With the recent snowfalls and seasonal temperatures, there are plenty of winter activities to enjoy when you venture East of Edmonton. Read on for some fantastic options to make the most out of Winter.
We’ll explore things to do in some of our Parks, activities at Métis Crossing, and other winter adventures in our region. Plus, details about the winners from our 2024 Photo Contest. Keep reading!
January – February Winter 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 our uncrowded, 5 Fun Family Ski Hills and Tubing Parks. Take your pick and have fun going downhill.
Go Snowmobiling– it’s a great year for sledding and enjoy over 500 km of regional trails in the region. Bring your snowmobile or rent one in the region to make tracks in the snow this winter.
Take it X-country – Parks around the region have groomed trails suitable for all ski levels of classic x-country skiing. Rent your equipment and hit the trails at the Strathcona Wilderness Centre.
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.
Alberta’s Provincial Parks are hidden gems waiting to be explored. Check out this blog post for winter activities at three local Provincial Parks.
CANADIAN BIRKIE SKI FESTIVAL, PHOTO BY JAN STUDIOS
You are invited to join the Canadian Birkebeiner winter fun this February Feb 7-8, 2025. 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!
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Enjoy Endless Activities and Winter Adventures at Métis Crossing…
With our Winter Cultural Experiences Package. Designed for adventure and cultural immersion, this package offers activities that highlight the unique offerings of Métis Crossing. Seamlessly blend winter fun with learning and cultural appreciation. Make your Family Day weekend an unforgettable cultural retreat!
Tales from the Trapline is an 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.
Meet the Metis is a year-round guided tour and immersive Cultural Experience…
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.
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Whispers from the Stars
The sky, stars, and constellations serve as guiding lights from our ancestors. Hear why the skies were so important to the Métis in settling the west, during the fur trade and how the skies were a guide that was relied upon for survival. Learn more.
See the Stars Like Never Before in a truly unique, luxurious experience in the Sky Watching Domes.
Enjoy a romantic evening featuring a live performance, a curated four-course menu, wine, and a dessert featuring local flavors that adds a touch of culinary magic.
Make it a retreat. Ask us about the special Valentine’s Day Overnight Packages on February 14th to enhance your dining experience and create a memorable getaway.
Métis Crossing offers a variety of Traditional Art Workshops, providing opportunities for interactive, hands-on learning experiences. The workshops change with the seasons, reflecting the shifting needs and practices of the Métis people.
January 25, 26 – Metis Vest Workshop, February 8 & 9 Capote Making Workshop, February 22 – Leather Craft Workshop, March 1- Rosary Workshop. Register here
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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!
Fabulous February Festivals include…
February 6-9 – Join us at the 2025 Edmonton RV Show. Visit our Booth for 2025 Camping and Trip Ideas, plus enter to win great prizes and free camping! Get your tickets in advance to save on admission. Learn more here.
February 8-9 – Wholly Handmade in Sherwood Park
February 14 – Valentines Day events across the region.
February 15-17 Family Day weekend events. You’ll find fun family day events all over the region, including Md of Bonnyville-Cold Lake Snow Fever and Vegreville Family Day.
Check out our Events Calendar for the full list of family day events all over the region!
February 20-23 Wainwright Arts Festival
February 28- March 2 Lac La Biche Ice Festival of Speed
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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.
- Metis Crossing – legendary Nights Sky viewing.
- Click here to see more about Dark Sky locations and night adventures possible!
Photo contest winner Vermilion Prov. Park. Photo by Harm Tjardes
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2024 Go East of Edmonton Photo Contest Winners
We are pleased to announce our winners for the 2024 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 runners up 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…
We can’t wait to see your submissions this year! Use the hashtag #goeastofedmonton for inspiration.
Looking for more trip ideas in 2025?
- 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