Fort St. John gears up to host first month-long winter festival

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The city is all set to kick off the month-long ‘reimagined’ Winter Fest 2026 with a string of winter activities. 

In a news release, the city is inviting residents and visitors to be part of Winter Fest presented by Peace Country Rentals. 

This annual event, which was previously called High on Ice Winter Festival and only on one weekend in February, went through a rebranding and is now called Winter Fest. 

The month-long festival, the city said, is to “celebrate community spirit, northern culture and outdoor winter fun.”

Lilia Hansen, mayor for the City of Fort St. John, said: “Winter Fest is all about embracing the season, connecting and showcasing what makes Fort St. John such a vibrant winter city. 

“This year’s lineup brings back beloved favourites, such as the MNP Slide Hill and ice carvings, while introducing new opportunities to gather, create and celebrate.”

The highlights of the 2026 Winter Fest are: 

• February 1st – Winter Fest Kick-off event in Kin Park
• February 6th to 8th – School District 60 Band Winter Carnival 
• February 13th to 16th – Professional ice carving in Centennial Park 
• February 16th – Fire and ice finale 
• February 19th – R360 Outdoor Glow Skate in Mathews Park 
• February 20th to 22nd – Crystal Cup Pond Hockey Tournament 
• February 28th – Sips and Sleds at Toboggan Hill. 

This year, the carving team for Home2 Suites by Hilton Fort St. John includes Dmitry Klimenko, Ryan Cook, Kevin Lewis and Abe Waterman who will be at Centennial Park the weekend of February 13th to showcase their talents. 

There are more than 50 events and activities, and residents can click here to view the full schedule.