Upcoming Events in Banff and Lake Louise
Snowdays
January 19-30, 2022
Alongside its world-class skiing and jaw-dropping wilderness, the essence of mountain culture comes to life during SnowDays, a vibrant winter celebration in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. Warm up to winter with the Ice Magic International Ice Carving Competition, the SnowDays Snow Sculptures Competition and Exhibition, exclusive culinary offerings, cozy après-ski culture, the thrill of skijoring, and the invigorating SnowDays Play Zone. This calendar of events will be the highlight of the season. Here, you’ll fall in love with the snowiest days of the year.
Banff Marathon
June 18, 2023
The Banff Marathon, Half Marathon and 10K offer one of the planets’ most scenic running experiences in Canada's first national park. Starting in the picturesque mountain village of Banff, participants run through a series of incredible natural, wildlife, and historical stages as they pass by the serene Vermilion Lakes and journey along the stunning Bow Valley Parkway. Participants travel alongside the Bow River and over Banff’s famous bridges, to finish amongst cheering crowds in Banff’s downtown Central Park.
Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival
October 29 - November 6, 2022
Every fall, the Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival shares tales of enthralling journeys and ground-breaking expeditions told by authors, photographers, adventurers, and filmmakers from around the world. Whether you’re a seasoned explorer or armchair traveller, the Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival will captivate and kindle your spirit for adventure and the mountains. Explore far off lands, spark your imagination, and delve deep into the profound and often life-changing stories. You’re sure to leave feeling moved and inspired.
The 2020 festival was held virtually. Using a digital platform, festival loyalists and newcomers accessed the same great content from the comfort and safety of their homes. The digital festival featured epic adventure and mountain culture films, speaker interviews, a virtual marketplace and beer tent, book readings, panel discussions, and more. Some of the curated content was free of charge and accessible from anywhere in the world.
Banff Craft Beer Week
November 19-28, 2021
Led by Alberta Beer Festivals, this event features a variety of unique beer-themed offerings and activations at restaurants, bars and hotels across the destination. Unwind after a day on the slopes at Banff Ave. Brewing Co. with in-house brews and a selection of Alberta craft beers; try a one-of-a-kind beer week pie at Nourish Bistro; or dine at Banff's newest brewery, Three Bears Brewery and Restaurant and try their locally crafted beer week brew. Find full events details and more exciting Banff Craft Beer Week experiences here.
The Lake Louise Alpine World Cup
November 22-27 (Men’s) | November 29 - December 4 (Women’s), 2022
Be part of the energy and excitement while watching the fastest skiers in the world begin the World Cup speed circuit at the Lake Louise Ski Resort. The Lake Louise Alpine World Cup features speed events on the World Cup circuit and plays host to the first downhill and super-G races of the season. Sip on a hot cocoa and cheer on your favourite athletes at the only event of its kind in Canada. This is the perfect way to kick off winter in the Canadian Rockies. Read about 4 reasons to visit Lake Louise Alpine World Cup here.
Christmas in Banff and Lake Louise
November 19, 2022 - January 1, 2023
As fall retreats and winter emerges, so does the wonder and joy of Christmas in the Canadian Rockies. From mid-November, experience an authentic Canadian mountain Christmas by embracing the outdoors and mountain culture and prepare for the holiday season. Take in Christmas at the Castle, ride the gondola to experience a mountaintop Christmas and enjoy our Christmas market.
New in 2020, In Search of Christmas Spirit is a locally-designed immersive outdoor storytelling experience “told” by giant illuminated animals of the park that offers a full sensory experience of light and sound. Two years in the making, the concept for the lighting experience was developed by Banff & Lake Louise Tourism’s events team and brought to life with the support and creativity of a variety of talented individuals - predominantly locals.
Whatever you choose to do (and we hope that you do it all), you will reconnect to family and nature and find new joy for the holiday season.
View the full events calendar to see a list of other events being offered during the winter.