Your Guide To Having A Blast In St. Albert All Winter Long

By Britanny Burr on January 14, 2025.

Set along the Sturgeon River and a stone’s throw from Edmonton, St. Albert offers the perfect mix of small-town charm with big-city perks. With a deep history and significant past, this city blends its roots with a modern vibe. Known for its picturesque parks, friendly community vibe, and thriving arts scene, St. Albert has it all. If you visit in the winter, you’re in for a treat.

Winter in St. Albert is like stepping into a snow globe and packed with events that bring visitors and the community together in celebration. Here’s everything you need to know about St. Albert this season.

Outdoor Skating

If you’re craving outdoor fun, there is no shortage here. Lace up your skates and head to one of St. Albert’s many outdoor skating surfaces. You’ll get all the Hallmark winter vibes without having to venture far. Lions Park is a winding, tree-lined trail, perfect for families. It offers maintained ice, heating shacks, and stunning river valley views. It’s centrally located and within walking distance of quaint restaurants and coffee shops, perfect for your aprés-skating treat. Lacombe Park is another incredible spot for skating. It transforms into a picture-perfect skating pond and is a local favourite for families, couples, or a solo skater looking for a breath of fresh air. You really can’t go wrong with an afternoon on the ice.

Tobogganing at Mission Hill

Mission Hill, or Seven Hills, as coined by locals, isn’t just a hill–it’s a sledding paradise and home to one of the most quintessentially Canadian winter activities. It’s been a fan favourite for generations and is perfect for kids and adults looking for a little bit of adrenaline within city limits. Pack your favourite toboggan or crazy carpet and hold on tight.

Cross Country Skiing & Walking Trails

The St. Albert Nordic Ski Club grooms and maintains cross-country ski trails on the eastern edge of St. Albert at Kingswood Park for classic and skate skiing. Strap on your skis and fill your lungs with crisp, fresh air.

If you prefer to explore on foot, the Red Willow Trail System is a dream for anyone wanting to spend an afternoon in the snow. It has over 85 km of trails. Hike alongside the Sturgeon River or try snowshoeing through stunning forested surroundings, and get ready to explore nature right within city limits.

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Events & Festivals

Get ready for live entertainment, ice carving, and fire performances. Held each Family Day long weekend, the Fire and Ice Festival, hosted by the St. Albert Firefighters, is the ultimate way to embrace winter. It features family-friendly activities and a toasty fire pit to keep you warm.

There’s also the Taste of Africa festival in February, which celebrates Black history in the area. There are tons of other fantastic events and things to do. Be sure to keep your eyes on the City’s calendar so you don’t miss anything.

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Culture & Eats

St. Albert isn’t just about the outdoors. It’s home to the renowned Arden Theatre, a beloved spot perfect for catching a live performance. This intimate theatre is known for its excellent acoustics and lineup of concerts, theatre productions, and cultural events. There’s always something worth checking out.

Stop by The Art Gallery of St. Albert, a charming cultural hub in the heart of downtown St. Albert. Housed in a beautifully restored historic building, the gallery showcases an ever-changing collection of contemporary art exhibits, workshops, and events that make art accessible and fun for everyone.

The Musee Heritage Museum is also worth a visit. It offers a deep dive into the city’s Metis and pioneer history and is a great way to spend an afternoon.

Exploring all that St. Albert has to offer might leave you working up an appetite. Luckily, this city knows how to eat and drink properly. Jack’s Burger Shack is a local favourite for a cozy lunch or midday bite. It offers the juiciest burgers and the best crispy fries, perfect after a chilly day outdoors. The Riverbank Bistro serves elevated comfort food with gorgeous views of the River in one of St. Albert’s most iconic Victorian buildings.

Whether you’re skating under twinkling lights or snuggling up by a roaring fire, St. Albert has everything you need for an unforgettable winter. It’s cozy, charming, and full of surprises. So, what are you waiting for? Bundle up, grab your sense of adventure, and let St. Albert works its winter magic on you.

Britanny Burr is a freelance writer and a contributor to Great West Media. This story was written for the Great West Media & Southern Alberta Newspapers Cool Winter Guide advertising feature. The Cool Winter Guide is a special feature about winter activities, bucket list adventures, winter attractions, events, and road trip-worthy food & beverage destinations across Alberta. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of the editorial staff.