Calgary 
Located in Vermilion and the Vermilion River Valley, Central Alberta’s Vermilion Provincial Park is a hidden gem, particularly for winter activities.
Credit: Alberta Parks
Boasting 23km of trails, many of which are groomed for cross-country skiing, the park caters to skiers of all skill levels. In addition to skiing, visitors can enjoy the serene river valley scenery and engage in various winter activities.
Lakeside Cross-country Skiing
There are a few reasons which make Vermilion Provincial Park perfect for a day of cross-country skiing. First, Vermilion Lake and the lake side trail follow the Vermilion River Valley. This makes the terrain gentle, rolling hills, with the pretty lakeside scenery. Second, there is a lot of shade in the area, keeping the snow tightly packed and solid throughout the days. Lastly, the park’s trails are groomed, and the tracks are set for skiers. The trails are also separated from multi-use trails to help conserve the tracks. Vermilion Nordic Ski club is based out of the 1905 CN Station located in the park.
Hike, Bike, or Snowshoe the Wild Rose Trail
The Wild Rose Trails is one of a few options for hiking, biking, or snowshoeing around Vermilion park. It is also one of the longest trail options. Begin by exploring the smaller loops around the CN Station Building and east side of the lake, then west on the out-and-back trail which closely follows the cross-country ski trails. Keep your eyes and ears open for the park’s birds and other wildlife along the way.
Downhill Fun
The Provincial Park has a toboggan hill big enough for some fun kid-sized winter thrills. The toboggan hill is near the CN Station Building Day Use Area and is easily combined with all the other winter activities in the park, like skiing, snowshoeing, winter walks and wildlife viewing. For more downhill adventures, the Mount Joy Ski Hill is only 45 minutes east of Vermilion and in Lloydminster.
Open for Ice Fishing
The Vermilion Provincial Park’s trout pond and the lake itself are both open for year-round fishing. Plus, a trail leads around both the pond and alongside the lake for easy access and is where fishers can stop to clean fish.
Winter Camping
The group campgrounds at Vermilion are closed for the winter, but three pull-through winter sites remain open near the CN Station Building. These sites each have their own fire pit and picnic table. Firewood sales are closed for the season, but firewood is available in town at gas stations; these are only about 5-minutes from the campground. This campsite will make all the winter fun a bit more relaxing while knowing the accommodations are a walk away, with a cozy place for a fire and stargazing.
Planning Your Winter Trip – Vermilion Provincial Park
What: Vermilion Provincial Park surrounds the Vermilion Lake Reservoir, made from the Vermilion River. The park is set in a river valley area and extends west along the riverbanks. Vermilion is a year-round park that offers camping, group camping, winter camping, and an array of recreational activities for every season.
Location and how to get there: north of the town of Vermilion on the west side of Highway AB-41. Use 50th Avenue in Vermilion to access the park via Beckie Scott Trail.
Best time to go: open year-round
Cost: free for day visits, winter camping $ per night
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