7 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 seven 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, some great things to do are just outside of Edmonton.

Cross-country skiing at the Strathcona Wilderness Centre

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The Strathcona Wildnerness Centre is a gorgeous spot in Strathcona County that features 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 Road 212, Uncas

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 conversation.

Where: Range Road 203, Fort Saskatchewan

Métis Crossing

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Located one hour and 20 minutes northeast of Edmonton, this incredible place is located just outside of the boundary, but it’s well worth the visit. Plus, 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 Trail, Smoky Lake

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 Avenue 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

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 Drive, Fort Saskatchewan