2026 Gimli Ice Festival

2026 Gimli Ice Festival: March 7–8

Cost: $5 admission

Celebrate the magic of winter on the frozen shores of Lake Winnipeg at the 15th Annual Gimli Ice Festival.

Running Saturday, March 7 and Sunday, March 8, 2026, this weekend-long celebration combines high-octane racing, Viking heritage, and family-friendly competition in one of Manitoba’s most iconic lakeside towns.

Whether you're looking for an adrenaline rush or a cozy cultural getaway, the Gimli Ice Festival is the premier Interlake winter event you won't want to miss.

Saturday Night Highlight: Fireworks at the Pier

FIREWORKS AT THE GIMLI HARBOUR

When: Saturday, March 7th at 7:00 pm.

Join the community at the pier for a breathtaking display over the frozen lake—the perfect way to cap off your first day of festival fun.

Festival Admission & Participation

To join the fun and compete in the weekend’s various challenges, grab your Festival Pass!

• Cost: Only $5.00
• Value: Required to be an official participant in games and activities
• Info: Passes are available at the Festival Headquarters (Lake Winnipeg Visitor Centre)

Adrenaline & Competition

• FIRE on ICE Car Racing: Watch the Winnipeg Sports Car Club battle it out on the frozen lake in a high-speed spectacle of skill and ice-drifting.
• Polar Games Teams Competition: Gather your squad and compete for winter glory in our signature team challenges.
• A Viking’s Challenge (7th Edition): Test your strength and endurance in this legendary Gimli tradition.
• Hailey’s Way Fishing Derby: Cast a line and see if you can land the big one on the ice.
• Jus Chillin ATV/UTV Show ‘N Shine: Admire the best winter rigs and off-road builds.
• Frozen Fish Toss: A quirky local favorite that’s exactly what it sounds like—pure winter fun.

Family Fun & Interactive Arts

• Journey To Arendelle: A magical experience for the little ones to meet their favorite snowy characters.
• Frozen T-Shirt Competition: How fast can you put on a frozen shirt? It’s harder (and colder) than it looks!
• Horse-drawn Wagon Rides: Take a scenic tour through the heart of Gimli in classic winter style.
• Creative Corner: Create your own Cool-io-Canvas Painting, join the Festival Mural Creation, or get festive with Face Painting.
• Harness Dog Winter Sports Demo: See the incredible teamwork of working dogs in their element.

Heritage & Culture

• The Hands Of Lugh: Step into history with Viking Life Reenactors and live combat demonstrations.
• Gimli Red River Metis: Celebrate local indigenous culture and history through community displays.
• GIFF Film Screening: Catch a special Gimli International Film Festival reflection video and cinematic showcase.

Winter Eats & Treats

• Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast: Start your festival mornings right with a hearty community breakfast.
• Bannock & Tea On An Open Fire: Warm your soul with traditional treats and sweet Maple Syrup Taffy on the snow.

Plan Your Weekend in Gimli

Located just an hour north of Winnipeg, the Gimli Ice Festival is the perfect destination for families, photographers, and winter enthusiasts.

Dress warmly, bring your $5 participation pass, and prepare for a weekend of “cool” memories!

Location: Gimli Harbour & Various Downtown Venues
Dates: March 7 – March 8, 2026