Take a guided ride on an All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) through the Hidden Valley between Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. Experience spectacular views of surrounding valleys, glacier peaks, forest canopy and the unique local wildlife.
Tandem Paragliding offers flights launching from the Grouse Mountain Peak and landing in Cleveland Park for an elevation drop of 3,300 feet.
SUPERNATURAL SPEED!
SOAR HIGH ABOVE THE VALLEY FLOOR AT SPEEDS REACHING 80 KM/HR ON VANCOUVER’S DUAL-CIRCUIT ZIPLINES.
Let Grouse Mountain take your breath away on the most unforgettable outdoor experience in the Lower Mainland. Start with the stunning trek around Blue Grouse Lake on the first few lines and then zip at top speeds of 80 km/hr across the peaks of Grouse Mountain and Dam Mountain. The tour lasts about two hours and can be booked as an individual or as a group.
A classic romantic way to enjoy the winter wonderland of Banff & Lake Louise. Join a public tour or indulge in a private ride – it’s sure to be a memorable experience. The seemingly tireless horses maintain a steady rhythm and the sleigh glides on, swiftly and silently while you sit cozy under a warm blanket. The sound of jingling sleigh bells and the sights of the magical snowy landscape make you feel like you are a character in your very own fairy-tale.
January 16-27, 2019
An outdoor gallery of snow sculptures.
In the heart of the winter months, Banff National Park invites visitors to embrace the cold, vigour, and fun that winter brings. The silence that comes with falling snow, the glowing crackle of a fire, and the joy of snowball fights: it is a magical time of year. Come see winter artistry in action during SnowDays, the festival of snow in Banff National Park.
*Event dates and details are subject to change.
The annual SnowDays celebration is a highlight of the winter season in Banff National Park; a free 12-day long event held during January, centred 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.
01 FOUR 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.
- BEAR STREET
- BANFF AVE SQUARE
- BANFF SUNSHINE
- MT. NORQUAY
02 WHAT’S NEW IN 2019
The 2019 SnowDays winter festival promises to be bigger and better than ever with the introduction of new events to make for the perfect adventure!
INTERNATIONAL SNOW SCULPTING COMPETITION
A competition element has been added to the schedule of events for 2019. SnowDays will kick-off with a snow sculpting competition where six Canadian and international teams will compete from January 17 – 19.
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.
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.
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 passer-by.
03 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 local Pub/Bistros 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.
04 Accommodation
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 the best of the hotels in town. Contact us for further details.
Join our Granville Island Market Tour to weave expertly through the bustling Public Market, skipping the line at the best food shops and artisans to taste over 20 signature Canadian tastings. Youíll experience the vibrant culture and history of the area, while savouring a cornucopia of fine foods – from local cheeses and top-quality charcuterie to sourdough bread, to melt-in-your-mouth donuts, and more!
You feel like a kid again, skating in the open air with rosy cheeks and a huge grin. It feels so uplifting and free to be here – skating across a frozen lake, breathing in the icy cold air, surrounded by the incredible mountains. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of your surroundings or maybe join in a game of pick-up, or “shinny” hockey. Then take a break and warm up with hot cocoa beside a bonfire before heading back out on the ice for more.
Jasper Dark Sky:
In 2011, the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada designated Jasper National Park as a dark sky preserve, an area where almost no artificial lighting is visible at night. Each October, there is a star-gazing playground with the Jasper Dark Sky Festival.
Jasper Planetarium:
Take a guided tour of the stars, planets, local First Nations constellations, Northern Lights, and countless wonders of the Milky Way with a live astronomer in this 35-seat air-supported domed theatre. Outside the planetarium, explore the wonders
of the world’s largest accessible dark sky preserve through the largest telescope in the Rockies.
Feel your heart race and your mind clear as you dog sled through the pristine wilderness of the Canadian Rockies. Each tour begins by spending time meeting and getting to know the team of dogs. Help your musher get the dogs ready for tour by harnessing and hooking your team up to the sled. Try your hand at mushing your very own team of Alaskan huskies or cocoon yourself in blankets and relax as your experienced musher guides your team through the frozen wilderness.
A visit to Whistler would not be complete without a paddle downthe River of Golden Dreams. With an experienced naturalist guide Pedal to Alta Lake, then paddle across the lake and down the River of Golden Dreams. Your bike will be waiting for you at the end of your paddle, you can then explore some local mountain bike trails before riding back to the village.