The Canadian Rockies are buzzing with activity year-round, and this guide to Banff, Canmore, and Jasper events highlights the best of it all. From snow-carving competitions in Banff and food festivals in Canmore to dark-sky celebrations in Jasper, there’s something happening in every season.
Whether you’re planning a winter getaway or a summer adventure, this month-by-month calendar covers the must-see festivals, races, and community events that bring the mountains to life.
Banff Canmore Jasper Events By Month
Hot Chocolate Trail (Banff & Lake Louise)
Nov 13, 2025 – Feb 8, 2026
The Hot Chocolate Trail adds a sweet touch to the holiday season, inviting visitors to sample festive creations from more than 30 local restaurants and cafés. From classic favourites to imaginative flavour combinations, each stop offers a unique take on winter’s cosiest drink. Guests are encouraged to enjoy their drinks in a mug when dining in or bring a reusable cup to sip sustainably while exploring town.
Nightrise at the Banff Gondola (Banff)
Nov 15, 2025 – Mar 29, 2026
Nightrise transforms Sulphur Mountain into a multimedia experience after sunset. Created in partnership with Moment Factory and the Stoney Nakoda Nation, this nighttime event blends light, sound, and storytelling to reveal a new perspective on the mountains. Visitors can also enjoy stargazing, marshmallow roasting, and live performances under the stars. (November to March)
Banff Winter Carnival (Banff)
Nov 29, 2025 – Mar 30, 2026
The Banff Winter Carnival returns to the Cave and Basin National Historic Site, celebrating Banff’s long tradition of winter fun. Inspired by the original 1917 carnival, the event features mini curling, box hockey, and other family-friendly games alongside vintage films and photos from its early days. It’s a lively nod to Banff’s history as a world-class winter destination.
Jasper in January (Jasper)
Jan 16 – Feb 1, 2026
Jasper in January lights up the quietest month with two weeks of mountain adventures and community celebrations. Visitors can ski, skate, or join guided snowshoe tours, then warm up with live music, food specials, and après-ski fun across town.
SnowDays (Banff / Lake Louise)
Jan 16 – Feb 8, 2026
SnowDays transforms Banff and Lake Louise into a snowy playground. The festival features giant ice and snow sculptures, thrilling skijoring races down Banff Avenue, and family-friendly activities that highlight the magic of winter in the Rockies.
Bear Street Hub (Banff)
Jan 16 – Feb 8, 2026
The Bear Street Hub is the lively centrepiece of the SnowDays Festival, filling downtown Banff with live music, circus acts, street performers, and snow and ice carving displays. The hub hosts family-friendly entertainment throughout the festival, with performances and creative activities that bring winter magic to life.
SnowDays Play Zone (Banff)
Jan 16 – Feb 8, 2026
The SnowDays Play Zone turns Banff’s Central Park into a lively winter playground. Visitors can try fat biking, curling, and other classic Canadian games while enjoying snow sculptures and family-friendly entertainment. It’s the perfect spot to embrace the season’s spirit and enjoy hands-on fun throughout the SnowDays Festival.
SnowNights (Banff)
Jan 16 – Feb 8, 2026
The SnowNights series brings the SnowDays Festival to life after dark with exclusive dining, live entertainment, and evening adventures across Banff. From cosy après-ski gatherings to lively nighttime events, SnowNights offers countless ways to celebrate winter under the stars.
Snow Sculptures (Banff)
Jan 18 – Feb 8, 2026
The Snow Sculptures of the SnowDays Festival showcase the incredible talent of artists who transform giant blocks of snow into intricate works of art.
Visitors can stroll through downtown Banff, following a trail of sculptures from Bear Street to Central Park, each telling its own story. In the evening, the illuminated displays create a magical winter atmosphere perfect for all ages.
Weekend of Wonder (Banff)
Jan 22 – Jan 25, 2026
The Weekend of Wonder fills Bear Street with creativity, performances, and family fun during the SnowDays Festival. Visitors can enjoy live ice carving, hands-on crafts, and interactive workshops, along with evening entertainment like variety shows, cabaret, and line dancing. It’s a lively winter celebration for all ages.
Jasper Pond Hockey Tournament (Jasper)
Jan 23 – Jan 25, 2026
The Jasper Pond Hockey Tournament transforms frozen lakes into rinks for one of Canada’s most scenic hockey showdowns. Twenty-plus teams compete in a festive atmosphere surrounded by snowy peaks and the camaraderie of a classic Canadian winter pastime.
Tribute to Craft (Banff)
Jan 30 – Jan 31, 2026
Tribute to Craft is a two-day celebration of cocktails and cuisine held on Bear Street during the SnowDays Festival. The event brings together local distilleries and restaurants for a weekend of sipping, sampling, and savouring the flavours of the Rockies.
Ice Magic (Lake Louise)
Feb 5 – Feb 8, 2026
Ice Magic transforms the grounds of Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise into a glittering gallery of ice sculptures, where skilled carvers create stunning works of frozen art. This exclusive winter experience celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the beauty of the season in a truly spectacular mountain setting. (February)
Banff Flying Canoe Festival (Banff)
Feb 26 – Mar 1, 2026
The Banff Flying Canoe Festival is a free winter evening festival held in Central Park that brings the Flying Canoe legend to life through lantern-lit walks, storytelling, music, and light installations. Indigenous programming, local artists, and gentle illumination along the Bow River make it a thoughtful way to experience winter in Banff. (February)
Biathlon Canadian National Championships (Canmore)
Mar 24 – Mar 29, 2026
The Biathlon Canadian National Championships return to the Canmore Nordic Centre. This major national event draws Canada’s top athletes for a week of high-performance racing that combines cross-country skiing and marksmanship. Spectators can watch elite competition while enjoying the energy of one of the country’s premier winter sports venues.
Jasper Pride & Ski Festival (Jasper)
Apr 10 – Apr 19, 2026
Jasper Pride & Ski Festival is a colourful celebration of diversity and inclusion in the Rockies. With more than a week of events, from ski days and parties to family programming and live entertainment, it has become one of the most unique Pride festivals in Canada.
Taste of Spring (Jasper)
Apr 24 – May 3, 2026
Celebrate the changing season at Taste of Spring, a festival that blends food, art, and adventure. Visitors can sample seasonal dishes, take in artistic performances, and join guided experiences that connect culture with the natural beauty of Jasper National Park. (April to May)
Jasper Canadian Rockies Half Marathon (Jasper)
Apr 25, 2026
The Jasper Canadian Rockies Half-Marathon welcomes runners of all abilities to a stunning course through Jasper National Park. Whether racing the half-marathon, 10K, or 5K, participants are rewarded with mountain views and a warm community atmosphere.
Made with Love Banff Food and Cocktail Festival (Banff)
Late April TBC
Made with Love is Banff’s biggest food and drink celebration, drawing top bartenders and chefs from across the Bow Valley. Guests can enjoy curated pairings, creative cocktails, and an outdoor street party on Bear Street, all built around a theme of innovation and community.
Banff Farmers Market (Banff)
May 20 – Sept 30, 2026
The Banff Farmers Market fills Central Park every Wednesday through the summer. Stalls are brimming with fresh produce, local crafts, and handmade goods, making it a favourite stop for both locals and visitors looking for a taste of the Bow Valley.
Canmore Mountain Market (Canmore)
May 21 – Oct 1, 2026
Canmore Mountain Market runs every Thursday at Elevation Place from May to October. More than 75 vendors offer fresh produce, baked goods, and handmade crafts, making it a lively weekly tradition and a great way to connect with Canmore’s local community.
Banff Liniskim Cross-Cultural Powwow (Banff)
May 30, 2026
The Banff Liniskim Cross-Cultural Powwow is a vibrant gathering that celebrates Indigenous traditions. Competitive dancing, powerful drumming, and the flavours of traditional foods create an event that welcomes all to share in cultural learning and community connection.
Banff Jasper Relay (Banff / Jasper)
Jun 6, 2026
The Banff Jasper Relay is a team relay that connects the two towns along the scenic Icefields Parkway. Runners split the 260-kilometre route into segments, combining endurance with camaraderie in one of the Rockies’ most beautiful long-distance events.
Gran Fondo Jasper (Jasper)
Jun 6, 2026
Cyclists from across the region gather for the Gran Fondo Jasper to tackle routes ranging from beginner-friendly rides to challenging mountain climbs. With closed roads and stunning scenery, it is one of the most picturesque cycling events in Canada.
Banff Half-Marathon (Banff)
Jun 14, 2026
Run through one of the most beautiful settings in the world at the Banff Marathon. With half-marathon and 10K distances, this scenic race gives participants the rare chance to stride past peaks, forests, and rivers in the heart of a national park (check out more Rockies running events).
Canada Day (Banff, Canmore & Jasper)
Jul 1, 2026
Canada Day is celebrated across the Rockies with parades, live music, family-friendly activities, and plenty of community spirit. In Banff, Canmore, and Jasper, July 1 brings a festive atmosphere that fills town centres with colour and energy.
Art in Nature Trail (Banff)
Paused for 2026
The Art in Nature Trail winds along the Bow River with installations that merge creativity and the natural environment. This outdoor exhibition encourages visitors to explore at their own pace, discovering works of art that highlight the connection between people and place.
Canmore Folk Music Festival (Canmore)
Aug 1 – Aug 3, 2026
The Canmore Folk Music Festival is Alberta’s longest-running folk festival, bringing together musicians from around the world. For three days, Centennial Park is filled with live performances, artisan markets, and a sense of community spirit, making it a highlight of the summer calendar.
Canmore Highland Games (Canmore)
Sept 4 – Sept 6, 2026
Celebrate Scottish and Celtic heritage at the Canmore Highland Games. From traditional Highland dance and pipe bands to heavy sports like the caber toss, the games combine athletic competition with music, food, and festive cheer.
Jasper Folk Music Festival (Jasper)
Sept 11 – Sept 12, 2026
The Jasper Folk Music Festival brings big sounds to a small mountain town. Set against the backdrop of the Rockies, this two-day event features Canadian and international artists, food vendors, and a relaxed, family-friendly vibe on the shores of the Athabasca River.
Melissa’s Road Race (Banff)
Sept 26, 2026
Melissa’s Road Race has been a Banff tradition for decades, drawing runners from across Canada. Participants can choose a 5K, 10K, or half-marathon route, each offering stunning views of the mountains, forests, and rivers that surround the town.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (Banff)
Sept 30, 2026
Banff observes the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation with ceremonies, gatherings, and community-led events. It is a day for reflection and learning, honouring residential school survivors and recognising the ongoing journey of reconciliation in Canada.
Banff Pride (Banff)
Oct 2 – Oct 12, 2026
Banff Pride brings colour and celebration to the mountains with ten days of events promoting inclusion and community spirit. From lively parties and drag performances to film screenings and educational talks, the festival welcomes everyone to celebrate diversity in a spectacular mountain setting.
Canmore Pride Festival (Canmore)
Oct 5 – Oct 11, 2026 (TBC)
The Canmore Pride Festival brings the community together for a week of events celebrating love and inclusivity. From social gatherings and family-friendly programming to unique activities like climbing events, it is a festival that reflects Canmore’s diverse and welcoming spirit.
Jasper Dark Sky Festival (Jasper)
Oct 16 – Oct 25, 2026
The Jasper Dark Sky Festival invites visitors to look up in awe at one of the largest dark sky preserves in the world. The event features science talks, stargazing tours, and hands-on astronomy experiences, making it a perfect blend of education and wonder.
Banff Craft Beer Festival (Banff)
Oct 22 – Oct 24, 2026
Sample the best of Alberta brewing at the Banff Craft Beer Festival. Hosted inside the historic Cave and Basin site, the festival combines local flavours, mountain atmosphere, and the chance to meet the brewers behind your pint.
Jasper Creatures Return (Jasper)
Oct 30 – Nov 1, 2026 (TBC)
Halloween takes on a mountain twist during Jasper Creatures Return. Light displays, storytelling, and spooky surprises transform the town into a playful and mysterious setting that appeals to both families and thrill-seekers.
Taste for Adventure (Banff)
Oct 22 – Nov 5, 2026
Taste for Adventure is Banff’s annual food celebration, where local restaurants create special menus, pairings, and limited-time dishes that showcase Rocky Mountain flavours. It’s a great time to dine out, explore Banff’s culinary creativity, and experience the town at a slower pace.
HalLoween (Banff)
Oct 31, 2026
Halloween in Banff brings a playful edge to autumn in the mountains, with themed events, parties, family-friendly activities and plenty of costume-wearing around town. From haunted attractions to seasonal menus and special events, it adds a fun, festive note to October in the Bow Valley.
Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival (Banff)
Oct 31 – Nov 8, 2026
The Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival is an internationally acclaimed celebration of adventure and storytelling. With films, author talks, and panel discussions, it brings together explorers and creatives who share a passion for mountain culture.
Hot Chocolate Trail (Banff & Lake Louise)
Nov – Feb (TBC)
The Hot Chocolate Trail adds a sweet touch to the holiday season, inviting visitors to sample festive creations from more than 30 local restaurants and cafés. From classic favourites to imaginative flavour combinations, each stop offers a unique take on winter’s cosiest drink. Guests are encouraged to enjoy their drinks in a mug when dining in or bring a reusable cup to sip sustainably while exploring town.
In Search of Christmas Spirit (Banff)
Nov 13 – Dec 31, 2026
In Search of Christmas Spirit transforms Banff’s Cascade of Time Garden into an enchanting outdoor experience filled with twinkling lights and festive storytelling. Visitors follow a glowing pathway through the gardens, where the animals of Banff National Park share a heartwarming Christmas tale beneath the winter sky.
Banff Christmas Market (Banff)
Nov 19 – Dec 13, 2026
The Banff Christmas Market captures all the charm of European holiday markets with a Rocky Mountain twist. Browse booths filled with artisanal gifts, local crafts, and festive treats while enjoying seasonal entertainment and warm holiday flavours. Held at the historic Banff Train Station, it’s a perfect place to find unique treasures and soak up the spirit of the season.
Banff Winter Carnival (Banff)
Nov 2026 – Mar 2027 (TBC)
The Banff Winter Carnival returns to the Cave and Basin National Historic Site, celebrating Banff’s long tradition of winter fun. Inspired by the original 1917 carnival, the event features mini curling, box hockey, and other family-friendly games alongside vintage films and photos from its early days. It’s a lively nod to Banff’s history as a world-class winter destination.