Banff SnowDays is the town's premier winter festival, transforming downtown Banff into a magical wonderland of ice sculptures, snow activities, and cold-weather celebrations. Held annually in January, it's one of the best reasons to visit Banff in winter. Here's your complete guide.
What is SnowDays?
SnowDays is a multi-week winter festival featuring professional ice carving, snow sculpture exhibitions, outdoor activities, live entertainment, and community events. The festival typically runs for 2-3 weeks in mid-to-late January, centred around Banff Avenue and Bear Street.
Ice Sculptures & Snow Art
The centrepiece of SnowDays is the ice sculpture garden along Bear Street. Professional ice carvers from around the world create stunning, illuminated sculptures from massive blocks of clear ice. The sculptures are lit at night, creating a magical walking gallery through downtown Banff.
Additionally, the International Snow Sculpture Competition at the Fairmont Banff Springs features teams carving enormous snow blocks into intricate works of art. Watch the artists at work during the day and admire the finished pieces at night.
Activities & Events
- Skijoring: Watch horses pull skiers at high speed through an obstacle course — a uniquely Western Canadian spectacle
- Snow play zone: Family-friendly area with snowshoeing, snow fort building, and winter games
- Live music and entertainment: Outdoor and indoor performances throughout the festival
- Guided winter walks: Parks Canada rangers lead interpretive walks highlighting winter ecology
- Hot chocolate stations: Warm up with hot chocolate from vendors along the festival route
Pair It with Winter Activities
SnowDays is the perfect anchor for a winter Banff trip. Combine the festival with:
- Skiing: Hit the slopes at Sunshine Village, Lake Louise, or Norquay during the day, then enjoy SnowDays in the evening
- Johnston Canyon Ice Walk: A guided ice walk past frozen waterfalls is one of Banff's best winter experiences
- Ice skating at Lake Louise: The most beautiful outdoor rink in the world
- Banff Upper Hot Springs: Soak in warm mineral water after a cold day exploring the festival
- Dog sledding: Ride through snowy forests for a quintessential Canadian adventure
Practical Tips
- Dress warmly: January temperatures in Banff average -10 to -15 degrees. Wear insulated layers, warm boots, gloves, and a hat
- Best viewing time: Ice sculptures are most impressive after dark when the lighting enhances the carvings
- Parking: Use Roam Transit or park in the free lots on the edge of town and walk
- Weekday visits: The festival is less crowded on weekdays — perfect for photography
- Check the schedule: Specific events and timing vary each year. Check the Banff Lake Louise Tourism website for the latest schedule
Where to Stay
January is Banff's most affordable accommodation season (outside holiday weeks). You'll find excellent rates at:
- Fairmont Banff Springs: See the snow sculptures at the hotel's own competition
- Elk + Avenue Hotel: Central location, walking distance to the festival
- Banff Ptarmigan Inn: Affordable, comfortable, and close to Bear Street
Browse winter rates on Expedia.