Edmonton
Photo Credit: Edmonton Tourism
Winter Attractions, Activities & Festivals in Edmonton 2016/17
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.
Read on to get ideas for a memorable winter season in Edmonton replete with fun activities for all ages and lots of reasons to love Edmonton winter.
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
2. Indoor Attractions
3. Winter festivals.
Christmas is a great time to be in Edmonton : For all Christmas related activities & events taking place in & around Edmonton, see Christmas in Edmonton. For family day long weekend activities, see Family day weekend article.
For weekend activities – Weekend Events in Edmonton
For Trip planning through Edmonton Transit – ETS
Distance from Edmonton City Hall is given for ease of trip planning (visualizing). Do not let the fact that it is freezing out side, 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 these articles – Canada’s Wind Chill Index & Dressing for Winter.
I. Outdoor Attractions & Winter Activities in Edmonton
1. Ice Castles
Photo Credit: Eric Kilby
Marvel at the acre-sized winter wonderland is crafted by hand, using only icicles and water, that resembles frozen waterfalls, glaciers or ice caves brought to Edmonton by Ice Castles. Walk through the Disney-esque ice castle enjoying enjoy the stunning displays. Details
Hours: – from Late December (scheduled Dec 30, 2016) Weather Dependent.
Monday-Thursday | 3:00 PM – 09:00 PM & Fridays | 3:00 PM – 10:00 PM; Saturday: | 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Sunday & Tuesday Closed.
Cost: Ages (12+):$12.95 – $16.95
Ages (4 – 11):$9.95 – $12.95
Getting there: By car, Public Transit
Distance from Edmonton City Hall: ~ @Hawrelak Park, 9330 Groat Road
Located 14 km SW
Enter for a chance to win one of two pairs (2) tickets to a Mayfield Dinner Theatre show of your choice on stage before December 31, 2017 at HOLLYWOOD price level (approximate cost of $210.00). Details
2. 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.
Cost: Adult(17 – 64): $ 7.80; Senior(65+) $ 6.80; Youth (6 – 16)$ 3.90; Family/Group(up to 7 in a single car):$ 19.60
Free in 2017
Getting there: By car
Distance from Edmonton City Hall: ~ Located 48 km E (40 mintues drive)
3. Cooking Lake Blackfoot Provincial Recreation Area
Winter Activities: Cooking Lake-Blackfoot Provincial Recreation Area also provides another venue for plenty of fun winter activities including wildlife viewing, snowmobiling, dog Sledding, cross country skiing & ice skating. This recreation area is also the venue of one of most famous ski festival – Canadian Birkebeiner. – Trails Map.
Winter Hours: Open Daily, 24 hours, Day light hours recommended.
Cost: Free
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.
4. 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.
Cost: Trail pass fees apply. Rentals available on site.
Getting there: By Car; 52535 Range Road 212, Ardrossan,T8G 2E9.
Distance from Edmonton City Hall: ~ 42 km E
5. Edmonton Ski Club
Activities: Snowboarding, Skiing, Snow School Website.
Winter Hours: Regular: Tuesday – Friday 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM; Saturday 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM; Sunday 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Cost: All day lift tickets: Junior (7-12): $25.00; Youth (13-17): $27.00; Adult (18-54): $30.00; Senior (55 +): $10.00; Family (2+2): $99
Free Skiing – Servus Free Ski Fridays | First Friday of the Month – December – March | 05:00 PM – 09:00 PM
Getting there: Accessible through Public Transit; parking available on site.
Distance from Edmonton City Hall: ~ 4 km SE
6. Snow Valley Ski Club
Activities: Skiing, Snowboarding, Snow school. Website.
Winter Hours: Regular: Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM – 9:00PM ; Saturday and Sunday: 9:00 AM- 5:00 PM
Cost: All day lift tickets: Adult (18+) :$38.00; Youth(13-17):$36.00; Junior(4-12):$31.00; Senior(55+) :$17.00; Family: $99
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.
7. Sunridge Ski Area
Activities: Snow boarding, 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 (snowtubing hours vary, see website)
Cost: All day lift tickets: Adult (18+) : $38.00, Youth(13-17):$36.00, Junior(6-12):$31.00, Senior(55+) :$13.00; Family: $18.00
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
8. 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
Cost: Adult (18+) : $41.00; Youth(13-17):$38.00; Junior(6-12):$33.00; Senior(60 – 69) :$13.00; Tyke(4-5) :$13.00; Family: $99.00
Getting there: D-25512, Township Rd 510A, Leduc County T9G0H9; By Car.
Distance from Edmonton City Hall: ~ 40 km SW
9. Cross Country Skiing
Explore winter wilderness of Edmonton country side & the River Valley through cross country skiing.
Locations:
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 see 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.
10. 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).
Try to spot & name Alberta winter birds (a great activity with kids) or count the bird nests (visible as trees are bare) 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.
11. 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 (with in two hours).
You may Like Free Things to do in December; Free Things to do in January; Edmonton Events in January
© Edmonton Tourism
12. Northern Lights & Night Sky Observing
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.
© Elk Island National Park
13. Skating
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 winter.
Locations:
Enjoy outdoor skating at Victoria Park oval at 12130 River Valley Road, Edmonton. and at Edmonton IceWay – the 400-metre skating track situated next to Victoria Park oval. IceWay (free)reopens mid December (weather permitting). Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
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. Later, warm up with a free chilli lunch at the golf course and take in some local live music. (Weather and ice conditions permitting).
14. Tobogganing & Sledding
Have carefree fun & delight your kids by taking them for tobogganing. Try a new location every week and explore the capital region this winter.
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.
15. Wild Life 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 foot prints in the snow & try to guess which animal it belongs to.
If you like to go on a guided winter wildlife watching tour & winter wildlife photography – Contact Watchable Wildlife Tours.
© Edmonton Tourism
15. Snowball Fight
Join for Edmonton’s biggest snowball fight! You need to sign up at the website. When the timing is right, and the perfect conditions are, organizers will send out an announcement via text message and twitter of the location and time of the snowball fight (it’ll happen during an evening or weekend). Details
16. Other Winter Activities – Dogsledding; Sleighrides; Snowmobiling; Skijoring
a. Sleighrides:
Dick Laurin’s sleigh and hay rides provides sleigh rides at their facility in Strathcona County (530048 Range Road 183).
Go for Sleighrides at Duke’s Ranches – South of Edmonton, off 50th street on the way to Beaumont.
b. Miquelon Lake Provincial Park – enjoy Skijoring, skiing &, snow shoeing.
c. Snow mobile 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.
f. Wagon Rides: Celebrate and embrace the winter season with a wagon ride. – Group rides during Christmas season at Fort Edmonton Park and at Old Strathcona.
Check out the map by Edmonton Journal for the locations of many more wonderful winter activities.
II. Places to see in Winter in Edmonton – Indoor Attractions
1. Alberta’s Legislature Building
Go on a guided tour of the Legislature building: It is a grand architectural monument built in 1913 and steeped in tradition and history. A must visit to complete your ‘Alberta tour’.
Winter Hours: September 1, 2016 to May 31, 2017: Monday to Friday | 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Saturday, Sunday and Holidays | Noon to 5:00 PM. Tours every hour from 9:00 AM. Last tour 3:00 PM. Closed December 25, January 1 and Good Friday
Cost: Free
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
This unique building that ‘Look to the future, take pride in the past’, featuring two pyramids, is much more than Edmonton’s government centre. Tour (Self guided tour) the building that features a 23-bell carillon, learn about Edmonton’s past or get travel information you need whether you are a local or a tourist. You can request a free guided tour (should be booked much in advance) of the building to admire the architecture.
Winter Hours: Weekdays: 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Saturdays: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Sundays & Holidays : 11:00AM to 5:00PM.
Cost: Free
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
An year round place to visit, this oldest art institution in Alberta in the swanky modern building has thousands of works of art including historical paintings and arts installations.
Winter Hours: Tuesday-Sunday: 11 :00 AM – 05:00 PM; Wednesday: 11 :00 AM – 09:00 PM; Monday: Closed
Cost: Adults: $12.50; Children (6 -): Free; Seniors (65+)/Students: $8.50; Family (2 + 4 ): $26.50. Discounted tickets if you take ETS. Free admission to the AGA on the last Thursday of every month from 6-9 pm.
Getting there : Connected to public transit (churchill station) & the Pedway. Parking available nearby.
Distance from Edmonton City Hall: Situated across the square.
Other Activities: Every Wednesday evenings (6 – 9 PM), there are special activities and entertainment designed for a great night out.
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.
Winter Hours: Tuesday- Sunday: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM; Closed on Mondays.
Cost: Adult (18 – 64): $6.00; Senior (65+):$5.00; Youth (7-17) :$4.00; Child (6-):Free
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.
Winter Hours: Mon – Wed & Fri – Sat:10:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Thurs: 10:00 AM – 09:00 PM
Cost: Child (2-12): $6.50; Youth (13-17): $10.50; Adult (18-64): $12.50; Senior (65+): $10.50
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.
Hours: Science Centre & Exhibit Galleries : Sunday – Thursday: 9:00AM to 05:00PM; Friday & Saturday: 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Cost: Adult (18+): $19.95; Child (3-12): $13.95; Youth (13-17): $16.95; Senior (65+): $16.95
Getting there: Connected to public transit. Parking available onsite.
Distance from Edmonton City Hall: 7 km W
Other Activities:
Experience a wild adventure where science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics are taught in an immersive, engaging environment through Angry Birds Universe: The Art and Science Behind a Global Phenomenon exhibition. Based on the incredibly popular Angry Birds games, this blockbuster exhibition features unprecedented interactivity in an extreme hands-on environment that is both physically and mentally stimulating.
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.
Winter Hours: 10:00 AM – 04:00 PM, Daily. Closed Dec 25.
Cost: Adult : $10.25; Child ( 2-12) : $6.20; Youth (13 – 17) & Senior(65+): $9.25
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. (December 9 – 18, 2016
Lights On Kick-off – December. 9, 2016)
8. John Janzen Nature Centre
A great visit with your young ones. Learn about nature from Jurassic to present day, through guided nature walks and kids programs at John Janzen Nature Centre. Children can have fun day of learning and exploring during drop in programs like Animal Encounters and Feedings.
Winter Hours: Holidays & Dec 24 – 31: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m; 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., daily on other days. Closed Dec 25 & Jan 1.
Cost: Parent & Tot (0 – 23 mo): $3; Parent & Child (2 yrs & over): $7.50; Each additional tot or parent: $3
Getting there: Accessible by public transit. Parking available onsite.
Distance from Edmonton City Hall: 10 km SW
9. 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.
Hours: All of the attractions are open year round. Hours per attraction will vary. Check website for details. Mall closes at 6:00 PM on Sundays and till 9:00 PM on other days (exceptions apply).
Cost: Per attraction vary; Admission to the mall is free.
Getting there: Easily Accessible by public transit & parking available on site.
Distance from Edmonton City Hall: 12 km SW
10. LaunchPad Trampoline Park
Don’t let gravity hold you down! Jump in and have fun at LaunchPad Trampoline Park
Winter Hours: Monday – Thursday: 12:00 AM – 10:00 PM, Friday, Saturday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Closed on Sundays
Cost: Ages 6+: 60 minute jump. : $15.50; Ages 2 – 5: 60 minute jump: $9.00
Getting there: Accessible by public transit. Parking available onsite.
Distance from Edmonton City Hall: 11 km SE
Other indoor activities: You can also gokarting at Speeders Indoor ProKarts, or try indoor Archery, or visit Jack Axe, Canadas only public indoor public lumberjack sports arena.
11. Live Music & Theatre
You can always take in an award winning play or listen to live music by local & touring artists in Alberta’s capital region.
See Performing Arts & Theatre for current works on stage and also check the Live music in Edmonton listings to find the performance to want to attend.
III. Must Do Winter Festivals in Edmonton
Photo Credit: Silver Skate Festival
1. Deep Freeze A Byzantine Winter Festival
Celebrate winter and enjoy authentic cultural and heritage winter games and fun.
When : January 14 & 15, 2017
2. Ice on Whyte Festival
Marvel at the intricate ice sculptures and have a blast at Ice on Whyte festival filled with live entertainment, fire and ice show , fireworks, and children’s activities.
When :January 26 to 29 and February 2 – 5, 2017
3. The Flying Canoe Adventure
Enjoy this unique performance of the legend ‘The flying Canoe’ at Mill Creek Ravine. There will be live music, hot chocolate, a snow slide and children’s activities too to make this winter event truly unique.
When: February 2 – 4, 2017
4. Ski the Canadian Birkebeiner
Cheer the participants or take part at this premier classic ski festival in Canada which honours the the spirit of the Norwegian Birkebeiner legend.
When: February 10 – 11, 2017
5. Silver Skate Festival
Come together as family and enjoy the Silver Skate Festival which showcases the cultural and aesthetic beauty of winter.
When: February 10 – 20, 2017
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/
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).
Where is that place on the very top photo?
From Gallagher Park, I think.
pretty sad when you have to pay to get into an art gallery
Pretty sad? Do you think artists work for free?