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| Ice Magic |
Perhaps you'll have a chance to see her work right in front of your eyes, transforming a simple block of frozen water into an expression of culture and beauty. Just like the moment, the sculpture is temporary but no less worthy of admiration - it is meant to be savoured simply for what it is. Because in Banff and Lake Louise, winter means more.
Magical moments like this abound at the Ice Magic event at Lake Louise, part of the annual SnowDays celebration in Banff National Park. And with a bit of planning ahead of time, you can make the most of this magical experience.
WHAT IS ICE MAGIC?
Occurring every January, Ice Magic is a world-class outdoor event that brings Canada's top ice carvers together in the epicentre of Banff National Park - Lake Louise. Nestled between the iconic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and the frozen shores of Lake Louise itself, frozen blocks of ice are transformed into an exhibition of artistic expression. This outdoor event takes place over 12 days from January 19th to 30th and is part of the annual SnowDays festival. For even more ways to elevate your visit to Banff and Lake Louise, consider checking out these exciting SnowDays events - from festivals to snow sculptures.
TIPS FOR A MEMORABLE VISIT
Ice Magic is a popular winter event that visitors and locals alike look forward to - and for good reason! This unique experience only happens once a year. Consider visiting midweek to truly appreciate the exhibition at a leisurely and undistracted pace. Monday to Friday visits offer a quieter experience and also offer FREE admission. Remember to dress warmly in weather-appropriate clothing - layers, toques, and mittens are a must! To catch the ice carvers in action before their masterpieces are completed, visit Ice Magic from January 19th to 21st.
ONE PART OF A WHIMSICAL WINTER ITINERARY
Most Ice Magic visits take a couple of hours to enjoy, which leaves plenty of time to fill your day with other winter activities. Stay a little longer and explore more of Lake Louise and the surrounding area - it's a winter wonderland of outdoor activities suitable for all ages. Whether visiting with family, friends, or that special someone, here are a few ways to spend a morning or afternoon to complement a visit to Ice Magic. Stop by Wilson Mountain Sports in the village of Lake Louise to pick up gear for your activity of choice.
Cross Country Skiing
Some of the national park's best cross country ski trails are just minutes away from the Ice Magic event. Moraine Lake road is closed to traffic in winter and trackset specifically for cross country skiers, and the historic Great Divide trail (formerly the old 1A Highway) is just across the road.
Ice Skating
Ice Magic often coincides with the perfect time of year to lace up a pair of skates. And the wild skating arena doesn't get any more quintessentially Canadian than Lake Louise. Don't miss your opportunity for this once-in-a-lifetime experience!
FAIRMONT CHATEAU LAKE LOUISE
Snowshoeing
Some popular summer hiking trails near Lake Louise are also suitable for snowshoeing. Make your way up to the Fairview Lookout for a lesser-seen perspective of Lake Louise. Or, for more of a challenge, make your way up to Mirror Lake via the Lake Agnes trail.
*Not all summer hiking trails are suitable for winter travel due to avalanche risk - refer to Parks Canada's list of recommended snowshoeing trails for more information.
Tubing at Lake Louise Ski Resort
If you have little ones in tow or are looking for a more accessible activity, Lake Louise Ski Resort is just a 10-minute drive away and offers family-friendly tubing. Sunny Tube Park is free for kids ages three to five.
THE LAKE LOUISE SKI RESORT
Cozy Up with a Warm Drink
Possibly the best way to end a day full of exciting winter adventures is to snuggle up with a warm treat to warm the soul at the day's end. Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise offers several unique dining locales with a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Enjoy an "adult" hot chocolate at Alpine Social or a classic old-fashioned at Walliser Stube. Deer Lodge and The Station are also conveniently located near Lake Louise and are great places to indulge at days' end. Reservations are often necessary at all locations.
DEER LODGE
MORE INFORMATION
Getting Here
Lake Louise is a 45-minute drive from the town of Banff, located just off the Trans Canada highway. For those without a vehicle, consider taking Roam public transit - the Lake Louise/Banff express route runs several times a day. For travel information during weekends, please see below.
Weekend Visits
Although midweek visits are encouraged, please be aware of extra considerations if planning to attend on the weekend. Find more information on tickets, shuttles, and Alberta's Restrictions Exemption Program for weekend visitation.
*AUTHOR Tera Swanson
Tera is a freelance writer and graduate from Mount Royal University’s Journalism undergraduate program. Whether laced into hiking boots or clipped into skis, her favourite way to explore the mountains is on her own two feet. She’s always up for anything that will end in the telling of a good story; be it through photography, from pen to paper, or over a locally brewed amber ale.
WHERE TO STAY THINGS TO DO BUY PARK PASS
Magical moments like this abound at the Ice Magic event at Lake Louise, part of the annual SnowDays celebration in Banff National Park. And with a bit of planning ahead of time, you can make the most of this magical experience.
WHAT IS ICE MAGIC?
Occurring every January, Ice Magic is a world-class outdoor event that brings Canada's top ice carvers together in the epicentre of Banff National Park - Lake Louise. Nestled between the iconic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and the frozen shores of Lake Louise itself, frozen blocks of ice are transformed into an exhibition of artistic expression. This outdoor event takes place over 12 days from January 19th to 30th and is part of the annual SnowDays festival. For even more ways to elevate your visit to Banff and Lake Louise, consider checking out these exciting SnowDays events - from festivals to snow sculptures.
TIPS FOR A MEMORABLE VISIT
Ice Magic is a popular winter event that visitors and locals alike look forward to - and for good reason! This unique experience only happens once a year. Consider visiting midweek to truly appreciate the exhibition at a leisurely and undistracted pace. Monday to Friday visits offer a quieter experience and also offer FREE admission. Remember to dress warmly in weather-appropriate clothing - layers, toques, and mittens are a must! To catch the ice carvers in action before their masterpieces are completed, visit Ice Magic from January 19th to 21st.
ONE PART OF A WHIMSICAL WINTER ITINERARY
Most Ice Magic visits take a couple of hours to enjoy, which leaves plenty of time to fill your day with other winter activities. Stay a little longer and explore more of Lake Louise and the surrounding area - it's a winter wonderland of outdoor activities suitable for all ages. Whether visiting with family, friends, or that special someone, here are a few ways to spend a morning or afternoon to complement a visit to Ice Magic. Stop by Wilson Mountain Sports in the village of Lake Louise to pick up gear for your activity of choice.
Cross Country Skiing
Some of the national park's best cross country ski trails are just minutes away from the Ice Magic event. Moraine Lake road is closed to traffic in winter and trackset specifically for cross country skiers, and the historic Great Divide trail (formerly the old 1A Highway) is just across the road.
Ice Skating
Ice Magic often coincides with the perfect time of year to lace up a pair of skates. And the wild skating arena doesn't get any more quintessentially Canadian than Lake Louise. Don't miss your opportunity for this once-in-a-lifetime experience!
FAIRMONT CHATEAU LAKE LOUISE
Snowshoeing
Some popular summer hiking trails near Lake Louise are also suitable for snowshoeing. Make your way up to the Fairview Lookout for a lesser-seen perspective of Lake Louise. Or, for more of a challenge, make your way up to Mirror Lake via the Lake Agnes trail.
*Not all summer hiking trails are suitable for winter travel due to avalanche risk - refer to Parks Canada's list of recommended snowshoeing trails for more information.
Tubing at Lake Louise Ski Resort
If you have little ones in tow or are looking for a more accessible activity, Lake Louise Ski Resort is just a 10-minute drive away and offers family-friendly tubing. Sunny Tube Park is free for kids ages three to five.
THE LAKE LOUISE SKI RESORT
Cozy Up with a Warm Drink
Possibly the best way to end a day full of exciting winter adventures is to snuggle up with a warm treat to warm the soul at the day's end. Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise offers several unique dining locales with a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Enjoy an "adult" hot chocolate at Alpine Social or a classic old-fashioned at Walliser Stube. Deer Lodge and The Station are also conveniently located near Lake Louise and are great places to indulge at days' end. Reservations are often necessary at all locations.
DEER LODGE
MORE INFORMATION
Getting Here
Lake Louise is a 45-minute drive from the town of Banff, located just off the Trans Canada highway. For those without a vehicle, consider taking Roam public transit - the Lake Louise/Banff express route runs several times a day. For travel information during weekends, please see below.
Weekend Visits
Although midweek visits are encouraged, please be aware of extra considerations if planning to attend on the weekend. Find more information on tickets, shuttles, and Alberta's Restrictions Exemption Program for weekend visitation.
Tera is a freelance writer and graduate from Mount Royal University’s Journalism undergraduate program. Whether laced into hiking boots or clipped into skis, her favourite way to explore the mountains is on her own two feet. She’s always up for anything that will end in the telling of a good story; be it through photography, from pen to paper, or over a locally brewed amber ale.
WHERE TO STAY THINGS TO DO BUY PARK PASS
The Holiday and Travel Magazine
https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com.au
https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com.au
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