Banff Winter Carnival Returns

Immerse yourself in the magic of winter and let the snow fly!

Just over a century ago (1917), the first Banff Winter Carnival kicked off with great fanfare and enthusiasm, much to the delight of locals and visitors alike. There were competitions in curling, hockey and ski jumping, along with more unusual spectacles like snow-shoe obstacle races, broom-ball tournaments, swim races and fancy diving in the Cave and Basin hot pool. The Winter Carnival quickly became a must-see annual festival that helped to establish Banff as one of the world's premier winter sports destinations. The original Winter Carnival faded into memory long ago, but in Banff the spirit of winter fun lives on!

The Banff Winter Carnival returns to the Cave and Basin National Historic Site this year with fun activities for all ages. Try your hand at mini curling, challenge family and friends to box hockey and other fun winter games and activities. Check out vintage films and photos from the Banff Winter Carnival’s glory days in the Roaring Twenties.