Home » TRAVEL EVENT NEWS » SnowDays Festival 2026: A Winter Wonderland in Banff and Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada Published on
November 2, 2025A hidden treasure in the Canadian Rockies, Banff National Park is well-known for its stunning landscapes, majestic mountains, and glistening lakes. Being the country’s first national park, it is a place where the majesty of nature is celebrated all year long. But every January, during the SnowDays Festival, this natural wonderland is transformed into a bustling centre of winter celebration. Banff and Lake Louise come alive with outdoor art, thrilling performances, and family-friendly fun from January 16 to February 8, 2026, providing a unique winter experience.The SnowDays Festival blends the artistic vitality of a winter arts festival with the breathtaking splendour of the Canadian Rockies. Set against one of the most picturesque backdrops imaginable, this three-week celebration attracts visitors from all over the world. Beyond the breathtaking scenery, however, the festival offers unexpected experiences that combine creativity, adventure, and camaraderie.Advertisement Alpine Artistry: Snow Sculptures and Ice MagicAt the heart of SnowDays lie the festival’s artistic displays, where snow and ice become the medium for masterful creations. In the town of Banff, snow sculptures take shape across four downtown locations. Artists work live, carving large blocks of snow into intricate designs, from whimsical creatures to abstract forms. These massive sculptures, which are unveiled throughout the first week of the festival, remain on display for the duration of the event. As dusk falls, these sculptures come to life, illuminated against the stark beauty of Banff’s snowy streets and the surrounding mountains. The contrast of the delicate snow art with the rugged peaks creates an awe-inspiring visual experience that’s perfect for photography and exploration.Meanwhile, in Lake Louise, the Ice Magic competition takes centre stage. Ice sculptors from around the world compete to create frozen masterpieces out of large blocks of ice. The public can watch these artists in action during the day and then return at night to see the sculptures glow under the lights, set against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains and a starry sky. The serene beauty of these illuminated ice sculptures adds a surreal element to the festival, offering a unique artistic experience for visitors of all ages.Thrills and Spectacle: Skijoring and Ski StuntsThe SnowDays Festival is not just about art; it’s also about thrills. One of the most exciting events of the festival is the sport of skijoring, a fast-paced spectacle that brings together Alberta’s cowboy heritage and the province’s world-class ski culture. Skijoring takes place on Banff Avenue, where skiers are pulled by galloping horses down the snow-covered streets. This heart-pounding event is full of aerial tricks and sync …
