Winter Wonders: Embrace the Season with Free Activities in Alberta & Saskatchewan
As winter blankets the landscapes of Alberta and Saskatchewan, Coast Hotels invites you to embrace the season with a range of delightful and free activities in each of our unique locations. From bustling cities to picturesque towns, there's something special for everyone to enjoy.
Calgary, Alberta: The North Glenmore Ice Trail
Escape the urban hustle and head to North Glenmore Ice Trail to enjoy skating through this beautiful winter wonderland. With a 730-meter skating trail, lace up your skates and glide through the trails under twinkling lights and tall trees.
Canmore, Alberta: Bow River Loop
Canmore is teeming with amazing hikes, but you don’t have to venture far to find them! Located just minutes from the center of town is the Bow River Loop, a family-friendly trail that is only two kilometers long. This trail follows alongside the beautiful Bow River and boasts exceptional mountain views that will take your breath away. You’ll eventually reach the historic Engine Bridge, which you can cross and head back along the other side of the river. Bundle up, grab a warm coffee, and enjoy all the beauty this walk offers.
Edmonton, Alberta: Explore Free Festivals
Edmonton is known as Canada’s Festival City for good reason! Even in winter, there are so many amazing free festivals to choose from. January 20-21, 2024 is Deep Freeze: A Byzantine Winter Festival. This festival features light installations, ice sculptures, cultural stories, street hockey, and Deep Freezer races.
February 9-19, 2024 is The Silver Skate Festival, where you can glide along the city's largest skating pond. Listen to music, marvel over the winter artwork and sample culinary delights!
Grimshaw, Alberta: Queen Elizabeth Provincial Park
Located on the northwest shore of Lac Cardinal, Queen Elizabeth Provincial Park is an all-season park known for its fantastic trails and wildlife. In the winter months, it offers a picturesque place to immerse yourself in nature with over four kilometers of Nordic Skiing trails through the North Peace boreal forest. If skiing isn’t your thing, try snowshoeing along the beautiful shores of the lake.
Hinton, Alberta: Hike the Athabasca Lookout Trail
Embark on a winter hiking adventure on the Athabasca Lookout Trail in Hinton. This trail offers a scenic journey through snow-covered forests, culminating in breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains from the lookout. This trail is located in the William A. Switzer Provincial Park and is perfect for those looking for a quick, yet rewarding winter hike. This one-kilometer hike can be done on foot or in snowshoes, but just be sure to dress for the winter weather!
Lethbridge, Alberta: Astronomy Sessions
This free activity is for those who love learning about the wonders of the universe! From October through February, The Lethbridge Astronomy Society hosts free public observing sessions on the last Saturday of each month. You’ll learn how to navigate the constellations, stars and planets, plus they provide binoculars and telescopes to view it all up close.
Nisku, Alberta: Cross Country Skiing
If you love staying active in the winter months, there are plenty of fantastic trails to explore in the Nisku area. One of the best trails for cross-country skiing is at the Leduc Golf & Country Club, where you can enjoy six kilometers of well-maintained trails that are completely free to the public. There are two trails that wind around the landscape of the golf course, just bring your equipment to enjoy them!
Swift Current, Saskatchewan: Explore Local Museums
At the Swift Current Museum & Visitor Centre, admission is free and it’s the perfect place to warm up while having fun and learning about the history of the area. This museum illustrates the impact and connection between human activities and the environment and don’t forget to look at the 72 million-year-old dinosaur skeleton that is on display! There is also a gift shop and other tourist information available on site.
With all of these amazing free activities across Alberta and Saskatchewan, there’s no reason not to enjoy winter! With 8 hotels across Alberta and Saskatchewan, our diverse locations ensure that wherever your winter wanderlust takes you, there’s a comfortable and inviting Coast Hotel waiting. Our locations offer pet-friendly accommodations, comfortable and spacious rooms, and a welcoming team of people who are dedicated to making your stay unforgettable!