Your Ultimate 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. 

Hot Chocolate Trail: November 13th 2025 – February 8th 2026 | Banff / Lake Louise

A food & drink trail experience with hot chocolate treats at participating venues.

Everwild Canmore Nordic Spa & Hotel Opening Day: November 20th, 2025 | Canmore, AB

Canmore's first wellness destination opens it's doors just in time for the winter season. Bookings are now open and guests of Basecamp Resorts receive 15% off day access passes. Learn more about this offer, here.

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.

Après on Main Street / Live Music in Pubs: December 2025 – January 2026 | Canmore, AB

Through the holiday period, Canmore pubs, distilleries, and taprooms typically run nightly/weekly live music, trivia, seasonal cocktails, and small-plate specials. Ideal “no car needed” evening plan for guests who aren’t into the club scene but still want a night out in the Rockies.

Split//Ski Festival: January 9th – 11th, 2026 | Revelstoke, BC

A backcountry splitboard / ski touring festival. Expect avalanche safety workshops, guided touring days, gear demos, evening talks, and social hangs with the local mountain community.

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

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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. 

• Banff Sunshine Village - November 7th
• Lake Louise Ski Resort - November 7th
• Mt. Norquay Ski Resort - November 14th
• Nakiska Ski Area - November 28th
• Revelstoke Mountain Resort - 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. 

CPKC Holiday Train: December 17th | Revelstoke, BC

1,000 feet long and decorated with thousands of LED lights and a special train car for performances. Bring a donation to the Revelstoke food bank and catch the CPKC Holiday Train on it's journey across the country.

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. 

Ski with Santa: December 24th | Revelstoke, BC

Come out to ski with Santa and celebrate the holiday season in true mountain style at Revelstoke Mountain Resort.

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. 

SnowNights: January 16th – February 8th, 2026 | Banff, AB

Nighttime programming within SnowDays – DJs, outdoor fire features, lights, and roaming performers in downtown Banff. This is the “go out and wander with a drink, take unreal winter photos” vibe for adult guests.

Ice Magic: February 5th – 8th, 2026 | Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

Lake Louise, ABWorld-class ice carvers compete and create towering sculptures on the lakefront terrace, turning the shore of Lake Louise into an open-air ice gallery framed by glaciers. As of the current announcement, admission is free but ticketed, and priority is for guests at participating Banff / Lake Louise hotels.

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.

From Kananaskis to Revelstoke: Your Winter Adventures Starts Here

From twinkling light displays and lively winter festivals to guided tours and deep-pow days, winter in the Canadian Rockies is packed with epic moments just waiting to happen. Whether you’re exploring the snowy serenity of Kananaskis or chasing adrenaline through Revelstoke’s backcountry, we’ve got your basecamp for adventure.

Book direct to unlock exclusive guest perks—including local discounts at some of our favourite outfitters, guides, and experiences across Alberta and BC. More fun, fewer fees, and the freedom to explore more.

Check out our offers and plan your winter escape today—your mountain getaway starts here.

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