventure, food, and art in every season.

Whether you’re planning a winter getaway or a summer holiday in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, this curated list highlights the must‑visit events in Banff and Lake Louise worth building your trip around. Grab your calendar and start planning, these iconic festivals and celebrations showcase the very best of Banff and Lake Louise.

1. Discover the SnowDays Festival

When: January - February 2026

Each January, Banff and Lake Louise transforms into a winter wonderland during the SnowDays Festival. From captivating sculptures to exhilarating events, this festival offers a unique blend of artistry and adventure.

Snow Sculptures

• Throughout downtown Banff, discover larger-than-life snow sculptures crafted by talented artists. These masterpieces are illuminated at night, providing you with an even more magical experience.

Skijoring

• Experience the thrill of Skijoring on Banff Avenue, where skiers are pulled by horses through a course of jumps and obstacles. This event showcases the fusion of Alberta's equestrian heritage with its ski culture.

SnowNights

• As the sun sets, SnowNights comes alive. You can see bright snow and ice sculptures. There are special dining experiences and fun evening activities.

Weekend of Wonder

• Held on Bear Street, the Weekend of Wonder offers hands-on-crafts, science workshops, and enchanting performances, making it a family-friendly highlight of the festival.

Ice Magic

• At Lake Louise, the Ice Magic event features world-class ice carvers creating stunning sculptures against the backdrop of the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. This ticketed event is accessible to guests staying at participating hotels.

Bear Street Hub

• The Bear Street Hub is the heart of the festival, offering live entertainment from local artists, warm firepits, and a cozy vibrant atmosphere from local shops and restaurants.

Tribute - Craft Food and Drink Celebration

• Tribute is a two-day celebration of cocktails and cuisine held on Bear Street during Banff’s annual SnowDays Festival. This vibrant event brings together the region’s top local distilleries and restaurants, offering a unique opportunity to sip, sample, and savour in the heart of winter.

SnowDays Play Zone

• Located in Banff Central Park, the SnowDays Play Zone offers family-friendly activities such as hockey shot, fat biking, and curling. It's a hub of winter fun for all ages.

Art of Ice: Carving Competition

• Bear Street comes alive as 12 world‑class ice carvers transform massive blocks of ice into stunning sculptures for the Art of Ice: Carving Competition. The weekend features live carving, head‑to‑head Ice Battles, and thrilling speed‑carving competitions, celebrating creativity, skill, and winter artistry in the heart of Banff.

Read the Ultimate Guide to the SnowDays Festival

2. Explore Nightrise at the Banff Gondola

When: November, 2025 - March, 2026

Where: Banff Gondola, 100 Mountain Ave, Banff, AB

An after-dark multimedia experience on top of Sulphur Mountain, Nightrise was developed alongside the Stoney Nakoda Nation.

Experience the sounds, lighting, video projections, and other immersive elements that turn the familiar peaks into something new.

Enjoy the sunset, dine atop the mountain, and watch Nightrise transform the summit.

3. Flying Canoë Volant

When: February 26 - March 1, 2026

Where: Banff Central Park

Flying Canoë Volant arrives in Banff for the first time, transforming Central Park into a vibrant winter festival of light, culture, and storytelling.

Inspired by The Flying Canoe legend and French Canadian, First Nations, and Métis traditions, the event invites you to explore illuminated pathways, interactive art installations, and live music, storytelling, and cultural performances that bring winter to life. Step inside Tipis and a Trapper’s tent for Indigenous and Francophone‑Métis programming, and experience an immersive 360° projection dome that reimagines the legend.

Join us for a luminous celebration of culture, community, and winter wonder.

4. The Banff Half Marathon

When: Race site opens at 7am, June 14, 2026

Where: Start line at Bow Ave, Banff, AB

The Banff Half Marathon is one of the planet’s most incredible and beautiful running experiences.

This incredible event winds through some of the most iconic landscapes in Banff National Park.

The event hosts a half-marathon and a 10k run. Will you challenge yourself this year?

Register now to lock in your spot to run through the mountains today.

5. Banff Pride

When: October 2026

In early October, the charming Banff townsite transforms into a hub of vibrant celebrations. Live music, dazzling drag shows, a bustling Pride Market, and an enlightening Speaker Series are lined up, along with loads of fun indoor and outdoor activities.

In 2022, Gay Travel recognized Banff as one of the world's top destinations for LGBTQ2S+ travel. Banff’s sense of belonging comes from its mountain town core and its passionate welcoming community. It’s this connection between people, place, and nature that gives Banff its welcoming feel.

This recognition isn't just a nod; it's a heartfelt acknowledgment of Banff's dedication to providing a space where visitors can wholeheartedly be themselves.

You can learn about the history of Banff Pride and the people involved in our article.

6. Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival

When: October 31 - November 8, 2026

Where: Banff Centre for Arts & Creativity, 107 St Julien Road, Banff, AB

The Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival started in 1976. Local climbers and skiers wanted to celebrate between seasons.

Since then, it has grown into one of the biggest mountain film festivals in the world.

Join filmmakers, artists, authors, athletes, and enthusiastic fans for the nine-day celebration of adventure at Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival.

7. Taste for Adventure

When: October 22 - November 5, 2026

Banff and Lake Louise are brimming with ways to pair dinner and adventure this October and November. Whether your idea of the perfect Fall activity is reaching the summit of a mountain or relaxing in a natural hot spring, all are best enjoyed by indulging your taste buds with a comforting local meal at day’s end.

From late October to early November, Taste for Adventure is back at participating restaurants in Banff National Park. This unique foodie event elevates and celebrates the cuisine of your favourite local restaurants in the heart of the Canadian Rockies.

From long‑standing Banff favourites to newer, chef‑driven eateries, participating restaurants highlight ingredients, techniques, and stories shaped by mountain life, whether that’s après‑inspired comfort food, alpine‑influenced fine dining, or creative takes on regional classics.

Get a taste for our vibrant food scene here in Banff and Lake Louise, where world-class dining meets world-class adventure.

8. Christmas in Banff and Lake Louise

In Banff and Lake Louise, the holidays come alive with a diverse lineup of festive shows, events and gatherings for all, from sipping and sampling along the Hot Chocolate Trail to the classic In Search of Christmas Spirit, and browsing local artisans at the Banff Christmas Market. Together, these experiences highlight the community spirit, creativity and mountain charm that define the festive season in Banff National Park.

Hot Chocolate Trail

• From mid November explore the Hot Chocolate Trail in Banff and Lake Louise, featuring more than 30 cafés and restaurants serving limited‑time festive hot chocolates, ranging from classic favourites to creative holiday flavours.
  
  Sip sustainably by enjoying your drink in‑house or bringing your own reusable mug, with the Banff Borrows program available for on‑the‑go cups.

In Search of Christmas Spirit

• Experience the magic of Christmas in Banff and Lake Louise with In Search of Christmas Spirit. Be sure to book your tickets for select dates from November 13 - December 31. Wander through the Cascade of Time Garden on a charming outdoor journey illuminated by twinkling lights, where the animals of Banff National Park bring a heartwarming Christmas story to life. It’s a captivating way to feel the true spirit of the season in a stunning mountain setting.

Banff Christmas Market

• The Banff Christmas Market brings the charm and romance of European holiday markets to the Canadian Rockies, set against the historic Banff train station and complete with festive touches like a tree‑lighting ceremony and visits from Santa.
  
  Wander through festive stalls filled with artisanal, locally inspired gifts, perfect for finding a special present or a keepsake for yourself.
  
  With seasonal entertainment and delicious holiday treats, this market is a delightful way to kick off your Christmas celebrations. Be sure to visit the market from November 19 - December 13 on Fridays, Saturdays or Sundays!

Many Banff events continue into the New Year’s.

Plan Your Trip Around Must‑Visit Events in Banff and Lake Louise

No matter when you visit, events in Banff and Lake Louise add a unique layer to every trip, turning a mountain getaway into a memorable shared experience. From world‑class winter festivals and culinary celebrations to vibrant arts events, these must‑visit events showcase everything Banff and Lake Louise have to offer.

Use this list as inspiration to plan your Banff and Lake Louise itinerary around the events that speak to you. Pair festival weekends with outdoor adventures, scenic sightseeing, and local dining to make the most of your time in Banff National Park. For dates, travel tips, and more ideas to build your trip, explore upcoming events and start planning your stay today.