Warm Up to a Winter Escape in the Prairie Town of Vermilion

A mini road trip to a small Alberta town surrounded by wide-open spaces could cure your winter cabin fever. You'll still be close to the province's capital, but you'll feel like you're getting away with something as you explore the area on a day or weekend trip.

The Town of Vermilion, population 4,000, is just a two-hour drive east of Edmonton, and everything is close by and walkable once you arrive. Start out with an exhilarating cross-country ski, snowshoe, hike or fat bike ride at Vermilion Provincial Park on the edge of town. Then head to main street to explore the collection of brick and clapboard buildings set against perfect prairie-style backdrops ideal for your social feeds. The stores include one-of-a-kind shops, cafés, restaurants, an art gallery and distillery.

Here are five ways to explore Vermilion outdoors and indoors.

Vermilion Provincial Park

When you snap on your cross-country skis, you'll be following the same 15 km (9.3 mi) of tree-lined, track-set trails as Olympian Nordic skier Beckie Scott. She grew up in Vermilion and trained at the provincial park. Scott is the most decorated athlete in the sport, and the first North American woman to win an Olympic medal in cross-country skiing.

The picturesque park is located along the Vermilion River valley with a variety of trail lengths suited to all levels of skiers. Watch for a white-tailed deer, a red fox or a coyote among the trees.

You can park near the old CN Rail station, home to the Vermilion Nordic Club. There is a posted trail map at the park or you can check out an online trail map here.

The Red Brick

Drop into this cozy breakfast, lunch or early dinner spot on 50 Avenue (Vermilion's main street) for locally roasted coffees or a selection of teas. The menu of soups, hand-crafted sandwiches and baked goods changes daily at The Red Brick. You can grab-and-go or pull up a comfy chair and enjoy.

Craig's Cornerstone

Occupying a red restored brick building taking up half a block on main street, this local shopping destination was a family-owned department store for nearly 100 years, and it still has its original signage. These days, Craig's Cornerstone retains its coffered ceilings and exposed brick walls, and houses seven shops where you can spend hours. You'll find stylish outerwear at Harbrook & Paisley or a piece of Alberta artwork or pottery at Upper Level Pottery and Art Gallery.

Burnt Rock Adventure Co.

Looking for a new pair of cross-country skis, winter socks or a cozy plaid shirt? Burnt Rock Adventure Co. has a wide selection of gear and clothing for human-powered winter sports — from fat biking to cross-country skiing. Housed in the town's old newspaper building, the local owners, a couple of contractors, have retained the old hardwood floors and exposed brick walls.

Copper Cork Distillery

Owned and operated by four locals, Copper Cork Distillery — which could easily double as a 1930s speakeasy in a Western movie — is the place to sample and buy creative custom spirits. Crafted from Alberta-grown grains and a range of fruits, the distillery has a robust lineup of spirits, including rhubarb and raspberry vodkas. Stop in for one of their cocktails, like the Sassy Sunset or the Vermilionaire.