Ice sculptures are certainly a sight to behold. Head to one of Canada’s premier ice-carving events this winter to see one of these cold and majestic pieces of artwork in person.

Canada’s winter may be long and cold, but it’s not without its charms. One of the best things about the cold season is the ice-carving events, which often feature international competitors showcasing their beautiful creations.

Unfortunately, COVID-19 has been hard on these competitions, and many have been postponed or held virtually. Ice Magic, an annual world-class ice-carving event in Lake Louise, Alberta, has been cancelled for the past three years and won’t return until 2024.

However, three major ice-carving festivals in the country are holding in-person events this year that promise to offer plenty of ice magic.

Ice on Whyte (Edmonton)

The community favourite Ice on Whyte festival returns to Edmonton this winter from Jan. 24 to 29. The festivities will take place at Dr. Wilbert McIntyre Park in the heart of Old Strathcona, one of the city’s liveliest dining, shopping, and entertainment areas.

The main draw of Ice on Whyte is the ice sculpture garden, which houses creations from some of the best ice carvers in Canada and around the world. The competition stuck to local Canadian talent last year due to travel restrictions, but the international competition is back for 2023.

In addition to the professional ice sculptures, the festival hosts ice carving demonstrations and lessons for the whole family (Big Chippers for adults and L’il Chippers for kids).

Winterlude (Ottawa Region)

Next up is Winterlude, a long-running festival spanning the Ottawa-Gatineau region that will take place from Feb. 3 to 20. This year marks the 45th edition of this popular winter event, which was created by the National Capital Commission in 1979 to celebrate the country’s northern culture. Today, it is the region’s flagship winter festival.

Winterlude is packed full of classic winter activities, including, of course, the National Ice-Carving Competition. A host of other fun and family-friendly activities await for the duration of the festival, including skating at the Rideau Canal Skateway and playing at the giant Snowflake Kingdom playground. Many more culinary, artistic, and cultural events are held throughout the urban region.

High on Ice Winter Festival (Fort St. John)

From Feb. 17 to 20, the High on Ice Winter Festival will take over Centennial Park in Fort St. John. This year’s theme, “Explore the Folklore,” is all about winter storytelling.

Like any good Canadian winter festival, High on Ice includes a friendly carving competition called the Mayor’s Carving Challenge. There is also a community ice carving competition and a single block competition that challenges ice artists to see what they can make from just one ice block.

Another highlight of the High on Ice Winter Festival is the ice slides! Slip and slide down the hills of Centennial Park on slick slides made by ice carvers. The slides are open throughout the weekend and free to ride.

Winter is easier to bear when you embrace the beauty of the season. This winter, why not warm up your spirits by planning a visit to see an ice-carving competition?