Dry Ice for Outdoor Events

Embrace the Canadian Summer

After enduring long months of cold weather, we Canadians eagerly anticipate the arrival of summer. With warm, sunny days finally here, many of us enthusiastically love venturing in outdoor adventures like camping, hiking, fishing, and picnics and enjoying Canada’s natural wonders.

Sail and power boats

You've done a long hike or a scenic boat ride, time to relax, and there's nothing quite like enjoying a cold drink in the great outdoors. However, keeping food and beverages cold, especially on extended trips, can be a real challenge. But, Linde Canada can help. Simply bring some our quality dry ice on you next trip and you will never have warm drinks again.

Boy drinking cold water
Little girl enjoying a frozen lolly

How can dry ice make my outdoor events better?

Dry ice is much colder than regular ice, with a temperature of -78 °C (-109.3°F), making it ideal for keeping items frozen or cold for longer periods. Unlike regular ice, it doesn’t melt into water, so your cooler stays dry and your food stays fresher.

Seafood on dry ice
Seafood on dry ice

Dry ice is ideal for transporting frozen items while keeping them in a frozen state. It is perfect for meat, poultry, fish, and dairy products such as ice cream. Regular ice cannot do that. With dry ice, your food will stay frozen on the way to your cottage or boat.

Whether you're heading out for a weekend camping trip, a fishing expedition, or a family picnic, dry ice ensures your perishables remain cold or frozen.


Senior couple enjoying some lunch near a boat marina.
family picnic

Combining dry ice with regular ice makes the ice last longer. The dry ice will prevent the regular ice from melting. That will allow the regular ice to keep the items cold for a longer period of time.

How to Use Dry Ice Effectively

  1. Wrap dry ice in newspaper or place it in a paper bag for insulation.
  2. Place the dry ice at the bottom of the cooler. A slab of dry ice is ideal for this.
  3. To keep items chilled (not frozen), add a layer of regular ice plastic bag.
    4. Don't allow water come into contact with the dry ice to make it last longer.
  4. Place your food and drinks on top.
  5. Fill any empty space with newspaper to slow down sublimation.
  6. To keep items frozen, add a layer of insulation, such as carboard, then place another later of dry ice on top.
  7. Open the drain plug of the cooler to allow the gases to vent out.
  8. Keep the cooler in a shaded, well-ventilated area and open it only when necessary.
Man on mountain top

How much dry ice do you need?

The amount of dry ice required depends on several factors. Simply referring to a table of figures will not provide an accurate estimate.

  • The type of insulation and the size of your cooler influence how long the dry ice will last before sublimating fully. The better the cooler’s insulation, the longer the dry ice will last.
  • The quantity of food or beverages in the cooler also impacts the longevity of the dry ice. The more items in the cooler, the faster the dry ice will sublimate.
  • How the cooler is packed plays a role in the dry ice’s cooling efficiency. To maximize its effectiveness or the dry ice, pack your cooler with as few air gaps as possible.
  • Naturally, the outside air temperature also affects how long your dry ice will last. The hotter the day, the quicker the dry ice will sublimate. Also, the dry ice will last longer if kept in a shady spot, compared to a sunny place.

As a result, we recommend that you contact our dry ice experts. Our Linde Canada experts are happy to help you determine the right amount of dry ice for your trip.

Seafood on dry ice
family picnic

Safety First

Dry ice is safe to use when handled properly. Always wear gloves or use tongs when handling it to avoid skin burns. Never store dry ice in an airtight container, as the buildup of carbon dioxide gas can cause it to burst. Use dry ice in well-ventilated areas to prevent the accumulation of CO₂ gas. Keep it out of reach of children and never ingest dry ice or place it in your mouth.

Seafood on dry ice

Ready to Chill Your Summer?

Visit or call your nearest Linde Canada location to get your supply of dry ice. Our experts can help you choose the right quantity and type for your needs. Make your summer outdoor events cooler, fresher, and more enjoyable with Linde Canada dry ice!

Outside of Québec, call our customer care line for more information 1-800-225-8247.

In Quebec, dial 1-877-452-2373 to order dry ice.