The Best Winter Activities in Edmonton for Frosty Fun
“Winter is coming” doesn’t sound bone-chilling when you’re in Edmonton. Our snow-obsessed squad will vouch for that.
Snowflakes here spell good times. And since we’re the type to rocket down powdery hills on Monday and sip a brew while basking in the holiday lights the day after, we consider ourselves experts in making winter a blast.
Looking to have fun during this cold season? Here are our top recommendations!
See rare fauna and dazzling lights at the Edmonton Valley Zoo
– From edmontonvalleyzoo
Address: 13315 Buena Vista Road &, 87 Ave NW
Contact Details: (780) 442-5311
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Fri – 10 am to 4 pm
- Sat to Sun – 9 am to 5 pm
Typically, the Edmonton Valley Zoo is bustling with visitors, but during winter, the cold sends most folks packing. This means you can enjoy viewing the poison dart frogs, red pandas, and Sichuan takins without feeling like you’re packed tighter than a can of sardines.
Plus, winter brings the magical Zoominescence festival, where dazzling installations light up the zoo. The event will run from November 30, 2024, to January 1, 2025 (excluding Christmas Eve and Day) and will feature local artists.
| Tip: Any little one under the age of 23 months can enter without any charge. |
Shred the slopes at Rabbit Hill Snow Resort
– From skirabbithill
Address: 20715 57 Ave SW
Contact Details: +1 780-955-2440
Rabbit Hill Snow Resort might be over 70 years old, but don’t let the years fool you. It still has plenty of get-up-and-go! How do we know? Well, we conquered its 40 acres of snowy slopes on our previous ski sesh.
Our little shredders took on Grom Park, a compact but mighty training ground for those still getting their snow legs. Meanwhile, we self-proclaimed pros carved our way through the main park, where there are high jumps and longer ski slopes!
| Tip: Newbies can join the fun too. Rabbit Hill offers lessons for beginners. |
Shop ’til you drop at West Edmonton Mall
– From official_wem
Address: 8882 170 St NW
Contact Details: (780) 444-5321
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Sat – 10 am to 9 pm
- Sun – 11 am to 6 pm
We always get the shopping bug come wintertime…and it’s partly West Edmonton Mall’s fault. During the cold season, prices typically drop while special offers pop like holiday lights—and they’re from big brands like Apple, Pandora, and Mackage.
Not to mention, this mall is colossal, boasting over 800 stores. This includes lux names like Saint Laurent and local, quirky gems like The Lair, a geeky store with dragons, toys, and mystical books.
| Tip: You can get special offers and exclusive announcements by subscribing to their mailing list. |
Raise a glass at Campio Brewing Co.
– From campiobrewing
Address: 10257 105 St NW
Contact Details: (587) 635-1952
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Thu – 11:30 am to 12 am
- Fri – 11:30 am to 1 am
- Sat – 11 am to 1 am
- Sun – 11 am to 11 pm
Unironically, there’s no better way to thaw out than by cracking open a cold one—so we always grab a few from Campio Brewing Co. Here, craft beer is king, and the burgers are a tad healthier.
Our go-to pour is the Campio Premium Lager, the flagship drink popping with smooth, clean malt flavors and toasted bread undertones. When in the mood for something bolder, we get the Tropical Pyramid, a full-bodied fruity, IPA that delivers a hefty 7% alcohol kick.
| Tip: Reserve your table now if you don’t want to wait in line. |
Cheer on your NHL hockey team at Rogers Place
– From rogersplace
Address: 10220 104 Ave NW
Contact Details: (780) 414-5483
Nothing brings the heat quite like cheering for the Oilers and Oil Kings (or whatever team makes you cheer the loudest) at Rogers Place. With room for 18,500 fans, the energy is always off the charts—especially during a win, or better, a playoff win.
But if the ice hockey games don’t electrify you, the venue’s concerts and events might. We have our sights set on Bruce Springsteen on November 19, 2024, and the Harlem Globetrotters on January 12, 2025!
| Tip: Download the mobile app if you want to score tickets, check the schedule, and read news in a single place. |
Boogie the night away at Blues On Whyte Pub
– From bluesonwhyte1912
Address: 10329 82 Ave NW
Contact Details: (825) 333-3583
Operating Hours: Daily – 2 am to 10 am
Blues on Whyte Pub, located inside The Commercial, makes it clear that winter is no excuse to stop grooving. The second you walk in, the live blues, funk, and rock bands hit you with party-starting tunes.
Not a dancer? No worries; you can grab a glass of draft beer, though the price is a bit steep at $8. It’s tough luck if you’re hungry though, as the only thing on the menu here is great music.
| Tip: Always check who’s playing or what’s on before your scheduled visit. |
Splash around at World Waterpark
– From official_wem
Address: West Edmonton Mall, 8882 170 Street Northwest
Contact Details: +1 780-444-5300
Operating Hours: Daily – 11 am to 6 pm
The 5-acre World Waterpark is where we usually head to escape Edmonton’s frosty grip. With hot tubs, zip lines, and a balmy 31°C (88°F) wave pool, it can count as a tropical vacation—minus the airfare…or mosquitoes.
There are 17 slides, all guaranteed to get your heart racing! Our personal fave is the Sky Screamer, which drops both young and young at heart at 60 km/h (37 mph), hence the name.
| Tip: If you can’t swim, take their swimming lessons. |
Glide and zoom at Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park
– From silverskatefest
Address: 13221 Buena Vista Rd NW
Contact Details: (780) 442-5311
Operating Hours: Daily – 5 am to 11 pm
Sure, there are other Edmonton parks for ice skating, like Rundle and Victoria. However, Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park wins us over with its sheer size, abundance of parking spots, comfy picnic shelters, and, most importantly, free hot chocolate!
What really sets it apart though? Ice bikes. In 2024, it’s the only park in Edmonton where you can try them out, but the downside is you can’t bring hockey sticks or pucks to the rink.
| Tip: For those who hate huge crowds, swing by in the morning. Afternoons and evenings here are packed with people. |
Feast and chuckle at Jubilations Dinner Theater
– From jubilationsyyc
Address: West Edmonton Mall, 8882 170 St NW
Contact Details: (780) 484-2424
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Tue – 9 am to 5 pm
- Wed to Sat – 11 am to 7 pm
- Sun – 11 am to 6 pm
Jubilations Dinner Theater had us howling with laughter and feasting like kings. Between the 3-course meal served by movie characters and the gut-busting parody of The Big Bang Theory (shows regularly change), we were in stitches before dessert even hit the table.
As for the food, the caramelized prime rib was pure culinary magic. It was juicy, well-marbled, and loaded with herby-savory flavors that sunk deep into the soft meat.
| Tip: You can book a private event. |
Bring the kiddos to Galaxyland
– From official_wem
Address: West Edmonton Mall, 8882 170 St NW #2784
Contact Details: +1 780-444-5300
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Thu – 12 pm to 5 pm
- Fri to Sat – 11 am to 7 pm
- Sun – 11 am to 6 pm
If your kids would rather spin on roller coasters or climb ninja-themed courses than make snow angels, take them to Galaxyland. From the neon-lit bumper cars to the velvety doughnuts, everything here will surely make a little one smile.
Topping it off are the carnival-style wall games and classic arcade hits. These are perfect if you’re out to win a stuffed unicorn or relive your Pac-Man glory days, only this time you’d probably run from the ghosts with a mini-me.
| Tip: Make sure to review their maintenance schedule before buying a ticket. |
Explore the wildlife at Elk Island National Park
– From theloverspassport
Address: 54401 Range Rd 203, Fort Saskatchewan
Contact Details: +1 780-922-5790
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Fri – 9 am to 6 pm
- Sat to Sun – 9 am to 8 pm
Elk Island National Park might be a peaceful escape all year, but it truly shines (and sparkles) in the winter. With snow blanketing the landscape, you can go tobogganing, skiing (skiing edmonton), or searching for wildlife by following bison prints.
And if that’s not enough, campfires and BBQs by the lakeside will complete the zen getaway. The starry show is also notable, as Elk Island is considered one of (if not the best) stargazing spots in Canada.
| Tip: Join a tour with activities like Cree crafting workshops and guided stargazing! |
Rock out at Union Hall
– From unionhalledm
Address: 6240 99 St NW
Contact Details: (780) 702-2582
Concerts in arenas are great, but we prefer the intimate and organic atmosphere of Union Hall. Its smaller size lets us get up close and personal with the artists, so it always feels like we’re jamming out in our living room—just with better acoustics.
Furthermore, the talent they draw is nothing short of impressive! This season, for example, you can jam with the pop-punk legends Bowling for Soup and Neck Deep or lose yourself in thumping beats and bass with EDM kings The Funk Hunters.
| Tip: Tickets sell fast. Grab them ASAP! |
Marvel at the lights of Candy Cane Lane
– From yegcandycanelane
Address: 9903 147 St NW
Dates: December 8, 2024 to January 1, 2024
Candy Cane Lane is a rite of passage for nearly every Edmontonian family, and for good reason! This 5-decade-old winter attraction transforms the streets into a dazzling North Pole replica, with thousands of lights and life-sized Santas and reindeer.
It’s also free, but bringing along some non-perishable food to donate is highly suggested. Sleigh rides are also available to glide through the glittering street, though they’ll set you back about 25 bucks per person.
| Tip: Don’t forget your four-legged pal; this event is dog-friendly! |
Go snowshoeing at Victoria Park
– From curiocityedmonton
Address: 12030 River Valley Rd NW
Contact Details: (780) 442-5311
Operating Hours: Daily – 5 am to 11 pm
If you think Victoria Park’s stunning trails are only eye candy during the warm months, think again! This snowshoeing haven remains a stroller’s dream even when Mother Nature covers its pathways with snow.
Just remember, don’t waltz into the trails without renting or buying waterproof and insulated winter boots. Moreover, make sure to work on that cardio, especially for those uphill treks.
| Tip: You can have a picnic here even in winter. However, you need to book Site #2 by calling in advance, as it’s the only one available during this season. |
Celebrate history by joining the Flying Canoë Volant
– From yegcomfortdrone
Address: Campus Saint-Jean, University of Alberta, 8627 91 St
Contact Details: (780) 463-1144
The Flying Canoë Volant might be the most sparkly and engaging way to learn about Edmonton’s culture and history. Why? Well, during the event, interactive art installations and infectious tunes pump life into the chilly streets.
You can expect to see intricately crafted representations of Indigenous symbols, local critters, and winter flora, all glistening and brimming with intricate details.
| Tip: Onsite parking is available, but you have to arrive by 4 pm to secure a spot. |