Suggested visit
Day 1
Banff arrival · downtown snow sculptures
Day 2
Lake Louise ice carvings · skating
Day 3
Johnston Canyon icewalk
The Canadian ExplorerDiscover Canada · Explore Beyond
Try searching for
Winter Activities · Winter
SnowDays / Ice Magic Festival (Banff & Lake Louise)
Lake Louise, Alberta Mid-late January · 3 weeks
World-class ice-carving competition on the frozen Lake Louise shoreline.
Type
Winter Activities
Family Friendly
Yes
Setting
Outdoor
About This Event
The story of SnowDays / Ice Magic Festival (Banff & Lake Louise)
World-class ice-carving competition on the frozen Lake Louise shoreline.
Master carvers from around the world sculpt massive ice blocks on the shores of Lake Louise beside the Fairmont Chateau, part of SnowDays celebrations across Banff and Lake Louise.
Why travelers love it
Reasons to go
What makes SnowDays / Ice Magic Festival (Banff & Lake Louise) unforgettable.
01
International ice-carving pros
02
Lake Louise skating
03
Ice bar & fire pits
04
Downtown Banff snow sculptures
Best areas to stay
Where to stay
Curated accommodations across price tiers and neighbourhoods.
- Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
- Fairmont Banff Springs
Explore beyond the event
Things to do nearby
Make Lake Louise the start of a wider Canadian adventure.
- Banff Gondola
- Moraine Lake Road
- Johnston Canyon icewalk
Make the most of your visit
Suggested itineraries
Plans for every length of stay — from a single day to an extended adventure.
Know before you go
Local insider tips
Editorial advice from on-the-ground travelers.
Weather
Pack for the season and check the forecast the week of.
Transit
Use public transportation where possible — venues fill quickly with festival traffic.
Arrive early
Marquee events draw crowds — give yourself 60 minutes of buffer.
Cash
A small amount of cash speeds up small-vendor and food lines.
Photography
The hour before sunset gives the best festival light.
Photo gallery
A visual taste
A glimpse of SnowDays / Ice Magic Festival (Banff & Lake Louise) and the surrounding destination.
Editorial photography curated by The Canadian Explorer.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
More events
Events you may enjoy
Nearby
Extend your trip
Parks, campgrounds and road trips within reach of Lake Louise.
National Parks nearby
Provincial Parks nearby
Explore more of Canada
Related destinations
Continue the journey from where the festival ends.
Trip planning assistance
Need help planning your visit?
Tell us about your trip and we'll send a tailored plan with recommendations for hotels, transport, itineraries and surrounding destinations. This is travel planning assistance — not a booking form.
Curated by Canadian travel editors