11. WinterStart

The Buzz -- Banff loves winter, and this two-day festival is ample proof (if you needed it!). In late November, the city shuts down the 200 block of Banff Avenue to have a big "welcome back, winter!" street party. The event includes professional and amateur rail jam competitions, food and beer tents, games and crafts, a five-mile night run, live music, a Santa parade and a masquerade dance. Lots of folks also take the opportunity to catch highlights of the simultaneous World Cup event in Lake Louise, which are broadcast on a huge screen for all to see (interspersed with ski and snowboard videos).