When Edmonton's River Valley Turns into a Winter Paradise
When Edmonton's River Valley Turns into a Winter Paradise
Posted on October 31, 2015
According to theloop.ca, Edmonton is well on its way to becoming the next great Canadian city. While it's certainly true that compared to other larger Canadian cities located closer to the U.S. border, we "live the North" in Edmonton and enjoy our long sunny summer days, there is a lot to be said about the amazing greenness of our greatness. Once our greenness becomes white under a blanket of snow, it gets even better!
Edmonton's Urban Parkland is a Year-Round Paradise
The North Saskatchewan River system winds its way through Edmonton on its journey from the Columbia Icefield to Lake Winnipeg, flowing through the Nelson River and finally into Hudson Bay. The river that provides us with our drinking water actually covers ground across Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba - and since we all love it for skating, fishing, canoeing, jet skiing, photography, bird watching and even gold panning, sometimes it's easy to forget how prominent a role the great North Saskatchewan plays in our daily lives.
Cross-Country Skiing in Edmonton's River Valley
With winter just around the corner, the winter-lovers among us are getting our cross-country skis out from the closet and dusting them off. Nothing can really come close to the peaceful and invigorating experience of sailing across the snow on our many Edmonton trails, and new cross-country skiers often take advantage of the programs available to teach the basics of how to fall, how to stride diagonally, and how to stop. To find out when and what cross-country ski trails are open, call 311 if in Edmonton, 780-442-5311 outside of Edmonton, or email 311@edmonton.ca .
Downhill Skiing in Edmonton
Right within our city are two hills where you can traverse the hills and navigate the moguls all day long. Both Snow Valley Ski Hill and Edmonton Ski Club offer lessons in skiing and snowboarding, a variety of runs at different levels, chair lifts, events, and the chance to experience some great apres-ski lifestyle.
Skating at the Four River Valley Rinks in Edmonton
Gliding across one of the four rinks within Edmonton's River Valley is one of the best ways to enjoy winter in the city. There is even a chalet located at the Victoria Golf Course to warm up in, that's open from mid-December through mid-March on holidays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Victoria Skating Oval is famous for being an outdoor speed skating trail that boasts scenery unrivaled anywhere else in Canada. Since the Oval is surrounded by trees, no inclement winter weather can really get to it. To find out when the skating rinks and tracks are open, please call 311 if in Edmonton, 780-442-5311 outside of Edmonton, or email 311@edmonton.ca .