Largest Canadian Winter Festivals 2024

Winter is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate the season than by checking out the best winter festivals? Winter brings us closer together as we enjoy a few sips of coffee, get cozy by the fire, and enjoy gourmet family meals before and after Christmas! Whether you love the winter or want to escape the cold, these top cozy winter festivals will help do the trick!

We’ve compiled a list of the largest Canadian Winter Festivals to add to your list in 2024!

Igloofest, Montreal, Quebec

Known as the coldest music festival in the world, this is the 15th celebration of Igloofest in Montreal, Quebec. Igloofest brings thousands of people together to enjoy the best music under the stars to stay warm at the Old Port in Montreal. You’ll see icy decor, structures, a lineup of the best local and international artists and a playful Igloovillage for everyone to explore! Check out this fantastic festival anytime between January 18th and February 10th, 2024.

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Lake Louise Ice Magic Festival, Alberta

Who doesn’t love visiting Lake Louise? While Lake Louise is beautiful to see at any time of year, there’s something beautiful about staying at this time of year. Every January, Banff and Lake Louise come alive during the Snow Days Festival! Lake Louise becomes a breathtaking, glittering display of ice sculptures during Ice Magic, and it’s not hard to imagine why. There’s something so magical about seeing teams transform ice into ice sculptures, all with the backdrop of wintery snow peaks. Come experience the festival anytime between January 17th and 28th!

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Quebec City Winter Carnival, Quebec

The Quebec City Winter Carnival has been a magical part of Quebec for years! The city will celebrate its 70th anniversary this year, with the festival lasting 18 days from Jan 18th to Feb 11th! Visitors and locals come to experience the Quebec Winter Carnival to enjoy Bohmme’s Ice Palace, night parades, music performances and more. This beautiful city transforms into a snow festival amongst decorations, ice sculptures, and bright lights. This winter event can’t be missed!

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Niagara Winter Festival of Lights, Ontario

The most enchanting Niagara Falls has to be the Niagara Winter Festival of Lights! Experience Canada’s largest winter light festival, with over 75 spectacular colourful displays and millions of lights. Bundle up and see the lights up close by choosing one of the many walking routes or going for a scenic drive with your family. This experience is unbeatable, with the backdrop of the famous Niagara Falls behind you.

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Vernon Winter Festival, British Columbia

The Vernon Winter Carnival is one of Canada's most significant events. Experience over 100 different events, including world-class skiing, snowmobiling, ice sculpting and the chance to explore a winter playground! You’ll also look at the sky and marvel at the Hot Air Balloon Festival. It’s the perfect opportunity to grab your cameras and get a snapshot of these beautiful balloons as they pass over top. Live music, skiing, snowshoeing, wine tasting and food tours are just a few of the events taking place at the festival.

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Don’t miss out on exploring these incredible winter festivals this season! Which festival is first on your list? Tag us in your winter adventures on social media; you can find us on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook or Threads!

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