It seems like winter is just getting started with the recent snowfall and falling temperatures that provide the gorgeous frost-filled scenery. There are plenty of winter activities to enjoy when you venture East of Edmonton. Read on for some fantastic options to start off your 2024.
We’ll explore things to do in some of our Provincial Parks, activities at Métis Crossing, and other winter adventures in our region. Plus, we’ll also reveal the winners from our 2023 Photo Contest. Keep reading!
Explore Winter Activities in Provincial Parks
There are plenty of winter activities you can do in our region. 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.
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.
See the Beautiful Northern Lights
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 the night adventures possible!
More January Adventures…
Go in the snow and enjoy winter adventures in January, whatever your preference! We’ve included a variety of ways you can make the most out of winter, so start planning with our Must Do Winter Experiences.
Hit the Slopes – adventure awaits you at uncrowded, ski hills and tubing parks. Take your pick and have fun going downhill.
CANADIAN BIRKIE SKI FESTIVAL, PHOTO BY JAN STUDIOS
Take it X-country – Maybe you like the horizontal style of skiing. That’s ok! Enjoy trails suitable for all ski levels of classic technique, as well as skijoring (skiing with dogs or horses)!
| You are invited to join the Canadian Birkebeiner winter fun this February 9-11, 2024! Get outdoors, get active and embrace winter! Join the fun recreational and competitive cross country ski events.…as well as lots of Nordic Fun for the whole family! Click to learn more and to register! |
Catch up on our Latest Winter Adventure Stories…
We have over 100 stories of great places to experience. Our Trip Ideas are a great source for planning all your adventures. Search for an article by season, activity, or category. Whether you want to go to Bonnyville or Vermilion, Camrose to Cold Lake, or elsewhere, adventure awaits wherever you choose to visit!
Click here to receive these stories to your inbox
Winter Festivals and Other Fun 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!
Staycation this Winter…
If you want a local getaway, you’ll find some of the best and most unique accommodations across Alberta in our region.
Some of those great accommodations can be found at Canalta Hotels. Watch this video featuring Canalta properties:
2023 Go East of Edmonton Photo Contest Winners
We are pleased to announce our winners for the 2023 Go East of Edmonton Photo Contest! Thank you to everyone who participated and a BIG congratulations to all the winners! The BEST category photos were awarded $100, and the #GoRoadtrips2023 category photos were awarded $50, sponsored by The Marketer – publishers of the Go East of Edmonton Travel Guide and Go East Regional Tourism Organization. To see all the winning photos, click here.
BEST EVENT Photo – The exciting Kehewin Pow Wow by Sharon Taylor Photography
BEST SCENIC Photo #1 – Where the Vermilion River finally makes its way to the North Saskatchewan River near the Hwy 897 bridge crossing north of Marwayne, by Steve Ricketts
BEST WILDLIFE Photo – The majestic white bison at Metis Crossing by Dave Veldkamp
#GoRoadtrips2023 PHOTO #1 – World’s Largest Perogy! by Lauren Guibat
We can’t wait to see your submissions this year! Use the hashtag #goeastofedmonton for inspiration.
Looking for more trip ideas in 2024?
- 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