As the temperature dips and the frost begins to accumulate on the ground, there’s one thing likely to be on your mind: its time to get out and explore! Winter comes alive in Central Alberta and below we outline a few examples of how you can experience it.

Festive Festivities

Markets, town light ups, festivals, concerts, sales, and parades abound in Central Alberta throughout the winter season. With way too many to mention all in one article, we invite you to check out our Events Calendar to see what’s coming up around Central Alberta!

Glide the Trails

If you’re looking for a new way to go adventuring in Central Alberta then you’ll want to put on your long johns and toques for an afternoon of cross-country skiing in Lacombe. The Great Trail is eight kilometres of pristine beauty. The Great Trail starts at the Lacombe Research Station and brings you through an alley of beautiful evergreens to the Blackfalds Abbey Centre. The JJ Collett Provincial Natural Area has three trails that weave through the park, all open during the winter months and maintained by volunteers. Perfect for the cross-country beginner, the Lacombe Golf and Country Club also offers cross-country trails during the winter months that makes for a scenic cardio session.

Winter Wolf Walks

In Innisfail, you can take a walk on the wild side to shake off the winter blues – a winter wolf walk in Discovery Wildlife Park! Long walks through the woods get more interesting with the help of the park’s two wolves, Nisa and Lupe. Besides getting up close and personal with wolves, you’ll learn more about their lives and get the chance to roam through the entire park.

You’ll get pictures taken and mailed out to you after your winter walk, enough to impress everyone in your circle. Move over, Kevin Costner!

Alberta’s Largest Non-Mountain Ski Resort

Adventure lovers and thrill seekers will find plenty to get lost in Red Deer and Red Deer County. Canyon Ski Resort is now open for the season. The largest non-mountain ski resort in Alberta, Canyon boasts 70 acres of terrain to ski, with 22 runs and 6 lifts. The resort also offers night skiing, allowing you to enjoy the twilight stars!

Breathtaking Views

While winter trails abound all across Central Alberta, one area in particular is known for its beyond-breathtaking views: David Thompson Country. Gorgeous sub-zero locales in David Thompson Country include the Cline River, Crescent Falls and Abraham Lake. Whether you’re hiking through Siffleur Falls or snowshoeing your way through Coral Creek Canyon, one thing’s for sure: you’ll be right in some of the most magical landscape in Alberta, discovering winter solstice in a whole new light! Pictured above, Pursuit Adventures offers guided hikes throughout Central Alberta.

Fuel Up After Your Adventure

What would the winter months be without comfort food? Grouchy Daddy’s in Olds local favourite that always knows how to leave its customers with a happy, full belly (which is important during the cold months!) From mouth-watering burgers to stick-to-your-ribs top sirloin, Grouchy Daddy’s is the perfect place to end your day of adventure so that you can refuel and relax.

We hope this gives you plenty of inspiration when it comes to exploring the gorgeous wonderland that is Central Alberta in the wintertime!

Featured Image: Courtesy of Pursuit Adventures at Coral Creek Canyon