Edmonton winter is long. Pretending otherwise is how people end up losing their minds in January. The city has more to do in the cold than most people realize, from skating under lights to indoor climbing walls to museums you've probably never been to. Here's where to actually go.
Best outdoor skating in Edmonton
Our outdoor rinks are a big part of winter. The maintained ones stay beautiful most of the season.
Victoria Park IceWay: 4.6 stars. Edmonton. Long maintained skating trail along the river valley. Wind through the trees. Open evenings with lights.
Hawrelak Park Pond Ice: 4.6 stars, 1,051 reviews. Edmonton. The classic family skate. Big pond, bonfire pits, warm up hut.
Rundle Park Outdoor Skating IceWay: 4.6 stars. Beverly. Skating path through the park. Less busy than Victoria, free to use.
Victoria Park Skating Oval: 4.7 stars. Edmonton. If you're serious about long blade speed skating, this is where to go.
For indoor skating when it's too cold even for Edmontonians, see the full list of skating in Edmonton.
Museums and warm indoor stops
TELUS World of Science Edmonton: 4.5 stars, 2,324 reviews. West Edmonton. The go-to with kids. The Science Garage and the IMAX fill a full day.
Royal Alberta Museum: 4.6 stars, 5,039 reviews. Downtown. Massive. Natural history on main, culture upstairs. Easy half day.
Muttart Conservatory: 4.7 stars, 2,548 reviews. Central Edmonton. The warm pyramids in the middle of a freezing day are one of the best ideas Edmonton ever had.
Art Gallery of Alberta: 4.3 stars. Downtown. Rotating shows, built-in cafe. Good quiet afternoon.
Museum of Illusions: 4.7 stars. West Edmonton. More fun with kids and teens than you'd expect.
Neon Sign Museum: 4.5 stars. Downtown. Free, outdoor, surprisingly fun to walk past at night.
Best indoor playgrounds for kids
When your kid needs to burn energy and it's -25:
Bouncy Planet: 4.9 stars, 2,323 reviews. Edmonton. Clean, well staffed. Great for ages 2 to 8.
Fun4all Indoor Playground: 4.8 stars, 1,432 reviews. Edmonton. Big play structure, cafe for parents.
U-Play Indoor Playground: 4.5 stars, 3,193 reviews. Edmonton. Longstanding Edmonton favourite with huge play area.
LaunchPad Trampoline Park (184 St): 4.7 stars, 1,469 reviews. Older kids and teens burn hours here.
Browse every indoor playground and every trampoline park.
Climbing when it's grey outside
Edmonton's climbing gyms get busy in winter for a reason. Warm, bright, you move your whole body. See the full guide to climbing gyms in Edmonton.
Date night options
Winter date nights that don't involve a parka outdoors:
- Dinner on Whyte, then a show. See the date night restaurants guide.
- Dim lounge coffee on 124 Street. The best coffee shops.
- Dessert at a spot like Yelo'd Ice Cream & Bake Shoppe, then a walk through Churchill Square if the Christmas lights are up.
Fort Edmonton Park and the Botanic Garden
Fort Edmonton Park: 4.5 stars, 5,378 reviews. Winter hours are limited, but the Dark Fort and Christmas events are worth planning around.
U of A Botanic Garden: 4.6 stars, 3,320 reviews. The Luminaria event in December is one of Edmonton's best winter traditions. Book early.
Keep exploring
Browse all things to do in Edmonton. For spring and summer, see the fun things to do guide.
