Lake Louise Ice Sculptures at the Ice Magic Event (2026)

If you’ve never seen the Lake Louise ice sculptures or visited Lake Louise in winter prepare to be dazzled!

Graham and I have attended the Ice Magic event at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise nearly every year. We love the winter wonderland atmosphere, ice skating and snowshoeing across frozen Lake Louise, and having a drink or hot maple syrup on a stick at the Ice Bar.

The Lake Louise Ice Magic event is evolving — and 2025 brought some major changes! For the first time, public tickets were not for sale, and that policy is continuing into 2026. But don’t worry — there are still plenty of ways to experience the stunning Lake Louise ice sculptures and all the winter magic the area has to offer. In this post, I’ll break down everything you need to know about seeing the Lake Louise ice sculptures in 2026, plus share some unique facts about Lake Louise and ideas for things to see and do at Lake Louise this winter.

Winter months in the Canadian Rockies are the perfect time to visit the Lake Louise village area and several other locations in Banff National Park. I would highly recommend spending a whole day or a weekend visiting the area as there are numerous things to do in addition to viewing the Lake Louise ice sculptures at the Ice Magic event. If you are looking for even more ideas read my ultimate guide of 46 Best Lake Louise Winter Activities or 49 things to do in Banff in winter.

Everything you Need to Know About the Ice Magic Event

What is the Ice Magic Event?

The Lake Louise Ice Magic event is part of Banff’s SnowDays celebration held over a three week period from mid-January to early February. During the Lake Louise Ice Magic event teams of ice carvers come from around the world to work their artistic magic on solid blocks of ice.

There is normally a theme each year and teams from different countries create an ice sculpture that they feel best represents that theme. In 2026, the theme is “Natural Athletes – Wild Games”. This year’s ice sculptures highlight the remarkable athleticism found in the natural world, taking inspiration from the upcoming Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina. Judges award the top teams for their creations as part of the ice carving competition.

Where are the Lake Louise ice sculptures?

The Lake Louise ice sculptures are at the Lakefront terrace located outside of the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise near the shoreline of Lake Louise. During the Ice Magic Event there is an onsite bar made of ice in the event area which serves alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks like hot chocolate. There are normally firepits outside to warm up.

🤩 Find information about the event schedule and ticketing here

What else is there to do in Lake Louise in winter?

Even if you are not able to attend the Ice Magic Event this year there are so many other things to do in the Banff and Lake Louise area in winter. Typically, the Lake Louise ice sculptures are up for awhile after the Ice Magic Event so you may still be able to see them throughout the winter.

🤩 If you like this guide, check out even more ideas in my Ultimate Guide: 46 Best Lake Louise Winter Activities!

1. Glide across the frozen lake on ice skates

Bring your skates or rent a pair from the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise rental shop or at Wilson Mountain Sports in Lake Louise village . The rental shop at Chateau Lake Louise is open from November to April and has a wide variety of equipment available for rent. You can rent a pair of ice skates to glide across the frozen ice rink or bring a hockey stick and join a pickup game of hockey.

2. Walk the lakeshore or cross-country ski across the lake

In the winter Lake Louise will be covered by thick frozen ice and several feet of snow on top of the ice. This makes it safe to snowshoe, cross-country ski, skate, or walk across the lake in the winter. Cross-country ski tracks span the lake from the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise to the end of the lake near the frozen ice waterfall. Where the snow is packed you can walk across in winter boots or snowshoe in deeper snow to avoid getting stuck in snowbanks. Snowshoes, cross-country skis, boots, and poles are available for rent at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise rental shop or at Wilson Mountain Sports in Lake Louise village.

🤩 I highly recommend this Learn to ski at Lake Louise cross country skiing lesson if you are a beginner or need a refresher.

3. Watch climbers scale a frozen waterfall (or join in)

I’m always in awe of the ice climbers who choose to scale the frozen ice waterfall at the end of Lake Louise. With only pickaxes and some rope, these brave souls slowly make their way up a vertical assent to the top. If you are truly daring and want to try it for yourself sign up for an ice climbing lesson.

🤩 I highly recommend this beginner ice climbing lesson for those that are seeking adventure.

4. Get a photo next to the Lake Louise Ice Castle

The ice castle on Lake Louise is pretty magical with a new design every year. Nearly everyone explores the frozen structure and poses in front of the ice castle for a photo.

5. Go on a horse sleigh ride

A scenic horse drawn sleigh ride along the Lake Louise lakeshore is a great way to enjoy the views in comfort. Nothing beats the feeling of sitting, bundled up in a warm blanket, and snuggling up next to someone special as the sleigh bells jingle all the way. To book your 45-60 minute winter sleigh ride go to Brewster Adventuresand reserve a time.

Tobogganing is a Canadian winter pastime where you slide downhill over snow while riding a sled. There is a hill close to the Lake Agnes trailhead, near the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, where you can enjoy the thrill of a fast plunge down the hill until you spin out or gradually slow to a stop. If you forgot your sled at home you can rent one from the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise rental shop.

7. Have a drink at the ice bar

The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise ice bar is literally a bar made of solid ice where they serve drinks. You can order a cocktail or hot drink and enjoy frozen maple syrup on a stick while relaxing on a bench of ice.

8. Warm up around the fire and roast marshmallows

Warming up in front of an outdoor firepit at Lake Louise is a great break from the chilly weather. Even better is roasting a marshmallow for a toasty treat.

How to get to Lake Louise

If you are flying to Canada the closest airport to Lake Louise is the Calgary International Airport. The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is about a 130-minute drive (201km/124mi), from the Calgary International Airport.

Driving to Lake Louise

The most convenient option is to drive to Lake Louise. If you are driving from Calgary, drive west and follow the Trans Canada Highway (Highway 1) for about 165km/102mi. Turn right onto the turnoff to Lake Louise/Highway 1A. Take your first left turn onto Lake Louise Drive and follow the road to the end where you will see signs for the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. 

Shuttle bus to Lake Louise

There is also an airport shuttle available through Brewster Express that will take you from the Calgary International Airport or one of six downtown hotels to Lake Louise. You can request pick-up or drop-off in Lake Louise village at the Samson Mall depot, the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, Lake Louise Inn, Hostelling International Hostel, Deer Lodge and the Post Hotel.

The shuttle takes about 3 hours and 45 minutes from the Calgary International Airport and about an hour longer from downtown Calgary. There are several stops along the way in Kananaskis, Canmore, and Banff before you arrive in Lake Louise. Tickets from the airport to Lake Louise are about $125 CDN ($90USD) one way with a 15% discount if you book a return ticket.

Public transit from Banff to Lake Louise

If your accommodation is in Banff you can travel from Banff to Lake Louise for the day on the “Lake Louise Express” which is the Roam transit bus route 8X. Travel time between Banff and Lake Louise is approximately 48 minutes. Stops are conveniently located in downtown Banff, and lower and upper Lake Louise village. You can pay your fare with cash on the bus or purchase tickets from Token Transit and ticket vending machines in Lake Louise and Banff.

Where to stay in Lake Louise and Banff National Park

Canmore

Luxury: The Malcolm or Stoneridge Mountain Resort
Mid Range: Creekside Villas or Lamphouse by Basecamp or numerous condo rentals
Affordable: The Georgetown Inn

Banff

Luxury: Fairmont Banff Springs or The Rimrock Resort
Mid Range: Mount Royal or Banff Ptarmigan Inn
Affordable: Banff Boutique Inn, At Wits End B&B, or Holiday Lodge B&B

Lake Louise Area

Luxury: Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise or The Post Hotel & Spa
Mid Range: Paradise Lodge and Bungalows
Affordable: Mountaineer Lodge or Lake Louise Inn

Cabins

Luxury: Moraine Lake Lodge, Cathedral Mountain Lodge or Emerald Lake Lodge
Mid Range: Storm Mountain Lodge or Baker Creek by Basecamp
Affordable: HI Lake Louise Alpine Centre Hostel

Where to eat in Lake Louise

Dine in Lake Louise’s historical railway station at “The Station” restaurant. We enjoyed a cozy fire and a delicious meal on our anniversary. You can also eat in one of the historic railway cars for a unique Canadian experience.

If you’re looking for quick or to-go options, Laggan’s Mountain Bakery and Deli is a top choice with fresh sandwiches, pastries, and baked goods that are perfect for taking on the go.If you’re on a budget, Bill Peyto’s Cafe is ideal. It’s small and cozy with a fireplace and serves great breakfast at very reasonable prices.

For fine dining, both the Post Hotel Dining Room and Fondue Stubli Post provide an upscale experience with high-quality meals in elegant settings.

What to wear at Lake Louise in the winter

If you want to enjoy your visit you need to ensure you dress appropriately for the weather at Lake Louise. Read our complete guide on winter clothing for Canada which includes a printable winter packing list. Typical temperatures at Lake Louise in January and February are between -4 to -16 degrees Celsius. It snows often at this time of year, temperatures drop quickly after dark, and at times it can dip below -30 degrees Celsius.

If you are spending time outdoors be sure to dress in layers with a thermal base underlayer, insulated snow pants, and more than one shirt layer. Wear a warm winter parka, a toque or beanie, warm gloves, and a neck warmer or scarf to protect your face from cold wind.

Warm winter boots and wool socks are essential to keep your feet dry and toasty. Coats, gloves, and boots may have a temperature rating and if they do always get the coldest possible temperature rating.

Other things to bring might include anything you need for the outdoor activities you want to participate in such as ice skates, skis, poles, snowshoes, ice cleats, or a sled. Don’t bring high heels, short skirts, or light jackets which are completely impractical for the local climate and activities.

FAQs Lake Louise ice sculptures and winter activities

Final Thoughts: 9 things to know before visiting Lake Louise in winter

1. I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to dress appropriately for the weather. Warm boots, snow pants, a warm winter jacket, several layers and covering up your extremities like ears and hands will make all the difference between an enjoyable visit and a miserable one.
2. Although you might drive your own car to the town of Lake Louise there is limited parking at Lake Louise itself and it is a very busy area
3. Plan to bring anything you may need for the day with you to the lakeshore. If you don’t want to be stuck carrying around bulky equipment most items can be rented at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise rental shop or Wilson Mountain Sports.
4. For the full experience plan to spend the whole day at Lake Louise and try out as many winter activities as you can. It normally takes less than an hour to view the Lake Louise ice sculptures in the evening so you have the rest of the day to do other things.
5. Cameras or cellphones can freeze in the cold and they will turn off and stop working. I typically bring an extra pair of gloves in my pocket. When I’m not using my cell phone I keep it inside the glove to keep it warm and zip the pocket to prevent it from freezing up.
6. You can get beautiful and unique photos in the evening under the night sky when the ice sculptures are lit up. Be sure to visit during this time if you are in the area.
7. Lake Louise is one of the most popular places to visit in the Canadian Rockies during the winter or summer. If you really want to enjoy a specific winter activity be sure to make reservations well in advance to avoid disappointment. For example, the dog sledding tours will be fully booked weeks to months in advance so don’t wait too late to book.  
8. You need to have a Banff National Park pass to visit Lake Louise. Book online before you arrive or pay at the entrance gates to the park if you are driving in.
9. If you can’t make it to Lake Louise during the days that the Ice Magic Event is held you can probably still see the Lake Louise Ice Sculptures. Come as soon as possible afterwards as the Lake Louise ice sculptures usually stay up for a while.