Ten Ways to Warm Up to Winter in the City

Two people skating on a rink at sunset with the trees in the background.

Reading time: 5 minutes

Alberta’s two largest cities know how to make winter fun. Head to a festival of lights, hot chocolate or music. Want something a little more active? Hit the rinks or slopes.

Calgary and Edmonton locals don’t shy away from winter – they embrace it.
Find a festival or a fireside patio and get into the spirit of the season.
Once you’re dressed for the weather, you can skate, ski or go shopping.

Winter is prime time for cozying up and hunkering down in most places, but winter in Alberta is filled with sunny days that can be simply magical. It’s the time to get outside and enjoy all that fluffy snow, and Edmonton and Calgary become winter wonderlands. Here are five ways to enjoy the season in both cities. Remember – wearing layers is key to enjoying winter fun.

Edmonton

Play in the famous river valley

The North Saskatchewan River Valley is a must-see in Edmonton. It’s the longest expanse of urban greenspace in North America, even outdoing Central Park in New York City. It’s also a year-round activity hub for locals and visitors alike. Segways are a fun and easy way to navigate the winding pathways in the winter – or rent a fat bike and pedal through the expansive park system. If you’re feeling like an extra dose of outdoor fun, rent a pair of snowshoes from  River Valley Adventure Co. and have an adventure in the city.

Two people go over a bridge on a Segway in winter with a ciy in the background. — Hop on a Segway and explore the city on two wheels. Guided tours are also available.

Skate on the Iceway

The Edmonton river valley is also home to the  Victoria Park Iceway. But this isn’t your average skating rink. The iceway winds through treelined paths and is lit up in rainbow patterns at night, making it extra magical – not to mention a classic Edmonton photo op. If you’re in the mood for checking out all the hot skating spots in the downtown area, try the neighbouring Alberta Legislature grounds or head to City Hall. You’ll be steps away from some of the city’s best spots for a post-skate bite or drink.

Two people skating on a rink with other skaters and trees in the background. — Victoria Park Iceway winds through tree-lined trails and lights up at night for a magical winter experience.

Shop like a local

Edmonton has a love for weekend farmers’ markets year-round. The  Old Strathcona Farmers’ Market is the longest-running and a city staple. It’s located in Old Strathcona, one of the most eclectic neighbourhoods in the city. Across the river, stop in at  Downtown Farmers’ Market near the Arts District. Both markets are filled to the brim with tasty seasonal treats and unique gift options handmade by local artisans.

Two women holding coffees shop at at farmers' market. — Farmers' markets are the perfect place to find unique gifts from local artisans.

Celebrate at a winter festival

Alberta’s capital city embraces winter wholeheartedly, and its festival season extends year-round. The  Boardwalk Ice on Whyte Festival is an annual winter staple and takes place in late January. As the festival says, “the real fun starts when the temperature drops below zero.” They may be right, as Whyte Avenue plays host to some of the best ice carvers around, coupled with carving lessons, winter activities and delicious food.

January is also time for the  Flying Canoë Volant Festival and Canoe Races, a reminder of how special winter can be. The festival is built upon a Canadian legend and celebrates the country’s bilingual heritage and Indigenous people.

The  Silver Skate Festival is one of Edmonton's longest-running winter traditions. The family-friendly festival is set in Edmonton’s scenic river valley and showcases the best of winter sport, arts and culture.

A couple walks through ice sculptures in a park. — Edmonton is known as Festival City, and the fun doesn't stop when the temperatures drop.

Calgary

Hit the (city) slopes

It’s possible to have a great day on the ski slopes without leaving the city.  WinSport Canada Olympic Park played host to the 1988 Olympic Winter Games, and it’s now a winter playground for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. The Acura Tube Park is also on-site, if you’re not keen on taking on a snowy hill while standing up.

Two skiers head down a hill with trees and a chairlift in the background. — At WinSport in Calgary, you can hit the slopes without leaving the city. It was also the home of the 1988 Winter Olympics.

Get festive at Zoolights

The Calgary Zoo gets in the holiday spirit with Zoolights, a dazzling display of 1.5 million twinkling lights that’s become an annual tradition. Stroll through the exhibits and cozy up around one of the many outdoor fires located throughout the zoo as you wonder about the precision and patience it would take to set all those lights up.

Couple walking through lit up displays at night. — Stroll through 1.5 million twinkling festive lights at Zoolights, an annual holiday favourite.

Skate at Olympic Plaza

This is a must-do winter activity in Calgary. Also built for the 1988 Winter Olympics, as the name suggests, the plaza is a downtown hub of activity. Rent skates (or bring your own) and practice your skills on the outdoor ice surface. Olympic Plaza is also located at the end of Stephen Avenue, one of the most pedestrian-friendly streets in the city. After your skating session, take a stroll and grab a coffee or bite.

A couple sits on a ledge at an outdoor ice skating rink with skates on holding a hot beverage with a downtown landscape in the background. — Skating at Olympic Plaza is a winter must-do. Afterwards, take a walk down historic Stephen Avenue.

Rediscover winter at Chinook Blast

Chinook Blast, Calgary’s new winter festival, launched in January 2021. The six-week festival is the city's mid-winter roundup that runs between January and February. Chinook Blast brings together arts, entertainment and sports to celebrate winter in the city with the help of various non-profit organizations. The festival kicks off with the High Performance Rodeo (a local tradition) and includes some of the city's best-known winter events, like the Calgary Folk Music Festival's Block Heater and Glow Festival. Visit the festival's website for the most up-to-date information on events and performances throughout Chinook Blast.

Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth

The  YYC Hot Chocolate Fest has become an annual favourite. The festival takes place all over the city, with participating restaurants scattered throughout popular neighbourhoods. It’s the sweetest festival in Calgary, with restaurants competing for titles like YYC’s Best Hot Chocolate and Best Spirited Hot Chocolate – all in support of Meals on Wheels. Stop in for an Instagram-worthy hot chocolate and then explore the surrounding neighbourhoods for some window shopping.

A couple enjoying hot chocolate in front of an outdoor fire pit at night. — If you love chocolate, you can't miss YYC Hot Chocolate Fest, which happens all throughout the city.