Okay, I know what you’re thinking. North Bay in February? Isn’t that where polar bears go for spring break? Well, I’ve got a surprise for you.
Those who are willing to shuck the crowded ski resorts with their overpriced hot cocoa are in for a surprise. North Bay is serving up something truly unique from February 7 to the 21st. This is the kind of Ontario winter fun that gets people rethinking their whole winter vibe.
Picture the late-day sun sparkling yellow and orange off the frozen waters of Lake Nipissing, you’re bundled up in your warm winter gear, and in front of you is a mind-blowing art installation. As the sun sinks below the horizon, the whole North Bay waterfront erupts with creativity, glowing like a scene from Alice in Wonderland.
Ice Follies is a yearly art and light festival in North Bay that celebrates the magic of the season and encourages everyone visiting to embrace the cold and rally behind Ontario’s awesome outdoors. At a time when so many people are hiding in their homes, afraid to dust a little snow off of their shoulders, the people of North Bay are screaming, “Heck Yeah!” and dancing long after the sun goes down.
What Is The North Bay Ice Follies Festival?
From February 7th to 21st, 2025, the shores of Lake Nipissing, just three hours north of Toronto, are transformed into a winter wonderland of creativity, where artists and the local community (and loads of visitors) come together to celebrate the magic of winter. This year’s theme, “Ozhaashikwaa” (The Ice is Slippery), adds a whole new layer of intrigue.
Canadians are going through a lot these days. This year, the Ice Follies focus is on resilience and adaptability. The theme is all about finding your footing when things get a little…well, slippery. This is a timely echo of the struggles that we’re all facing. Two weeks of outdoor music, food, art, and celebration seem like the antidote that we all need.
Ice Follies kicks off on February 7th with a captivating performance by Aanmitaagzi Story Makers at Shabogesic Beach. This is something that you won’t want to miss.
But enough with the deep thoughts. Let’s get to the good stuff. Here’s why you need to ditch the blanket fort and head to North Bay for Ice Follies.
What To Expect From Ice Follies This Year
- Shabogesic Beach Bonanza: Imagine a beach where the sand is replaced with ice and the sculptures are made of, well, more ice. That’s Shabogesic Beach during Ice Follies. It’s a playground of creativity where you can wander among stunning installations and interactive art pieces.
- Olmstead Beach Escapades: New this year, the festival is expanding to Olmstead Beach on Trout Lake. Here, you can immerse yourself in sound-based art and storytelling experiences that will transport you to another world.
- Family Day Frolics: Bring the whole gang for Family Day on February 17th at Shabogesic Beach. There will be activities for all ages.
- Whispers Under the Stars: The Listening Parties at Olmstead Beach on February 15th and 16th promise to be a truly unique experience. Imagine cozying up under the stars while listening to evocative soundscapes and stories inspired by the ice.
- Art Talk Action: Ever wondered what goes on in an artist’s mind? Get the inside scoop at the Artist Talks at the Capitol Centre Spotlight Lounge on February 8th and 9th.
- Art Walk with an Artist: Join artist Colin Davis for a guided walking tour starting February 9th and gain a deeper understanding of the installations and the creative process behind them.
- Flashback to the Past: Head to the WKP Kennedy Gallery to see “Frozen Frames,” a photographic exhibition showcasing two decades of Ice Follies through the lens of photographer Liz Lott.
Winter Magic in North Bay, Ontario
The Ice Follies Winter Art Festival is just a taste of the magic of winter in North Bay, Ontario. I spent a weekend exploring the art festival, hiking, fat-biking, and ice fishing in North Bay, broken up by visits to their bi-annual Taste the Bay food festival. You can read more about winter in North Bay here or check out the video that I made during my visit.
Meet the Masterminds Behind the Magic
Ice Follies wouldn’t be what it is without the incredible artists who bring their visions to life. Here are a few of the creative geniuses you can expect to see:
- Aanmitaagzi: Exploring the connections between humans, water, and the spirit world through performance and installation.
- Andrew Ackerman: Creating a thought-provoking sculpture that challenges our relationship with nature.
- David Chops: Inviting you to become part of the art with a participatory installation.
- Anyse Ducharme: Highlighting the tension between our digital and physical worlds in a thought-provoking piece.
- Nico Glaude: Sharing messages of resilience, growth, and memory through hand-painted signs on monoliths.
- Studio Nude Beach: Capturing the ephemeral beauty of nature in a glowing, ribcage-like installation.
- Hyperboreal (Dermot Wilson & Jason Brock): Creating a mesmerizing audio-visual experience on the ice.
- NAISA with multiple artists: Composing soundscapes that blend the sounds of the ice with evocative texts.
You Need Ice Follies in Your Life
Ice Follies is a winter art festival that will get you to fall in love with the season all over again. It’s a chance to experience winter in a whole new way. Embracing the cold, the ice, and the unique beauty of the Northern Ontario landscape. It’s about community, creativity, and finding joy in unexpected places.
And the best part? It’s completely free and accessible 24/7. So, whether you’re an early riser or a night owl, you can experience the magic of Ice Follies on your own terms.
So, what are you waiting for? Pack your warmest coat, grab your sense of adventure, and head north to North Bay for a winter experience you won’t soon forget!
For more information, you can check out the Ice Follies website here.
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Kevin Wagar is a founder and editor of Ultimate Ontario. He has been working in the travel media industry since 2015 when he founded his family travel website Wandering Wagars – Adventure Family Travel.
Over the years Kevin has developed a deep love for his home province of Ontario and aims to showcase the incredible experiences and amazing small businesses found within it.