You can see massive ice sculptures taking shape in downtown Edmonton this week
Edmontonians never shy away from winter, and now you can check out massive ice sculptures taking shape downtown this week.
Chiseled, Edmonton’s annual ice carving competition, will bring together 10 artists from across Canada, paired into five teams to compete head-to-head in the ICE District Plaza.
Part of the fun is watching the sculptures come to life. Each team is given 15 blocks of ice and 34 hours over three days to transform them into stunning works of art.
The event is free to attend, and spectators can vote for their favourite sculpture. Carving runs from Thursday, Jan. 15 to 17.
Balmy temperatures are in the forecast this week, which is great news for spectators. Whether it’s as good for ice carving is another story!
The Chiseled 2026 competition will feature the following teams:
- From Ashes – Andrew Wagner and Andrew Zoller
- Khione: Greek Goddess of Snow and Ice – Larry MacFarlane and Nate McKeough
- Sweet and Sabor Tooth – Yann Blanchard and Cliff Vacheresse
- Freedom – Steve Buzak and Ken Harper
- Lady of the Sea – Kamron Garbe and Scott Harrison
More information about the artists and concept drawings of the sculptures can be found on the Activate Arts Alberta website.
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If you spot a sculpture you love and want another look, you’re in luck. The finished pieces will remain on display until Jan. 27 (weather permitting).
Once you’ve finished admiring the ice sculptures, you can keep the winter fun going with a visit to the nearby ice castles, or escape the cold with one of many incredible indoor downtown activities listed in our roundup of ways to stay warm in YEG this winter.
Chiseled – Edmonton’s Ice Carving Competition
When: Thursday, Jan. 15 to 17, 2026
Where: ICE District — 10360 102nd St. NW, Edmonton
Cost:Â Free