SnowDays Banff & Lake Louise 2026: The Ultimate Winter Festival

Banff National Park transforms into a winter wonderland every year, and from January 16 to February 8, 2026, the SnowDays Festival in Banff & Lake Louise offers unforgettable winter experiences. This festival celebrates winter with snow sculptures, family-friendly activities, thrilling winter sports, and evening entertainment, making it the perfect time for a winter ski holiday. SnowDays elevates a family ski trip by combining the excitement of world-class slopes with interactive snow activities, live events, and magical winter experiences for all ages. 

Follow the Snow Sculpture Trail 

Snow Sculpture Trail | Photo credit: Nick Hase 

A festival highlight is the stunning snow sculpture trail in downtown Banff. Massive snow blocks are transformed into intricate works of art along Bear Street, Banff Avenue, Central Park, and near the Whyte Museum. Sculptures are illuminated at night as part of SnowNights, creating a magical winter walking experience. 

Tip: Warm up with a hot chocolate at Wildflour Bakery or enjoy a cozy pizza at Bear Street Tavern. 

SnowDays Play Zone: Family Fun 

Banff SnowDays Playzone Tickets | Photo Credit: Nick Hase

The SnowDays Play Zone at Banff Central Park offers winter fun for kids of all ages. Activities include ice slides, sledding hills, fat-bike tracks, cross-country ski loops, and mini mountains inspired by Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise Ski Resort, and Mt. Norquay. 

• Dates & Hours: Wednesdays–Fridays 3:30 pm–7:30 pm, Saturdays–Sundays 12 pm–7:30 pm
• Waivers Required: Adults 18+ must sign a waiver; up to four minors per adult
• Weather Notice: Activities may be modified or canceled in extreme conditions                                  

Tip: Grab a kid-friendly meal at Coyotes Southwestern Grill after playing. 

Watch Skijoring on Banff Avenue 

Skijoring | Photo credit: Shannon Martin

Skijoring is a high-energy winter sport where skiers are pulled by horses while performing jumps and stunts. Skijoring at Banff Avenue is one of the festival’s most thrilling events. 

• Dates: January 17 and 18, 2026
• Location: Banff Avenue, 100-block 

Tip: Arrive early for a front-row view and continue the western theme with dinner at Chuck’s Steakhouse and a Park Distillery Rye. 

Evening Magic with SnowNights 

Evenings at SnowNights | Photo Credit: Nick Hase

SnowNights adds sparkle to the festival with glowing sculptures, ice walks, sleigh rides, and night tubing. 

• Ice Walks: Explore frozen waterfalls by moonlight
• Nightrise at Banff Gondola: Experience Sulphur Mountain under the stars (Banff Gondola)
• Sleigh Rides & Night Tubing: Evening fun for the whole family 

Weekend of Wonder, Tribute to Craft, and Ice Magic 

Snow Sculpture Trail with Cascade Mountain in the distance | Photo credit: Nick Hase 

• Weekend of Wonder (Jan 22–25): Hands-on crafts, science workshops, and family performances
• Tribute to Craft (Jan 30–31): Local food, craft brewers, and culinary talent
• Ice Magic (Feb 5–8): Lake Louise ice sculptures with limited ticketed access 

Other Winter Adventures 

SnowDays also offers:

• Guided snowshoe tours
• Ice skating on Lake Louise
• Tube parks at Mt. Norquay  
• E-fat biking on snowy trails
• Horse-drawn sleigh rides

Plan Your SnowDays 2026 Visit 

Skijoring | Photo credit: Shannon Martin

SnowDays is the ultimate winter festival in the Canadian Rockies, with snow sculptures, skijoring, family fun zones, and magical evenings.  
 
Book your trip early to enjoy all festival events and winter activities in Banff & Lake Louise. For ski and snowboard rentals, guided adventures, and local tips to make your visit seamless, check out SkiBig3.com for more.