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.