13 Experiences That Will Make Your Kids Love Edmonton Winters

Ice Sculptures |  Ice on Whyte is filled with whimsy, when Ice Sculptures take over Whyte Ave for the festival that’s bound to create excitement on the day out. Affordable, it’s easy to take the entire family out, bundle up and see what’s new this year. The festival happens January 26-29 and February 2-5, 2017.

Ice Castles | This year’s Ice Castle at Hawrelak Park is going to be twice the size of the ice sculpture next year, and it’s going to be one of those things you’ve got to see to believe.

Snow Tubing at Sunridge | Snow tubing is the best thing to happen to winter and Sunridge has the only Snow Tubing Park around. With a dedicated tubing lift (so you don’t have to walk up the hill), three groomed chutes down one of our main hills, and special tubes provided by us, you won’t find a better outdoor winter activity.

Skating on the Freezeway | The freezeway opens tomorrow (December 23) and is a great way to spend an afternoon or an evening (with the magical lights), skating. Bundle up and bring the skates, and a thermos full of hot cocoa for a fun experience.

Exploring Trails | Sherwood Park Natural Area or the Mactaggart Sanctuary offer up some new scenery for exploration during the winter in Edmonton.

Flying Canoe Festival | This Mill Creek Ravine festival is hosting the flying canoe race, this winter. Coming in 2017, you can create a flag and sign up for the race, racing a canoe down the hill at Edmonton Ski Club.

Riding in a Deep Freezer | Kids can participate in the Deep Freeze Festival’s Deep Freezer race where you can race as part of a team – now that’s something to remember!

An Epic Snowball Fight | There wasn’t enough snow last year, but let’s hope that the white stuff fills the ground for the event to continue in 2017. Hundreds of people came together for an epic snowball fight to end all snowball fights. Participants were great with the kids, and ours had the best time. 

Free Ski Nights | Servus has teamed up with Edmonton Ski Club to offer free skiing on three Fridays through the winter. You can head out to the hill and ski for free, or take advantage of the $10 lessons and rentals, if you want to learn how to ski or freshen up those skills.

Cabane a Sucre | Check out the many winter festivals in Edmonton for this experience that will bring you back to your childhood. Maple Syrup is boiled, and placed over snow and then rolled over a stick for a delicious, maple treat.

Explore on Snowshoes | Try snowshoeing. There are plenty of recommended trails around the city perfect for exploring on shoes, and rental shops if you don’t want to commit to buying a pair of snowshoes.

Get Outside at John Janzen | Get outside and experience the plants and animals of the River Valley through games, explorations and hands on activities. Topics change frequently, so please check when you arrive.

Free Skating Lessons | Edmonton’s Greenshack is back during the winter months to provide local children with the opportunity to learn some of those skills important to getting on the ice. Daily drop-in skating sessions to build up skills and confidence, take place at community rinks across Edmonton.