Barrie 
Ever walked on a frozen lake and found yourself inside an art festival? If not, now’s your chance.
Credit: Tourism North Bay/Ice Follies
Ice Follies, North Bay’s celebrated biennial arts festival, is back from February 7 to 21, 2025, transforming the icy expanse of Lake Nipissing into an open-air gallery. And this year, there’s even more to explore with an expanded footprint reaching Olmstead Beach on Trout Lake.
The festival since it extends until Family Day weekend (and on Valentine’s Day), so you can plan a long weekend getaway to North Bay.
Art, Ice, and a Slippery Theme
This 11th edition of Ice Follies embraces the theme “Ozhaashikwaa” (The Ice is Slippery), a nod to the adaptability and resilience of both art and community. As part of North Bay’s Centennial celebrations, this year’s festival puts a spotlight on local artists, adding an extra layer of hometown pride to the frozen landscape.
Credit: Tourism North Bay/Ice Follies
Festival founder and artist Dermot Wilson recalls the festival’s humble beginnings in 2003, describing the ice as a “blank canvas” stretching endlessly beneath the winter sky. Over two decades later, that same frozen stage continues to challenge and inspire artists in new ways.
Opening Weekend: Art, Stories, and Community
The festival kicks off on February 7 at 6 PM at Shabogesic Beach with opening remarks, followed by a live performance from Aanmitaagzi Story Makers at 7 PM. Expect a mix of movement, storytelling, and community spirit. Free refreshments will be on hand, and an ASL interpreter will be present for accessibility.
The following days dive deeper into the minds behind the art with Artist Talks at the Capitol Centre Spotlight Lounge. On February 8 (12–4 PM), artists Nico Glaude, David Chops, and Aanmitaagzi will discuss their creative journeys, followed by insights from Anyse Ducharme, Liz Lott, and Studio Nude Beach on February 9 (12–4 PM).
Explore the Festival on Guided Tours
Credit: Tourism North Bay/Ice Follies
Want a guided experience? Artist Colin Davis leads walking tours starting February 9 at 10 AM, with additional tours—including two ASL-friendly options—scheduled throughout the festival. Tickets are $10, with a free tour on Family Day (February 17).
More Must-See Moments
- Frozen Frames: An Ice Follies Retrospective (Feb 5–Mar 8, WKP Kennedy Gallery) – A photographic journey through two decades of Ice Follies, captured by Liz Lott.
- Listening Parties (Feb 15 & 16, Olmstead Beach) – Experience sound-based art and storytelling under the winter sky.
- Family Day Activities (Feb 17, Shabogesic Beach) – A day of community-focused fun for all ages.
The beauty of Ice Follies? It’s free and open 24/7, allowing visitors to experience the installations in different lights—whether under the bright winter sun or the glow of the stars. Bundle up and step onto the ice—it’s an art experience like no other.
Ice Follies – Trip Planning
What: Founded in 2004, Ice Follies transforms the frozen shores of Lake Nipissing into a dynamic gallery of contemporary art every two
years. Co-presented by local arts organizations Aanmitaagzi, Near North Mobile Media Lab and White Water Gallery, the festival
creates space for audiences to engage with contemporary works that reflect upon Northern Ontario’s unique cultural and
environmental identity.
Where: Various Locations, Lake Nipissing
When: February 7 to 21, 2025 – Schedule
How Much: Free, tours: $10
