The Lake Louise Ice Magic Festival is set to return from January 19th to the 30th.

This wonderful festival features the International Ice Carving competition that takes place during the first 3 days of the festival with the sculptures then being placed around the lake (shore) and the winners being announced on the first weekend. Unfortunately due to Covid, the competition will just be made up of Canadian teams this year. That should not in any way detract from this magical festival.

The festival is free to attend barring both weekends where there will be a cost to view the carvings between 10 and 5:30 pm each day. Tickets can be booked in advance at a cost of $15 per adult or $40 per group of 4, children 11 years or younger are free but must still be booked in advance. For more information and to book your tickets click here.

If your staying in the Lake Louise area at any of the following resorts then tickets are included with your overnight stay: Storm Mountain Lodge, Mountaineer Lodge, Lake Louise Inn, Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, Emerald Lake Lodge, Deer Lodge, Castle Mountain Chalets, and Baker Creek Mountain Resort. Book on this page to get the best rate. If you are staying at another hotel within the town of Banff you will be given a discount code at the time of booking for 50% off when booking your tickets in advance. Walk-up tickets will be available subject to availability at a cost of $20 age 12+.

If you have pre-purchased tickets or are staying at any of the above-mentioned resorts then you will have access to a free shuttle running from the Lake Louise lakeshore to the town of Banff with stops along the way from 9 am to 6 pm on the weekends. If you are visiting during the week or have not pre-purchased tickets then Roam Transit is a great option for getting to the lake if you want to avoid the hassle of finding parking and then paying for a spot.

If you are not able to attend don’t worry the sculptures will be kept outside the Chateau Lake Louise until they begin to melt or it becomes unsafe to leave them on display. Typically you’ve got at least a month to catch these magnificent carvings before they’re gone.