Five Outdoor Holiday Happenings Around Western Canada

Embrace a little winter wonder.

Edmonton

Ice On Whyte Ice Carving FestivalThough we usually prefer our ice in cube form (gotta keep those Negronis frosty somehow), the sculptures and slides at this Edmonton festival are appealing in their own right. Everyday, Ice on Whyte delivers a variety of outdoor activities, from trying your hand at ice carving or sliding down the giant ice slide, this festival is making the most out of the below-freezing temperatures. On Friday, January 22, ten teams of professional artists from around the world begin to create ice carving magic; the competition then continues into Sunday when you can vote for your favourite carving for the People’s Choice Award.More information on purchasing tickets here.

Squamish

Sea to Sky Gondola Transport yourself 855 metres above Howe Sound to a scenic winter playground. Snowshoe along the scenic trails or take the tube park for a spin, and then relish in a cup of hot cocoa as you absorb the extensive view of Howe Sound from the suspension bridge. Ski touring terrain is also accessible, for those brave enough to venture out into backcountry. More information on purchasing tickets can be found here

North Shore

Grouse’s Peak of Christmas EventSkate under the stars, take a mountaintop sleigh ride, zip-line across a snow-covered valley…and even catch some reindeer.More information here

Okanagan

Snowshoe tour and mulled wine at Sun Peaks ResortThe intimate evening begins with a one-kilometre snowshoe tour through beautiful forest trails, breaks with a campfire at a cozy woodland camp, and continues on to feature picturesque views overlooking the lit up village. Back at the lodge, warm up with some mulled wine in the warm atmosphere of the Sun Peaks Lodge Steakhouse. More information on ticket sales found here

Invermere

Horesdrawn sleighrides at Panorama ResortLocated three hours from Calgary, Panorama Resort is offering evening horse-drawn sleigh rides—the perfect way to relax and enjoy the scenery after a long day on the slopes. Afterwards, take a soak in Panorama’s hot spring pools for the ultimate après ski. More details on the sleighrides and other resort activities can be found here