8 outdoor events to check out safely in Edmonton this weekend

Feb 19 2021, 9:15 pm

As recommended by health officials, if you choose to participate in events outside of your home, please adhere to COVID-19 health and safety measures, including proper physical distancing, mask-wearing, and frequent handwashing. If you are sick, please stay home.

It’s time to come out of that winter hibernation, Edmontonians. The days are getting longer and the weather is warming up! There are tons of fun outdoor events to check out in the city this weekend.

If you’re tired of sitting at home watching Netflix, doing puzzles, or viewing virtual events from the couch, get outside into the wintery air and explore.

From cross-country skiing and skating, to ice sculptures and a food festival, there’s something for everyone happening this weekend in Edmonton.

Sweet Treats and Latte Festival

 

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What: Enjoy feature treats and hot beverages created especially for this food festival at 13 local coffee shops, bakeries, and restaurants. The festival has a grab-and-go model in place, so you can pick up your treat and drink and head out for a walk on Whyte Avenue.

When: February 13 to March 14
Where: 13 locations in Edmonton’s Old Strathcona and Whyte Avenue district
Cost: Varies by location, purchases are around $5 each

Canadian Birkie Nordic ski event

What: Typically held in Edmonton each year, western Canada’s premier Nordic ski event is going virtual for 2021. Try a four, eight, 13, 31 or 55 km Canadian Birkie cross-country ski loop anywhere this month, at your own pace.

When: February 12 to 28
Where: Anywhere
Cost: Starting at $20 per skier

Silver Skate Festival

What: Bring your skates and casually glide the ice while listening to local music, or race against your personal best time on the 1 km Silver Skate loop. Visitors can also check out the Waiward Snow Sculpture Garden, hear compelling stories at the Heritage Village, or explore the Folk Trail.

When: February 12 to 20
Time: Park hours are 6 am to 11 pm daily
Where: Hawrelak Park (9330 Groat Rd NW)
Cost: Free

Climb an ice wall

 

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What: Try ice climbing in the heart of the city with the Alpine Club of Canada’s ice wall. Beyond its practical use, the wall is illuminated with colourful lights at night that make the ice glow creating a beautiful art piece. So be sure to check it out after dark.

When: Daily, weather dependent
Time: Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am to 5 pm, and Monday through Friday from 10 am to 9 pm
Where: Edmonton Ski Club (9613 96 Avenue NW)
Cost: $19 for weekend drop-in bookings

Boardwalk Ice on Whyte’s Ice and the City

What: The Boardwalk Ice on Whyte sculpture tour has 10 sculptures scattered throughout downtown Edmonton and Old Strathcona to explore on a self-guided walk.

When: February 13 to March 7
Time: Self-guided
Where: Various locations around Old Strathcona and downtown
Cost: Free

Morinville Snowman Festival

What: Celebrate winter and snow in Morinville with a variety of events including a DIY sugar shack, ice painting, and a snowman and ice sculpture creating a contest.

When: February 14 to 28
Time: Varies by event, check the website for details
Where: Locations vary, throughout Morinville and virtually
Cost: Free, or bring your own supplies for some events

International Festival of Winter Cinema

What: The International Festival of Winter Cinema recognizes and celebrates local and international cinema with winter, alpine, and polar themes of any style or genre, presenting them on a giant snow screen.

When: February 12 to 21
Time: noon to 1 pm
Where: Hawrelak Park (9330 Groat Rd NW)
Cost: Free

UofA Botanic Garden – Date Night Under the Stars

What: Take date night outside at the Botanic Garden, and enjoy tapas, an ice slide, live music, snowshoeing, and Indigenous storytelling. Have your portrait taken by a light painting photographer, warm up by the firepits, and stargaze beside the Calla Pond.

When: Every Thursday through Sunday from February 13 to March 29
Time: 5 to 10 pm
Where: University of Alberta Botanic Garden (51227 AB-Highway 60)
Cost: $20 admission (or $15 for students and seniors), with add-ons available

Elle McLeanElle McLean

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