The annual SnowDays celebration is a highlight of the winter season in Banff National Park; a free 12-day long event held during January, centered around massive snow sculptures in downtown Banff. Occurring at the same time as the Ice Magic Festival in Lake Louise, you’ll have plenty of winter creations to explore throughout the park.
*Please note event details may change due to weather.
4 BEST PLACES TO VIEW SNOW SCULPTURES
Enjoy the festive atmosphere as downtown Banff transforms into a winter playground with giant snow sculptures, ice skating, an ice and snow playground, and more! These are the best places to enjoy the sculptures in town and at the ski hills.
1. BEAR STREET
All the action of the International Snow Carving Competition will take place in the heart of Banff on Bear Street. Watch as expert snow sculptors create inspiring sculptures from January 17-19, or stroll the sidewalks to view the finished works of art during the rest of the festival.
2. BANFF AVE SQUARE
A short walk from the main snow sculpting site, Banff Avenue Square is the next stop on your SnowDays itinerary and will also feature an interactive exhibition of snow art.
3. BANFF SUNSHINE
The celebration of winter continues at the ski hills. Head up to Banff Sunshine for a fun day of skiing and snowboarding and marvel at the unique snow carvings created at the ski resort.
4. MT. NORQUAY
Experience the best of winter, both on and off the slopes, at Mt. Norquay. A short drive from the centre of Banff, Mt. Norquay offers great activities for the whole family, from skiing and snowboarding, to tubing and snowshoeing. The resort will host a snow sculpture in celebration of the SnowDays festival.
TRIBUTE To Craft Spirits Festival
The 2019 SnowDays winter festival promises to be bigger and better than ever with the introduction of new events to make for the perfect winter adventure!
TRIBUTE TO CRAFT SPIRITS FESTIVAL
From January 16 - 27, celebrate the best of Banff and Lake Louise’s craft cocktail culture with the TRIBUTE TO CRAFT SPIRITS FESTIVAL. For 12 days, participating restaurants and distilleries will serve up exclusive cocktail menus. The festivities end with a final two-day discovery event on Bear Street, where up to 20 outdoor stations will present their best tastings in local bevies and bites.
TRIBUTE Cocktail Menus
Available only throughout the TRIBUTE TO CRAFT SPIRITS FESTIVAL, exclusive cocktail menus will be crafted up with the best local ingredients. Five unique creations featuring five Alberta and British Columbia craft distilleries. From the ‘Ski Crash’ featuring Wild Life Distillery’s Juniper Gin to the ‘Bitter End’ featuring Eau Claire Distillery’s Rye Whisky – this is a unique chance to truly taste the Canadian Rockies.
TRIBUTE 2-Day Discovery Event
With a passport to Bear Street on January 26 and 27, discover the personalities, processes and products behind your favourite craft cocktails in Banff and Lake Louise. The heart of downtown Banff will thrive with activity, as chefs and distillers proudly showcase their crafts for the palate of every passerby.
Festival Tips
SnowDays only comes around once a year, and with such an exclusive event you'll want to make sure you know all of the insider tips to make your visit as memorable as possible.
Stay in the Heart of Banff
Book an overnight accommodation in Banff and explore all of the free winter activities and festivities.
Sample the SnowDays Tribute Beer
Head to Banff Ave. Brewing Co. to try the SnowDays Tribute Beer, a winter ale which will be on tap during the Festival.
Take Part in the Banff Gallery Hop
Immerse yourself in the unique arts, culture, and heritage traditions of Banff National Park on the Banff Gallery Hop on Saturday, January 26.
Get Your Skates On
If you are looking to rent ice skates, head to Snowtips-Bactrax on Bear Street.
Discover the Local Dining Scene
SnowDays is the perfect time to discover the rich culinary scene in Banff and Lake Louise. After a day of adventure in the snow, relax at one of the 10 Places to Après in Banff and Lake Louise.
Take Transit
The best way to get around town is to take transit with four local routes operating in Banff.
Hotel Offers
If you're planning to visit Banff and Lake Louise during SnowDays, you'll want a place that's going to be a perfect retreat after a day of playing in the snow. Celebrate SnowDays with these special hotel offers.
Banff Caribou Lodge - Stay from $169 per night
Banff Ptarmigan Inn - Stay from $179 per night
Elk + Avenue - Stay 3 nights or more and save 20%
Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel - Save up to 45%
Hidden Ridge Resort - Stay from $169 per night
Inns of Banff - Stay from $119 per night
Juniper Hotel - Experience the Mountain Culture Package from $183 per night
Moose Hotels & Suites - Stay from $229 per night
Mount Royal Hotel - Stay 3 nights or more and save 20%
Rimrock Resort Hotel - Enjoy a one night stay from $198 including breakfast for two
Rocky Mountain Resort - Stay from $149 per night
*prices are subject to change, check hotel sites for full details