Ice Follies

Unique Arts & Cultural Experience

Imagine an art exhibition where nature and creativity collide—where the pristine white expanse of a frozen Lake Nipissing becomes a breathtaking and surprisingly avant-garde gallery without walls.

Ice Follies is a biennial winter art festival on the icy canvas of Lake Nipissing that transforms the winter landscape into an extraordinary and interactive outdoor museum. The festival invites art lovers and adventure seekers to experience original contemporary Northern Ontario and local Indigenous art in its most unexpected forms.

North Bay’s national award-winning exhibition was established in 2004 and the tradition has been nurtured by the rich local art community that encompasses artists in many mediums, including internationally known contemporary artists.

Each installation is carefully curated to interact with the stunning winter environment, creating a dialogue between art, landscape, and viewer that transcends traditional gallery experiences and invites visitors to engage with the natural beauty and cultural essence of Northern Ontario.

Why Visit the Ice Follies Winter Art Festival in North Bay?

• Stunning Winter Scenery: Combine your love for art with the pristine beauty of Lake Nipissing’s frozen landscape, Ontario’s 3rd largest lake!
• Interactive Experiences: Many installations are designed to invite you to touch, explore, and become part of the artwork, making it a memorable experience for families, children and art enthusiasts alike.
• Local Culture: Experience the vibrant artistic spirit of North Bay, where the region’s Indigenous, French and English cultural richness meets the raw beauty of winter.

As if those reasons aren’t enough, read on for 10 reasons to Visit the Ice Follies in 2025 in North Bay.

Plan Your Winter Getaway

This year’s exhibition runs from February 7th until February 21st, 2025.Be sure to check our winter accommodations packages for current Ice Follies promotions.

Visitors are encouraged to dress warmly and prepare for an outdoor art experience like no other. Make your visit even more special by exploring North Bay’s numerous fun winter attractions, including snowshoeing, winter hiking and fat biking trails, ice fishing, and cozy local dining options.

Whether you’re a seasoned art lover or just looking for a unique way to embrace the season, Ice Follies is a profund experience of unique northern ontario art and culture that is not to be missed.