Embrace the Winter Spirit of Edmonton’s Silver Skate Festival

The Silver Skate Festival is one of the best celebrations of winter anywhere. And it happens in Alberta’s capital of Edmonton, known as Canada’s Festival City. The annual tradition has been going on for decades and is the city’s longest-running winter festival.

It’s a not-to-be-missed annual tradition for 10 days in February.

Yes, ice skating may be the main event but it’s so much more. Bring the whole family and step into a winter wonderland of storytelling, entertainment, impressive fire and ice sculptures and horse drawn sleigh rides. Be sure to head to the maple sugar shack for a sweet treat – a must-do Canadian tradition.

The festivities all happen in  Hawrelak Park, located in Edmonton’s famous river valley. Since the festival is based on the Dutch folk tale of Hans Brinker and the Silver Skates, you’ll also be introduced to Dutch winter traditions. One of those traditions is the sport of ice racing, a signature event at the festival. Here’s what else to expect at the festival.

By day: Skate, fat bike, eat, shop

The Silver Skate Festival changes from year to year, but ice skating is always a staple. Lace up your skates and hit the ice on Edmonton’s largest skating pond. Perfect your best figure skating moves or play a friendly game of hockey or broomball – a Canadian-made game. Curling and even speed-skating races happen all throughout the festival.

Off the ice, there’s a winter playground to explore. The Heritage Village offers a glimpse into Canada’s traditional and pioneer history. Cook up some bannock, a traditional type of bread, over an open fire and try snowshoeing and fat biking. There’s even a Winter Market that takes place in a heated tent. Look for unique hand-made crafts, clothing, and baked goods or locally made spirits.

By night: Walk through glowing ice castles

The festivities don’t stop when the sun goes down. You may have seen the famous ice castle on Instagram, but this is your chance to experience it in real life. While you’re there, take a stroll down the Folk Trail, see the fire sculptures (they’re as cool as they sound) or catch some live music and watch actors perform traditional stories. The nighttime programming at Silver Skate also changes things up a little each year, so check the schedule before heading out.

Word to the wise: dress warmly. Edmonton winters can be chilly, so layers will help you make the most out of your visit to the festival.