Join us for the 8th annual Ice Hole Festival. We will have excellent facilities on the ice with a large tent, commercial heaters and hot beverages.

There will be support for each sponsor store to teach classes or fun diving for those already certified in ice diving. Certifications are purchased through your local dive shop. If you don't have a participating shop, we can get you set up with one of our event sponsor shops.

PADI has generously stepped up as our event headline sponsor providing unparalleled access to ice training for both instructors and divers and will be the primary certification delivered on site. All shops and agencies are welcome to participate and use our facilities/logistics.

Dive into Excellence with PADI as Title Sponsor
Proudly title-sponsored by PADI, the Ice Hole Festival has garnered steadfast support for creating an inclusive dive event. Renowned Ice instructor trainer Charles DuPont from PADI Canada played a pivotal role in developing the festival, ensuring a focus on professional-level education on the intricacies of ice diving. Territory Director Michael Janssen and esteemed PADI Regional Manager Steve Heaton are among the repeat participants, adding their expertise to the festival’s success.

Building Bridges: The Ice Hole Festival's Special Purpose
The festival goes beyond being a mere diving event; it serves as a catalyst for building infrastructure and fostering collaboration among dive shops to strengthen the scuba industry. Founder Richard Thomas envisioned a unique approach to ice diving, transforming it from a tough outdoor activity in harsh conditions to a comfortable and inviting experience. The investment in creature comforts and safety is palpable upon arrival, with well-appointed event tents, heaters, and hot drinks readily available.

Transformative Experiences: Ice Diving at its Best
The Ice Hole Festival is a transformative experience for participants, from new instructors mastering the rigors of ice diving to dive shops realizing the potential of bringing trained dry suit divers to test their skills in extreme conditions. The event emphasizes collaboration, with participants stepping up to help each other, creating an environment where everyone finds their groove and showcases their potential to become future professional divers.

Fun dives, training new ice divers, and allowing instructors to aquire required dives.