Edmonton 
Photo Credit: Edmonton Tourism
Winter Attractions, Activities & Festivals in Edmonton
Wondering what is there to do this winter in Edmonton?
In one word – P L E N T Y, whether you are a winter buff or not.
There are more than one hundred activities available to you across the snow and ice blanketed Edmonton winter landscape. Explore Alberta capital region through your favourite winter activity : one snowshoe trail or one toboggan hill at a time.
The article is arranged under three sections
1. Outdoor Attractions & Outdoor Winter Activities and events at the locations (if any).
2. Winter festivals
3. Music, Theatre and Other Cultural Events
4. Indoor Attractions in Edmonton
If you are visiting Edmonton: Distance from Edmonton City Hall is given for ease of trip planning (visualizing). Do not let the fact that it is freezing outside, keep you from enjoying Edmonton downtown attractions or from taking in an award winning play at one of Edmonton’s theatres. Pedway (indoor/underground walkway) will keep you safe from the elements.
If you are new to Canada, you might like to read – Canada’s Wind Chill Index and Winter Weather Preparedness
If it is extremely cold, visit Indoor Attractions, Amusement Centres, and Playgrounds in Edmonton.
I. Outdoor Attractions & Winter Activities in Edmonton
Super Fun Outdoor Winter Activities in and Around Edmonton
1. Elk Island National Park
Photo Credit: Travel Alberta
Winter Activities: Wildlife (Bison, Elk) viewing is at its best in winter as animals come out in the open to forage for food (Bison Loop Road) in this unspoiled prairie winter wilderness. The national park offers plenty of other winter activities like cross country skiing, snow shoeing, along the many multi use trails.
Winter Hours: Park & office open year round. Camps & visitor centre are closed in winter.
Getting there: By car
Distance from Edmonton City Hall: ~ Located 48 km E (40 mintues drive)
2. Cooking Lake Blackfoot Provincial Recreation Area
Winter Hours: Open Daily, 24 hours, Daylight hours recommended.
Getting there: By car
Distance from Edmonton City Hall: ~ 48 km (40 minutes drive) – Spread over a very large area with many entrances. Distance mentioned to Waskahegan Staging Area – 52301 Range Road 210, Beaver County.
3. Strathcona Wilderness Centre
Activities: Enjoy a glorious winter day with family skiing, snow shoeing (Trail map) or join for any of the special events like World Snow Day, Moonlight Ski, The Great Pastry Caper at the Strathacona Wilderness Centre.
Winter Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM.
Getting there: By Car; 52535 Range Road 212, Ardrossan,T8G 2E9.
Distance from Edmonton City Hall: ~ 42 km E
SKIING, SNOWBOARDING & SNOWTUBING
4. Snow Valley Ski Club
Activities: Skiing, Snowboarding, Snow school. Website.
Winter Hours: Regular: Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM ; Saturday and Sunday: 9:00 AM- 5:00 PM
Getting there: 119 St off whitemud Fwy, Edmonton; Best to drive, accessible by public transit (short walk).
Distance from Edmonton City Hall: ~ 12 km NE.
5. Sunridge Ski Area
Activities: Snowboarding, Snow tubing, Snow school, Skiing. Website
Winter Hours: Regular Season: Monday – Friday: 9:30 AM to 9:00 PM; Saturday, Sunday: 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM (snow tubing hours vary, see website)
Getting there: Located in Strathcona County in Strathcona Science Provincial Park – Best to drive; accessible through public transit.
Distance from Edmonton City Hall ~ 14 km E
6. Rabbit Hill Snow Resort
Activities: Skiing, Snowboarding, Snow School Website
Winter Hours: Regular Season: Monday to Friday – 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM; Saturday & Sunday – 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Getting there: D-25512, Township Rd 510A, Leduc County T9G0H9; By Car.
Distance from Edmonton City Hall: ~ 40 km SW
7. Edmonton Ski Club
Activities: Snowboarding, Skiing, Snow School Website.
Winter Hours:
Monday: 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Tuesday: CLOSED (Group / Corporate hill bookings available)
Wednesday to Friday: 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Saturday to Sunday: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Getting there: Accessible through Public Transit; parking available on site.
Distance from Edmonton City Hall: ~ 4 km SE
8. Cross Country Skiing
Explore winter wilderness of Edmonton countryside & the River Valley through cross country skiing.
1. City of Edmonton around River Valley – link
2. City of St Albert
Kingswood Park on Sturgeon Road, around Liberton Park, Riverlot 56 Natural Area
Also see St Albert Nordic Ski Club website to know more about the trails maintained by the club.
3. Strathcona Wilderness Centre , Beaver Hills Area, Elk Island National Park
4. Ski on a golf course: Stony Plain Public Golf Course is transformed into a winter thrill destination with cross country ski trails.
9. Hiking & Snowshoeing
If you love walking in winter, then treat yourself by walking along the many River Valley trails. All River Valley trails are maintained by the city of Edmonton. From Terwillegar Park to Hermitage Park, you’ll discover a wide range of family facilities you can really warm up to! Whether you’re tobogganing, skating, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, or winter picnicking, you can find warm resting areas en route (Winter Chalets).
Ride the Funicular and experience the snow-blanketed River Valley like never before! Ride the funicular from the 100 Street near the Hotel MacDonald to the river valley trail system near the Low Level Bridge. If you want additional exercise, take the urban staircase. There is also a separate track for runners and a bike rail for cyclists who opt to push their bikes up and down the stairs. Funicular is Wheel chair and stroller accessible.
Photo Credit: City of Edmonton
Try to spot & name Alberta winter birds (a great activity with kids) or count the bird nests as you hike Red Willow Trails of St. Albert or Stony Plain trails.
Strathcona County trails: Hike / Snowshoe the Prairie Walk that depicts Strathcona County’s culture and enumerates its history. For other trails, see Here
Elk Island national park’s Beaver Pond Trail and Amisk Wuche Trail offer great vistas to crunch snow.
Snow shoeing : Try snowshoeing with your family this winter. Did you know that snowshoeing burns 45% more calories than walking at the same speed? Snowshoe along the uncleared trails, and discover winter wilderness this season. Guide for first timers.
Exploring River Valley through Segway: If you are visiting Edmonton, explore Edmonton’s expansive River Valley through Segway tours.
10. Ice Fishing
The best ice fishing spots in Alberta, Gull Lake and Sylvan Lake are within 2 hours of drive from Edmonton.
You can also try Pigeon Lake (90 minutes from downtown Edmonton), Lac La Nonne (90 minutes from downtown Edmonton) & Hanmore Lake (within two hours).
11. Northern Lights & Night Sky Observing
© Edmonton Tourism
Winter is a great time to enjoy the Northern lights as night time is longer. Sip hot chocolate and enjoy the light show by nature in your own backyard (if there is very strong magnetic activity). Head out of the city to the open, away from the city lights for a better view.
On Thursdays, during U of A Term time, visit U of A Observatory for solar observing (noon) & night sky observing.
12. Skating
© Elk Island National Park
Whether you skate outdoors experiencing the crisp winter air or gather your family and friends for an ice time indoors, skating is a fun way to enjoy winter. Choose your favourite or try a new location this win
Enjoy outdoor skating at the Victoria Park Oval at 12130 River Valley Road, Edmonton and Victoria Park IceWay — the 400-metre skating track next to the Victoria Park Oval.
Or head to Rundle Park, to tryout Rundle Park IceWay that features a shinny pond, a large tableland ice skating surface and a smaller family rink.
Other Skating Rinks
- Check out other outdoor arenas here. For public skate times in indoor arenas, see Here.
- Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues outdoor skating arenas – Here
- City of St. Albert Outdoor Rinks & Ice Surfaces – Here
- Strathcona County – Here
- Spruce Grove – Here
- Stony Plain – Here
You can also plan for a winter day trip to Elk Island National Park. Pack a thermos and set out with your family by snowshoe or cross country skis to explore one of the many trails in the park. Or lace up your skates and skate around High Island on Astotin Lake for truly unique winter experience. (Weather and ice conditions permitting).
13. Tobogganing & Sledding
Locations:
a. City of Edmonton – Locations
b. City of St. Albert – Seven Hills (Mission Hill); Lacombe Lake Park.
c. Strathcona County – Locations
Check this map for locations across Edmonton.
14. Wildlife Viewing
Go on a winter wildlife viewing tour at Elk Island National Park or at Cooking Lake – Blackfoot area.
For an educational, entertaining and fun family activity – track the footprints in the snow & try to guess which animal it belongs to.
15. Other Winter Activities – Dog Sledding; Sleigh Rides; Snowmobiling; Skijoring
a. Sleigh Rides & Wagon Rides:
Celebrate and embrace the winter season with a wagon ride.
b. Miquelon Lake Provincial Park – enjoy Skijoring, skiing &, snow shoeing.
c. Snowmobile at Blackfoot Provincial Recreation Area, Ministik Lake Game Bird Sanctuary, and Redwater Provincial Recreation Area.
d. Village of Pigeon Lake is great winter weekend retreat or a day trip location. Enjoy Dog sledding, ice skating, snowmobiling & more at this destination situated just over an hour away from Edmonton.
e. For those in Edmonton, who want to try out skijoring/kicksledding this winter, see here and these meetup groups –
1. Kicksledding.
2. Skijoring.
II. Winter Festivals and Events
1. Winter Festivals in Edmonton
Photo Credit: Silver Skate Festival
2. Live Music & Theatre
II. Places to see in Winter in Edmonton – Indoor Attractions
1. Alberta’s Legislature Building
Events:
Trip Planning:
Getting there in winter: There are parking lots on the grounds with two hour limit. You can also use public transit . The Pedway (underground walkway ) connects LRT station to the building.
Distance from Edmonton City Hall: ~ 2.5 km.
Other Activities: The legislature grounds is a great visit during December as the grounds are lit up for Christmas. Enjoy hot chocolate & listen to school choirs in the evening. You can also enjoy skating at the south ground rink.
2. Edmonton City Hall
Getting there in winter: Connected to public transit & the Pedway. Parking available nearby & at City Hall parkade.
Other Activities: Go skating on the ice rink, take part in festivities during the special days.
3. Art Gallery of Alberta
Getting there : Connected to public transit (churchill station) & the Pedway. Parking available nearby.
Distance from Edmonton City Hall: Situated across the square.
4. Rutherford House Provincial Historic Site
Enjoy a guided tour of the house of the first premier of Alberta, Alexander Cameron Rutherford. Listen to stories, understand fine nuances of this furnished Edwardian-era home as you tour with costumed interpreters.
Getting there : Public transit or by car. Limited parking on site.
Distance from Edmonton City Hall: 5 km
Other Activities: Once a month on Sunday after noon, the house holds ‘Social Sundays’, a fun family time filled with traditional activities and games.
5. Muttart Conservatory
If you long for flowers and greenery in winter, this is the place to be. Find your way around the world through plants from four corners of the world in this four pyramid conservatory.
Events:
Getting there: Connected to public transit. Parking available onsite.
Distance from Edmonton City Hall: ~ 4 km SE
Other Activities: Participate in one of the special events held at the conservatory or delight the foodie in you by having local comfort food at Culina.
6. Telus World of Science
Kindle the love of science in your children through fun exhibits and hands on activities. AND you do not have to be a child to enjoy this science museum.
Trip Planning:
Hours: Science Centre & Exhibit Galleries: Fri & Sat: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm; Sun – Thu: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Holidays: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Getting there: Connected to public transit. Parking available onsite.
Distance from Edmonton City Hall: 7 km W
7. Edmonton Valley Zoo
Enjoy seeing winter loving animals like Siberian tiger and Artic foxes. Discover how the zoo cares for the tropical animals through keeper talks. Edmonton Valley Zoo is home to over 350 species of animals & birds from different climates and habitats.
Trip Planning:
Getting there in winter: Connected to public transit & Free parking available on site (unlike many zoos)
Distance from Edmonton City Hall: 10 km SW
Other Activities: Have a fun time in December visiting the zoo at night to see the spectacular exhibition of lights.
8. John Janzen Nature Centre
Getting there: Accessible by public transit. Parking available onsite.
Distance from Edmonton City Hall: 10 km SW
9. Royal Alberta Museum
More than 5,300 objects are featured in a variety of galleries in the new Royal Alberta Museum. The new Natural History Hall celebrates the wonders and diversity of the living world, from the tiniest lichens to the mighty mammoths that once roamed the province. The Human History Hall shares compelling stories of who we are, from the earliest people to the Albertans of today. The experience is rounded out by the new Bug Gallery featuring live invertebrates, a 2,130-square-metre (7,000-square-foot) Children’s Gallery, and a state-of-the-art feature gallery space that will host international exhibitions, alongside a museum shop, café and theatre space.
Getting there: Accessible by public transit, includes pedway access via the Churchill LRT station
Distance from Edmonton City Hall: Near city Hall
10. West Edmonton Mall
With plenty to do, you can easily spend two full days within the mall. It is an entertainment and shopping wonderland.
Things to do
World Water Park: Surf the waves in the world’s largest indoor wave pool, Zip across the wave pool on the zip line, and try the longest water slide – first of its kind in Canada.
Galaxyland: Go on a thrilling ride at one of the 24 rides, & test to balancing skills at rope quest.
Marine life: Cheer the sea lions as they perform at Sea Lions Rock and explore the underground aquarium at Sea life caverns.
Other attractions include Ice Palace (NHL sized ice rink), miniature golf, Bowling at Ed’s Rec room; award winning and extremely popular restaurants, music & dinner theatres, and more.
Trip Planning
Getting there: Easily Accessible by public transit & parking available on site.
Distance from Edmonton City Hall: 12 km SW
Class! Now it will not be boring to sit at home. Tomorrow I’ll go explore all these places)
Pretty sad? Do you think artists work for free?
pretty sad when you have to pay to get into an art gallery
From Gallagher Park, I think.
Where is that place on the very top photo?
When are free admissions for low income people
Usually on a Sunday during Culture Days Weekend (September End). Call 311 for more information.
Select venues offer free admission during Doors Open (Historic Week – July beginning) Edmonton, Culture Days Weekend and on Family Day (Rutherford House & AGA).
Another great page. It is awesome that you guys are putting this together. It is such a good idea, and you are doing a great job with it. The layout is straight forward and broken down into useful sections. Navigation is easy, and the amount of information is kept manageable, which is one of the major problems I see with these event aggregation sites. Sorting through everything is usually cumbersome, but it is very easy to find my way on here.
Another great indoor activity to give a try in Edmonton along the lines of speeders and Launchpad is breakout. http://breakout-ent.com/