The Ultimate Guide to SnowDays Festival in Banff and Lake Louise

Winter in the Canadian Rockies has a special kind of sparkle. From the heart of Banff National Park, the deep weeks of winter bring crisp air, snow-capped mountainscapes, and an exciting lineup of celebrations that turns the Banff townsite and Lake Louise village into one big reason to stay out a little longer.

SnowDays Festival is a month-long celebration, running from January 16 to February 8, 2026. This winter festival is packed with unique “winter in the mountains” activities and experiences you’ll only find in Banff and Lake Louise.

What's in the Guide:

• Skijoring in Banff: On the first weekend of the SnowDays Festival, watch trick skiiers pulled by horses hit big jumps on Banff Avenue during an exhilarating 90-minute show.
• Weekend of Wonder: Hands-on learning and experiential snow-based and Indigenous activities.
• TRIBUTE Banff: A celebration of the best craft food and drinks from the region.
• Ice Magic: An exclusive Ice Sculpture garden on the shores of Lake Louise.
• Art of Ice Carving Competition: Ice battles and carving competitions make up this new SnowDays event on Bear Street.
• SnowNights: Special evening events taking place throughout Banff and Lake Louise during SnowDays.
• SnowDays Play Zone: Fire pits, hockey, curling, snow sports, and so much more that kids (and kids at heart) will love.
• Bear Street Hub: Live entertainment on Bear Street amongst the snow sculptures.
• Snow Sculptures: Massive snow blocks are transformed into awe-inspiring art.
• Hot Chocolate Trail: Indulge in specialty hot chocolates throughout Banff and Lake Louise.

Looking for things to do in Banff this January and February? Don’t miss out on this once-a-year winter festival when planning your trip!

SnowDays Festival brings fresh events over four weeks, making it perfect for multi-night or multi-trip visits. Pick one weekend, or stitch together a few key events you want to experience to plan the ultimate winter getaway with SnowDays.

Skijoring in Banff

• When: January 17-18, 2026
• Time: Main Show at 2pm
• Where: Banff High School Field, gates open at 12:30pm
• Tickets: This event is FREE, no ticket required

Skijoring starts this Banff winter festival with energy and action. It's a locals-and-visitors favourite that turns downtown Banff into a two-day, action-packed show! With horse hooves clomping enthusiastically through the snow, athletes performing gravity-defying tricks, and the whoops and cheers of a decked-out crowd, it’s no wonder that this event packs the streets year after year.

What is Skijoring?

Skijoring has roots in traditional Norwegian travel, with Nordic skiers historically travelling snowy distances with a harnessed reindeer. Today, skijoring is practiced across the world as a competitive sport wherein a horse, dog, or motor vehicle pulls a person on skis.

In Banff, Skijoring is part of the history, as it was part of the original Winter Carnival. Today, Skijor Canada brings this playful skier-rider-horse combo to the crowds.

Together, athletes and horses put on an exhilarating skijor show, including trick riding and stunt skiing, while the spectators get gussied up in full Western attire.

Where to Watch Skijoring in Banff?

The show takes place on Banff Ave, but the best viewing experience is at the Banff High School field.

Gates open at 12:30pm, the Skijor Canada pre-show is at 1pm, and the big show starts at 2pm. There will be large screens to view the action up close, bleachers, and a bring-your-own-chair zone.

The viewing party will have limited capacity, so ensure to arrive when the gates open to get your spot. If you can't get into the best viewing experience, grab a front-seat view at any of these local hotspots that are live-streaming the event:

• Melissa's Restaurant & Bar
• The Moxy
• Rose & Crown
• Elk & Oarsman Restaurant & Sports Bar
• The Canadian Brewhouse
• PARK Distillery Restaurant + Bar
• Bear Street Tavern
• Three Bears Brewery & Restaurant
• The Eddie Burger + Bar
• High Rollers Bowling & Pizza
• The Dusty Boot

You’re welcome to watch from the sidelines along Banff Ave but, for everyone’s safety, anyone blocking the sidewalks will be asked to move along. To make sure you catch all the excitement without interruption, head to the Banff High School field or join one of the live-streaming parties.

Here for the weekend? Make skijoring your key daytime event, then add in a slower-paced activity to wind down the day with SnowNights. More on that below!

What to Wear to Skijor? (Hint: Think Western Wear meets Vintage Ski)

Skijor style blends western heritage with vintage ski charm, and a big part of the fun is putting your own personality into it. Daytime temperatures in January in Banff average from –5°C to –15°C, so start with warm layers, a solid jacket, and the winter essentials that keep you comfortable outside all day.

Once you’re set for the weather, you can play with the look as much as you like. Western staples such as cowboy boots, wide-brim hats, fringe and denim pair beautifully with maximalist winter pieces like bold knits, retro ski layers and fur or faux-fur coats. It’s an eclectic mix that feels right at home in the mountains.

You can even elevate your look day-of and get a custom hat for the shows. Check out The Custom Hat Creation Event at Big Bear Trading Co. and the custom hat burning at the Fat Ox.

There’s no right or wrong way to dress, just an opportunity to tap into the playful, slightly over‑the‑top spirit that makes Skijor so memorable.

And if you really lean in, keep an eye out because spotters at Banff High School Field will be searching for standout outfits to feature in the halftime fashion show, with some great prizes up for grabs.

Travel Tip: The vibes of the crowds are half the fun! Embrace the energy and create Instagram-worthy moments by stepping into true Western style. Pick up your cowboy boots, belt buckle bling, and more by stopping in to The Trail Rider Store, Banff Western Outfitters, Alberta Boot Co., or Brims and Things.

Weekend of Wonder in Banff

• When: January 22 – 25, 2026
• Where: Bear Street
• Tickets: This event is FREE, some components are ticketed

You’ve seen some of the SnowDays creations in action. Now it’s time to try your hand at these winter activities for yourself!

Weekend of Wonder is held on Bear Street and brings a stacked schedule of family-friendly activities, with educational and experiential tents, and a ton of outdoor activities.

Expect hands-on activities, including ice-carving stations, Indigenous science demonstrations, dance tutorials (barn dancing or Indigenous traditional dancing), and kid-friendly film screenings from the Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival.

Travel Tip: Keep the kids happy by breaking up morning and afternoon activities. There are plenty of cozy bakeries and restaurants nearby to warm up with a midday reset.

TRIBUTE Banff

• When: January 30 - 31, 2026
• Where: Bear Street
• Times: Friday 4pm - 9:30pm & Saturday 12pm - 9:30pm
• Tickets: $30

TRIBUTE Banff is a craft food and drink event that features some of the region's best.

Over the last weekend of January, Bear Street transforms into an open-air festival-meets-market tasting experience featuring local restaurants and distilleries.

Sample flavours from several restaurants, bars, and distilleries, plus a brewery. They’re all putting their best flavours forward, designed to impress and delight the taste buds. 

The market also features live bar demonstrations, crackling fire pits, a live DJ, and an upbeat downtown atmosphere, where it all comes together to create the winter version of patio season. 

This event is open to all ages and brings together visitors and locals alike.

TRIBUTE is an easy reason to stay an extra night or two or three in Banff. Enjoy the festival to its fullest before heading back to your hotel. Most accommodation in Banff is an easy walk or bus ride away.

Travel Tip: Be sure to dress in warm layers and boots for this open-air event. Take your time between tastings to fully enjoy this outdoor experience and stay comfortable all through the day and night.

Ice Magic 

Every winter, the shores of Lake Louise transform into an impressive outdoor collection of frozen ice sculptures. With one of the world's most stunning backdrops, this experience is instantly iconic.

World-class ice carvers come together every year to transform massive blocks of ice into beautiful masterpieces. Wander the grounds between Lake Louise and the Fairmont Chateau as you marvel at the intricacy and artistry of these giant beauties, as the sun and snow glisten across the sculptures, seemingly illuminating them from within.

This is an exclusive experience for guests of select Lake Louise hotels, as well as community members Mînî Thnî to Field.

If Ice Magic is high on your list, be sure to plan ahead to reserve your time. Build the rest of your day around this experience to make the most of your time.

Travel Tip: Be sure to bring gloves that work well with your phone camera. The photo ops here are truly endless.

Art of Ice: Carving Competition 

• When: February 5 – 8, 2026
• Where: Bear Street, Banff
• Times: Friday 10am - 6pm | Saturday 11am - 6pm | Sunday 10am - 4pm
• Tickets: This event is FREE, no tickets required

While Ice Magic is immersive and scenic, the Art of Ice Carving Competition is its exhilarating counterpart!

Artistry comes to life with downtown carving demonstrations and a high-energy battle between carvers as they go head-to-head to test who can make their sculpture first. 

Witness this blend of speed and precision amongst specks of ice flying from the tools, and the pure focus on the carvers’ faces. This event is a thrill the whole family will love.

Check the competition times to ensure you can watch the battles, or visit at any time this weekend to see the sculptures.

Local’s Tip: Friday is a longer, more process-focused carving day. Saturday and Sunday bring out the more competitive rounds. Both are equally fascinating but offer unique experiences.

SnowNights

• When: January 16 to February 8
• Where: Multiple Locations and Events
• Tickets: Prices vary by activity

The magic of SnowDays doesn’t finish when the sun goes down. SnowNights is the nighttime lineup of several events spanning the entire SnowDays festival, with activities, performances, and culinary experiences to keep winter glowing well past daylight.

SnowNights swaps the daytime bustle with an after-dark perspective. Whether you’re enjoying an activity beneath a canopy of twinkling stars, an intimate evening dinner or cocktail, or a lively performance, there’s no shortage of ways to lean into the nighttime energy.

Here are a few ways to make the most of SnowNights:

• Get under the stars with outdoor activities like night skiing or tubing at Mt. Norquay, Nightrise at the Banff Gondola, evening ice walks, or evening sleigh rides. Delight the senses in new ways with a nighttime perspective on these local favourites.
• Culinary experiences such as Cocktail Masterclass, dinner specials, and happy hours exclusive to SnowNights are sure to keep the energy high well into the night.
• Enjoy family-friendly activities like taking an evening stroll through town to enjoy illuminated snow sculptures, and Central Park’s Playzone offering a winter playground of classic Canadian games.
• Nighttime performances at the Bear Street Hub, Banff Centre and Weekend of Wonder bring cultural experiences to the winter festival. 
• Head out on the town to enjoy Banff’s nightlife with Salsa Night at Banff Social,and the Skijoring Kickoff Party at Melissa’s Restaurant & Bar.
• Tap into your creative side with a Custom Hat Creation Event at Big Bear Trading Co. and custom hat burning at the Fat Ox to show off at the skijoring weekend
• Or do hands-on crafts and wild science workshops with Weekend of Wonder. 

Local’s Tip: Balance the energy of day and night when planning your winter trip to Banff. Taking in the action of skijoring by day? Consider a slower-paced evening taking in the stars on an evening sleigh ride. Starting the day by enjoying the ice sculptures at Lake Louise? Kick things up a notch with an evening craft cocktail class!

SnowDays Play Zone

• When: Select days from Jan. 16 - Feb. 8, 2026
• Where: Banff Central Park
• Tickets: This event is FREE, no tickets required

Kids and kids at heart are going to love this focal point of fun located right in Banff Central Park! 

The SnowDays Play Zone is a one-stop shop winter playground to sample several classic Canadian winter activities, without the time and planning commitment of the full-length versions of these experiences.

There's an exciting mix of hands-on fun, like fat biking, curling, hockey-shot, and more activities that are easy to jump into. Or, simply take a moment to slow down, enjoy a crackling campfire, and take in the stunning surrounding mountain views.

The SnowDays Play Zone is a perfect midday connector between strolling through Central Park and the streets of Banff to enjoy the snow sculptures, heading over to the action of the Bear Street Hub, or warming up on the Hot Chocolate Trail!

Local’s Tip: Save time on your entry to the Play Zone by completing your waiver online before you arrive. Then jump straight into the fun, or straight to the campfire!

Bear Street Hub 

• When: Select days from Jan. 16 - Feb. 8, 2026
• Where: Bear Street
• Tickets: This event is FREE, no tickets required

Bear Street is the centre of the SnowDays winter festival. Live entertainment lives here, spanning a mix of styles. From DJs to circus acts, street performances to snow sculpture demos, creativity is bursting from the streets and sidewalks at the Bear Street Hub.

In just the span of a few blocks’ walk, you’re guaranteed to experience something new and exciting, perfect whether you only have an hour or want to explore for the afternoon.

Fitting to its creative core, Bear Street is also the home base for Weekend of Wonder. If you’re travelling with kids, you’ll likely find yourself here more than once. 

Local’s Tip: Make it a point to swing by Bear Street at least twice during your trip, once in the day and once at night. You’ll be amazed at how the atmosphere transforms!

Snow Sculptures 

• When: January 18 to February 8, 2026
• Live Snow Carving: January 18 - 27
• Where: Multiple Locations (downtown Banff)
• Tickets: This event is FREE, no tickets required

Every year, downtown Banff turns into an open-air gallery during SnowDays. From Bear Street to Central Park, massive blocks of snow are transformed into detailed sculptures showcasing beautiful artistry in snowy glory, with sculptures lining the streets and pathways. 

Watching the carvers in action is part of the magic. Coming together from across the world, watch as the carvers create unique artistic expressions right before your eyes, as shapes slowly emerge from the snowy mounds. 

Here’s where you can find this year’s snow sculptures:

• Central Park
• Bear Street
• Mason Hall Grounds

Local’s Tip: These sculptures look exceptionally detailed in the soft light of morning or early evening, with shadows cast across the surfaces. Take your time to enjoy the details of these beautiful sculptures, best enjoyed with something warm in hand. 

Bear Street and the surrounding area have several great bakeries and coffee shops to pick up a morning latte or hot chocolate. There’s even a local hot chocolate trail to elevate the experience!

Hot Chocolate Trail 

• When: November 13, 2025 to February 8, 2026
• Where: Participating restaurants and cafes
• Tickets: Hot chocolate prices vary by location

If your winter adventures are motivated by “sweet treats” layered throughout, the Hot Chocolate Trail is meant for you.

Participating restaurants and cafes in Banff National Park are serving up creative takes on traditional hot chocolate recipes, some that ater literal dessert-in-a-cup concoctions, and others that boozy apres-style options.

Each cup on the Hot Chocolate Trail map and menu brings a new journey for the tastebuds. With 34 participating cafes and restaurants, every sweet tooth will be satisfied.

Build Your SnowDays Itinerary

With so much to explore at SnowDays, every event brings a unique opportunity to experience winter in Banff and Lake Louise.

The best part? You can easily make it your own.

Choose your “main event,” then layer in complementary activities like sculpture strolls, Bear Street energy, and of course a gourmet hot chocolate stop (or two). There are endless ways to plan a full trip - or two - of excitement and leisure around these events.

A few planning reminders:

• Many of these ticketed or reservation-required events are highly popular. It pays off to plan ahead and reserve your spot to ensure your optimal itinerary in the mountains!
• Leave a little breathing room in your plans for spontaneous moments of magic. SnowDays is full of them!
• Pack in other winter activities while you are here. Like these 7 Winter Adventures to Try in Banff and Lake Louise.

This winter festival in Banff National Park is the perfect way to see classic Canadian Rockies sights, make new memories, snap keepsake photos, and experience Banff and Lake Louise in a new way.

Plan your trip today.