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How to Make the Most of Ice Magic

Published
Dec 20, 2023|
Last Updated
Nov 4, 2024|
term
Events & Festivals
The skating rink and the ice castle underneath a red sunset at Lake Louise during Ice Magic in Banff National Park.

Ice Magic 2025 Event Information:

Dates: Jan 29 - Feb 2, 2025

Times: 10 am to 9 pm

Tickets: This iconic winter event will be exclusively accessible through participating hotels, so booking your stay is the key to securing your complimentary tickets.

Starting November 18 at 10:00 a.m., hotel guests in Banff and Lake Louise can receive a link to book their free tickets directly from their hotel. After booking, just contact your hotel, and they'll provide all the details!

You can reserve up to six tickets at once, but larger groups may need to make additional bookings depending on availability. Don't forget, while you don't need to print your tickets, it's a good idea to download them on your phone before heading out, as cell service at Lake Louise can sometimes be a bit spotty.

Click Here for all the Ticket Info

A winter sunbeam peeks over the edge of a mountain and catches the ridge of an ice sculpture, illuminating the piece from within. Snowflakes suspended in the air glisten all around you as you pause to take in every intricate detail of the ice carver's piece of art. Perhaps you'll have a chance to see them work right in front of your eyes, transforming a simple block of frozen water into an expression of culture and beauty. Just like the moment, the sculpture is temporary but no less worthy of admiration - it is meant to be savoured simply for what it is.

Magical moments like this abound at the Ice Magic event at Lake Louise, part of the annual SnowDays Festival in Banff National Park. And with a bit of planning ahead of time, you can make the most of this magical experience.

Ice Magic 2025 is a ticketed event, with viewing slots available through participating hotels.

What is Ice Magic in Lake Louise?

Occurring in January, Ice Magic is a world-class outdoor event that brings Canada's top ice carvers together in the epicentre of Banff National Park - Lake Louise. Nestled between the iconic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and the frozen shores of Lake Louise itself, frozen blocks of ice are transformed into an exhibition of artistic expression.

How to Attend Ice Magic 2025

Ice Magic is a popular winter event that visitors and locals alike look forward to—and for good reason! This unique experience only happens once a year. To attend Ice Magic, you will need a complimentary ticket, which is only available with an overnight stay at a participating accommodation.

Starting November 18 at 10:00 a.m., hotel guests in Banff and Lake Louise can receive a link to book their free tickets directly from their hotel. After booking, just contact your hotel; they'll provide all the details!

Remember to dress warmly in weather-appropriate clothing - layers, toques, and mittens are a must!

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Group snowshoeing on a frozen lake in Banff National ParkGroup snowshoeing on a frozen lake in Banff National Park

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Two people snowshoeing along a frozen lake on a sunny winter dayTwo people snowshoeing along a frozen lake on a sunny winter day

Winter Itinerary: 7 Days of Winter in Banff National Park

StorySee details about Winter Itinerary: 7 Days of Winter in Banff National Park

See the Rest of SnowDays in Banff

the giant Ice Magic ice sculptures aren't the only almost unreal artwork you can view at this time. Ice Magic is a part of the wider SnowDays Festival, which starts on January 17, 2025, in the Banff townsite.

You can also see giant snow sculptures dotted throughout the Banff townsite and have a ripping good time at the PlayZone with snow hills to climb and slide on, as well as a specially-made fatbiking course.

During the first weekend of SnowDays, experience the thrill of Skijoring as cowboys and horses rip down Banff Ave, pulling off daring ski and snowboard tricks.

One Part of a Whimsical Winter Itinerary

Before coming up to Ice Magic for your evening timeslot, make the most of your time in the area by staying longer and exploring more of Lake Louise and the surrounding area - it's a winter wonderland of outdoor activities suitable for all ages. Whether visiting with family, friends, or that special someone, here are a few ways to spend a morning or afternoon to complement a visit to Ice Magic. Stop by Wilson Mountain Sports in the village of Lake Louise or Chateau Ski & Snow at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise to pick up gear for your activity of choice.

Cross Country Skiing

Some of the national park's best cross-country ski trails are just minutes away from the Ice Magic event. Moraine Lake Road is closed to traffic in winter and trackset specifically for cross country skiers, and the historic Great Divide trail (formerly the old 1A Highway) is just across the road.

A couple cross-country skiing through fresh snow with mountains behind themA couple cross-country skiing through fresh snow with mountains behind themA couple cross-country skiing through fresh snow with mountains behind them

Ice Skating

Ice Magic often coincides with the perfect time of year to lace up a pair of skates. And the wild skating arena doesn't get any more quintessentially Canadian than Lake Louise. Even better, you'll have the chance to skate by the iconic Lake Louise Ice Castle, which is set up by the skating rink every year.

Three friends play hockey on a vast frozen lake with glaciers and mountains in the backgroundThree friends play hockey on a vast frozen lake with glaciers and mountains in the backgroundThree friends play hockey on a vast frozen lake with glaciers and mountains in the background

Snowshoeing

Some popular summer hiking trails near Lake Louise are also suitable for snowshoeing. Make your way up to the Fairview Lookout for a lesser-seen perspective of Lake Louise. Or, for more of a challenge, make your way up to Mirror Lake via the Lake Agnes trail.

*Not all summer hiking trails are suitable for winter travel due to avalanche risk - refer to Parks Canada's list of recommended snowshoeing trails for more information.

A couple snowshoeing through deep snow towards a wintery forest with mountains ahead of themA couple snowshoeing through deep snow towards a wintery forest with mountains ahead of themA couple snowshoeing through deep snow towards a wintery forest with mountains ahead of them

Tubing at Lake Louise Ski Resort

If you have little ones in tow or are looking for a more accessible activity, Lake Louise Ski Resort is just a 10-minute drive away and offers family-friendly tubing. Tube Park is free for kids ages three to five.

A child tubing down a long run with the Lake Louise Ski Resort chalets in the backgroundA child tubing down a long run with the Lake Louise Ski Resort chalets in the backgroundA child tubing down a long run with the Lake Louise Ski Resort chalets in the background

Cozy Up with a Warm Drink

Possibly the best way to end a day full of exciting winter adventures is to snuggle up with a warm treat to warm the soul at the day's end. Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise offers several unique dining locales with a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Enjoy an "adult" hot chocolate at Alpine Social or a classic old-fashioned at Walliser StubeThe Station is also conveniently located near Lake Louise and is a great place to indulge at day's end. Reservations are often necessary at all locations.

A couple sitting at a rustic bar with a glass of wine and a beerA couple sitting at a rustic bar with a glass of wine and a beerA couple sitting at a rustic bar with a glass of wine and a beer

More Information

Getting Here

Lake Louise is a 45-minute drive from the town of Banff, located just off the Trans Canada highway. For those with or without a vehicle, consider taking Roam public transit - the Lake Louise/Banff express route runs several times a day.

For those with tickets to Ice Magic, please refer to your ticket type for where to pick up your shuttle in Banff or Lake Louise.

An ice sculpture of intricate pipes lit up in the evening and glowingAn ice sculpture of intricate pipes lit up in the evening and glowingAn ice sculpture of intricate pipes lit up in the evening and glowing
Tera Swanson

Tera Swanson

Tera is a freelance writer and graduate from Mount Royal University’s Journalism undergraduate program. Whether laced into hiking boots or clipped into skis, her favourite way to explore the mountains is on her own two feet. She’s always up for anything that will end in the telling of a good story; be it through photography, from pen to paper, or over a locally brewed amber ale.