Bloor-Yorkville Icefest is returning for its 17th year! Join us February 18th – 19th as we transform the neighbhourhood through ice and light! Taking you on a journey of Dreams & Fantasies, we invite you to celebrate winter, while enjoying a reimaged Icefest, featuring a stunning ice trail of over 40 ice sculptures, an ice lounge, an ice wall projection, and four light-enhanced sculptures.
Our theme this year, Dreams & Fantasies, puts a playful spin on Icefest, creating a reimaged world through one-of-a-kind ice sculptures, inspired by whimsical castles, unicorns, dragons, mermaids, cosmic journeys and more! Over 60,000 lbs of ice is used to create the displays, transforming the neighbourhood into a glittering wonderland. Learn more about the trail and sculptures with our ice sculpture display details and map. This is a free initiative open to individuals of all ages.
Ice Lounge presented by Balzac Coffee
Part of our new event programming this year will be our Ice Lounge, located at the Village of Yorkville Park (115 Cumberland Street). Relax, unwind, and gather around our hand-carved ice tables! Local coffee house Balzac Coffee Roasters will be on site, serving coffee and hot chocolate, to help you warm up amongst friends.
Live Carving Demonstrations
You won’t want to miss out on the live carving demonstrations! Always a crowd favourite, talented carvers will be on site using picks, chisels, and chainsaws to create one-of-a-kind sculptures. This is your chance to see Dreams & Fantasies come to life in real time! Demonstrations will take place between 12 pm – 5 pm with six different carvers on site all throughout the Village of Yorkville Park.
Charity Partner: Second Harvest
Partnering with a local charity is an important part of our Annual Events and we are thrilled to host this event in support of Second Harvest, which is Canada’s largest food rescue organization. Second Harvest has a dual mission of environmental protection and hunger relief and in its 38 years, has rescued over 271 million pounds of healthy food.
We’ll be supporting their important work by having “Tap to Donate” stations set up in our Ice Lounge in the Village of Yorkville Park (Second Harvest will have a tent set up on location), as well by QR codes placed at each sculpture sign. Second Harvest delivers to a network of non-profits and social service agencies, including food banks, meal programs, children’s breakfast programs, women’s shelters and more. If you’re able contribute, we invite you to visit the official Second Harvest x Bloor-Yorkville donation page.
Ice Wall Projections & Light Enhanced Sculptures
Another exciting part of the new programming this year is our Ice Wall Projection! Guests can gather around the Big Rock in the Village of Yorkville Park to experience an artist-curated ice wall projection. Designed by Montreal-based artists Jacob Lacasse and Philippe Labrie, the creative duo “aspires to enhance human experiences & connections through arts & technology, working through different mediums such as projection mapping, installations & visual works.”
The projection is designed to immerse guests into the theme of Dreams & Fantasies, creating a whimsical experience best viewed after sunset. Additionally, we also have four sculptures along the trail that are designed with custom light enhancements.
For more information, including sculpture displays, detailed event maps, and how to donate to Second Harvest, please visit the official Bloor-Yorkville Icefest event website.