Where Edmonton Magazine January/February 2018

EMBRACE THE COLDER SEASON WITH THESE COOL EVENTS AND ACTIVITES! Yes, the Ice Castle is back in Hawrelak Park for another season, for as long as it’s cold outside! Book your tickets in advance to check out this massive winter wonderland crafted by hand using only icicles and water. icecastles.com/edmonton BY TA M A RA ASC HEN BRE N N E R SKI HILLS & TRAILS Hit the slopes without having to travel to the mountains at the nearby hills of Rabbit Hill (25512 Township Rd., Leduc County; rabbithill.com), Snow Valley (13204-45 Ave.; snowvalley.ca), and Sunridge Ski Area (10980-17 St.; sunridgeskiarea.com). Or enjoy some peace and quiet while on cross-country skis (totemoutfitters.ca), snow-shoes, or even a sleek Segway outfitted with winter tires (rivervalleyadventure.com). Visit edmonton.ca for more cross-country ski trails, including the new snowmaking project at Gold Bar Park (10955-50 St.) that ensures quality trails in the area. SNOWY FESTIVALS WARM UP Bask in some summer warmth at the Muttart Conservatory (pg 48), where you’ll find a lush, tropical oasis in its four-pyramid botanical collection. Or lounge in a hot tub surrounded by palm trees at the World Waterpark in West Edmonton Mall (pg 35). Try warming up from the inside out at the Edmonton Whisky Festival (pg 24)! Sample from 175 international varieties of whisky and maybe even take in a master class. FAMILY DAY FUN Bundle up for an epic day of arctic activities and games at the Edmonton Valley Zoo! On February 19, learn why the zoo is an ambassador for Polar Bears International, warm up next to a campfire, and check out the free photobooth. Edmonton Valley Zoo, 13315 Buena Vista Rd. edmonton.ca/valleyzoo SKATE OUTSIDE! Alberta Legislature | 10820-98 Ave. The lawn bowling fields behind the Alberta Legislature Building are converted into rinks perfect for enjoying the stunning scenery. LET’S GO SLEDDING! Grab a sled (and your inner child) and head to Emily Murphy Park (11904 Emily Park Road), Gallagher Park (97 Ave. and 92 St.), Government House Park (Groat Rd. & River Valley Rd.) or Rundle Park (2903-113 Ave.) for some of the best tobogganing in town. Or try the snow-tubing park at Sunridge (though book your timeslot in advance at sunridgeskiarea.com). Lace up your skates and glide at one of the city’s free outdoor rinks! Victoria Park Oval & IceWay | 12130 River Valley Rd. Nestled in the river valley, the three-loop skating trail weaves its way to the Victoria Park skating track, home of the Edmonton Speed Skating Association. Hawrelak Park | 9330 Groat Rd. Take a turn around the five- hectare frozen pond in Hawrelak Park, which is beautifully lit up at night in the winter. On-site are a heated change room and skate rentals. Deep Freeze | January 13 & 14 This free family festival celebrates with Ukrainian, Francophone, and Indigenous cultural and heritage winter games, including races in actual deep freezers, axe throwing, Cree round dances, and more! Alberta (118) Ave., between 90 St. and 95 St. deepfreezefest.ca Canadian Birkebeiner Ski Festival | February 9 & 10 This challenging cross- country ski festival celebrates the 800-year-old legend of the Birkebeiners who saved the heir to the Norwegian throne. The 55-km race has grown into one of the largest and friendliest cross-country ski events in the country. canadianbirkie.com Silver Skate Festival | February 9–19 Rooted in Dutch traditions, this 10-day winter extravaganza combines sport with the arts and seasonal outdoor fun. Explore the massive ice castle, discover intricate snow sculptures, try snowshoeing, or compete in a traditional long-blade skating race. Hawrelak Park, 9330 Groat Road. silverskatefestival.org w JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 // where.ca 17

Where Edmonton Magazine January/February 2018 | Page 17