Are you looking for fun events or outdoor winter activities, Edmonton and surrounding area residents or visitors?
Let’s face it. We don’t feel like going out when it is cold out, but kids still need a way to burn their energy off! I have compiled a list of fun outdoor winter activities for Edmonton families for 2024. There is nothing quite like fresh air to tire out little ones. This list focuses only on outdoor festivals and activities you can do with your kids or with your friends. Check out these top 7 outdoor winter activities to do in Edmonton.
Tobogganing in Edmonton and Area
Right now, as of December 2023, there is not enough snow.
However, when there is, check out Bonnie Doon playground where there is a great hill. Gallagher’s Hill for those more adventurous with tubes — just be warned that this is a faster slope.
Seven Hills in St Albert is also a great toboggan hill, especially for teenagers. To look for more locations for tobogganing, check out Kids Map of Edmonton: Winter to explore new places to slide!
Winter Hiking in Edmonton and Area
There are many great trails to hike all winter long for fun outdoor winter ractivities Edmonton. Millcreek Ravine, Whytemud Ravine, Blackmud Ravine, Elk Island National Park and North Cooking Lake are great trails for winter hiking. Do practise wildlife safety and do not approach any wildlife (bison, coyotes etc) when hiking. Please stay off the rivers when hiking. Currently, the ice is not thick enough to walk on.
When hiking outdoors, bring a thermal flask of hot cocoa and cups to share with your family. An outdoor winter picnic is always a huge hit with young kids and adults alike. Add candy cane or marshmallows to make it pretty!
Skiing in Edmonton and Area
Edmonton has a lot of cross-country ski trails. Goldbar Park is one of the cross-country ski trails in Edmonton. Despite the lack of snow in Edmonton currently, ski hills still maintain making snow for skiing for winter enthusiasts! Snow Valley, Rabbit Hill Snow Resort and Sunridge Ski Area are great ski hills to have fun outdoors!
Snow Valley Edmonton
Whitemud Park, just off Whitemud Freeway on 119 Street
13204 Rainbow Valley Road, NW, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Snow Valley offers ski rentals and lessons.
Rabbit Hill Snow Resort
Located on the South side of Edmonton in the scenic North Saskatchewan river valley
Rabbit Hill Snow Resort offers lessons to learn both skiing and snowboarding for all ages. Rabbit Hill Snow Resort also has a tubing area.
Sunridge Ski Area
10980 17 Street, Edmonton AB T6S 1E4
Located close to the Strathcona County area and east Edmonton. Sunridge Ski offers group and private skiing & snowboarding lesson. Furthermore, Sunridge Ski Area chalet is available to be rented for family reunions or weddings. There is a dining area with a central fireplace, a dance floor, open beam ceiling, which overlooks the Edmonton river valley.
Sunridge also has a snow tubing park.
Check out one of the three ski resorts close to Edmonton for fun outdoor winter activities Edmonton.
Winter Festivals in Edmonton and Area for Fun Outdoor Winter Activities Edmonton
Edmonton, Alberta has festivals all year long! Naturally, these are the most fun winter festivals to attend as outdoor winter activities in Edmonton.
Deep Freeze: A Byzantine Winter Festival
January 20 to January 21, 2024
90–95 St & 118 Ave Edmonton
https://www.deepfreezefest.ca/
Flying Canoe Volant
Jan 31 to Feb 3, 2024
8627 Rue Marie-Anne Gaboury, Edmonton, AB T6C 3N1
https://www.flyingcanoevolant.ca/
Festival grounds is located at La Cité Francophone in the Bonnie Doon neighbourhood in Central South Edmonton. Go early to find parking and stay for the maple taffy. Kids as young as walking age can delight themselves to the ice slide by the La Cité Francophone. Toddlers especially will LOVE this outdoor winter activity in Edmonton! The adult-powered canoe can only fit little kids (sorry, adults). The canoe is almost like a parade float, which takes you from La Cité Francophone to Millcreek Ravine.
This outdoor winter festival is a great outdoor winter activity as kids and adults alike can learn more about First Nations culture. At the heart of the festival at Millcreek Ravine are teepees and live performances show-casing indigenous music.
Silver Skate Festival
Feb 9 – Feb 19, 2024
13221 Buena Vista Rd NW, Edmonton, AB T5J 2R7
(Skating is free)
(new location: Laurier Park as Hawrelak Park is under construction)
Bring skates for the whole family! Make sure to sharpen your skates too. Skating at the Silver Skate Festival is a free outdoor winter activity for Edmontonians. There is usually a 1 kilometre of skating rink, round-trip. For those who don’t skate, there are beautiful snow and ice sculptures to enjoy. Parents can also expect ice slides and horse-drawn sleighs.
International Festival of Winter Cinema
February 9 to February 18, 2024
(Free to attend)
13221 Buena Vista Rd NW, Edmonton, AB T5J 2R7
Watch a film with your family outdoors for free at Laurier Park. The good news is that The International Festival of Winter Cinemas coincides with the Silver Skate Festival. This way, you can check out two festivals at the same time! The IFWC features winter-themed films. The screen is made out of snow! (COOL!!) Bring blankets and enjoy the experience as a family!
If you have any other winter festivals or events to recommend, feel free to comment!
To check other related family resources, check out:
Top 5 Most Helpful Family Futures Resource Network Programs where organized play groups happen over winter
To inquire about a family session during winter — either at my studio indoors or outdoors in nature, you can check out my family photography portfolio. I specialize in extended family photography in Edmonton and area.
