Is The Ice Magic Event at Lake Louise Only for Hotel Guests?
Short answer: yes, unless you know the right way in.
The Ice Magic Event at Lake Louise is one of the most beautiful winter events in the Canadian Rockies. It’s also one of the most exclusive.
For the 2026 season, Ice Magic access is officially reserved for guests staying at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise (and other select Banff Hotels). That means most visitors quickly assume the experience is off-limits to day visitors.
But there is an exception, and it comes through an exclusive small-group, locally guided experience with Radventures.
How Do You Visit the Ice Magic Event at Lake Louise Without Staying at the Fairmont?
The question on everyone’s lips this week.
Luckily for you, Radventures partners with Banff Lake Louise Tourism every year to secure limited Ice Magic tickets for guests joining our Winter Wonderland Tour, this year on February 7th and 8th.
That means:
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You do not need to be a Fairmont hotel guest
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You do not need to worry about transport or parking (we’ve got that covered)
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You experience Ice Magic as part of a guided winter day tour in the Rockies AND get a bonus visit to the frozen Johnston Canyon.
What Is the Ice Magic Festival at Lake Louise?
Ice Magic is a live ice-carving event that takes place on the frozen shoreline of Lake Louise during Banff’s SnowDays Festival.
Each winter, internationally renowned ice artists transform massive blocks of ice into intricate sculptures — with the lake, mountains, and winter twilight creating an atmosphere that feels quiet, intimate, and almost surreal.
Unlike daytime sightseeing at Lake Louise, Ice Magic happens during a more peaceful window, when the crowds thin and the experience becomes about observation, craft, and presence, not rushing from photo to photo.
When Is Ice Magic at Lake Louise?
Ice Magic typically takes place in early February, during the SnowDays Festival in Banff and Lake Louise.
For 2026, Radventures guests will have access on:
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February 7
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February 8
These dates align with our Winter Wonderland Day Tour and include Ice Magic entry as part of the experience.
Can You Buy Ice Magic Tickets Without Booking a Hotel?
Unfortunately, no.
Ice Magic tickets are not publicly available. Access is primarily controlled through the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, which is why many travellers searching “Ice Magic Lake Louise tickets” come up empty-handed.
Radventures’ access is secured through a limited partnership allocation, allowing a small number of non-hotel guests to attend only when visiting as part of our guided tour.
Why Visit Ice Magic With a Guided Tour?
Lake Louise in winter can be overwhelming, parking restrictions, shuttle timing, cold waits, and crowds often distract from the magic people came for.
With Radventures:
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Transportation is handled for you
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Timing is intentional (no rushing, no guessing)
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You arrive with a small group and a local expert guide
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Ice Magic is woven into a wider winter experience, not treated as a checkbox
It feels less like attending an event… and more like experiencing a whole snow globe day in Banff.
What Is the Winter Wonderland Tour With Radventures?
The Winter Wonderland Day Tour is a locally guided small-group experience designed to show you a quieter, more thoughtful side of Banff and Lake Louise in winter.
Expect:
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Snowy landscapes without the chaos
- Epic frozen canyons and waterfalls
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Hidden viewpoints and local storytelling
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A relaxed pace that allows you to feel the Rockies
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And on select dates — exclusive access to Ice Magic at Lake Louise
You won’t be navigating schedules or crowds. You’ll simply show up and let the day unfold.
👉 Explore the Winter Wonderland Tour here
Get ready to Escape The Ordinary with Radventures.
