About the Ice on Whyte Festival

The Ice on Whyte Festival officially began in 2003 when a group of local sculptors partnered with the Old Strathcona Business Association to create an amazing ice carving exhibit in McIntyre Park. Visitors came out in droves to enjoy the magical works of art in a winter setting.

In a few short years, the festival outgrew McIntyre Park and moved to the park, commonly known as Adventure or Festival Park, on 85 Avenue and 104 Street. A giant ice slide, an ice castle, a live entertainment tent, school programs and a children’s play area were added and in 2009, Ice on Whyte hosted its first International Ice carving Competition.

Ice on is now home in the much larger End of Steel Park at the corner of Gateway Blvd and Tommy Banks Way.

During the Festival, visitors come to experience ten days of outdoor winter fun on the Giant Ice slide and the interactive Kids Zone and enjoy the International Ice Carving Competition, outdoor games, live music, cultural exhibits, food, fashion, hot beverages, skating and much more.

Ice on Whyte has been rated by Readers’ Digest as one of the top 10 winter festivals in Canada and is also the winner of the 2012 Alberta Pride Alto Award from Travel Alberta.

Ice on Whyte also produces Sand on Whyte in July. Sand on Whyte is currently a sand carving exhibit that happens in Old Strathcona during the Taking it to the Streets music festival and the Whyte Avenue ArtWalk. The 3rd annual Sand on Whyte happens July 3 to 12, 2015.

Ice on Whyte is presented by the Ice on Whyte Festival Society, and has successfully grown through the continued support of many community minded businesses and organizations, and the dedication of volunteers, artists and a stellar production team.