Alberta

Spotlight on winter festivals

In Alberta, festival season is any season, but the most magical are in winter when the cities and towns light up, says Jessica Pook

Throughout the darkest months, Alberta finds a way to shine bright with a festival season that runs until February. From ice carving to hot chocolate trails to spectacular light installations, these winter festivals turn a seasonal slump into a holiday highlight.

SnowDays, Banff

From January 19 – 30 downtown Banff transforms into an open-air gallery, putting skilled snow sculptors to the test. Walk amongst giant beasts and intricately carved landscapes all the way from Banff Ave Square to Central Park, the Whyte Museum and finally to Bear Street. Feeling the chill? Indulge in Banff’s Hot Chocolate Trail and grab a steaming cup of hot chocolate (or two) for the road. Each year restaurants participate in creating a limited-time specialty hot chocolate for the event. Continue the SnowDays adventure with a dog-sled or horse drawn sleigh ride.

Jasper in January

Tempting locals and tourists away from a cosy fire is Jasper in January, one of Jasper’s signature festivals, which runs from the middle to the end of the month. There’s plenty to banish the January blues with a street party, chilli cook off, brewery tours, food and wine festival, painting and photography workshops and live music. With discounted lift tickets and activities on and off the mountain, including ice climbing, snow shoeing, dog-sledding and canyon walking, it’s an ideal time to visit Jasper National Park.

snow sCulPtures at snowDays , Banff

iCe on whyte, eDmonton

Sculpt it

Lake Louise will host the annual Ice Magic International Ice Carving Competition from January 19 - 30, 2022, inviting sculptors from across the world to compete.

PurPle haze at Chinook Blast, Calgary

Ice on Whyte Edmonton

Celebrating all things ice, Ice on Whyte returns from January 27 to February 6, 2022 in Dr. Wilbert McIntyre Park. The main event is a spectacular ice carving competition. Visitors can expect some serious crafting skill with participants coming from across the globe. Leaving the serious stuff to the experts, novices young and old can try their hand at ice carving at L’il Chippers and Big Chippers workshops. Once the carving stops, relax with a chilled beverage in the ice bar

Chinook Blast and Calgary Glow

After a successful debut last year, Chinook Blast is back in 2022 and it promises to be bigger and better with plans for a six-week festival in January and February. Showcasing the best of Calgary’s art, music, theatre, sport, and recreation, the festival lights up the city centre with light installations which are free to walk around. Adding to the occasion in the heart of downtown is Calgary Glow, which features light installations, an ice slide and axe throwing.