Embrace the winter season in Edmonton at one of these fantastic festivals! No temperature is too low or snow drift too high to stop the city from appreciating the beauty of ice sculptures or the excitement of skiing or down new trails. Heat up your winter with the wide variety of artistic, cultural, and athletic activities found at these annual events.
1. Deep Freeze Festival | January 12 & 13
This family festival is a winter adventure celebrating the Russian/Ukrainian “Olde New Year” and embraces the magic and beauty of winter with authentic cultural and heritage winter games and activities, including races in actual deep freezers, wagon rides, and a 3-on-3 hockey tournament. This year’s theme is “World Tales,” and it promises to turn your expectations for a winter festival on their heads!
118 Ave. between 91 St. & 94 St.
2. Ice on Whyte | January 24–27 & January 31–February 3
In the heart of Old Strathcona is one of the city’s most popular winter festivals! Ice and snow sculptures by international artists line the outdoor venue, and there are fun activities for the whole family including a giant ice slide and a heated café.
Whyte Ave. & Gateway Blvd. | 780-758-5878
3. Flying Canoë Volant | January 31–February 2
This nighttime, outdoor festival takes its name from a French legend shared with First Nations peoples. In the legend, a French nobleman loved to hunt so much that he skipped Sunday mass and was cursed to wander the night skies forever in a flying canoe pursued by hollowing wolves. Perhaps you’ll spot him as you wander the Mill Creek Ravine, enjoying music, bannock roasting, and Indigenous art.
Mill Creek Ravine & La Cite Francophone | 8627 rue Marie-Anne-Gaboury (91 St.)
4. Chinook Series | February 7–17
Hot cultural festivals—including Canoe, Expanse, and the Fringe—join forces to present this diverse and daring showcase of avant-garde theatre and dance to celebrate non-traditional and unique productions by local and international artists. Visit the website for a complete listing of performances.
ATB Financial Arts Barns | 10330-84 Ave. | 780-409-1910
5. Canadian Birkebeiner Ski Festival | February 8–10
This epic cross country ski saga, beginning at the Cooking Lake-Blackfoot Provincial Recreation Area, attracts more than 2,000 skiers from all over the world and has grown to become the largest classic-style cross-country ski event in Canada. There are plenty of activities so that people of all ages and athletic abilities can join in on the fun!
Various venues | 780-430-7153
6. Silver Skate Festival | February 8–18
Family fun includes traditional Silver Skate races, figure skating presentations, sleigh rides, live musical and theatrical entertainment, snow sculpting, and free snowshoe, skate, and ski rentals. The super popular ice castle—built from icicles—is back this year until March (depending on the weather)!
Hawrelak Park | 9930 Groat Rd. | 780-442-5311
7. Winefest | February 15 & 16
At this all-inclusive event, one ticket gets you access to unlimited samples of hundreds of local and international wines, from sparkling whites to sweet ports! While you indulge your inner sommelier, you can enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres at this wine wonderland.
Edmonton Convention Centre | 9797 Jasper Ave. | 780-421-9797
