Most of you probably know that Alberta, Canada is one of my favorite places in North America. Banff National Park is first and foremost along with the stunning beauty of Lake Louise. Obviously I cannot leave out Jasper, Edmonton or Calgary either as it’s an Alberta love affair! Meanwhile, Banff and Lake Louise are geared up for SnowDays, a nearly month-long festival that celebrates all things winter. SnowDays runs from January 15 to February 7 with street parties, food fairs and other attractions. Here are some highlights of SnowDays.
Banff Block Parties
You know it’s going to be a fun party when the town shuts down the street to make way for festivities. Both the SnowDays Kick-Off Party and the Big Bear, which marks its end, are just such occasions.
The Big Bear is where block party meets terrain park – a ramp and rails are laid down right in town for pros to take the stage and stomp out their biggest tricks. A live DJ set, beer gardens and onsite food vendors make this event a real block party and the entry ticket gets you into the official after party too!
Culinary Adventures
Boasting over 130 bars, restaurants and cafés, there is a robust culinary scene in town sure to impress any foodie including myself. To showcase local eateries, brews (which rock) and booze, Banff’s Big Taste, running January 28-29, is a two night affair where different eateries and bars offer samplers of local fare. Entry tickets run $20 and samples are priced between $3 to $6.
Ice Magic
The aptly named Ice Magic Festival takes over Lake Louise from January 15 to 24. While the weekends are bustling with ticketed international carving events, there are a series of free demos, exhibits and opportunities to try your own hand at carving during the festival.
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Yesss, my lovely province. Canmore is my absolute jam here and I hope you’ve stopped in to check it out!
I have been to Canmore, lovely place for sure!
The Banff Springs hotel is beautiful and as much a museum in the Scottish Baronial motif as a first class resort hotel. Very much worth a visit and walk thru and a stop at any of its bars, even if your staying up the mountain at the fantastic RimRock Resort Hotel, which offers some of the most jaw- dropping views in the world.
There’s only one Banff in the world and we’re lucky to live just one province over.