5 Reasons To Visit Ice Magic 2024 in Lake Louise

The beauty of Lake Louise in winter is undeniable.

Walk through an alley of snow-covered pines to the edge of the lake. Families skate hand-in-hand, and the view stretches back to the stunning Victoria Glacier, which rises over the lake like a frozen guardian.

Full of remarkable natural ice sculptures, the shore of Lake Louise is also home to the world’s most scenic ice carving competition - Ice Magic, a part of the Banff SnowDays Festival.

This year, you will need tickets to see Ice Magic. Get your tickets here now.

Dates: January 26-28 & February 2-4, 2024

Times: 6:00 to 9:00 pm

Here are 5 reasons you’ll want to visit Ice Magic this year:

1. Celebrate Canada's Most Scenic Ice Festival

The world's best ice carvers have been visiting Lake Louise for over 25 years to create inspiring ice sculptures that get bigger and better each year. From the glistening sculptures to the iconic Lake Louise ice rink, walking through the grounds will make you feel like you’re in a snow globe. Come for the sculptures, stay for the views.

2. Free if you stay in a hotel in Banff or Lake Louise

Extend the magic by staying in Banff National Park for a few extra days during the festival. Admission to Ice Magic is free if you are a guest of a hotel in Banff or Lake Louise. And if you stay in the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, the ice sculptures and the competition will be just outside your door.

3. See Internationally Renowned and Award Winning Artists

The ice carvers at Ice Magic have come from all around the world to compete in the festival. On January 26-28, they will have 30 hours to complete their masterpieces before judging. You can watch the artists create their pieces live and then come back to see the finished product.

4. Have a winter adventure

Explore the surrounding slopes, and experience the best of winter by using Lake Louise as a winter adventure base camp. Discover an extensive network of cross-country ski trails, race through the forest on a dogsled, or get in some fresh turns at the Lake Louise Ski Resort.

Bundle up and check out our winter adventure blog for more great ideas.

5. SnowDays in Banff

Ice Magic is a part of the SnowDays Festival, a 16-day celebration of winter in Banff National Park. Visit the Banff townsite for a display of giant snow sculptures throughout downtown Banff. Come out and watch international sculpting teams as they create scenes that celebrate the spirit of Banff National Park. Or, check out the PlayZone - ski-slope-inspired hills for tobogganing and test rentals for wonderous outdoor activities.

Check out everything that SnowDays has to offer.