Ice Castles Edmonton is back this winter after 5-year hiatus

Ice Castles Edmonton is returning this winter after a five-year hiatus. The frozen fortress will begin construction in Fan Park downtown in late November. (Supplied)

After a five-year hiatus, Ice Castles is returning to Edmonton this winter but in a new downtown location in Fan Park.

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The castle will feature frozen tunnels, archways, caverns, slides, and a one-acre playground – sculpted entirely from ice – according to the Utah-based company Ice Castles. The company is celebrating its 15th anniversary and will be bringing Ice Castles to Edmonton in partnership with the Oilers Entertainment Group.

“Over the years, community partners, former guests, and employees have continually asked if Ice Castles would be back, and it feels incredible to finally say ‘Yes,’” Ice Castles CEO Kyle Standifird said in a press release.

Construction will begin in November with about 20 ice artisans bringing the icy structure to life with icicles that they will make and hand-place one-by-one.

The frozen fortress is expected to open in late December and continue until late February or early March, depending on weather.

There will be five other locations in America with Ice Castles Edmonton being the only Canadian site.

Advance tickets can be purchased online starting Dec. 2.