Things to Do in Winter in Edmonton
Winter in Edmonton is chilly, but it most certainly isn't boring. We're talking thrilling attractions, frosty festivals, outdoor adventures, and more! Step into a winter wonderland of outdoor patios, deep freezer races, and our spectacular view of the Northern Lights when visiting Canada's northernmost metropolis.
Winter Festivals
A Byzantine Winter Fête
Embrace our Northern climate and celebrate Ukrainian, Indigenous, and French-Canadian cultures at Deep Freeze: A Byzantine Winter Festival. Experience winter panache, food, art, culture and fun—including races in actual deep freezers! Take an amazing stroll down Alberta Avenue district and be enchanted by magnificent ice sculptures, song, dance, and tasty delights.
January 18-19, 2025
The Legend of the Flying Canoe
Flying Canoë Volant is a creative, interactive, cultural event where you can celebrate local history and everything that is great about a long winter’s night. Inspired by the legend of The Flying Canoe and French Canadian, First Nations and Métis traditions, this event celebrates Edmonton's beautiful Mill Creek Ravine and the newly established French Quarter. Channel your inner voyageur with light, music, legends and dance!
January 29 – February 1, 2025
Silver Skate
Celebrating over 30 years, the Silver Skate Festival is an extravaganza of arts, culture, recreation, sport and culinary delights! Some call it a winter wonderland, others call it a “true Canadian experience,” and you’ll likely have your own name for it after partaking in this snowy 10-day festival. Feel the breeze on your face as you glide along the city's largest skating pond while listening to a tuneful compilation of Edmonton-based music.
February 7-17, 2025
Take On the Birkie
A classic Nordic adventure, Edmonton style! Strap on your skis and whip around the loppet when you take on the Canadian Birkebeiner: Canada’s premier classic-style cross country ski festival! This "Birkie" is one of only three Birkebeiner Loppets in the world, with Norway and the USA hosting the other two. Get outdoors, get active and embrace winter at this one-of-a-kind event!
February 7-9, 2025
Outdoor Adventure
The River Valley
This local attraction never closes! Embark on an adventure through the winding trails of the North Saskatchewan River Valley. Bundle-up in layers, slip on a good pair of winter boots, and then head off on a serene walk through a natural oasis in the middle of the city. Feel like heading off the beaten path? Join River Valley Adventure Co for a snowshoe tour or join them to segway along North America’s longest continuous trail systems.
Elk Island National Park
Big adventures need big shoes! Join Talking Rock Tours in snowshoes for the Elk Island Snowshoe La Tayr-Geo Discover Tour in the wild lands of Elk Island National Park. You'll stay warm as you snowshoe atop the thick snow, learning about the land of the Beaver Hills Dark Sky Preserve. Winter is also the perfect time to watch the awe-inspiring northern lights dance across the sky! Elk Island is open 24 hours, so you can come late in the night to test your luck on viewing nature's dynamic art show. Make sure to subscribe for alerts for a better chance to see them!
Lace Up Your Skates
Breathe in the crisp air as you drift across a glassy-smooth sheet and watch the snow spray as you skid to a stop. The Victoria Park Oval (12130 River Valley Road), the Alberta Legislature grounds (9820 107 Street), and Rundle Park (113 Avenue and 29 Street) are just a few of the city's outdoor skating rinks (also known as ODRs to the locals). Whether you're practicing your triple axel, or just trying to stay vertical on the ice, the skating options are endless in Edmonton! Learn more about outdoor ice skating in Edmonton.
Ski Ya Later!
Feel your energy soar as you take on a Snow Valley Ski Club run. If you’re eager to learn, this is a great place to gain confidence with over 20 acres of skiable terrain.
Located in the river valley, directly across from downtown Edmonton, the Edmonton Ski Club is a true urban snow sports learning centre, boasting 25 skiable acres of snow.
In Northern Edmonton, Sunridge Ski Area offers skiing, snowboarding, snowtubing, and terrain parks, plus five lifts!
Rabbit Hill is the largest ski resort in the Greater Edmonton Area. Located 15 minutes southwest of Edmonton, it's a great escape for a day or evening of night skiing.
Ice, Ice, Baby
Each winter, the ACC Edmonton Ice Wall emerges in all its glory, standing as a masterpiece in the heart of the river valley. It beckons adventurers to experience the exhilaration of conquering its vertical challenges and dynamic ice formations. With every climb, the ice wall offers the opportunity to push boundaries, improve skills, and forge unique memories.
Discover Métis Crossing
Métis Crossing is the first major Métis cultural interpretive centre in Alberta, sitting on 512-acres of land designed to engage and excite visitors. Take a day-trip to Métis Crossing and discover how the Métis lived as trappers. Strap on a set of snowshoes, set a snare, build a survival shelter, and learn a traditional art as you create your own unique and beautiful keepsake.
Local Experiences
Oilers Nation
Cheer on Connor McDavid and our boys in blue and orange as they battle it out at Rogers Place in Edmonton’s ICE District! Join the crowd in orange and blue at an Oilers game, or cheer on the future stars of the NHL at an Edmonton Oil Kings game. Pre-game as close to the action as possible at Canadian Icehouse or Banquet beforehand, with Rogers Place sitting just a few steps away!
Edmonton Attractions
There's no shortage of things to do year-round in Edmonton that will make your inner arts & culture lover jump for joy! Take a tour at the Alberta Legislature, check out the artifacts at the Royal Alberta Museum, discover over 700 species of plants at the Muttart Conservatory, or admire an exhibit in the Arts District at the Art Gallery of Alberta. This is only just the beginning - learn more about Edmonton's top attractions!