Let it snow

Banff National Park hosts the annual SnowDays Festival.

Photography by Will Lambert

01 November 2023

Winter enthusiasts heading to Banff National Park in the Canadian Rockies between 19 January and 4 February 2024 will get to join in the annual SnowDays festival, embracing the magic, energy, and fun that winter brings in a spectacular winter wonderland setting.

The multi-day, multi-faceted family-friendly festival is inspired by the iconic setting of Canada’s first national park.

Visitors can expect Banff to transform into larger-than-life winter galleries with giant snow and ice sculptures, adding an extra dash of magic to the already vibrant townsite.

Carved out of 30 cubic metres of snow by six teams of two to three Canadian and international artists, the ten sculptures will represent winter magic and mountain culture.

Visitors can enjoy a self-guided tour of the finished sculptures.

Downtown Banff hosts a gallery of snow/ice sculptures created by local artists.

Talented sculptors contour enormous blocks of snow/ice into works of art.

After dark, sculptures are illuminated with technicolour lights.

Creativity and precision create these amazing ice sculptures.

Visitors can enjoy a self-guided tour of the finished sculptures.

The SnowDays festival celebrates the magic, energy, and fun that winter brings.

Canadian cowboys and cowgirls and their speedy steeds put on a show for visitors and locals.

Skijoring

Watch Canadian cowboys and cowgirls and their speedy steeds partner with slick skiers and boarders to thrill and entertain the crowd during this action-packed show, complete with a SkijorStyle Fashion Show. Arriving early is recommended as there are limited seating and standing zone spots available.

Snow and ice sculptures

An exhibition of mastery and an outdoor gallery of great size and grandeur transforms downtown Banff during SnowDays, a signature component of the festival. During the first days of SnowDays, catch talented sculptors in action as they contour enormous blocks of snow/ice into works of art.

Grab a hot drink to-go, bundle up, and follow the trail of sculptures throughout downtown Banff. After dark, sculptures will be illuminated with technicolour lights for visitors to enjoy.

Play zone

Bike, climb, slide and play at the Play Zone. Round up the family for a memorable day in the snow and try a winter sport you have never experienced in a safe and controlled environment.

Wrap up the day on Banff’s new $9.5 million renovated Bear Street and enjoy daily outdoor multi-disciplinary entertainment under the stars between 4 and 8 pm. Artists with live music, circus, street performers, and stilt walkers will all perform.

The action-packed show is complete with a SkijorStyle Fashion Show.

Outdoor entertainment provides something for everyone.

Banff transforms into a larger-than-life winter gallery with giant snow and ice sculptures.

ABOUT BANFF AND LAKE LOUISE

Banff and Lake Louise offer incredible experiences that reconnect people to the natural world.

Situated in the stunning Canadian Rocky Mountains in Banff National Park, within a UNESCO World Heritage Site, accessible year-round adventure and wellness activities are enjoyed every day of the year by visitors from across the globe.

Home to three ski resorts, countless glacier-fed lakes, two vibrant townsites, and authentic Canadian culture and cuisine, this place is unforgettable, and it’s truly alive.

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