Winter cabin fever has been exacerbated this year with COVID restrictions, making anything we do outside our homes even more special in 2021.
Luckily for those who love the winter, Edmonton has numerous activities for you to experience this snowy season.
Skating the IceWay
Enjoy one of the most unique and Canadian activities you'll find anywhere in Alberta at the Victoria Park IceWay. Weave your way through the 400 meter long oval rink and enjoy the scenery in the day, or go at night and skate under the stars and the changing lights. Skating the IceWay is an amazing way to see the beauty of Victoria Park in the winter, while doing an activity that is COVID friendly. It is open from 10am-10pm daily, and a mask is mandatory.
Tobogganing
One of the best things to do as a kid was finding a fresh hill that hadn't been touched by anybody, grabbing your trusty toboggan, and bombing down the middle of the fresh powder. Re-experience your childhood at one of the seven city-maintained tobogganing hills throughout Edmonton, or find your own hill outside the city. Make sure you are adhering to the safety rules that are on the signs throughout the parks, and maintain a safe social distance.
Snow Shoeing
Strap on your snowshoes and explore some of the incredible parks throughout Edmonton this winter. Three iconic snowshoeing locations within Edmonton include John Janzen Nature Centre, Mill Woods Park, and Rundle Park. Outside of the city, Elk Island National Park and Cooking Lake-Blackfoot Provincial Recreation Area both provide a sneak peak into the natural beauty that can be found throughout Alberta.
Sunridge Ski Area
Sunridge Ski Area is open to the public for skiing, snowboarding and tubing down its beautifully groomed slopes. If you are planning to rent equipment, you need to call ahead of time and make a reservation for skis, snowboards or inner tubes. Be prepared to spend the entire day outside, as indoors are closed except for picking up/returning reserved equipment or picking up food from the cafeteria.
Deep Freeze Winter Festival
Come together (safely distanced) with your Edmonton community and enjoy an eclectic and entertaining festival experience. Back for its 14th year, the Deep Freeze Festival features Ukrainian, Franco-Albertan, Franco-African, First Nations, Chinese, Latin American, and East Coast communities united to share their winter heritage with Albertans.