Hot Drinks and Cool Rinks

Hot Drinks & Cool Rinks

Whether it’s for a romantic date or something extra to add to a family weekend, ice skating is a great addition to your schedule.  Top it off with a hot chocolate and you’ve got the makings for a memorable time.  Because Edmonton has loads of ice rinks (both in and outdoors) as well as many delightful cafes, we’ve chosen a few of each to make your planning easier.  Dress warmly, pack your skates, and come along on the journey!

Alberta Legislature Ice Rink

The legislature grounds are stunning to visit all year round, but there is something special about the winter when seasonal lights decorate the trees amongst freshly fallen snow.  Located on the South Lawn near the Centennial Flame, skate under the holiday lights where the bowling greens are converted to an ice rink during the winter months.  

Where to indulge in a hot drink:

Go south on 99 Street NW to reach Café Sole, a coffee shop with a twist.  Serving authentic Mexican Chocolate and churros, as well as high quality teas and espresso, Sole is a unique place to experience a little bit of Mexico right in Edmonton.

The Meadows Community Recreation Centre

At the Meadows, you have the choice of indoor or outdoor ice skating.  The centre has two NHL size indoor rinks which are available for drop-in skating, but if you prefer you can also try out the Meadows Outdoor Leisure Ice Rink which is right outside.

Where to indulge in a hot drink:

On the south side of the city, not far from the Meadows, Calabash Café features typical coffee shop drinks, and you can certainly get a hot chocolate, but you can also be adventurous!  Try one of their feature lattes like the Sweet Pumpkin or Black Soybean & Brown Sugar or opt for an ice cream “croffle” which is a cross between a croissant and a waffle, layered with ice cream and fruit.

West Edmonton Mall Ice Palace

If you’re coming from out of town, WEM is likely already a stop on your itinerary and, like most people, you’re probably thinking of shopping and a stop at Galaxyland or the waterpark.  Shake it up with some time on the rink at the Ice Palace!  

Where to indulge in a hot drink:

Overlooking the Ice Palace is Cookies by George and it’s the only place to go in the mall for hot chocolate and a treat.  Their rich, creamy hot drinks are best paired with a dreamy milk chocolate cookie.  Cliché though it may be, the combination is to die for.

Victoria Park – Ice Way and Oval

The Victoria Park Ice Way is a big favourite year after year.  The ice way, which is also known as the “freezeway”, has 2700 square meters of skate-able ice and colourful flood lights, so the skating will be more magical after dark.  Right nearby is the oval, a large outdoor rink alongside the Pavilion where you’ll find water fountains, a changing area and washrooms.

Where to indulge in a hot drink:

Block 1912 is a rustic café right in the heart of Old Strathcona.  With unfinished floorboards, mismatched chairs and tables and strings of glinting white lights hung from the ceiling, you’ll instantly feel relaxed.  Dive into a good book over a Ganache Hot Chocolate or their seasonal Spiced Ganche Mocha.

Where will you choose for your ice skating/hot chocolate pairing?  Will you mix and match or take one of the recommendations as is?  Let us know in the comments.

Want to get your hot drink (and lots of other things) for free?  Choose one of our 1, 2, 3 deals which include special experiences at one of our partner attractions, prepaid Mastercards and gas cards.  Find out more right here!

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Terms and Conditions

The “1,2, 3 Pick Your Rewards”, Terms and Conditions and Blackout Dates 

Rewards Program campaign dates

Reward package available to book from January 5, 2022 for stays to December 31, 2024 for rewards except for possible blackout dates. At present there are no blackout dates scheduled.

Rewards are subject to while supplies last.  Substitutions of equivalent kind, value may be made as necessary.  Rewards are non-transferable, no cash value, no cash back.

  • Rewards are non-transferable, non-exchangeable, have no cash value, no cash back.
  • Rewards cannot be combined with any other offer or promotion.
  • Reward deal is net non-commissionable.

Blackout dates

At present there are no blackout dates scheduled. 

In the event blackout dates are scheduled, any guest who makes a booking for a hotel stay during the blackout period prior to the blackout period being named will receive the rewards they are booked for. 

Rewards Program offerings

Book one night’s stay with Edmonton’s Best Hotels and receive your choice of one of three $50 rewards excluding blackout dates:

  • $50 Gas Card or
  • $50 Prepaid Mastercard, or
  • $50 Ultimate Dining Card

Book two night’s stay with Edmonton’s Best Hotels and receive your choice of one of five reward packages excluding blackout dates:

  • $150 prepaid MasterCard, or
  • $75 Gas card and $75 MasterCard, or
  • $75 Gas card and $75 Ultimate Dining Card, or

Book three night’s stay with Edmonton’s Best Hotels and receive your choice of one of four reward packages excluding blackout dates:

  • Three Night Reward 1: $225 Prepaid Mastercard
  • Three Night Reward 3: $75 Ultimate Dining Card + $75 Prepaid Mastercard + $75 Gas Card

One choice of reward per stay. 

Guest must be 18 years of age or older at time of redemption. 

Prepaid Mastercard’s can be used for online purchases only. In Canada, prepaid Mastercard’s cannot be used at any retail outlet (including your hotel) with point-of-sale systems.

Rewards distribution

Rewards will be emailed directly to guests within 48 hours of Edmonton’s Best Hotels confirming their check-in.  Rewards are not provided by the hotel’s front desk.   All rewards are sent electronically. 

Reservations

Guest must reserve a minimum of 24 hours prior to arrival.

Rewards are NOT available for reservations made less than 24 hours in advance of arrival.

Reservations made directly with hotels and not through Edmonton’s Best Hotels are not eligible for rewards. No exceptions. Rewards are only provided to guests who book through Edmonton’s Best Hotels online booking platform.  Booking reservation confirmations will have Edmonton’s Best Hotels branding on them. Rewards not provided for hotel reservations during specified blackout dates.

Reservations cannot be extended by hotels for additional rewards.

Guests may add a night to an existing one-night deal reservation and receive additional rewards if the request is made a minimum of 24 hours in advance of arrival.

Booking terms and conditions

Rewards provided for more than one night, must be for consecutive nights under one registration under one name at one property. In addition, no more than up to three consecutive nights will be honoured. If a guest checks in for three days and then checks out and re-checks in for the next day, this is considered a consecutive night booking even if the second booking is made at different hotel.  

There must be a minimum of three days between bookings.

Multiple reservations for the same person for the same night(s) is considered a double booking and only one of those bookings will be eligible for rewards. For example, if a guest books two nights on x and y date and then makes another two-night booking for the same dates at the same hotel or another hotel, EBH considers this a double booking and will honour rewards for only one of those bookings. 

Is there a limit on the number of bookings I make on different dates?  Edmonton Best Hotels welcomes repeat business.  Some of our guests visit Edmonton every month.  Please note as stated earlier there must be a minimum of three days between bookings. Please also note stated blackout dates.

Cancelling and date changes to reservations

If a guest wants to cancel or change the dates of their booking.

What if I want to cancel my booking?  Edmonton Best Hotels must cancel your booking (not the hotel).  If you want to cancel, contact info@edmh.ca and let us know.  We will cancel your booking and send you a cancellation number for your records.  Please do not cancel directly with the hotel.

What if I want to change the dates of my booking?  You must contact Edmonton Best Hotels at info@edmh.ca and let us know you want to make a date change.  Your original booking must be cancelled first.  You will receive a cancellation number for your records.  Then, you must rebook for your new dates.  The hotel nor Edmonton’s Best Hotels cannot make date changes to the original booking.  Please note this does not guarantee you will receive the same hotel rate when you rebook for different dates.

Any questions, please contact Edmonton Best Hotels at info@edmh.ca 

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