How to Enjoy Edmonton Winter Like a Local
While some may shy away from Canada’s coldest months, Edmontonians embrace them, finding the joy in winter here in the capital city. With 325 days of sunshine each year, Edmonton is one of Canada’s sunniest cities—and there’s something undeniably magical about stepping outside as the sun reflects off the snow and ice, sparkling all around you.
In this blog post, we’re breaking down some of our favourite outdoor spaces to stay active, connected, and thriving in Edmonton this winter.
Snow Valley
Grab your skis on a bluebird day and head to Snow Valley for easily accessible outdoor fun. While it can’t compete with the slopes of the Rocky Mountains, the location and convenience of this south-central ski hill make it a top spot for ski and snowboard lessons. Slopes not your thing? Stroll the snowy trails of the surrounding Whitemud Creek Ravine Nature Reserve which boasts the highest biodiversity of plants and animals in the city.
Community League ODR’s
Community Leagues are a sought-after neighbourhood amenity for many (for good reason), and we adore the outdoor rinks in Crestwood and Glenora. Located in two of Edmonton’s most prestigious neighbourhoods, the Crestwood Community League and Glenora Community League outdoor rinks are the place to be come winter. Open exclusively to residents, both rinks are key community gathering places open day to night where neighbours become friends on the ice.
The Upper Windermere Private Leisure Centre is another notable outdoor rink with exceptionally manicured ice available to residents of Upper Windermere. Rinkside patio heaters and Adirondack chairs add a touch of comfort to the outdoor space.
Rabbit Hill Snow Resort
Although technically located outside the city limits, Rabbit Hill Snow Resort is a fantastic option for local downhill skiing and snowboarding. It also offers winter tubing for all ages, providing tubes and a convenient conveyor lift with three different tubing lanes to choose from.
Ice District Plaza
Hockey fans will love the Esso Oval, the Ice District plaza skating rink, located just steps from the Rogers Place arena. While the rink is small in size, we love this location for a quick lap on the ice before catching the Oilers game at Rogers or over wings and beer at The Canadian Icehouse next door.
Gold Bar Park
Cross-country ski enthusiasts will agree that the trails in Gold Bar Park in Capilano are among the best in Edmonton. With well-groomed tracks and scenic river valley views, it’s a top destination for cross-country skiing day or night, as some trails are even lit for evening adventures. The Edmonton Nordic Ski Club is a great resource for trail maps and cross-country events happening in the area.
Edmonton Ski Club
The Edmonton Ski Club has been providing a space for skiing, snowboarding, and tubing in Cloverdale since 1911. While the hill is humble in size, skiing with a view of the downtown skyline and the iconic Muttart Conservatory pyramids is a unique experience of its own.
Photo Credit: Inhabitat
Victoria Park Ice Way
Last, but certainly not least, is the Victoria Park Ice Way which is undoubtedly at its most magical come evening. Skate the looping trails between trees lined with colourful lanterns for a whimsical route to the manicured Victoria Park Oval.
Find Your New Home in Edmonton
As the real estate market sees more people moving to Edmonton from across Canada and abroad, we’re excited to share the local love for winter with new neighbours and friends.
Edmonton’s winter city spirit is about more than just enduring the cold—it’s about thriving in it. So bundle up, step outside, and make the most of everything the season has to offer. There’s no better time to embrace the magic of winter right in your own backyard.
Are you considering a move to Edmonton? Reach out to us to learn about the city’s top neighbourhoods and the best places to buy a home in Edmonton.
Posted by Kerri-lyn Holland on
Leave A Comment