Edmonton 
Credit: Grande Prairie Regional Tourism Association
This northwestern Alberta city is located in the southern part of Peace River Country boasts of wide-open spaces and plenty of winter activities that let you enjoy the best of the northern Alberta landscape. Here are 20 things to do outdoors during this winter in Grande Prairie.
1. Winter Fun at Muskoseepi Park
Muskoseepi, or Bear Creek in Cree, is an 1100-acre park at the centre of Grande Prairie. Every year, the city floods and maintains the park’s pond for smooth city skating. This pond is strictly for recreational skaters, as absolutely no hockey equipment is allowed on the ice. Throughout the park are different pavilions to explore and warm up in, and washrooms. Muskoseepi also provides all different types of snowshoe terrain and trails, suitable for a variety of skill levels. The trails extend to create a full loop around the reservoir for a longer trek, or you can opt for shorter loops following Bear Creek. Snowshoe rentals are available at the Ernie Radbourne Pavilion.
But wait, there’s more! Yes, this park can provide even more winter fun: on top of skating, snowshoeing, or winter walks around the Creek, you can also bring the family and kids for a day of tobogganing.
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2. Outdoor Skating at the Montrose Oval
In 2019, the city of GP began work on a new skating oval next to the Montrose Cultural Centre. With the success of last year, and January 2020, the rink will open again as soon as the weather is cold enough.
3. Saskatoon Island
Saskatoon Island Provincial Park is a quick 25-minute drive from town, and has numerous trails open year-round for winter adventurers. Take your snowshoes out on one of the trails or try creating your own trails through the open meadows and extending shorelines. The Saskatoon Island Provincial Park is home to over 6km of cross-country ski runs through the Little Lakes and Shoreline Trails. On the Little Lakes Trail, you’ll ski loops through meadow and aspen forest, around the small lakes and to a bird-viewing point. These ski-trails are just south of the Saskatoon Lake Bird Sanctuary, so you can expect to see a variety of winter birds from the viewpoint. The Shoreline trail is shorter at 2km and follows the shore of Saskatoon Lake. From here, you can access most of the other trails (only two open for now).
Saskatoon Lake Bird Sanctuary, located just 25 minutes west of Grande Prairie, is adjacent to the Saskatoon Island Provincial Park, and makes for a wonderful winter birding spot. Saskatoon Island is a forested area situated between Little Lake and Saskatoon Lake. From the PP’s trails, keep an eye out for the elusive Trumpeter Swan. Some other wildlife you can expect to see on your birding treks are coyotes, snowshoe hares, weasels, beavers, woodchucks, and deer.
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4. Adventuring at Nitehawk Adventure Park
The Nitehawk Adventure Park is a quick 10-minute drive south of Grande Prairie, and offers terrain parks for skiers and snowboarders, and a huge tubing hill for those with the need for speed. Within the park are two chalets with concessions and washrooms. Please keep in mind their chairlift is currently nonoperational, and to ski or tube, you must book a timeslot in advance.
Sliding down a mountain at full speed sounds dangerous, but when done properly, safely, and with trained professionals, Luging is a blast. At Nitehawk Adventure Park, you can sign yourself up for Luge Lessons with a professional coach and learn what it takes to Luge!
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5. Winter Walking Around Crystal Lake
Enjoy the serene and peaceful views of Crystal Lake as you hike the west shores through snow-covered trees and past untouched blankets of snow. The Park offers parking, groomed snowy trails, and unbeatable prairie views. The trails are nice and even, making this a great winter workout for all ages.
6. Go Skating at Monkman Park
Something which makes the skating rinks in GP special is the community effort which is put into them each year. The Monkman Park rink in the O’Brien Lake neighbourhood is a small rink allowing shinny and recreational skating and is about 60’X36’. Parents and families are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs to watch their kids or socialize from a safe distance.
7. Take a Sled Dog Tour
Elevation Sled Dogs is a locally run adventure company who offer Sled Dog adventures like The Evergreen Expedition and the Night Rider. Each offers their own unique views from the sled, but both will give you the chance to meet the award-winning team of dogs who pull you along. Each adventure has a mid-point break with a fire and hot chocolate.
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8. Wapiti Nordic Ski Club
Take in the crisp winter scenery of Northern Alberta from one of Wapiti’s groomed cross-country ski and multi-use trails. The Ski Club’s lodge and rental services are closed until further notice for public health and safety, but their trails are open 24/7. There are a few options when it comes to skiing these trails, so be sure to review the maps before heading out.
The many multi-use trails also make excellent trails for snowshoers. Choose from a long trail with multiple hills for the ultimate winter workout or take the family along one of the shorter roots with less hills to traverse- enjoy a peaceful walk amongst nature. Dogs are welcome on the North Map’s trails, but the Park kindly asks you to keep your dogs off the South trails.
Fat biking the Trails of Wapiti: Strap the bikes to the car rack, and head to the multi-use trails to ride through over 30km of winter wonderland.
South Map / North Mapl RR 62 and Township Rd. 704
9. Winter Walking through South Bear Creek Park
South Bear Creek offers an extensive trail system, beginning with a short loop around the park. For a longer hiking adventure, you can follow the trails north towards the Off-Leash Dog Park. For a shorter adventure, head south and check out the Bear Creek Lookout. The Park Pavilion adjacent to the baseball diamonds offer a warm-up shelter and year-round washrooms.
10. Hiking and Snowshoeing in O’Brien Provincial Park
Spend the day exploring the Provincial Park and the Wapiti River which runs parallel to it. The Park has multiple benches, making it a great picnic spot. We recommend packing snacks, warm water-proof boots, and plenty of layers. For the more adventurous hikers, there is a 3km loop taking you over steeper hills; and for a shorter experience, or one more suited to snowshoes, there are various trail heads in the parking lot which lead to the 1.3km loop.
11. Explore the Wapiti Dunes Trail
The Wapiti Dunes make for a scenic hike through forest and prairie, offering front- and back-country hikes. Take a short 1.5km loop through the front-country, or a longer 7km loop deeper into the forest. There are a few steep hills, and some good elevation gain on both trails. Dogs are welcome as well but must be kept on a leash (pet waste bags provided along the trail).
12. Get Off-road on a Snowmobile
This a popular sport in the region given all the gorgeous flat crown land, and a few places in town where you can rent off-road vehicles. Pioneer Off-road Rentals can offer snowmobiles, ATVs, quads, and more for tackling the winter terrain. And if this is something you’re just starting out with, then try a Pioneer Training Program. You can also shop with Major Rentals, who offer similar vehicles at daily, weekly, and monthly rates. Snowmobiling is incredibly popular in the Peace Region because the landscape is perfect for it, so there are many places around Grande Prairie where you can find groomed trails for snowmobiles.
Pioneer Off-road Rentals: 780-814-5653 / grandeprairie@pioneerrentals.ca
Major Rentals: 12002 100 St
13. A Scenic Walk around Bickell’s Pond
The small pond on the southern end of town makes for a peaceful and relaxing walk, allowing you to seclude yourself in nature. The paths around the pond are paved, making for easy winter walking.
14. Winter at Moonshine Lake
Take a drive west to Moonshine Lake Provincial Park to enjoy a ton of different winter activities. This is a perfect winter escape into the forested hills of Northern Alberta and is within an hour and 20 minutes of Grande Prairie. The Park offers 15km of groomed cross-country ski trails, vast open areas, and forests for snowshoe exploration. In 2021, expect a skating rink as well. The frozen lake is a popular place for ice-fishing where you can expect to catch rainbow and tiger trout.
Township Rd. 794A and AB 725, Saddle Hills County
15. Explore Kleskun Hill Natural Area
In addition to front-country hiking and wildlife viewing, this historic area is also a landscape to be marvelled at. Amongst the tall and layered hills (like ‘Dinosaur Mountain,’ or ‘Garrett Hill’ sit a collection of historic buildings in the Heritage Park. These brightly coloured buildings create beautifully contrasted winter backdrops for holiday photos, or your IG feed. The Kelskun Hills Loop is great for a winter hike, or snowshoe at 1.4km. But as this is a protected area, Alberta Parks asks you to leave no trace of your visit.
AB-43 and RR-41, Bezanson
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16. Big Mountain Creek Provincial Recreation Area
Just a half-hour south of Grande Prairie is the Big Mountain Creek area where you can bring snowmobiles, snowshoes, or a good pair of hiking boots to get out on for a winter day. The park offers amenities like a shelter, fire pits, and washrooms to make the stay a little cozier, and there are numerous off-site staging areas for snowmobiles. In the south area of the park you can spot alpine lakes and mountains, which roll into hills to the north, and eventually to the forested Chilcotin Plateau.
17. Visit the Historic Town of Sexsmith
The beautifully restored town features a 1920’s vibe with a picturesque main street (lit for the holidays) at the centre where you can find local shops, restaurants, and a café all within the classic architecture. The town is a quick 20-minute drive from Grande Prairie, and its remote location makes it a beautiful spot for stargazing and catching some northern lights. Bring your skates on your drive- the town is home to 6 rinks.
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18. Explore Two Lakes Provincial Park
This remote park, about an hour and a half southwest of Grande Prairie, offers a relaxing and peaceful getaway in the Alberta foothills. Choose from 4 different hiking trails, all offering different views, or bring enjoy a weekend of ice-fishing for trout. No matter how you spend your time at Two Lakes, you’ll find yourself among towering snow-covered trees, rolling hills, and breath-taking views. Just outside the park, you can also enjoy horseback riding and OTV trails.
19. Discover a Snowy Cascade at Torrens Chutes
Since you are driving to Two Lakes Provincial Park, make a trip to Torrens Chutes, to see the snowy rapids located on Torrens River. The 5.8-kilometre round trip hike takes you through crystallized trees along the canyon as Torrence River paints fabulous winter scenery as flowing water resists the power of old man winter.
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20. Tons to do at Young’s Point
Young’s Point Provincial Park is on he north side of the large Sturgeon Lake and only an hour drive from Grande Prairie making it a perfect place for winter day-tripping. Take to the Park’s open forested areas in snowshoes, or one of the many groomed cross-country ski trails (about 12km worth). And for even more adventure, the wide-open lake is open to snowmobiles (please note that ON the lake is the only acceptable place for snowmobile use).
21. Horse Trekking Adventures
Sleep under the stars and northern lights after either a horseback ride in, a hike, or a snowshoe into your campsite. The Horse Trekking Adventures company in Fairview offers all of the above, plus daily rides as well. Choose from 7 of their different adventures which take you through the best of what the meadow and prairie lands have to offer.
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Not sure how the full size 400m Aquatera Community Skating Oval at the Eastlink Centre got missed! It’s been there for quite a few years and is the outdoor home to the Peace Wapiti Speed Skating Club in GP. Open to the public and Covid friendly because it is so enormous.