Winter is such a magical time of year and Edmonton is filled with safe and fun places to enjoy this magic outdoors! Bundle up and embrace the snow and cold weather with some of the fantastic ideas on our Get Outside Winter Fun Guide below.

Epcor Get Outside Guide Skating

Get Outside Winter Fun Guide

Skating

Skating is definitely one of the top winter activities, and we are lucky in Edmonton to have easy access to dozens of community rinks and skating experiences.

  • Downtown Edmonton offers two magical options for an outdoor skate during the winter months at the City Hall Skating Rink and the Ice District Skating Rink. We love that Edmonton Arts Council offers free skate rentals at the City Hall Skating Rink, and the chance to skate along to live DJ’s during Ice Grooves on Friday & Saturday nights in January & February.
  • Other popular City of Edmonton maintained outdoor skating options include the Meadows Recreation Centre, Castle Downs Skate Rink, Sir Wilfred Laurier Park, and Jackie Parker. City-operated surfaces are maintained and monitored on a daily basis, and will closed if conditions are unsafe for users.
  • In Spruce Grove, the Spruce Grove Central Park Skating Oval is a beautiful skating loop made extra magical in the holiday season when all the surrounding trees are aglow with colourful lights.
  • Neighbourhood rinks run by Community Leagues are another fantastic option for outdoor skating. You can find more information on each league’s website, or find them by searching on www.efcl.org. The Glastonbury Community League Ice Trail is our top pick with a leisurely path to skate and several fire pits to warm up at!

Sledding & Snow Tubing

Tobogganing is another exhilarating winter activity when done safely. Small tumbles and spills are all part of the fun, but the best way to ensure a fun day is to stick to designated toboggan hills in neighbourhood playgrounds, or larger city-maintained hills. They have safe run-outs, reduced hazards and safety signs.  Of course, it’s also always a great precaution to wear a helmet — especially for little ones! Check here for full details and condition updates on these great City of Edmonton maintained toboggan hills:

  • Emily Murphy Park | 11624 Saskatchewan Drive NW, Edmonton
  • Gallagher Park | 9505 96 Avenue NW, Edmonton
  • Government House Park | 9938 Groat Road NW, Edmonton
  • Queen Elizabeth Park | 10380 Queen Elizabeth Park Road, Edmonton
  • Rundle Park – ACT Hill | 2903 113 Avenue, Edmonton
  • Rundle Park – Walton’s Mountain | 2903 113 Avenue, Edmonton
  • Whitemud Park North | 13204 Fox Drive NWW, Edmonton

For even bigger thrills, try Snow Tubing at one of the local ski hills. We absolutely love this option because it comes with the convenience of a motorized lift option to take you and your tube back up to the top of the hill!

Skiing & Snowboarding

And, of course, you can also ski or snowboard at our local ski hills! We are so lucky to have FOUR amazing options right within the city. These hills all offer rentals and lessons, making them the perfect spot for beginners and more experienced riders to let loose for a day of fun on the slopes!

Epcor Get Outside Guide Skiing

Cross-County Skiing & Snowshoeing

For those who prefer cross-country skiing, the Strathcona Wilderness Centre and The Broadmoor Recreation Complex in Strathcona County both offer up picturesque groomed trails. If you are brand new to the sport, Strathcona Wilderness offers lessons and rentals, as well as snowshoe rentals.

Epcor Get Outside Guide Trails

Parks, Pathways & Playgrounds

No matter what the weather, you can’t go wrong with a brisk nature walk on our local trails, or time spent at a playground! Kids and dogs will love exploring the changing wintery landscape, and parents can hopefully appreciate a few moments of quietness that only the calm of winter can bring.

For added fun, you can also check out the City of Edmonton Play Rangers free drop-in programs on most Saturday afternoons. You can join specially trained program leaders in local parks for rotating outdoor adventures like orienteering, scavenger hunts, snowshoeing, fire building, and more!

We hope our Get Outside Winter Fun Guide has given you some great ways to enjoy the cold months with your family and  family! No matter what activities you choose, Family Fun Edmonton  want you to have a safe and fun winter.