10 incredible winter activities less than an hour's drive from Edmonton
Need an escape from the city but don’t want to travel far? Great, here are 10 things to do less than an hour’s drive outside Edmonton this winter.
We know that road conditions can turn on a dime this time of year, plus fuel prices can be a crunch on the wallet, so the closer, the better — we get it!
From cross-country skiing to an immersive Métis experience, here are some great things to do just outside of Edmonton.
Cross-country skiing at the Strathcona Wilderness Centre
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The Strathcona Wilderness Centre is a gorgeous spot in Strathcona County featuring 12 kilometres of trails and tons of opportunities for wildlife viewing. This time of year, the park becomes a winter wonderland with world-class groomed trails for classic and skate skiing. Try out lessons or rent a pair of skis and head out on a winter adventure.
Where: 52535 Range Rd. 212, Uncas, Alta.
Elk Island National Park
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A fantastic place to visit any time of year – Elk Island National Park is every wildlife photographer’s dream destination thanks to the roaming herds of bison, elk, and more than 250 species of birds that make this national park a cornerstone of wildlife conservation.
Where: Range Rd. 203, Fort Saskatchewan, Alta.
Métis Crossing
Métis Crossing/Facebook
Located one hour and 20 minutes northeast of Edmonton, this incredible place is located just outside the boundary, but it’s well worth the visit. Besides, there are luxurious accommodations on site where you can spend the night. Métis Crossing is Alberta’s first major Métis cultural interpretive destination. Created as a place for Métis people to share Métis stories, it’s open to everyone for family fun and cultural learning.
Where: 17339 Victoria Tr., Smoky Lake, Alta.
Rabbit Hill Snow Resort
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You don’t need to travel very far to hit the slopes. Rabbit Hill Snow Resort, located in Edmonton’s deep south, is the largest local ski and snowboard resort in the North Saskatchewan River valley. With over 40 acres of ski and snowboard trails and a tube park, it’s the perfect place to make the most of a crisp winter day.
Where: 20715 57th Ave. SW, Edmonton
Go snowshoeing
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We are blessed to have so many incredible parks and trails in and around the City of Edmonton, and they become a paradise for winter activities all season long. Rent a pair of snowshoes from one of our fantastic local outdoor outfitters and head out on an adventure. Pack a thermos with something hot, and take time to enjoy the magic of the season.
Where: Any park in and around Edmonton
Explore a beautiful small town
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Sometimes discovered by stumbling off the QEII, Lacombe’s main street is filled with heritage Edwardian buildings and looks like something out of a Hallmark movie in the winter. It’s almost like you stepped back in time to the turn of the 20th century. It’s perfect for a vintage Instagram post, boasting a look that almost mirrors classic New York City vibes, including its crown jewel, the historic Flatiron Building. Although it’s a little further than an hour away, at one hour and 20 minutes, it’s well worth the day trip.
Where: Lacombe, Alta.
View the northern lights
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The days are noticeably shorter now, and while that can feel like a sign of the long winter ahead, it also means it’s the best time to catch a magnificent glimpse of the northern lights. To catch the best view of this magical light display, check out our handy guide to the best spots around Edmonton to view the northern lights. Most of our spots are located within the Beaver Hills Dark Sky Preserve, conveniently located just to the east of Edmonton.
Where: Various locations near Edmonton
Skate a massive ice loop
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This spot is a gem right in our backyard. Once a gravel pit, West River’s Edge is an expansive 194-hectare park in Fort Saskatchewan with a massive skating loop on the park’s pond. A perfect place to spend a winter’s day, West River’s Edge is also a destination for ice fishing, skiing, snowshoeing, and tobogganing.
Where: 1875 River Valley Dr., Fort Saskatchewan, Alta
Go ice fishing
Ice Fishing (vladimir salman/Shutterstock)
It’s a great way to pass the time during the winter months in Edmonton, and there are plenty of lakes you can drive out to around YEG to plop a line into and wait for the fish to come biting.
Where: Numerous lakes around Edmonton
Rent a fat bike
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Where: If you want to stay active and get some fresh air in the winter, fat bikes are a solid pick. The oversized tires give you more tread and stability on snow, and you can rent one at multiple locations around Edmonton. Just remember your gloves, because nothing is worse than the frosty air hitting your bare knuckles while riding.
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