Banff 
A winter tradition is gearing up for another shimmering run as Ice Magic 2026 is setting the stage once again at Lake Louise.
Photo Credit: Banff-Lake Louise Tourism
The shoreline at Lake Louise becomes an outdoor ice-crystal gallery, framed by the Rockies and filled with intricate sculptures, ready for viewing starting February 4.
The theme for the 2026 sculptures, “Natural Athletes – Wild Games,” connects the area’s wildlife with the energy of the upcoming Milano Cortina Winter Olympics. Expect creations that play with ideas of agility, endurance, and the athleticism found in nature.
This year’s event again limits access to guests of participating hotels, a measure designed to protect Lake Louise’s already stretched winter infrastructure, including parking and road capacity. Organizers say the shift reflects a commitment to safeguarding the area’s natural beauty and wildlife while still offering a meaningful visitor experience. With demand regularly exceeding the region’s capacity, the revised format helps balance tourism pressures with long-term environmental conservation and ensures the event remains sustainable for the community and the landscape alike.
The only change is that local residents from Mînî Thnî to Field can reserve complimentary tickets.
Participating hotels include Baker Creek By Basecamp, Emerald Lake Lodge, Lake Louise Inn, Mountaineer Lodge, Storm Mountain Lodge & Cabins, and the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.
Admission is free, but everyone needs a reserved ticket. Those tickets on sale starting December 8 include mandatory shuttle transportation and entry to the event site.
While the Lake Louise showcase keeps things serene and crowd-managed, a brand-new event as part of Snow Days brings a burst of energy to Banff. The Art of Ice: Carving Competition will take over Bear Street from February 6–8, where 12 carvers turn massive ice blocks into ambitious creations. The weekend layers the action: full-day sculpting on Friday, fast-paced Ice Battles as competitors face off, and timed speed-carving rounds that push skill to the limit. Unlike Lake Louise, the Banff event is open to everyone.
Lake Louise Ice Magic Festival
What: Step into a sparkling winter wonderland at the iconic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise for Ice Magic 2026. Marvel at breathtaking ice sculptures that transform the landscape into a gallery of frozen artistry. As you wander through this frosty showcase, take in the thoughtful details and imaginative designs of each one-of-a-kind creation.
When:
February 4-8, 2026 | 4 pm – 8 pm
Wed, Feb. 4 | 4 pm – 8 pm: Local community night, for residents from Mînî Thnî to Field.
Thu, Feb. 5 to Sun, Feb. 8 | 4 pm – 8 pm, Event open to participating hotel guests, guided tours & community.
Where: The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise – 111 Lake Louise Drive, Lake Louise, AB T0L 1E0 CA
How Much: Tickets are complimentary to the community members and with your hotel stay and are available to participating hotel guests only.
Hotel guests (Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, Baker Creek By Basecamp, Emerald Lake Lodge, Lake Louise Inn, Mountaineer Lodge, Storm Mountain Lodge & Cabins) and local residents from Mînî Thnî to Field can get complimentary tickets from 10 am, Dec. 8, 2025.
