Parkland County is a spacious municipal district just west of Edmonton, and is home to many lakes, natural attractions and places to explore. Whether you are lucky enough to live there, or just visiting for the day, here is a list of 25 places for you to explore this winter. Winter doesn’t need to mean staying home, especially in such a beautiful area.
Here are 25 things to Do during Winter in Parkland County, Stony Plain and Spruce Grove:
Stony Plain Christmas Light Up
3rd Thursday in November
Christmas in Central Park
Bundle up warmly for Christmas in Central Park, and watch as this Spruce Grove park is transformed with over 150, 000 Christmas lights. This magical event features family friendly activities, a mini fireworks display, and is a drop off point for food bank donations and donations for local charities.
450 King St, Spruce Grove
Ice Skating at Central Park Skating Oval
From the light up event until mid February, skate under the magical Christmas lights at Centre Park! Warm up by grabbing a cup of hot cocoa from the Lions Log Cabin concession.
Luminaria
For 3 magical days in winter, Luminaria lights up the Kurimoto Japanese Garden and transforms it into a glowing wonderland. Located within the University of Alberta Botanic Gardens, the garden is lit with thousands of candles, and features bonfires under the starlit sky.
University of Alberta Botanic Garden
Located in Parkland County, Alberta, 5 KM north of Devon on Hwy
Outdoor Skating
Skating outside under a sunny, winter sky is a great way to stay active during the colder months of the year and meet members of the local community. Visit the well maintained outdoor rinks with change rooms at St. John Paul 11 School, Forest Green School, Ecole Meridian Heights School, Jubilee Park, Central Park in Spruce Grove, Centennial Memorial, or Westerra.
Multicultural Heritage Center
Discover beautiful paintings and art at the Multicultural Heritage Center, or signup for one of many adults or children’s art classes. Prepare for the unexpected on the ever popular ghost tour, or brighten up your winter by enrolling in the Master Gardener course, which begins in February. With a gym, event space, music lessons, archives, and Wild Rose Library featuring the works of local authors, this red brick building is sure to become a favorite spot.
5411 – 51 Street Stony Plain
Ice Fishing
Have you ever wanted to try ice fishing, but don’t know where to begin? Let the guys at Get Hooked Fishing Adventures show you the way on a guided fishing trip. All of the equipment is provided (including some snacks!) as well as the option of choosing a half day or full day trips at one of many lakes in the area.
In case you want to do it alone, there are plenty of lakes in the area – head to Wabamun Lake, Hasse Lake, Jackfish Lake, Lake Isle, or Spring Lake.
Kids can Catch
Kids Can Catch is a free ice fishing event for all ages, which is a province-wide program in which Alberta Conservation Association teams up with community and corporate partners. There will be loaner rods and bait to use and lots of experienced anglers and experts to help you along. Also, no fishing licence required! There’s never a better opportunity to try ice fishing. The event is held during Family Day weekend at Wabamun Lake.
Bunchberry Meadows Conservation Area
Bunchberry Meadows Conservation Area is a 640 acre nature preserve. Ski, hike or snowshoe through breathtaking old growth forests, trails, and open snow covered meadows. Foot access is permitted year round, however no dogs or fires are permitted on site.
1B5, Range Rd 261, Spruce Grove
Tri Leisure Center
Bring your whole family for a day at the Tri Leisure Center. Swim in the pool, take swimming lessons for all ages, run around in the indoor play area or skate at the arena. Hit the gym, and refuel afterwards at Shotz Family Lounge, the Mountain Top Market, Booster Juice or The Fix coffee shop. The leisure center also provides skate sharpening, massage therapy and rehabilitation services.
221 Jennifer Heil Way
Spruce Grove
Chickacoo Lake Recreation Area
1128 Township Rd 534, Onoway
Rotary Park
Rotary Park is beautiful any time of year, with walking trails, painted bridges, picnic tables and a playground. In the winter you can take shelter under the Gazebo or skate on the skating area, lit up with colorful lights.
Family Fest
Bundle up and ring in the New Year with the whole family. The Stony Plain Family Fest is a true community celebration not to be missed. Featuring horse drawn wagon rides, a huge bonfire, family dinner, face painting, popcorn, a photo booth, outdoor skating, a DJ and fireworks.
4905-51 Avenue
Stony Plain
Indoor Skating
Skating is one of Alberta’s most popular indoor sports, with countless arenas to choose from. Pack your skates and head to one of many indoor arenas, such as the Glenn Hall Centennial Arena, Spruce Grove Agrena and Wabamun Arena.
Fat biking
With so many natural recreation areas and trail systems, there are plenty of places to go biking on you fat tire bikes! From Chickakoo Lake Recreation Area and Tucker’s Field, are ideal places to enjoy a crisp winters day on two wheels.
Tobogganing
Tobogganing is a fun, free winter activity for people of all ages. If you are looking for a great tobbogan hill, visit Spruce Grove and check out the hills at Fuhr Sports Park, Hilldowns Park, Jubilee Park, and Spruce Village Park.
Heritage Grove Trail System
Winter hikers will enjoy discovering the spacious, tree lined trails in the Heritage Grove Trail System. Over 40 kms of trails connect local neighbourhoods with opportunities for bird watching in the winter forest.
50 Marlboro Dr Spruce Grove
East Pit Lake
East Pit Lake is a great place to fish for trout. The day use recreation area features 312 acres of hiking trails, perfect for winter walks, or snowshoeing.
North of HWY 16, off RR 40B, Parkland County
Cross Country Ski on Golf Courses
The Links at Spruce Grove: Bring your own cross country skis and get ready to explore the groomed trails at The Links at Spruce Grove golf course. Skiing is not permitted on greens. The Grill restaurant is open from 7am to 9pm (10pm Saturdays) so you can start your ski adventure with coffee and a breakfast wrap, or relax afterwards with a delicious dinner and drink.
The Stony Plain Golf Course has groomed cross-country ski trails open during the winter.
Porta Romana Restaurant
Porta Romana Restaurant is a locally owned Italian restaurant. Feast on the bacon wrapped chicken, stuffed with feta, spinach and mozzarella and served with a side of savory roasted potatoes, vegetables, and topped with mushroom sauce. Or try the lemon dill salmon, served with a creamy dill sauce and served with sautéed asparagus.
420 King St #7, Spruce Grove
Clymont Hall
Clymont Hall has many events for adults, families and children. Join for various events held during winter like New Year’s Eve or the Winter Carnival in February.
51423 AB-60 #1, Spruce Grove
Wabamun Lake Provincial Park
Wabamun Lake Provincial Park has a smaller day use area that is a short drive from most amenities. There is a boardwalk and shorter trails which are great for winter walks with kids, or bird watching near the lake. You can also enjoy ice fishing, and skating on the lake.
Horizon Stage Performing Arts Centre
Get tickets for a live theatre show or concerts at Horizon Stage to drive away those blues! There is plenty of parking, concessions available and a full bar at this arts centre in Spruce Grove.
Pembina River Provincial Park
The provincial park that everybody heads to for tubing in summer is also a great trip for winter walking/snowshoeing. Explore the snow laden woods backdropped with the almost frozen river as you hike the trails of the park.
Useful Things Antique Shop
Useful Things is a charming antique shop, housed inside of an old time barn. When it’s cold and the snow is falling outside, visit this little shop to browse for treasures or let owners Laurie and Jaqueline show you around.
2433 Parkland Drive, Carvel
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