Your Ultimate Fall-to-Winter Guide to Banff, Canmore, & Revelstoke

When the peaks start frosting over and the fireplaces crackle to life, Canmore, Banff and Revelstoke come alive with that unmistakable early-winter energy. It’s festival season - when mountain culture, food, film, and first tracks all collide. 

From the Banff Centre Mountain Film & Book Festival’s 50th anniversary to early ski openings and twinkling holiday markets, this stretch from late October through November is packed with ways to embrace the mountains before winter hits full swing.

Where the Mountains Come Alive: Film, Food, and Festivities

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Banff Centre Mountain Film & Book Festival: November 1st - 9th, 2025 | Banff, AB

Celebrating its 50th anniversary, this world-renowned festival is the heartbeat of Banff’s cultural season. Watch breathtaking adventure films, meet explorers and authors, and soak up stories that celebrate life lived on the edge - all surrounded by fresh snow and crazy apres energy.

Taste for Adventure: October 23rd - November 6th, 2025 | Banff & Lake Louise, AB

Come hungry. Local chefs and restaurants roll out special menus featuring local food, drink, and creative flair. Think wild game, Alberta beef, and mountain-inspired cocktails - the perfect pre-show indulgence.

Gather for Good: November 12th, 2025 | Canmore, AB

Community, live entertainment, and local spirit. This annual event brings people together for a night of giving, music, and mountain-town pride - all for a good cause. 

Lake Louise Skating Rink Opening: Mid-December onwards | Lake Louise, AB

As the lake freezes into a crystal-clear mirror, the world-famous skating rink officially opens, surrounded by soaring peaks, castle-like snow walls, and shining ice-sculptures.

Banff & Lake Louise SnowDays Festival: January 16th - February 8th | Banff & Lake Louise, AB

The mountains come alive when SnowDays transforms Banff and Lake Louise into a snowy playground of creativity, competition, and cozy indulgence. Here’s what not to miss: 

• Snow Sculpture Trail: January 22nd - February 8th
• Bear Street Hub & Snowdays Kickoff Party: Dates to be confirmed
• Weekend of Wonder: January 22nd - 25th
• Ice Magic: February 5th - 8th
• Skijoring Exhibition: January 17th & 18th

First Chair Fever: Early Ski Openings

While the film credits roll, ski season is already gearing up. November is all about opening day hype across the Bow Valley and beyond. Opening dates are subject to change based on weather conditions. 

• Nakiska - November 7th
• Sunshine Village - November 7th
• Lake Louise - November 7th
• Mt. Norquay - November 14th
• Revelstoke - November 29th

There’s something special about that first chair ride of the season - the hum of excitement, the cold air on your face, and the collective cheer when ski season officially begins.

Lights, Markets, and Mountain Magic

By mid-November, the mountains transform into a snowglobe of lights and festive cheer. 

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Bow Valley Artisan Market: November 8th & 22nd | Canmore, AB

Celebrate Bow Valley artisans and local businesses - offering unique handcrafted gifts, and delicious food and drink. 

In Search of Christmas Spirit: November 13th - December 31st | Banff, AB

A magical outdoor light experience in the forest - part art, part storytelling, and pure holiday wonder.

Banff Christmas Market: November 20th - December 14th | Banff, AB

Alpine-style cabins, local artisans, mulled wine, and cozy treats - it’s an instant holiday mood-booster. 

Big Eddy Winter Market: December 12th | Revelstoke, BC

A cozy community night in Revelstoke, featuring artisan vendors, live DJs, glass-blowing demos, and local bites. 

Naughty or Nice Holiday Fiesta: December 20th | Revelstoke, BC

A live-music Christmas Fiesta Grande, featuring Revelstoke’s very own band, Big Suz. Bring your dancing shoes and get ready to groove. 

New Year’s Eve in the Mountains: December 31st | Banff, Canmore & Revelstoke

Ring in 2026 with fireworks, live music, and celebrations across every mountain town. 

Where to Stay

Stay close to the fun - whether you’re here for the culture, the slopes, or both. 

• Basecamp Resorts Canmore: A cozy base with mountain views and space to stretch out between events. 
• Basecamp Suites Banff: Steps from festival venues, shopping, and apres.
• Baker Creek by Basecamp: Rustic cabins perfect for that peaceful retreat after a long festival day.
• Basecamp Resorts Revelstoke: Spacious suites with full kitchens, hot tubs, and mountain views.

Each stay keeps you within easy reach of everything that makes this season so special - from powder mornings to late-night premieres.

Why November is the Time to Come

It’s the season that bridges two worlds: the last of fall’s golden light and the first turns of winter. You can hike in the morning, hit a film screening by afternoon, and catch snowflakes by dinner. There’s no better time to reconnect with the mountains and everything that makes them come alive, so make sure you check out our current offers and book direct at basecampresorts.com for exclusive guest perks.