The Snowcastle becomes a month long celebration of community spirit, collaboration, innovation in the arts, entertainment for young and old and where the spirit of winter wonderment from all our collective childhood reigns supreme.

A winter wonderland is created on Yellowknife Bay where the Snowking and his talented, hardy northern helpers brave -30 over the course of 2 months to build a huge castle made entirely of snow and ice.  

On any given day, the Snowcastle might host a children's play, followed by an arts exhibit or a rock band, a film festival and finish the night off by transforming into a dance club.

The Festival will be celebrating it's 28th Year in 2023! We look forward to seeing you! 

our Mission

Snowking’s Winter Festival creates a winter wonderland in Yellowknife for all to enjoy.  The Snowking inspires art, community, volunteerism, creativity and active winter play.

our Mandate

The Snowking’s Winter Festival Society coordinates the Snowcastle and winter festival in Yellowknife.  The Festival:

  • Fosters a sense of community connection by inspiring volunteerism and celebrating culture and diversity;

  • Promotes active, winter play, in family-friendly spaces that capture the imagination of children and children at heart;

  • Celebrates northern music and the arts by showcasing talent and providing for creative exchanges; 

  • Explores and elevates snow and ice as artistic and architectural mediums, creating a welcoming space; and

  • Creates a unique attraction for NWT visitors.

Take a Tour of the XXVII Snowcastle

Thanks to Spectacular NWT, you can take a tour of the now melted castle from the comfort of your own home.

Happy exploring, reliving your visit, and anticipating XXVIII!

 

a MESSAGE FROM SNOWKING

29 years ago a snowman was sitting outside enjoying the winter sun when someone put a magic potato on his face instead of a carrot. The result was a magical transformation and snowking came to be. Ever since then, he has built a giant snow-castle for all the winter citizens who enjoy the whole winter experience. But there are those out there who don't believe in the magical experience, and do their best to prevent this. (adults and vandals)

Snowking has no patience for these types of people! Truck idlers are the worst as their emissions contribute to green-house gasses, and the result is GLOBAL WARMING! Yuck! So tell your dad or mom to leave your truck at home or if you can't, then tell them to shut it off when you get out of it. Snowking also recommends long johns or snow-pants, and he starts his day with a big bowl of oatmeal that works like an inner furnace. Don't you think that is good?