Must-Go To Events in Western Canada This Winter - 2024-2025

Winter in Western Canada isn’t just a season – it’s a vibe. From festive holiday markets and traditions to adrenaline-pumping ski and snowboard competitions, these events bring the season to life in Canmore, Banff, Lake Louise, Golden, and Revelstoke! Whether you’re searching for cozy traditions, high-energy events, or a mix of both, this season has an event for everyone!

Canmore

2025 Canmore Polar Plunge

Dates: February 6th, 2025

Location: Canmore Nordic Centre & Local Trails 

Time: Milenium Park

Admission: Donation

The Law Enforcement Torch Run presents it’s annual Polar Plunge in support of Special Olympics Alberta. This is a winter fundraising event whereby individuals have the bravely jumping into freezing cold waters of the Bow River!

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Nordic Sky Races

Dates: December through February 

Location: Canmore Nordic Centre & Local Trails 

Admission: Free

Cheer on Canada’s top athletes and rising stars at the Canmore Nordic Centre! From biathlon events to championships, these high-energy competitions are a must-see. 

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Banff and Lake Louise

Snowdays Festival

Dates: January 7th - February 2, 2025

Times: Multiple events / times 

Locations: Multiple locations 

Each winter Downtown Banff transforms into a winter wonderland with giant snow sculptures, live entertainment, and unique activities like skijoring (skiing behind horses). 

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Ice Magic Festival

Dates: January 29th - February 2nd, 2025

Time: 10am - 9pm 

Location: Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise 

Admission: Only guests who stay at participating properties such as Baker Creek have access to complimentary Ice Magic Tickets.

Witness world-class ice carvers transform massive blocks of ice into stunning sculptures. Book under our 'Ice Magic Rate' between January 29th and February 2nd to receive an exclusive link for booking your Ice Magic time slot. Availability is limited.

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Nightrise at the Banff Gondola

Dates: Now till - March 2025

Time: Starts at 5 pm

Location: Banff Gondola

Admission: From $58

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An after dark multimedia experience incorporating captivating sounds, lighting, video projections, and other immersive elements that reveal a new side of the mountains. On select evenings there's a series of special events that include stargazing, marshmellow roasting, and live performances.

Banff Winter Carnival

Dates: Now till March 31st, 2025.

Time: 11:30 am to 5:30 pm

Location: Cave and Basin National Historic Site 

Admission: Free with admission

Enjoy fun activities for all ages like mini curling, box hockey, and other fun winter games and activities. Check out vintage films and photo the Banff Winter Carnival's glory days in the 1920's.

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Lifts of Love

Dates: February 14th, 2025

Time: 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm

Location: Mt. Norquay

Admission: From $55

This Valentines Day meet your potential match while hitting the slopes at Lifts of Love, this speed dating event where every chairlift ride brings a new opportunity to meet someone! While going up the lift you have a few minutes to chat and see if there's a spark.

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Easter Egg Hunt

Dates: April 20, 2025

Time: 9:00 am, Hunt begins at 10:00 am sharp.

Location: Mt. Norquay

Admission: $5 (proceeds donated to the Bow Valley Food Bank)

This Easter hop into spring with the most anticipated hunt of the year! There will be thousands of Easter Eggs in the snow, and adventurous kids of all ages are needed to help find them!

Golden

Freeride World Tour 2025

Dates: February 7-13, 2025

Time: Weather dependant 

Location: Kicking Horse Mountain Resort 

Admission: Lift Ticket

Experience the adrenaline-pumping action of the Freeride World Tour, the premier global freeride competition. Kicking Horse Mountain hosts the only North American stop of the tour, where the top freeriders from around the world tackle challenging terrain.

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EmberFest (Multiple Events)

Date: Saturday 25th January 2025

Time: 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm‍

Location: Goden Civic Centre‍

Admission: $10 (Kicking Horse Culture Membership)

Enjoy a dynamic and immersive workshops and designed for adults and kids to enjoy the thrill of arts in a fun and encourage environment.

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Revelstoke

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Revelstoke Winter Carnival

Dates: February 14th - 15th, 2025

Locations: Centennial Park 

Time: Varies 

Admission: Event dependant 

Celebrate this historic revival with unique events like the Rail Jam and Outhouse Races. Enjoy live music and after-parties over two exciting nights.

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Free Valentine’s Day Weddings

Date: February 14th, 2025

Location: Summit of the Gondola, Revelstoke Mountain Resort

Admission: Free with the exception of wedding licenses 

Celebrate love with complimentary wedding ceremonies and vow renewals at the mountaintop. 

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Yeti Natural Selection Tour

Dates: March 10-17, 2025

Time: TBA

Locations: Revelstoke Mountain Resort

Admission: Free for spectators via live streams; on-site access details TBA

Witness 24 of the world’s top snowboarders compete head-to-head on Revelstoke challenging terrain. Also enjoy après in the Plaza presented by Red Bull. 

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From festive markets and cozy traditions to world-class ski and snowboard competitions, winter in Western Canada truly has something for everyone. When it comes to making the most of your trip, Basecamp Resorts is where your adventures begin. With unique accommodations in Canmore, Banff and Lake Louise, Golden, and Revelstoke, there’s something for every traveler.

Be sure to check out our Offers and join the Explorer’s Club to start earning cash rewards—ranging from 5% to 15% of the value of your stay! Adventure awaits, and Basecamp Resorts is here to make it unforgettable.