SnowDays 2025: Discover A Fun Winter Festival In Banff And Lake Louise
by Sandra MacGregor · ForbesCanadians really know how to make the most of winter and few destinations do it better than Banff and lovely Lake Louise. See for yourself how fun the snowy season can be at the upcoming annual SnowDays festival. Running from Jan. 17 to Feb. 2, the festival puts the spotlight on everything that makes winter so special. No matter what your age — or cold tolerance — you’re sure to find something to enjoy.
The festival features a variety of activities, including ice climbing, snowshoeing and sleigh rides, with Banff National Park as an incomparable backdrop. The festival will launch with what is possibly the world’s most unique winter sport: skijoring. A favorite event among festival goers, you’ll watch skiers and snowboarders being towed over jumps in a heart-pounding demonstration of horse riding and ski stunts.
This year, the Hub will offer a new ‘Weekend of Wonder’ that runs from Jan. 24 to 26, and will feature crafts, workshops and performers. Nearby, Central Park will have an enhanced Play Zone with fat biking, curling, hockey shots and more. Another of the big draws at this year’s festival is Ice Magic, which showcases incredible ice carving talent. This year the theme at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is Nature’s Whisper, capturing the breathtaking natural landscapes of the region. In Banff, artists will design ice sculptures representing the theme Hidden Treasures.
"SnowDays is the perfect time to book an overnight stay in our winter wonderland. With so many free activities available, it offers great value. Gather the family and enjoy a wide range of winter experiences along with this year's exciting festival lineup,” says Kristina Macdonald, Director, Experience Development & Events at Banff & Lake Louise Tourism.
Here are just some of SnowDays’ main highlights:
Skijoring
Skijor Canada teams (made up of a horse, rider and slider) will zoom down a track showing off their talent, speed and flair at speeds of up to 30 miles per hour. Be sure to get there early as sitting and standing spots at the event fill up fast.
Where: Banff Avenue between Caribou and Wolf Street for the main show.
When: Jan. 18 and 19 from 2 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.
Price: Free
Snow Sculptures
Snow sculptures are one of the most popular components of SnowDays and guests are sure to be wowed by the amazing talent on display. Leading ice-carving artists will awe you as they design incredibly detailed, imaginative creations out of seven huge blocks of snow. Check out the trail of jaw-dropping sculptures from Bear Street to Central Park.
Where: Downtown Banff
When: See live snow sculpture carving from Jan. 17–20 and 21-23. Enjoy a stroll through the completed gallery of works from Jan. 24 to Feb. 2.
Play Zone at Central Park
For this year’s festival, Play Zone moves from the Banff High School field to Central Park. Come out to experiences a fun array of winter activities.
Where: Central Park
When: Thurs. 4 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., Fri. & Sat. 12 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Price: Free
Weekend Of Wonder
Weekend of Wonder is an all-new addition to the festivities. It’s an all-ages three-day extravaganza on Bear Street. There will be lots of activities and kids can even give ice carving a try with Little Chippers. Meet sled dogs, take photos at the photo booth and more.
Where: Bear Street
When: Jan. 24-26, Fri. and Sat. 12 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Price: Free
Snownights
SnowDays doesn’t end when the stars come out. Enjoy nighttime activities like Nightrise at the Banff Gondola, evening ice walks and more.
Where: Throughout Banff and Lake Louise
When: Jan. 17 – Feb. 2
Price: Varies
Ice Magic
Lake Louise transforms into a ice-sculpture wonderland with the return of Ice Magic at the iconic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.
Where: Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
When: Jan. 29-Feb. 2 from 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. for sculpture viewings and live carving demonstrations throughout the day
Price: Tickets are available to guests of participating Banff and Lake Louise hotels.