An Explorative Do’s and Don’t Guide to Your Ice Castle Adventure in Edmonton

Are you planning a trip to Edmonton and wondering what there is to do besides the routine visit to the West Edmonton Mall? If you are, than you came to the right place! Last February I was in the same position as you are in right now! After lots of research I found a unique and exciting attraction that is exclusively offered in North America and only one of Canada’s own cities; Edmonton, Alberta.

Edmonton offers a captivating experience adjoined with crystal-like castle sculptures. These magnificent ice sculptures are specially handcrafted each year for a unique experience for viewers like you! Dazzling LED lights fill the atmosphere with a breathtaking northern light simulation. This attraction is filled with stunning fountains, chiseled tunnels, elegant thrones, handcrafted slides, frosty glacier sculptures and more!

Picture 2 The marvellous LED lights create an exceptional ambience in any Ice Castle location!- Photography by @Icecastles_

 

An Adventure For All

This grand experience invites locals and tourists of all ages to visit. Hardworking service dogs are also encouraged to come to give their owners the best experience possible.

Picture 3 Ice Castles welcome everyone to join in the fun!-Photography by @Icecastles_

Picture 4 Even dogs on duty can experience Ice Castles!-Photography by @Icecastles_

 

Accommodating Pricing on a Budget

Children below 4 get free entry, while children 4-11 years old cost $10.99 Monday-Thursday (weekdays) and $12.99 Friday-Sunday (weekends). General admission is for visitors 12 years old and up, which costs $13.99 weekdays and $17.99 on weekends.

Tickets may be available on-site however they may be subject to higher rates and could be sold out. For guaranteed ticket purchase and the lowest prices, buy tickets in advance here.

Picture 5 Bargain prices for a grand experience

 

Captivating Atmosphere and Charming Location

Edmonton’s chilly weather allows for the transformation of a rural area with an open space to be altered for tourist and local’s entertainment and provide guests with an experience they will never forget. It is a great attraction around the holiday times as the delicate ice sculptures glowing lights emit the surroundings making it feel like you’re enjoying Christmas lights in this winter wonderland.

Picture 6 Vibrant lights shine all throughout the Ice Castles!- Photography by @Icecastles_

Picture 7 Ice Castles can make your holiday visit even more spectacular!- Photography by @Icecastles_

Ice Castles are located in Hawrelak Park which is a quick 20 minute drive from the main hotel strip. For directions, click here.

 

 

Helpful Do’s and Don’ts

• Do plan whether you would like to visit during the day or night!

I went during the evening which I feel really showcased the immaculate lighting. However, there are many gorgeous photos from other’s visits during the day! Perhaps get the best of both worlds and plan to come around sunset so you get the ultimate experience of the Ice Castles during the day and night! No matter what you choose, you can’t go wrong! For more pictures of Ice Castles during the day and night, visit their Instagram here.

Picture 8 The impeccable view of Ice Castles during the day- Photography by @Icecastles_

Picture 9 The spectacular view of Ice Castles during the night- Photography by @Icecastles_

 

• Don’t forget to buy tickets early!

Ice Castles typically open at the end of December and continue until early march, however, this depends on the weather. For more information on opening dates, you can join the Ice Castle newsletter here. The lowest prices are available online to buy tickets ahead of time without the risk of buying them on-site where there is a chance they could sell out.

If you are curious about Ice Castles new regulations for COVID 19 click here.

• Do bring warm drinks for the line up!

Although the line to enter Ice Castles moves quickly, standing still for a while can give you a chill! I did not do this and I regret it, but I am hopeful you will learn from my mistake and make your adventure the best it can be!

You can also look forward to a food truck at the exit which sells coffee, tea, hot chocolate and mini donuts!

• Don’t bring drinks or food inside the exhibit!

Food and drinks are not allowed in the exhibit so you will want to warm up before you enter. I would suggest either bringing disposable coffee cups that you can throw out or a bag you can hold your empty reusable coffee cups in while you’re in the exhibit!

• Don’t forget to dress warm!

Although Edmonton’s winter months are stunning, they can get quite cold (ranging from about -5 to -14 in December) so you should dress warm for winter weather. Coats, hats, gloves, winter boots and snow pants are encouraged for both warmth and for participating in the frozen tunnels or slides! Additionally, there are a few bon fires located in the exhibit to keep all guests warm so you can fully enjoy yourself!

You can check Edmonton’s daily temperature here.

Picture 10 Warming up by the cozy bon fire!- Photography by @Icecastles_

• Do pack extra layers with you!

It wouldn’t hurt to pack some hand warmers or an extra pair of gloves as you may get cold in the exhibit, however, having extra layers may make the world of difference!

• Do bring loved ones or friends!

Ice Castles is an experience for all and should be enjoyed and shared with everyone!

• Do Take pictures!

Ice Castles offer a gorgeous backdrop for photos whether you wish to post them on social media or just keep them to remember your unique Ice Castle adventure.

Proposals, pregnancy announcements, wedding photography and much more have been captured in the Ice Castles to freeze these beautiful moments in time!

If you are curious about booking a photoshoot with Ice Castles click here for more information.

Picture 11 Winter wonderland wedding!-Photography by @erinsweetphoto

• Don’t forget to be creative!

Have fun and let your inner-child run free! Many people decide to capture their Ice Castle experience through the art of Cosplay!

If you are curious if there is a dress code for cosplayers click here.

Picture 12 Elsa in her frozen castle!- Photography by @Icecastles_

• Do Participate

It is highly recommended that visitors of all ages participate in the fun by climbing through ice tunnels, sitting on the frozen thrones, sliding down the icy slopes and more!

Picture 13 Squealing for joy!- Photography by @Icecastles_

Picture 14 In a dreamy haze on her royal ice throne!- Photography by @Icecastles_

• Don’t miss out!

There is an opportunity for everyone to have fun in this whimsical exhibit! Don’t miss out on your chance to have an adventure of a life time, buy your ticket here.

Picture 15 You could have the chance to experience a fire entertainment show!- Photography by @Icecastles_

Picture 16 There is an opportunity to demonstrate your culture or learn through others- Photography by @Icecastles_

• Do enjoy yourself!

Ice Castles provides the ultimate winter wonderland experience and I am confident that you will have an amazing time with memories to look back on forever! To purchase tickets click here. 

Picture 17 A unique experience is offered for all- Photography by @Icecastles_

 

References

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Government of Canada. (n.d.). Local forecasts. https://weather.gc.ca/city/pages/ab-50_metric_e.html

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Ice Castles. (n.d.). EXPLORE ICE CASTLES IN Alberta. https://icecastles.com/alberta

icecastles_. Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/icecastles_/

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MorningLightMusic. (2018, October 9th). Inspiring Acoustic Background  [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXmONTtpfDk

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raydan05 “He was so proud of himself” Instagram, March 2^nd, https://www.instagram.com/p/B9P_WZkg0vJ/

raydan05 “Never too old to have fun on a slide!” Instagram, March 2^nd, https://www.instagram.com/p/B9P_RN8gQ5B/

sean.nickerson.52 “Pretty cool evening under the moonlight.” Instagram, February, 13^th, https://www.instagram.com/p/B8gzKlNAXCq/

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