Winter Festival of Speed

With car racing, snowmobile drags, small plane fly-ins, axe-throwing and winter family activities, the Winter Festival of Speed is an event with style and speed!

Dates: -
Location: Lac La Biche, Alberta
Updated: Tue. Sep. 8, 2026
Tickets: https://laclabicheicefestival.com/

Winter Festival of Speed on Social Media

Now rebranded as the Lac La Biche Ice Festival, this long-running winter celebration has taken place on the frozen surface of Lac La Biche Lake since 1984. Learn to drive a snowmobile, enter one of the race categories (including the solo event for unregistered ice racers), check out vintage sleds, visit the trapper's tent displays and axe throwing, and watch one of the wildest events on ice as cars and sleds fill the lake in Lac La Biche!

Preview the event

Read this story for more, and watch the Facebook LIVE below for a tour of the site, with FestivalSeekers' Jeremy Derksen and pilot Ken Zachkewich on a flightseeing tour of the lake where all the action happens.

Then read on for more festival details.

Tickets

2027 ticket info TBA. 

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS 

The schedule for 2027 is TBA; here is a look at past years' schedules.

ALL EVENT INFO IS TBA for 2027

For more detail, to register or get updates check out the new Festival of Speed website.

Saturday
08:00  Gates open; aircraft fly-in begins
09:00  Race registration (ice cars, snowmobiles, solo car)
10:00   Trade show, helicopter rides, ice/snow sculpting begin
11:00    Snowmobile Drags begin
11:15    Car racers practice laps
1:00 - 4:00pm
Car Races
Basic snowmobile rider training
Kids Carnival (MacArthur Place)
2:10 - 2:40pm
Race Car Ride Alongs
4:20 - 4:40pm
Car Charity Race Practice
6:00pm Dinner & Entertainment (Bold Centre)

Sunday
08:00  Gates open, fly-in begins
09:00 
Concessions open
Registration for vintage trail ride
10:00  Vintage trail ride to Lac La Biche Mission
10:00am - 4:00pm
trade Show
helicopter rides
ice & snow sculpting
snowmobile drags
2:00 - 4:00pm
vintage sled display
vintage sled events
race car ride alongs
4:20 - 4:40pm Charity Race
5:30pm  Dinner & awards

More to do: enjoy on ice demos, axe throwing, knife throwing, log sawing and car ride alongs!
Axe throwing and winter games are a popular part of the event.

Other Featured Events

Trappers Display: See what it is like to be a trapper in Northern Alberta by checking out this interactive display.

Vintage Snowmobile Display: Are you a history buff? Make sure you check out the vast array of vintage snowmobiles. Registration & Ride at 11:00 am; Snow & Shine after ride at 2:00pm

Enjoy an on ice trade show throughout the weekend.
Sledders start your engines! Specators, hold your breath.

Charity Race:  Where the racers give up their cars to amateur drivers and race for bragging rights.  All proceeds are given to specific local charities. Number of entries are limited, details to be announced.

When You Go

Lac La Biche is full of magical winter experiences, from ice fishing to cross-country skiing, or a cabin stay on Alberta's only island provincial park. 

Read up on more adventures in this ZenSeekers.com story, and head over to Lac La Biche Region's website for more on where to stay, eat and get adventuring in the region.

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Tags

Lac La Biche Northern Alberta Alberta Grassroots Sports Fests Sports