Winter Magic Festival

The Winter Magic Festival Turns 39 in 2026!

In 1987, the province was swept with Olympic fever. Calgary was to host the Winter Olympics, and the Alberta Sport Council (ASC) was encouraging all Albertans to find new ways to engage with Olympic sports. The ASC brought outreach opportunities for all communities to try out not just the big-ticket sports but also some of the more unique or European elements. Hinton has always hosted events in the winter months, being situated in the natural splendour of the Rockies, but with this support from the province and the momentum of the Olympics, a plan to bring together as many unique activities and events under one banner and create a festival was begun.

Since then, every February, Hintonites join together to create something amazing. Town Departments, local nonprofits, teams, organizations, and businesses all contribute to and host events that support the overall festival. Two weeks of winter activities, ranging from winter sports to cultural pursuits, break up the monotony of cold weather and bring residents and visitors alike together to revel in the winter wonderland.

Winter Magic 2026 runs from February 6-23.