Must-See/Do Events in Western Canada This Winter

Western Canada comes alive from November to February and we’ve curated a list of all of the best events and activities that will elevate your winter experience. From festive markets in Canmore to craft beer in Banff, ice skating in Lake Louise and seasonal events in Golden and Revelstoke, you’re in for a long list of epic winter adventures.

Canmore

Canmore Christmas Artisan’s Market

Date: November 18th

Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 AM

Location: Canmore Recreation Centre

Join the community in kicking off the holiday season at the Canmore Christmas Artisan’s Market. This festive event is a great opportunity to connect with your neighbors and celebrate the incredible work of local artists and artisans.

New Years Eve Celebration in Canmore

Date: December 31

Time: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Location: Canmore Recreation Centre

Enjoy free public skating, live music, a DJ dance party, crafts, and food vendors. Doors open at 5 p.m. for three hours of fun, with fireworks at 8 p.m. on the football field and a Midnight Fireworks show at Millennium Park.

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Banff

Banff Craft Beer Festival

Date: November 23rd - 25th

Location: Cave and Basin National Historic Site

The Banff Craft Beer Festival returns to the Cave & Basin National Historic Site in 2023. As the only craft beer festival featuring exclusively Alberta craft brewers. Indulge your taste buds with delicious samples of food and drink from over 40 vendors from across the province.

Santa Claus Celebration of Lights

Date: November 18th

Time: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Location: Downtown Banff Townsite

Kick off the Christmas season in downtown Banff with a festive day of holiday activities and entertainment. Enjoy performances by talented local and Albertan artists on the main stage, surrounded by whimsical street performers, "Santa's Workshop," and more magical activities for the whole family.

In Search of Christmas Spirit

Date: November 17th - December 31st

Time: 4:30 PM - 9:30 PM

Location: Cascade of Time Garden

Experience a live Christmas story told by the wildlife of Banff National Park, brought to life in the Cascades of Time Gardens with large-scale illuminated animal figures, lighting, sound, and special effects.

Hot Chocolate Trail

Date: November 17th - December 31st

Explore the Banff and Lake Louise Hot Chocolate Trail, featuring over 20 holiday-themed hot chocolates at various restaurants in the area.

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Banff Christmas Market

Dates: November 17-19, 24-26 & December 1-3

Starts at 10:00 AM

Location: Warner Stables in the Banff Townsite

Discover a magical world with over 100 artisanal vendors, live music, an outdoor fire lounge, Santa’s House & Reindeer Stables, Christmas treats, and warm drinks for the entire family to enjoy.

Nightrise (Banff Gondola)

Date: November 18 - March 30, 2024

Experience the transformation of Sulphur Mountain’s summit after dark through four digital art installations. Vibrant lighting, multimedia effects, video projections, and music bring the mountaintop to life in new and unexpected ways.

New Years Eve in Banff

Dates: December 31 - January 1

Location: Banff’s Central park

This event will feature family-friendly activities, live music from local and regional artists, dance performances, a train for toddlers, kicksleds and snowshoes, hot chocolate and marshmallows roasted over fires, in Banff's Central Park.

SnowDays

Dates: January 19 - February 4, 2024

Banff and Lake Louise come alive in January with the annual SnowDays celebration. Downtown Banff's streets transform into larger-than-life winter galleries with giant snow sculptures and exciting skijoring events.

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Lake Louise

Lake Louise Ski Resort Season Opener Party

Date: November 18

Join the party to celebrate the opening of the season at Lake Louise Ski Resort.

Ice Skating on Lake Louise with Ice Bar

Date: December to March

Enjoy ice skating on the iconic Lake Louise, a quintessential Canadian activity. Rent your skates at the Chateau Ski and Snow shop and warm up with a hot cocoa by the firepits.

Ice Magic

Dates: January & February 2024

Witness world-class ice carvers competing on the shores of Lake Louise. Ice Magic 2024 is a ticketed event, so stay tuned for more information.

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Golden

Holiday Train by CP Railway

Date: December 14th

Time: 9:15 PM - 9:45 PM

Location: CPKC yard across from 7-11 store on 10th Avenue

Check out the holiday train by CP Railway at CPKC yard, featuring live events and performances.

Holiday Market

Date: December 16th

Time: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Location: Mount 7 Rec Plex

Join the annual Golden Farmer's Market Holiday Market for a chance to shop locally during the holidays with over 40 amazing vendors.

New Year’s Eve at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort

Date: December 31st

Time: 6:30-9:30

Location: Kicking Horse Plaze

Enjoy a Rail Jam, fireshows, torchlight parade, and fireworks starting at 9:00 PM. Perfect for families and individuals of all ages.

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Freeride World Tour 2024

Date: February 14-20 2024

Time: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

Location: Kicking Horse Mountain Resort

Catch the Freeride World Tour at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, the only North American stop on this global journey! Watch top athletes compete on challenging terrain. Enjoy exclusive snow viewing.

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Revelstoke

Colour the Slopes Summit

Dates: December 7th - 11th

Location: Revelstoke Mountain Resort

Join the second Colour the Slopes Summit in Revelstoke, BC, with speaker presentations, après-ski, and a gala dinner.

Big Eddy Winter Market

Date: December 8th

Location: Big Eddy Glass Works

Experience the annual winter market at Big Eddy Glass Works, featuring art vendors, glassblowing demonstrations, and live DJ music.

Revelstoke Winter Market

Dates: November to April

Time: 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM

Location: Revelstoke Community & Aquatic Centre

Explore the Revelstoke Farmers Market for the freshest local produce and handmade goods, taking place every second Friday from November to April.

Free Valentine’s Day Weddings

Date: February 15, 2024

Time: 11:00 am - 3:00 pm

Searching for the perfect way to celebrate your love on Valentines Day? Well consider this unique opportunity to “proclaim it from the mountaintop”! A Marriage Commissioner will be stationed at the summit of the gondola, offering complimentary wedding ceremonies and vow renewals.

Please keep in mind:

• To ensure legal validity of your wedding, be sure to obtain a marriage license in advance.
• Bring along two witnesses.
• Sightseeing tickets are available to purchase for non-skiing guests. And if your guests and yourself are hitting the slopes in celebration, lift tickets or a valid seasons pass are required.

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Western Canada awakens with a wide selection of vibrant winter festivities from November through February, and Basecamp Resorts is where your adventures begin. From the charming Canmore Christmas Artisan's Market to the Banff Craft Beer Festival, Lake Louise's enchanting ice skating, and Golden and Revelstoke's holiday cheer, your winter getaway awaits. With properties in every location, Basecamp Resorts offers the perfect accommodation for your seasonal escapes.