Embrace the Winter Wonderland at Snow Days Festival
A Bear and Bison Inn

Luxury Bed & Breakfast & Wedding Venue
in Canmore, Alberta

January 9, 2024

Embrace the Winter Wonderland at Snow Days Festival

Banff is transformed into a magical winter wonderland each January, culminating in the vibrant Snow Days Festival. From January 19 to February 4, 2024, join us in celebrating the joy and beauty of winter.

Snow Sculptures: A Trail of Winter Art Be mesmerized by the snow sculptures that adorn downtown Banff. These magnificent works of art are the result of talented artists from around the globe, who carve massive snow blocks into intricate and imaginative designs. Starting from the Whyte Museum, follow the trail of these sculptures through Bear Street to Banff Avenue Square, with a warm drink in hand.

Skijoring: A Spectacular Display of Skill and Thrill Experience the unique and thrilling sport of Skijoring. Witness as teams of athletes and horses from Skijor Canada create an exhilarating show of horse-riding, trick-riding, and ski stunts on the streets of Banff Avenue. This breathtaking event showcases the skill of Alberta cowboys, cowgirls, Skijorlings, and their horses, partnered with trick skiers.

Snow Days Play Zone and More The festival is not just about sculptures and sports; it’s a family-friendly event filled with joy and laughter. The Snow Days Play Zone and the exciting sport of Skijoring on Banff Avenue are must-see attractions.

Important Information: Road and Parking Lot Closures Please note that there will be some road and parking lot closures to accommodate the festival:

  • Jan 12: Beaver Street Fire Hall parking lot and nearby alleyways.
  • Jan 15 – Feb 5: 200 block of Bear Street, with access to parkades and surface parking with intermittent delays.
  • Jan 17: 100 block of Bear Street and underground parkades.
  • Jan 19 – 21: 100 block of Banff Ave and portions of Caribou St.
  • Feb 5: Closures on Bear and Beaver Streets and parking lots.

A Festival Not to Miss If you’re visiting Banff National Park during these winter months, the Snow Days Festival is an event you won’t want to miss. It’s the perfect time to don your warmest clothes and immerse yourself in the numerous outdoor activities. Discover how downtown Banff comes alive with the spirit of winter.

Come join us at the Bear and Bison Inn during Snow Days for an unforgettable celebration of winter’s beauty and excitement!


Words can hardly express the gratitude and admiration we have for the entire team at the Bear & Bison Inn in Canmore. From the very beginning of our wedding planning journey to the final farewell on Sunday morning, every moment was handled with such care, professionalism, and heartfelt attention that we were left speechless more times than we can count.

Planning a wedding can be overwhelming, but the Bear & Bison made it feel effortless. Their team was not only incredibly organized but also intuitivethey seemed to anticipate our needs before we even realized them ourselves. Every detail was handled with such precision, from the ceremony setup to the timing of each meal, that we were able to be fully present and truly enjoy every second of the weekend. That is a rare and priceless gift to give a couple on their most important day.

One of the standout features was the food. “Out of this world” doesn’t even begin to do it justice. Each dish was crafted with obvious love and expertise—beautifully presented, bursting with flavour, and consistently praised by all our guests. Whether it was the thoughtfully curated breakfasts or the exquisite wedding dinner, every bite was unforgettable. We received so many compliments from friends and family who said it was the best wedding meal they’ve ever had. It truly felt like dining at a five-star restaurant, surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the Rockies.

The inn itself is warm, inviting, and steeped in charm. It felt like home the moment we arrived, but better—like the kind of cozy retreat you dream of escaping to. The rooms were spotless, comfortable, and offered stunning mountain views that added a magical touch to every morning. Our guests couldn’t stop talking about how beautiful the venue was and how relaxing and enjoyable their stay had been.

What really made the Bear & Bison so special, though, was the people. The staff’s dedication to excellence and their genuine kindness were felt in everything they did. We never once felt like “just another event” or like things were being done out of routine. Instead, we felt seen, heard, and genuinely cared for. There was heart behind every decision, and that made all the difference.

Our wedding weekend turned out better than we ever could have imagined. It was filled with love, laughter, beauty, and unforgettable memories—all thanks to the incredible team at the Bear & Bison Inn. We are forever grateful for the role they played in the most meaningful weekend of our lives. If you are considering hosting your wedding here, do not hesitate—it will be the best decision you make.

James M. June 2025

A Truly Unforgettable Wedding Experience at the Bear & Bison Inn

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