It wouldn’t be winter in Edmonton without winter festivals! Well known as the festival city, events during the colder months truly embrace our winter city status. Over two parts, we’ll profile some of our most beloved events and share a couple extra tidbits to help you round out your visit to each. While both events are family-friendly, parents looking for a day of learning and fun will love our ideas for a day in the Alberta Avenue neighbourhood.
Ice on Whyte
Started in 2003, Ice on Whyte has become a staple event brightening up the gloomy dark days that follow the holidays. Located in the vibrant Old Strathcona neighbourhood, this year’s event will be held in Dr. Wilbert McIntyre Park. The festival features extraordinary ice sculptures from some of Canada’s best ice carving artists. Look at some previous years’ carvings to get an idea of the amazing work you’ll get to see!
Tickets are available to purchase online for the event which runs from January 27 to February 6 but be sure to note that hours are different for weekdays vs. weekends. All the info you need can be found here.
When you’re ready for a bit of a break to get toasty warm again, nestled in the back alley of 82nd street just a few steps from the festival is Sugared and Spiced Baked Goods. Have a hot coffee or tea paired with one of the delightful sweets prepared from scratch – one bite and you’ll be hooked.
Deep Freeze: A Byzantine Winter Fete
For 15 years, Deep Freeze has been invigorating the community in and around 118 Avenue, also known as Alberta Avenue. The theme for 2022 is Under the Ancient Arctic Sky and visitors will experience “light installations, ice sculptures, cultural stories and winter artistic panache” at three different locations: Pipon Village, Borden Park and The Carrot Community Arts Coffee Shop.
Deep Freeze is on from January 14 to the 23 and each location has different days, hours, and events to see. Be sure to check the website in advance of your visit to make sure you don’t miss any of the elements you’re hoping to see. This amazing event is free of charge and run by the dedicated volunteers associated with Arts on the Ave. Arts on the Ave has been devoted to developing the Alberta Avenue area into a community arts district since 2005.
The Alberta Avenue neighbourhood is also one of Edmonton’s oldest! Post-festival, you can take a short walk to see three of the city’s celebrated historical buildings: the John McNeill Residence, McTaggart Residence and Norwood School. The buildings represent two eras in architectural design in Edmonton, Urban Growth from 1905 – 1913 and the War Years from 1914 – 1945.
Have you attended either of these events? What was your favourite experience? Tell us in the comments!
Possibly the best part about your winter visit to Edmonton will be our 1, 2, 3 Pick Your Rewards Deal.
The deal includes your hotel booking at the best available rate PLUS high-value inclusions that you pick yourself, but that’s not all. Stay more nights, get more value with various options including gas cards, Ultimate Dining Cards and prepaid MasterCards.
Learn more and book soon because this one’s only available while supplies last!
