We’ve had cold weather, warm weather, and everything in between this winter, but there are always plenty of winter activities to enjoy when you venture east of Edmonton.
Read on to find out how you can explore the parks in our region, take part in activities at Métis Crossing, go skiing or snowmobiling, or find other winter adventures in our region. Plus, we’ll give you the details about the winners from our 2025 Photo Contest.
Winter Adventures
There are all sorts of winter adventures and activities in January. Start planning with our Must Do Winter Experiences so you can make the most of the season.
Alberta’s Provincial Parks are hidden gems waiting to be explored. Remember to pack warm clothes, hot beverages, and your sense of adventure for unforgettable winter picnics, skating, or snowshoe experiences on winter trails. Check out this blog post for winter activities at three local Provincial Parks.
Take it X-country – The National and Provincial Parks in the region have groomed trails suitable for all ski levels of classic x-country skiing. Enjoy trails suitable for all ski levels of classic technique, as well as skijoring (skiing with dogs or horses)!
At Elk Island National Park, visitors can count on great daytime options for activities including winter hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing on the multi-use trails.
You can also rent equipment and hit the trails at the Strathcona Wilderness Centre.
Hamilton House Inn & Adventures near Cold Lake has seasonal activities (including x-country equipment rentals) from their door.
Canadian Birkie Ski Festival, Photo by Jan Studios
You are invited to join the Canadian Birkebeiner winter fun this February Feb 13-15, 2026. Get outdoors, get active and embrace winter! Join the fun recreational and competitive cross country ski events – there are 7 events to choose from so you can find plenty of Nordic fun for the whole family! Click to learn more and to register!
Hit the Slopes – Enjoy skiing, snowboarding, or tubing in the region. The ski and tubing parks await your family adventures. Kinosoo Ridge Snow Resort by Cold Lake even has night skiing available.
Go Snowmobiling– We’ve had plenty of snow this winter, so sledding enthusiasts can enjoy over 500 km of regional trails in the region. We recently featured a snowmobiling event around Lac La Biche, Throttle, Trails and Fun Ride – read it here. Bring your snowmobile or rent one in the region to make your tracks in the snow this winter.
Do some Ice Fishing – The frigid temperatures in December resulted in great ice fishing opportunities for the winter. A-Z Excursions in Cold Lake offers rental equipment, ice shacks, and so much more to make the most of your experience.
Remember the FREE Family Fishing weekend happens February 14 – 16, 2026.
Photo Credit: @activateartsab and @chiseledyege
Take the family out for some free winter fun on this 115 ft ice slide in Fort Saskatchewan at Legacy Park built by Activate Arts Alberta.
Winter Adventures at Métis Crossing
Tales from the Trapline is a 3-hour immersive Indigenous experience that explores Métis traditional winter activities and skills on a historic Métis river lot farm.
Strap on a set of snowshoes, set a snare, build a survival shelter, and learn a traditional art as you create your own unique and beautiful keepsake.
This experience is led by a Métis guide and will provide participants with an opportunity to explore the cultural significance of life on the land and the traditional Métis way of life.
Visions, Hopes and Dreams at Métis Crossing Wildlife Park offers guests a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the beauty of Métis heritage species. The wildlife park is home to rare white bison, wood bison, plains bison, elk, and Percheron horses.
See more winter experiences at Métis Crossing.
Métis Ribbon Skirt or Ribbon Shirt Workshop
January 17-18
Learn about the traditional Métis ribbon skirt under the guidance of Métis Elder Lilyrose. You will learn different waist styles, how to add pockets and appliqué, and other sewing techniques in this advanced level 2-day workshop.
The workshop includes instruction on the history and cultural significance of the skirt, as well as the technique to create a ribbon skirt unique to you.
January 24
Enjoy a powerful documentary screening that explores the vital relationship between people and the North Saskatchewan River.
Through the voices of scientists, stewardship groups, Indigenous peoples, and local communities, this film beautifully uncovers the evolving story of the river and its watershed.
Your evening includes a delicious buffet dinner, the documentary screening, and an engaging panel discussion where you can deepen your understanding and ask questions about this essential waterway that connects us all.
Learn more at metiscrossing.com.
Wonder at the Beautiful Northern Lights
Photo by Natasha Adamson
At this time of year, conditions are optimal for stargazing and the beautiful night lights. With no artificial lighting, Dark Sky Preserves are important places that help protect our night sky. Venture out of the city to these prime spots and be amazed by the natural beauty.
- Beaver Hills Dark Sky Preserve – Elk Island National Park area.
- Lakeland Provincial Park – Just outside Lac La Biche.
- Bon Accord – Canada’s first dark sky “community”.
- Metis Crossing – Sky watching domes.
Click here to see more about night adventures!
Explore Cozy Getaways
Hamilton House Inn
If you’re yearning for a local getaway, you’ll find some of the best and most unique accommodations across Alberta in our region. You’ll find inspiration for your next getaway in our recent post, Top 10 Cozy Getaways East of Edmonton.
More Winter Events
Looking for more family fun? Check out our Events Calendar for Winter festivals, snowmobile rallies, and events. Keep a close eye – we have events being added every week!
2025 Go East of Edmonton Photo Contest Winners
Photo by Charlene Tondu
We are pleased to announce our winners for the 2025 Go East of Edmonton Photo Contest! Thank you to everyone who participated and a BIG congratulations to all the winners!
Click here to see all the winning photos.
We can’t wait to see your submissions this year! Use the hashtag #goeastofedmonton for inspiration.
Looking for more inspiration in 2026?
- Follow us on Facebook where we’re sharing all the great winter activities and local shopping ideas every week!
- Did you know that we’re also on TikTok and Instagram too? Follow both accounts so you don’t miss anything!
- Check out our Videos – Be inspired to Go East of Edmonton.
- Visit our Events Calendar to stay up to date on all the fun things to do in our region.
Check out all the great activities and adventures in our Travel Guide.