9 Must-Visit Events in Banff and Lake Louise
From stunning ice sculptures to vibrant cultural celebrations, Banff National Park is alive with memorable events all year long.
Whether you're chasing adventure, culinary delights, or moments of awe, there's always something worth celebrating in the Canadian Rocky Mountains.
Get out your calendar, rally your friends, and start planning. These are the must-visit events in Banff and Lake Louise you won't want to miss.
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 a magical experience for all visitors.
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, interactive installations, and a vibrant atmosphere for all.
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 savor 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.
SnowDays Festival is a must-visit event that encapsulates the spirit of winter in the Canadian Rockies. Check out 6 Reasons to Visit Banff SnowDays for all the details.
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.
Ice Magic Viewing Sessions Cancelled
Unseasonably warm temperatures have caused the ice sculptures to deteriorate quickly. It will not be possible to view them from Friday, February 6 onwards. Ice sculptures are temporary by nature, but Ice Magic has come to an end earlier than we had hoped. Ticket holders have been contacted directly. New this year, Banff hosts Art of Ice: Carving Competition, where 12 world-class artists will showcase their incredible talents live on Bear Street from February 6-8.
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. AROABORA
When: March 27 - 28, 2026
Where: Banff Train Stration
Tickets: From $70
AROABORA is a two‑night electronic music festival set in the mountains of Banff, where sound, art, and atmosphere merge beneath the mountain sky.
As winter turns to spring, the festival brings genre‑blending electronic music, immersive art installations, and vibrant cultural experiences that transform the alpine landscape into a living canvas. Discover a dynamic convergence of creators, vendors, and cultural voices as the night sky becomes part of the performance.
Tickets are available now, so secure yours early to be part of this immersive alpine experience.
As the season turns, AROABORA invites you to move with it.
5. 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.
6. 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. What sets Banff apart is its core—the people, the establishments, and the surroundings all create a warm and inviting town where a sense of belonging flourishes.
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.
7. 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.
8. Taste for Adventure
When: October - November 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.
Classic restaurants that people have trusted for years as well as trendy new places exist in the Bow Valley. All these restaurants serve delicious and unique dishes. You can find them in Canada’s first national park.
Get a taste for our vibrant food scene here in Banff and Lake Louise - where world-class dining meets world-class adventure.
9. Christmas in Banff and Lake Louise
In Banff and Lake Louise, the holidays bring a diverse array of shows, events and gatherings for all.
Hot Chocolate Trail
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. 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. 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.
Many Banff events continue into the New Year’s.
Hot Chocolate Trail
Indulge in the sweetest winter tradition with Banff’s Hot Chocolate Trail. From January 17 – February 2, cozy up and sip your way through decadent hot chocolate creations crafted by local cafés and restaurants
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