Winnipeg’s Ice Castles is a wonderland of soaring ice formations, colourful lights, and interactive fun. After watching it emerge on the Parks Canada grounds at The Forks for the past several weeks, I was eager to get a closer look at the frosty creation.
Note: My visit to Ice Castles was courtesy of Tourism Winnipeg.
Cold is beautiful: Winnipeg’s Ice Castles
I am a fan of winter, which is good because my hometown of Winnipeg is guaranteed to have snow by December and chilly temperatures into March. It can be a long haul for some. Enjoying winter takes effort. You need to wear protective layers, navigate snowy terrain, and retreat inside periodically to warm up. But winter cities that welcome the season with creativity and a joyful spirit can win over even those who view this season as one to endure rather than embrace. Winnipeg has become a “seasoned” pro at making winter fun.
Behold Ice Castles
Ice Castles is the creation of a Utah-based father of six who was looking for ways to enjoy the outdoors with his family in winter. He created an ice cave in his yard, which ended up attracting crowds of neighbourhood kids. He came to realize a larger scale business opportunity. This year, there are Ice Castles attractions in six North American cities, including Winnipeg.
Fascinating Construction
My regular running route takes me through Parks Canada Place, so for the past several weeks, I’ve seen the painstaking construction of Ice Castles. Early on I noticed what I thought were puffs of fog rising from the low, circular ridge of ice around the site. A closer look revealed that it was a mist of water coming from small hoses. This misty water helps form the tens of thousands of icicles artisans harvest and shape into the resulting towering walls and tunnels.
Instagram Ready – #IceCastles
During a chilly late afternoon visit, virtually everyone visiting Ice Castles risked potential frostbite by doffing their mittens to snap multiple smartphone photos. The illuminated formations accompanied by a dramatic soundtrack are otherworldly and strikingly photogenic.
Interactive Elements
A highlight for the kids (and some adults) is an enclosed ice shoot that you can slide through as pulses of coloured light guide the way.
Photo: AJ Mellor
There are also caves and tunnels to explore.
Perhaps the most welcome interactive feature is the fire pit where you can warm your hands in between photo opportunities.
Fire performers and costumed ice princesses entertain visitors at set times in the afternoon and evening. My visit did not coincide, so I missed out.
Perfect addition to winter fun at The Forks
Ice Castles is steps away from The Forks and its lighted skating paths and river trail. Taking in the frozen spectacle before or after a moonlight skate followed by a bite to eat at The Common is the perfect romantic date or winter fun day with the family.
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We were there at the same time and I’ve suggested to people that the coloured lights would likely be more dramatic when it was darker. BTW, I saw the photo being taken of you looking up at the ice and it’s lucky I didn’t realize it was you or I would have been “fan-girling”!! Haha
Ha ha … that’s so funny, Cheryl. We will have to do a meet-up!
It looks so pretty and other-worldly. I hope to get there and see this soon.
We went between 4:30 and 5:00, which I think provided the nicest light — just before and after sunset.