Discover Ice Magic at Lake Louise
A Bear and Bison Inn

Luxury Bed & Breakfast & Wedding Venue
in Canmore, Alberta

January 9, 2024

Discover Ice Magic at Lake Louise

Immerse yourself in a winter fairy tale at the iconic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise with the return of the mesmerizing Ice Magic Festival in 2024. As twilight descends, the enchanting Lake Louise becomes a radiant spectacle, illuminated by an array of beautifully lit ice sculptures.

Ice Magic Lake Louise
Travel Alberta / Mike Seehagel

During select weekends in January and February, behold the artistry of world-renowned ice carvers as they meticulously craft their frozen masterpieces for the Ice Magic Competition. Wander through this open-air gallery, where the sculptures shimmer like diamonds under the winter sky, creating an unforgettable experience.

Ticket Information and Outdoor Event Details This year marks a special occasion, as we welcome back top-tier ice carvers for the first time since 2020. Ice Magic 2024 is a ticketed event, offering public viewing from 6 pm to 9 pm each weekend.

Be aware that in case of extreme weather, the event may be altered, with ticket holders being informed of any changes via email.

Ice sculpture during Ice Magic Lake Louise
Travel Alberta / Noel Hendrickson

Event Schedule:

  • January 26 – 27: Watch the carvers in action, shaping their visions for the 2024 Ice Magic Competition.
  • January 28: The Award Ceremony and enjoy a live carving demonstration.
  • February 2 – 4: Admire the completed ice sculptures and experience more live demonstrations.

Tickets: Advance online reservation is required for all tickets, available on a first-come, first-served basis.

  • General Admission: (Jan 26-28 & Feb 2-4 from 6 pm to 9 pm)
    • Adult: $14
    • Youth (3-12): $7
    • Senior (55+): $9
    • Under 2: Free

Parking & Shuttles: Attendees, including guests from Banff hotels and Lake Louise Ski Resort, must park at the Lake Louise Ski Resort and use a shuttle to the event. Special parking provisions are made only for guests with disabilities. Shuttle reservations are included with your ticket.

Alternatively, from Canmore, the Roam Transit Route 8X is available, with separate ticketing from the Ice Magic event.

Join us for this magical celebration! Immerse yourself in the splendor of ice art, set against the stunning backdrop of Lake Louise, and make memories that will last a lifetime.

Pro Tip: While the event itself lasts for a short period, weather permitting, the sculptures remain for the entire winter! Ice Magic can be very popular so if plan seeing the carving in action plan your arrival carefully and book both tickets and a bus in advance.  Otherwise, wait a week or two, book in with us mid-week and experience the magic with a touch of solitude! As much as that can be said of Lake Louise anyways…

Ice Sculpture Lake Louise
Paul Zizka, Banff & Lake Louise Tourism


Words can hardly express the gratitude and admiration we have for the entire team at the Bear & Bison Inn in Canmore. From the very beginning of our wedding planning journey to the final farewell on Sunday morning, every moment was handled with such care, professionalism, and heartfelt attention that we were left speechless more times than we can count.

Planning a wedding can be overwhelming, but the Bear & Bison made it feel effortless. Their team was not only incredibly organized but also intuitive—they seemed to anticipate our needs before we even realized them ourselves. Every detail was handled with such precision, from the ceremony setup to the timing of each meal, that we were able to be fully present and truly enjoy every second of the weekend. That is a rare and priceless gift to give a couple on their most important day.

One of the standout features was the food. “Out of this world” doesn’t even begin to do it justice. Each dish was crafted with obvious love and expertise—beautifully presented, bursting with flavour, and consistently praised by all our guests. Whether it was the thoughtfully curated breakfasts or the exquisite wedding dinner, every bite was unforgettable. We received so many compliments from friends and family who said it was the best wedding meal they’ve ever had. It truly felt like dining at a five-star restaurant, surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the Rockies.

The inn itself is warm, inviting, and steeped in charm. It felt like home the moment we arrived, but better—like the kind of cozy retreat you dream of escaping to. The rooms were spotless, comfortable, and offered stunning mountain views that added a magical touch to every morning. Our guests couldn’t stop talking about how beautiful the venue was and how relaxing and enjoyable their stay had been.

What really made the Bear & Bison so special, though, was the people. The staff’s dedication to excellence and their genuine kindness were felt in everything they did. We never once felt like “just another event” or like things were being done out of routine. Instead, we felt seen, heard, and genuinely cared for. There was heart behind every decision, and that made all the difference.

Our wedding weekend turned out better than we ever could have imagined. It was filled with love, laughter, beauty, and unforgettable memories—all thanks to the incredible team at the Bear & Bison Inn. We are forever grateful for the role they played in the most meaningful weekend of our lives. If you are considering hosting your wedding here, do not hesitate—it will be the best decision you make.

James M. June 2025

A Truly Unforgettable Wedding Experience at the Bear & Bison Inn

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