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Experience the Ice Magic Festival at Lake Louise

If you needed another reason to visit Lake Louise in winter, here it is. Every January, the Ice Magic Festival brings world-class ice carving to the shores of Lake Louise. As part of Banff Lake Louise’s SnowDays Festival, the competition unfolds in front of the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise—making it one of the season’s most magical experiences.

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How Does it work?

Each year, ten teams of two artists compete in the Ice Magic Festival. Using their own style and creativity, they transform 15 blocks of ice into stunning masterpieces.

A Few Tips To Get The Most Out Of The Festival

  1. Guests staying at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise or any other hotel in Lake Louise can enjoy the Ice Magic Festival for free. If you are staying in Banff, you can still attend with a discounted admission rate.
  2. To avoid the busiest times, plan to view the sculptures early in the morning before 10 am or later in the evening after 5 pm. These quieter hours offer a more relaxed experience. The sculptures remain on display after the competition ends, and they are especially beautiful when lit up at night.
  3. Parking can be tricky during peak weekends. Fortunately, free shuttles are available on January 19, 20, 26 and 27, from 10:30 am to 6 pm. They travel between Samson Mall and the Upper Lake Louise parking area, providing a convenient way to reach the event.
  4. Absolutely do not forget to take your camera.

SnowDays Events In Banff from January 16th to 26th, 2026

While the Ice Magic Festival takes place in Lake Louise, the town of Banff hosts its own snowy celebration. Explore impressive snow carvings and take part in a variety of special events, including guided moonlight walks, the Mountain Madness Relay and the Starlight Dinner.

Banff SnowDays winter Snow and Ice Sculptures

The annual SnowDays celebration is a winter highlight in Banff National Park. Enjoy free events centered around 10 massive snow sculptures in downtown Banff and two more at Mt Norquay.

Are you ready to make memories?  See more #WeLoveWinter moments by searching the hashtag on Instagram or Twitter. Happy travels!

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View of Spirit Island in Jasper National Park in the morning or at night

    Banff

    With humility and deep respect, we acknowledge that we live and work within the present-day territories of Treaty 6, 7 and 8, as well as the Métis Homeland. The lands and waters of Banff National Park have been used for millennia by Indigenous Peoples for sustenance, ceremony, trade and travel. We thank them for their continued stewardship and for sharing this land.

    Jasper

    Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge respectfully acknowledges the land on which we are located as Treaty 6 Territory and the traditional meeting grounds, traveling route and home to many Indigenous peoples including the Cree, Saulteaux (So-toe), Blackfoot, Métis, Dene (De-nay), Nakota Sioux (Sue) and Secwépemc (Suh-wep-muhc). We pay respect to all Indigenous peoples who have marked these lands for centuries as we continue to walk forward, together.

    Lake Louise

    With humility and deep respect, we acknowledge that we live and work within the present-day territories of Treaty 6, 7 and 8, as well as the Métis Homeland. The lands and waters of Banff National Park have been used for millennia by Indigenous Peoples for sustenance, ceremony, trade and travel. We thank them for their continuous stewardship and for sharing this land.

    Whistler

    With respect and gratitude we operate on the shared unceded territory of the Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) Nation and Lil̓wat7úl (Lil’wat) Nation.

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    1-800-257-7544

    405 Spray Ave, Banff

    Alberta, Canada, T1L 1J4

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