Cool Winter Guide 2017-2018 by Vue Weekly

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MONTHLY LISTINGS

November ................................................................................................ 6 December ................................................................................................ 8 January .................................................................................................... 10 February / March .................................................................................12

SPECIAL LISTINGS

Edmonton and Area ........................................................................... 18 Calgary .....................................................................................................19 Alberta .....................................................................................................21 Saskatchewan / B.C. ........................................................................... 25 Skating Rinks ........................................................................................ 33 Alberta Winter Camping ..................................................................34 Toboggan Hills .....................................................................................34 Snowshoeing ........................................................................................ 35 Hot Springs ...........................................................................................36 Festivals Edmonton............................................................................ 37 Ski Hills and Mountains....................................................................38 Cross Country Ski Trails ....................................................................41

SECTIONS

Dish ...........................................................................................................14 Adventure ..............................................................................................26 Style ....................................................................................................... 30

EXTRA

Index of Advertisements ..................................................................42

#200, 11230 - 119 STREET, EDMONTON, AB T5G 2X3 | T: 780.426.1996 F: 780.426.2889 FOUNDING EDITOR / FOUNDING PUBLISHER .......................................................................................................................RON GARTH PRESIDENT / PUBLISHER ROBERT W DOULL......................................................................................................................................................rwdoull@vueweekly.com ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER / ACCOUNT MANAGER JOANNE LAYH ..................................................................................................................................................................joanne@vueweekly.com EDITOR LEE BUTLER..............................................................................................................................................................................lee@vueweekly.com STAFF WRITERS STEPHAN BOISSONNEAULT ..............................................................................................................................................stephan@vueweekly.com SIERRA BILTON .......................................................................................................................................................................... sierra@vueweekly.com LISTINGS HEATHER SKINNER....................................................................................................................................................... listings@vueweekly.com PRODUCTION MANAGER CHARLIE BIDDISCOMBE ............................................................................................................................................. charlie@vueweekly.com PRODUCTION STEVEN TEEUWSEN ................................................................................................................................................... stevent@vueweekly.com CURTIS HAUSER .............................................................................................................................................................curtish@vueweekly.com ACCOUNT MANAGER JAMES JARVIS ....................................................................................................................................................................james@vueweekly.com JON MICK ...................................................................................................................................................................................jon@vueweekly.com DISTRIBUTION MANAGER MICHAEL GARTH .........................................................................................................................................................michael@vueweekly.com

CONTRIBUTORS Jake Pesaruk, Lisa Lunney, Lucas Provencher, Katie Robertson, Mountain Equipment Co-op

COVER Illustrated by Curtis Hauser COOL WINTER GUIDE LISTINGS COMPILED BY Stephan Boissonneault

Cool Winter Guide is available free of charge at well over 1400 locations throughout Edmonton. We are funded solely through the support of our advertisers. Cool Winter Guide is a division of Postvue Publishing LP (Robert W. Doull, President). Cool Winter Guide is available free of charge throughout Greater Edmonton and Northern Alberta, limited to one copy per reader. Cool Winter Guide may be distributed only by its authorized independent contractors and employees. No person may, without prior written permission, take more than one copy of each issue. Canada Post Publications Mail Agreement No. 40022989. If undeliverable, return to: #200, 11230 - 119 St, Edmonton, AB T5G 2X3

c l winter guide NOV 09, 2017 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; MAR 31, 2018

GIBBONS MORINVILLE

ST. ALBERT

FORT SASKATCHEWAN

S TRATHCONA COUNTY SPRUCE GROVE

N Y PL A I N

SHERWOOD PARK

BEA UM O T N

NIS K U

D EVON

LEDUC

MAP YOUR QUEST legend

EDMONTON PROPER

Edmonton pg. 18

EDMONTON METRO SURROUNDING AREA

AB pg. 21

c l winter guide NOV 09, 2017 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; MAR 31, 2018

B.C. pg. 25

Calgary pg. 19

SK pg. 25

cool winter guide nov 09, 2017 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; mar 31, 2018

MBER E V O N

EDMONTON PROPER: november ALL IS BRIGHT • High St, 124 St, between 102 and 108 Ave • Nov 25 • 4 pm – 8 pm • The businesses of 124 St and High St bring the All is Bright Festival, a unique event that celebrates the coming of the winter season in Edmonton and lighting up the night through illumination, fun, and live entertainment to patrons of all ages. • 124street.ca/all-is-bright/

CHRISTMAS CARD BUFFET • 1303-80 St • Nov 29 • 6 pm • Don’t be like everyone else and give boring storebought cards. Come make them at the Christmas Card Buffet. • eventbrite.ca EDMONTON OIL KINGS VS KOOTENAY ICE • Rogers Place, 10214-104 Ave • Nov 24 • 7 pm • Tickets at ticketmaster.com EDMONTON OIL KINGS VS PORTLAND WINTERHAWKS • Rogers Place, 10214-104 Ave • Nov 25 • 7 pm • Tickets at ticketmaster.com EDMONTON OIL KINGS VS BRANDON WHEAT KINGS • Rogers Place, 10214-104 Ave

• Nov 29 • 7 pm • Tickets at ticketmaster.com EDMONTON OILERS VS VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS • Rogers Place, 10214-104 Ave • Nov 14 • 7 pm • Tickets at ticketmaster.com EDMONTON OILERS VS ST. LOUIS BLUES • Rogers Place, 10214-104 Ave • Nov 16 • 7 pm • Tickets at ticketmaster.com EDMONTON OILERS VS PHOENIX COYOTES • Rogers Place, 10214-104 Ave • Nov 28 • 7 pm • Tickets at ticketmaster.com EDMONTON OILERS VS TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS • Rogers Place, 10214-104 Ave • Nov 30 • 7 pm • Tickets at ticketmaster.com FESTIVAL OF TREES • Shaw Conference Centre, 9797 Jasper Ave • Nov 30 – Dec 3 • Thu – Sat: 9 am – 9 pm, Sun: 9 am – 5 pm • Buying a ticket to the Festival of Trees supports the life-saving and changing care provided to patients at the University of Alberta Hospital, the Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute and the Kaye Edmonton Clinic. Check out the children’s Christmas lane, the gift shop, and breakfast with Santa. • festivaloftrees.ca FOODOVATION • NAIT, 11762-106 St • Nov 9 – 10 • A premier showcase of western Canada’s leading-edge food technologies, research, products and culinary creations. Foodovation highlights the value-chain, brings together producers, processors, researchers, entrepreneurs and chefs in one space to pursue collaboration and celebrate innovation. • agfoodcouncil.com/ foodovation MAKE IT EDMONTON • Northlands Expo Centre, 7515118 Ave • Nov 23 – 26 • Make It is the largest event of its kind in Western Canada. It is an upbeat experience that gives shoppers the opportunity to buy directly from Canada’s top artists, crafters and designers. • makeitshow.ca ROYAL BISON ART AND CRAFT FAIR • 8426 Gateway

Blvd • Nov 24 – 26 • Fri, 5 pm – 9 pm, Sat, 10 am – 5 pm, Sun, 10 am – 4 pm • The Royal Bison is back this holiday season for another round of Alberta’s ﬁnest art, design, jewelry, housewares, knick-knacks and other rad stuff. • royalbison.ca

season with Strathcona County’s Celebration of Lights festival. Join Santa and the Mayor as the magic of the season comes alive with the digital Christmas tree and community holiday lights outside the Community Centre. • strathcona.ca

SANTA’S PARADE OF LIGHTS • Jasper Ave (check website for parade route) • Nov 18 • 5:30 pm • Celebrate the glow of lights, the wonder of winter, the arrival of Santa Claus, and the great outdoors. Bundle up and gather with family, friends and community in downtown Edmonton to kickoff the holiday season. • edmontonsantaparade.com

IT’S A WONDERFUL, LIFE AND ELF THE MUSICAL JR. • Arden Theatre, 5 St Anne St, St Albert • Nov 23 – Dec 3 • Presented by St Albert Children’s Theatre. Two plays to get you in the holiday spirit. • stalbert.ca

THE GREAT SWEATER RUN • Emily Murphy Park • Nov 25 • Find your tackiest Christmas sweater and make your way to the Great Sweater run. Get your family, friends and pet in the spirit and keep warm by participating and wearing one of your tackiest holiday outﬁts. Embrace the season and come out dressed to impress. • thegreatsweaterrun.ca

EDMONTON Metro: november 2017 SANTA CLAUS PARADE • Leduc • Route starts at Bank of Montreal, turns west on 50th Ave and ends at 52nd St • Nov 25 • 5pm • Santa Claus parade and family-friendly activities and entertainment. • leduc-chamber.com BRIGHTEN UP BEAUMONT • Four Seasons Park, Beaumont • Nov 24 • A winter festival with horse-drawn sleigh rides, hot chocolate and oranges, Christmas carols, a visit from Santa and ﬁreworks. • beaumont.ab.ca CELEBRATION OF LIGHTS • Community Centre, 401 Festival Lane, Sherwood Park • Nov 18 • 3 pm • Kick off the holiday

c l winter guide NOV 09, 2017 – MAR 31, 2018

LUMINARIA • University of Alberta Botanic Garden, 51227 Hwy 60, Parkland County (5 km north of Devon on Hwy 60) • Dec 1 – 3 • 5 pm – 9 pm • This popular event ignites the festive season with thousands of candles along the paths of the Kurimoto Japanese Garden in a breathtaking display–a quiet oasis of peace and light.Visitors will be able to stroll through the candle-lit pathways, drink hot apple cider beside the bonﬁres, gaze at ice sculptures, delightful “snow sprites” and the seasonal sounds of strolling a capella singers. As always, a special memory lane will be available for visitors who would like to light a candle in honour of a loved one, by donation. • luminaria.ualberta.ca SNOWFLAKE FESTIVAL • Downtown St Albert • Nov 17 • Perron District will be lit up with the warm glow of Christmas lights, you and your family can admire the live ice sculpture display. Take a ride in a horses-drawn wagon, mingle with live reindeer, and soak in other unique entertainment and displays in this winter wonderland. • stalbert.ca WINE AND BEYOND’S WINTER WHISKY FESTIVAL • Wine and Beyond Windermere, 6276 Currents Dr, Sherwood Park • Nov 8 • An exclusive event celebrating everything whisky. Join Wine and Beyond as they sample over 200 whiskies from dozens of distilleries located around the globe. • eventbrite.ca

jubilations is alwaYs a great time!

“You don’t need to be a fan of the tV show to enjoY our new & exciting light hearted comedY!” c l winter guide NOV 09, 2017 – MAR 31, 2018

december Edmonton proper: december A CHRISTMAS CAROL • Citadel Theatre, 9828–101A Ave • Dec 1 – 23 • Now in its 18th consecutive season, this adaptation of the Dickens classic is a favourite holiday tradition for thousands of Edmonton families. • citadeltheatre.com • 780.425.1820 A JANN ARDEN CHRISTMAS • Winspear Centre, 4 Sir Winston Churchill Square • Dec 1 – 2 • 7:30 pm • Hits and holiday favourites with this beloved Alberta singer-songwriter.• winspearcentre.com • 780.428.1414 A LIGHTLY CLASSICAL CHRISTMAS • Winspear Centre, 4 Sir Winston Churchill Square • Dec 21 • 8 pm • An arrangment of all the Chirstmas favourites. • winspearcentre.com • 780.428.1414 CANDY CANE LANE • 148 St between 92 and 100 Ave • Dec 9 – Jan 1 • 9 pm • Candy Cane Lane has been a Christmas tradition for over 40 years. Enjoy a sleigh ride, take in the beautiful light displays and don’t forget to bring a donation for the Edmonton Food Bank. • candycanelane.ca CANDY CANE FAMILY CHRISTMAS • Winspear Centre, 4 Sir Winston Churchill Square • Dec 16 • 11 am and 1:30 pm • This fun-ﬁlled holiday show for families features some of the

most popular songs and carols of the season. Dancers, singers and some surprising guests will make the holiday brighter during this ESO show. • winspearcentre.com • 780.428.1414 CELEBRATE THE SEASON AT THE ALBERTA LEGISLATURE • Alberta Legislature Grounds • Dec 7 – 23 • Every evening at 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm. Weekdays 12 pm –12:50 pm • Thousands of bright lights provide the backdrop for a holiday stroll or skate in the beautiful Legislature Grounds. Musical performances daily in the Legislature. • assembly.ab.ca EDMONTON OIL KINGS VS PRINCE ALBERT RAIDERS • Rogers Place, 10214-104 Ave • Dec 2 • 7 pm • Tickets at ticketmaster.com EDMONTON OIL KINGS VS LETHBRIDGE HURRICANES • Rogers Place, 10214-104 Ave • Dec 3 • 4 pm • Tickets at ticketmaster.com EDMONTON OIL KINGS VS MOOSE JAW WARRIORS • Rogers Place, 10214-104 Ave • Dec 7 • 7 pm • Tickets at ticketmaster.com EDMONTON OIL KINGS VS SWIFT CURRENT BRONCOS • Rogers Place, 10214-104 Ave • Dec 10 • 7 pm • Tickets at ticketmaster.com EDMONTON OIL KINGS VS TRI-CITY AMERICANS • Rogers Place, 10214-104 Ave • Dec 15 • 7 pm • Tickets at ticketmaster.com EDMONTON OIL KINGS VS

MEDICINE HAT TIGERS • Rogers Place, 10214-104 Ave • Dec 16 • 7 pm • Tickets at ticketmaster.com EDMONTON OIL KINGS VS RED DEER REBELS • Rogers Place, 10214-104 Ave • Dec 28 • 7 pm • Tickets at ticketmaster.com EDMONTON OIL KINGS VS KOOTENAY ICE • Rogers Place, 10214-104 Ave • Dec 30 • 7 pm • Tickets at ticketmaster.com EDMONTON OILERS VS PHILADELPHIA FLYERS • Rogers Place, 10214-104 Ave • Dec 6 • 7:30 pm • Tickets at ticketmaster.com EDMONTON OILERS VS NASHVILLE PREDATORS • Rogers Place, 10214-104 Ave • Dec 14 • 7 pm • Tickets at ticketmaster.com EDMONTON OILERS VS SAN JOSE SHARKS • Rogers Place, 10214-104 Ave • Nov 18 • 7 pm • Tickets at ticketmaster.com EDMONTON OILERS VS ST. LOUIS BLUES • Rogers Place, 10214-104 Ave • Nov 21• 7 pm • Tickets at ticketmaster.com EDMONTON OILERS VS MONTREAL CANADIENS • Rogers Place, 10214-104 Ave • Dec 23 • 5 pm • Tickets at ticketmaster.com EDMONTON OILERS VS CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS • Rogers Place, 10214-104 Ave • Dec 29 • 7 pm • Tickets at ticketmaster.com EDMONTON OILERS VS WINNIPEG JETS • Rogers

Place, 10214-104 Ave • Dec 31 • 5 pm • Tickets at ticketmaster.com HANDEL’S MESSIAH • Winspear Centre, 4 Sir Winston Churchill Square • Dec 15 – 16 • 7:30 pm • Hear Messiah as you never have before, with an unabashedly lush full-orchestra arrangement of this holiday favourite. • winspearcentre.com • 780.428.1414 HANDEL’S MESSIAH – Favourite Arias and Choruses • Winspear Centre, 4 Sir Winston Churchill Square • Dec 17 • 2 pm • The condensed verison of Handel’s highlights. • winspearcentre.com • 780.428.1414 ICE CASTLES • Hawrelak Park, 9330 Groat Rd • Ice Castles is returning to Edmonton to construct another massive castle made of ice. The acre-sized winter wonderland is crafted by hand, using only icicles and water, and resembles organic formations found in nature, like those of frozen waterfalls, glaciers or ice caves. Edmonton’s Ice Castle will be built in Hawrelak Park and in partnership with the City of Edmonton and the Silver Skate Festival. Construction will most likely begin in November, and the Ice Castle is expected to be open to the public late December, weather permitting. • icecastles.com KRAMPUSNACHT EDMONTON • Whyte Avenue (tentative) • Dec 5 • 9 pm • Will you be rewarded by Saint Nikolaus, or punished by Krampus? Join us for an Austro-Bavarian #Krampuslauf Yule Parade along Whyte Ave on #Krampusnachtyeg. • krampusnachtedmonton.com 780.428.1414

c l winter guide NOV 09, 2017 – MAR 31, 2018

NEW YEAR’S EVE • Sir Winston Churchill Square • Dec 31 • 6 pm • This fun-filled family event will include live entertainment, crafts, ice skating, fireworks and much more. • edmonton.ca/newyearseve ROYAL BISON ART AND CRAFT FAIR • 8426 Gateway Blvd • Dec 1 – 3 • Fri, 5 pm – 9 pm, Sat, 10 am – 5 pm, Sun, 10 am – 4 pm • The Royal Bison is back this holiday season for another round of Alberta’s finest art, design, jewelry, housewares, knick-knacks and other rad stuff. It’s taking over the first two weekends of December for prime holiday shopping goodness. • royalbison.ca SANTA SHUFFLE FUN RUN AND ELF WALK • William Hawrelak Park, 9330 Groat Rd • Dec 2 • This merry event helps the Salvation Army assist families and individuals in need during the Christmas season and throughout the year. • santashuffle.ca SINGING CHRISTMAS TREE • Jubilee Auditorium, 11455–87 Ave • Dec 14 – 17 • The Edmonton Singing Christmas Tree is an annual holiday tradition. A 10.5 m Christmas tree with a spectacular choir inside. The event donates all proceeds to local charities, organizations and children in need through gifts, food and music education, • edmontonsingingchristmastree.com • 780.487.8733 SMALL OFFICE, BIG PARTY • Fort Edmonton Park • Dec 16 • 6 pm • This party takes place in the unique and vintage setting of Fort Edmonton Park, and includes a delicious festive buffet dinner, great prizes, and live music from the Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. • fortedmontonpark.ca

WINTERFEST • Snow Valley • Dec 1 – 3 • A weekend to kick off the ski season and celebrate winter. Refreshments, activites, giveaways and games all weekend. • snowvalley.ca YULE AVE: A MERRY CHRISTMAS • In and around Alberta Avenue Community League, 9120-118 Ave • Dec 16 • Free • A weekend of free familyfriendly events aimed at creating your own Christmas, not buying it. Featuring an ornament creation station at the Nina Haggerty Centre for the Arts and a free chili dinner, live music and theatre performances, wagon rides, a giving tree, a snow village and more. • yuleave.com ZOOMINESCENCE: A FESTIVAL OF LIGHT • Edmonton Valley Zoo,13315 Buena Vista Rd • Weekends in December and Dec 26, 27, and 28. • 5 – 9 pm • Stroll through the zoo after dark and experience one artistic light

installation after another. • 311 • buildingourzoo.com

perform a live on-air rendition of Dickens ‘A Christmas Carol.’ • eastofsixty.com

EDMONTON Metro: December 2017 SKATE WITH SANTA • Kinex Arena, 66 Hebert Rd, St Albert • Dec 17 • 1:45 pm • Enjoy some skating fun with Santa Claus himself at this themed skate. There will be hot chocolate and timbits that you can enjoy with the family. • stalbert.ca A LITTLE DICKENS • East of Sixty Productions, Box 1 20 Haven Ave, Devon • Dec 15 – 17 • Set in an era when television threatens the popularity of radio shows, a local voice cast has been hired to

A PRAIRIE CHRISTMAS • Prairie Gardens, 56311 Lily Lake Rd, Bon Accord; 40 km north of Edmonton • Dec 9 – 10 • A weekend of Christmas family fun featuring snowman cookies to decorate, music, magic shows, an indoor snow ball fort, bale mazes, and train rides on the Polar express. Free family photos with Santa Claus, and more. • prairiegardens.org • 780.921.2272 BIG HANK’S TRIBUTE TO THE BLUES SONGS OF CHRISTMAS • Horizon Stage, 1001 Calahoo Rd, Spruce Grove • Dec 2 • This show is a collection of traditional Blues Christmas tunes from the ‘20s to the ‘60s by the likes of Louis Jordan, Big Joe Turner, BB King, Eric Clapton, Charles Brown, Etta James, and more • horizonstage.com

DUKE ELLINGTON’S ‘THE NUTCRACKER SUITE’ • Festival Place, 100 Festival Way, Sherwood Park • Dec 3 • Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite is one of the hallmarks of the Christmas season. Add in the jazz mastery of Duke Ellington’s arrangements and delicate ballerinas turn into swingin’ horns and a whole lot of holiday joy • festivalplace.ab.ca LUMINARIA • University of Alberta Botanic Garden, 51227 Hwy 60, Parkland County (5 km north of Devon on Hwy 60) • Dec 1 – 3 • 5 pm – 9 pm • This popular event ignites the festive season with thousands of candles along the paths of the Kurimoto Japanese Garden in a breathtaking display–a quiet oasis of peace and light.Visitors will be able to stroll through the candle-lit pathways, drink hot apple cider beside the bonﬁres, gaze at ice sculptures, delightful “snow sprites” and the seasonal sounds of strolling a capella singers. As always, a special memory

lane will be available for visitors who would like to light a candle in honour of a loved one, by donation. • luminaria.ualberta.ca NEW YEAR’S EVE FESTIVAL • Broadmoor Lake Park, Community Centre & Festival Place, Sherwood Park • Dec 31 • 4 pm • Celebrate the ending to Canada’s 150th birthday at the New Year’s Eve Festival. strathcona.ca OH WHAT A NIGHT – THE CHRISTMAS SHOW • Arden Theatre, 5 St Anne St, St Albert • Dec 10 • The cast will warm you up with some of the most popular songs from their fast-paced musical tribute to the legendary Frankie Valli and then take you into a Christmas wonderland with a brand new tribute to “Mr. Christmas” himself – the great Andy Williams. • stalbert.ca

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c l winter guide NOV 09, 2017 – MAR 31, 2018

EDMONTON OIL KINGS VS MOOSE JAW WARRIORS • Rogers Place, 10214-104 Ave • Jan 6 • 7 pm • Tickets at ticketmaster.com

JANUARY

EDMONTON OIL KINGS VS KAMLOOPS BLAZERS • Rogers Place, 10214-104 Ave • Jan 21 • 4 pm • Tickets at ticketmaster.com

communities and traditions to revel in the magic and beauty of winter. This year’s theme is Village Upside Down. • deepfreezefest.ca

edmonton proper DEEP FREEZE: A BYZANTINE WINTER FESTIVAL • 118 Ave and 90–94 St • Jan 13 – 14 • Free • The Deep Freeze is a free, family event that brings together Ukrainian, Franco-Albertan, Franco-African and First Nations

EDMONTON OIL KINGS VS CALGARY HITMEN • Rogers Place, 10214-104 Ave • Jan 1 • 2 pm • Tickets at ticketmaster.com EDMONTON OIL KINGS VS VANCOUVER GIANTS • Rogers Place, 10214-104 Ave • Jan 3 • 2 pm • Tickets at ticketmaster.com

presents

EDMONTON OIL KINGS VS MEDICINE HAT TIGERS • Rogers Place, 10214-104 Ave • Jan 24 • 7 pm • Tickets at ticketmaster.com EDMONTON OILERS VS LOS ANGELES KINGS • Rogers Place, 10214-104 Ave • Jan 2 • 7:30 pm • Tickets at ticketmaster.com EDMONTON OILERS VS ANAHEIM DUCKS • Rogers Place, 10214-104 Ave • Jan 4 • 7 pm • Tickets at ticketmaster.com EDMONTON OILERS VS VANCOUVER CANUCKS • Rogers Place, 10214-104 Ave • Jan 20 • 8 pm • Tickets at ticketmaster.com EDMONTON OILERS VS BUFFALO SABRES • Rogers Place, 10214-104 Ave • Jan 23 • 7:30 pm • Tickets at ticketmaster.com

JANUARY 13 & 14, 2018 Between 90–95 Street on 118 Ave | Edmonton, AB RTED SUPPO ATION N BY DO & Pay Come Can ou What Y

DeepFreezeFest.ca

EDMONTON OILERS VS CALGARY FLAMES • Rogers Place, 10214-104 Ave • Jan 25 • 7 pm • Tickets at ticketmaster.com ICE CASTLES • Hawrelak Park, 9330 Groat Rd • Ice Castles is returning to Edmonton to construct another massive castle made of ice. The acre-sized winter wonderland is crafted by hand, using only icicles and water, and resembles organic formations found in nature, like those of frozen waterfalls, glaciers or ice caves. Edmonton’s Ice Castle will be built in Hawrelak Park and in partnership with the City of Edmonton and the Silver Skate Festival. Construction will most likely begin in November, and the Ice Castle is expected to be open to the public late December, weather permitting. • icecastles.com ICE ON WHYTE FESTIVAL • End of Steel Park (Gateway Blvd & Tommy Banks Way) • Jan 25 – 28; Feb 1 – 4 • Celebrate winter and be amazed by ice carvings. Play in the kids’ zone, carve some ice, enjoy live music and tasty food, and meet ordinary people with extraordinary stories that built Canada. • iceonwhyte.ca RUBABOO ABORIGINAL ARTS FESTIVAL • La Cite Francophone, 8627–91 St • Jan 28 – Feb 3 • A multi-disciplinary arts festival ﬁlled with an artistic stew of workshops and performances in theatre, dance, music, and visual arts by professional and emerging aboriginal artists • rubaboo.ca

c l winter guide NOV 09, 2017 – MAR 31, 2018

The f o Fun g n i Find ! t u O Visit us at twose.ca c l winter guide NOV 09, 2017 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; MAR 31, 2018

U A R R B Y E F edmonton proper 2018 CANADIAN BIRKEBEINER SKI FESTIVAL • East of Edmonton, in the areas of Cooking Lake-Blackfoot Provincial Recreation Area, the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village and Elk Island National Park • Feb 9 – 10 • Come cheer on more than 2000 crosscountry skiers or take on the Birkie yourself, with events for all levels of skiers. • canadianbirkie.com COLDEST NIGHT OF THE YEAR • Starts at Hope Mission, 9908–106 Ave • Feb 24 • The Coldest Night of the Year is a fantastically fun, family friendly walking fundraiser that raises money for the hungry, homeless and hurting in 64 communities across Canada. • coldestnightoftheyear.org EDMONTON OIL KINGS VS RED DEER REBELS • Rogers Place, 10214-104 Ave • Feb 10 • 1:30 pm • Tickets at ticketmaster.com

EDMONTON OIL KINGS VS SASKATOON BLADES • Rogers Place, 10214-104 Ave • Feb 19 • 4 pm • Tickets at ticketmaster.com EDMONTON OIL KINGS VS PRINCE ALBERT RAIDERS • Rogers Place, 10214-104 Ave • Feb 24 • 7 pm • Tickets at ticketmaster.com EDMONTON OIL KINGS VS SWIFT CURRENT BRONCOS • Rogers Place, 10214-104 Ave • Feb 25 • 4 pm • Tickets at ticketmaster.com EDMONTON OIL KINGS VS MEDICINE HAT TIGERS • Rogers Place, 10214-104 Ave • Feb 27 • 11:30 am • Tickets @ ticketmaster.com EDMONTON OILERS VS COLORADO AVALANCHE • Rogers Place, 10214-104 Ave • Feb 1 • 7 pm • Tickets at ticketmaster.com EDMONTON OILERS VS TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING • Rogers Place, 10214-104 Ave • Feb 5 • 7 pm • Tickets at ticketmaster.com EDMONTON OILERS VS FLORIDA PANTHERS • Rog-

ers Place, 10214-104 Ave • Feb 12 • 7 pm • Tickets at ticketmaster.com EDMONTON OILERS VS BOSTON BRUINS • Rogers Place, 10214-104 Ave • Feb 20 • 7 pm • Tickets at ticketmaster.com EDMONTON OILERS VS COLORADO AVALANCHE • Rogers Place, 10214-104 Ave • Feb 22 • 7 pm • Tickets at ticketmaster.com FAMILY DAY DOWNTOWN • Sir Winston Churchill Square and City Hall • Feb 19 • 12 pm – 4 pm • To celebrate Family Day, come downtown with your loved ones for ice skating, hay rides, bannock making, games and more. • edmonton.ca FAMILY DAY AT THE LEGISLATURE • Alberta Legislature Grounds, 10800 97 Ave • Feb 19 • Indoor and outdoor adventures for Family Day at the Alberta Legislature. More details TBD • assembly.ab.ca FAMILY DAY AT THE ZOO • Edmonton Valley Zoo, 13315 Buena Vista Rd • Feb 19 • 12 pm – 4 pm • Beat the winter blues for some polar bear Family Day fun with crafts, a scavenger hunt and a

FATBIKES FOR MS • Location to be decided • Feb 18 • A fat bike trek to raise awareness and funds for MS research. All funds go straight to the MS Society. Looking for riders, title sponsors and volunteers. • revolutioncycle.com

RUBABOO ABORIGINAL ARTS FESTIVAL • La Cite Francophone, 8627–91 St • Jan 28 – Feb 3 • A multi-disciplinary arts festival ﬁlled with an artistic stew of workshops and performances in theatre, dance, music, and visual arts by professional and emerging aboriginal artists • rubaboo.ca

FLYING CANOË VOLANT • La Cite Francophone, 8627-91 St; Mill Creek Ravine • Feb 2 – 3 • 6 pm – 10 pm (Mill Creek Ravine), 6 pm – 12 am (La Cite Francophone) • The Flying Canoë Volant is a creative, interactive, cultural event, designed to celebrate local history and everything that is great about a long winter’s night. Inspired by the legend of The Flying Canoe and French Canadian, First Nations and Métis traditions, this event celebrates the beautiful Mill Creek Ravine and the French Quarter. • ﬂyingcanoevolant.ca

SILVER SKATE FESTIVAL • William Hawrelak Park • Feb 9 – 19 • Rooted in the Dutch tradition of a love of the outdoors and the pleasure of experiencing the cultural and esthetic beauty of winter, this festival will feature snow sculptures, winter sports, and horse-drawn sleighs carrying families through the park. Sit in a Cree winter camp and cook bannock over an open ﬁre. Compete in the winter triathlon or speed skating events and take in some live music and theatrical performances. • silverskatefestival.org

ICE ON WHYTE FESTIVAL End of Steel Park (Gateway Blvd & Tommy Banks Way) • Feb 1 – 4 • Celebrate winter and be amazed by ice carvings. Play in the kids’ zone, carve some ice, enjoy live music and tasty food, and meet ordinary people with extraordinary stories that built Canada. • iceonwhyte.ca

WINTER BIKE TO WORK DAY • City-wide (check edmonton.ca for local celebrations) • Feb 10 • Hop on your bike to celebrate and participate.You may ﬁnd breakfast or hot chocolate to enjoy along your route. • Commit to ride at winterbiketoworkday.org

using only icicles and water, and resembles organic formations found in nature, like those of frozen waterfalls, glaciers or ice caves. Edmonton’s Ice Castle will be built in Hawrelak Park and in partnership with the City of Edmonton and the Silver Skate Festival. Construction will most likely begin in November, and the Ice Castle is expected to be open to the public late December, weather permitting. • icecastles.com

delicious food and drink from generous sponsors, and a silent auction. The Parka Patio is not only one of the season’s most charming events—it is also one of Latitude 53’s most important fundraisers. • latitude53.org

family photo booth. • valleyzoo.ca

MARC H edmonton proper EDMONTON OIL KINGS VS CALGARY HITMEN • Rogers Place, 10214-104 Ave • Mar 2 • 7 pm • Tickets at ticketmaster.com EDMONTON OIL KINGS VS REGINA PATS • Rogers Place, 10214-104 Ave • Mar 4 • 4 pm • Tickets at ticketmaster.com EDMONTON OIL KINGS VS 12

KOOTENAY ICE • Rogers Place, 10214-104 Ave • Mar 11 • 4 pm • Tickets at ticketmaster.com EDMONTON OILERS VS NASHVILLE PREDATORS • Rogers Place, 10214-104 Ave • Mar 1 • 7 pm • Tickets at ticketmaster.com EDMONTON OILERS VS NEW YORK RANGERS • Rogers Place, 10214-104 Ave • Mar 3 • 8:30 pm • Tickets at ticketmaster.com EDMONTON OILERS VS PHOENIX COYOTES • Rogers Place, 10214-104 Ave • Mar 5 • 8:30

pm • Tickets at ticketmaster.com EDMONTON OILERS VS NEW YORK ISLANDERS • Rogers Place, 10214-104 Ave • Mar 8 • 7 pm • Tickets at ticketmaster.com EDMONTON OILERS VS MINNESOTA WILD • Rogers Place, 10214-104 Ave • Mar 10 • 8 pm • Tickets at ticketmaster.com ICE CASTLES • Hawrelak Park, 9330 Groat Rd • Ice Castles is returning to Edmonton to construct another massive castle made of ice. The acre-sized winter wonderland is crafted by hand,

PARKA PATIO • Latitude 53, 10242-106 St • Mar 12 • 8 pm – late • As always, the Parka Patio will feature installation art, ambiance provided by local DJs,

c l winter guide NOV 09, 2017 – MAR 31, 2018

SLUSH CUP • Edmonton Ski Club (located on Connors Hill), 9613–96 Ave • Mar 18 • People of all ages dress up and compete to cross an Olympic-sized pond of icy water on skis and snowboards. Possibly the most hilarious event in Edmonton. • edmontonskiclub.com

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cool winter guide nov 09, 2017 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; mar 31, 2018

dish FOOD BANK

/ Supplied

www.osfm.ca

VISIT US!

Edmonton’s largest indoor market

every Saturday from 8am - 3pm, year-round

After busiest year yet, the food bank braces for the cold season

inter whets the appetite, so as we plunge again into freezing weather, it’s important to check in on the non-profits and organizations that distribute food to the hungry. After a crowded few years for the Edmonton Food Bank, things are busier than they’ve ever been. “We’re cautiously optimistic that we’ll meet our goals this holiday season, and that we’ll be able to con-

“2016, we thought, was a rough year for us,” Bencz-Knight says. “Handling refugees, the Fort MacMurray wildfires. The changes that even internally we had to make many adjustments so that we can actually pump out more food and support for our clients and people in the community … As I said, 2016 we thought was bad. 2017 has surpassed all those numbers except for April.”

bers started increasing, because we were on the downward trend from the 2008 crisis. Yet, everything all of the sudden switched, and that was before the government started talking about layoffs or the media started talking about layoffs, we started experiencing that first. Right now, we’re doing as much as we can to keep that band-aid going.” This isn’t the first time the food bank

Closed December 30

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In the past, seasonal charities have taken some of the pressure off of the Food Bank during the winter months, but that hasn’t been the case for the last five years. tinue our work,” says Edmonton Food Bank spokesperson Tamisan BenczKnight. “We’ve been very fortunate that Edmonton has stepped up in the past when they hear us communicating out to them that we need support with food and funds.” Bencz-Knight, who’s been with the Food Bank since 1988, says the number of visitors seeking help this year is the largest she’s seen yet. In September this year, 21,837 people were served through the Food Bank’s hamper programs, an increase of 2,000 individuals compared to September 2016, which itself saw an increase of 4,000 individuals. The trend has been steadily increasing since 2013.

To keep up with the increase, the Edmonton Food Bank has been implementing new measures, such as staying open on Monday evenings to build hampers and updating the client database to a digital format. In the past, seasonal charities have taken some of the pressure off of the food bank during the winter months, but that hasn’t been the case for the last five years. Bencz-Knight says it’s hard to pinpoint a single source for the increase, but says that the food bank can work like an economic barometer when things go south. “That’s what we we’re experiencing in 2014,” Bencz Knight says. “We had no words on why our client num-

c l winter guide NOV 09, 2017 – MAR 31, 2018

has had to adapt to accommodate an influx of hungry people. In the summer, the organization had difficulty reaching its goal of 50,000 kilograms of food during the Heritage Festival food drive. Kinder hearts heard and intervened and the food drive surpassed its goal. “There’s always a worry in the back of my head that my department and my team at Edmonton’s Food Bank isn’t able to bring in those food and funds, that we will have gaps,” BenczKnight says. “But I’m also extremely confident that Edmontonians see the big picture.”

Lucas Provencher @vueweekly

WINTER HOTSPOTS

PATIO SEASON IS NOT OVER H

Edmonton’s interesting winter patios are worth checking out

ave no fear, patio lovers—the season is not over. The cool winter months are the perfect time for hot eats and drinks. Edmonton eateries have jumped on board this winter patio trend and we’re loving it. Warm winter sun, good food and cozy blankets—what more could you ask for? Here’s a short list of some Edmonton hotspots to check out this winter: Café Bicyclette One of the first winter patios in Edmonton, Café Bicyclette has winter hospitality under lock. This café means business when it comes to keeping patrons cozy, boasting cast iron fireplaces, heating lamps and heated chairs. A large menu of traditional French dishes will keep the fussiest eaters satisfied. Located in Edmonton’s French Quarter, this charmer is one to bring the heat. Little Brick The building housing Little Brick is over 100 years old, instantly adding character and charm to this small hipster café. The courtyard will make you feel right at home, with its fireplace and picnic tables. Little Brick has a large menu of dishes, all homemade and locally sourced when possible. For coffee addicts, Little Brick has a rotating selection

/ Supplied

of coffee beans from roasters on the west coast. Grab a brew, and one of the infamous sandwiches and bask outside in the winter wonderland that is Edmonton’s backyard. Little Brick house, a heritage home in Riverdale, was once owned by brickyard baron J.B Little. With a unique patio space and several seating areas in different rooms of the home, this quaint café is always bustling. The food is exactly what you’d hope for at a casual

café—coffee, tea, baked treats and a breakfast/lunch menu. Wild Earth Zoo/Valley Zoo This vibrant patio area is situated in the entrance to the Valley Zoo. With its close proximity of the zoo, it has quite the signature soundtrack. While dining or drinking on the patio, sounds of animals can often be heard. The menu includes tasty lunches and a notoriously good white chocolate

raspberry scone. The cafe is positioned perfectly to catch some rays and can warm up fast when the sun shines on balmy winter days. Gorgeous rustic decor and a massive fireplace make this patio a winter hotspot. Culina Muttart/Muttart Conservatory The Muttart Conservatory is an oasis hidden within the heart of the city. A trip to the grand pyra-

c l winter guide NOV 09, 2017 – MAR 31, 2018

mids isn’t complete without indulging in Culina’s cuisine. Culina’s menu is a blending of savoury and sweet, supplemented by locally sourced fare. There are plenty of options for vegetarians and sandwich lovers. Greens and herbs sourced exclusively from the Muttart steal the scene. A large menu of hot and cold drinks finish off this dining experience.

Lisa Lunney @vueweekly

dish

FITNESS FOR FOODIES Keeping the body active and the belly full

FOODIE TRIPS

Credo / Stephan Boissonneault

Have a direct impact today!

hat does fitness have to do with being a foodie? Nothing really, unless you consider the fact that winter is nigh, which means the typical way a gregarious gastronomist will survive is by moving their adventures from patio jaunts to indoor haunts full of comfort foods. So, if the idea of eating your way through the next four to six months of cold weather isn’t salacious enough, perhaps a way to eat and stay fit might tempt you. One way to keep plowing through meals, without packing on the pounds, is to go on a walking food tour. If you’re already salivating at the idea of a food tour, chew on this. Walking tours provide the perfect balance between fitness and food and also give tourists and locals alike a taste for some of the rich history Edmonton has to offer.

“Food tours can bring people together to have a conversation and build community,” says Alyssa Berry of Alberta Food Tours. “But most importantly, it’s about supporting and showcasing local food and drink.” When there aren’t any corporate organized tours, you can easily grab a group of friends and go on your own. Here are two itinerary ideas that may foot the bill: South side of the river Start with brunch at El Cortez, then meander through the Old Strathcona Farmers’ Market for a sample of goodies, and then on to micro brewery Situation Brewing for a taste of local craft beer. “We’re enthusiastic about finding ways to collaborate with local businesses as a way to build demand and showcase Old Strathcona talent, both locally and in-

ternationally,” Situation Brewing owner Wayne Sheridan says. “Food tours are an excellent way to support local while building community.” North side of the river Brunch at De Dutch, then walk down to 104 Street and grab a coffee from Credo. After sufficiently caffeinating, meander over to craft brewer Yellowhead Brewing. Finish off the tour with cocktails and snacks at Baijiu. If walking and eating aren’t your thing or you’re already into other types of outdoor winter fitness, you might consider cross-country skiing at one of Edmonton’s river valley golf courses. For a bite, I recommend Dogwood Cafe at the Victoria Golf Course Clubhouse.

Katie Robertson @vueweekly

WINTER RECIPE

Gilbert Parent / Supplied

POUR SOME SUGAR ON ME

$1 = 3 Meals donate securely online at edmontonsfoodbank.com/donate 780.425.2133 | edmontonsfoodbank.com

A little cabane à sucre goes a long way in the city

f you’ve ever been looking for a cheap way to get some candy while experiencing peak winter Canadiana, you may have already heard of the cabane à sucre. Literally French for ‘sugar shack,’ the cabane à sucre is proud and fun French-Canadian tradition. “Just watching a lollipop unfold in front of you, as kids that’s amazing,” says Gilbert Parent, founder of the French-Canadian educational workshop, Les Bûcherons. “It’s just not really normal. The tradition of St. Catherine in November is pulled brown sugar taffy, and we did that as kids. That’s been part of our French history for years.” The recipe is easy enough. Boil your maple syrup, and bring some ice. Load the snow or shaved ice into a small trough and wait till the syrup hits the taffy stage. Pour it out onto the ice, then stick a popsicle stick to the surface and get rolling. Depending on the syrup, the boiling time and temperature may vary, but Parent says a good rule of thumb is to wait

until about 20 percent of the water has evaporated from it. Patience is also a virtue. “For the kids, I’d say wait until the syrup is coagulated and take your time” says Parent. “It’s not a matter of consuming sugar here. It’s a time for experiencing, and asking questions, and letting your imagination go free, and wonder where this all came from, rather than just lapping up another can of pop. I’m thinking it’s really strongly connected to our ancestors and our history and our forefathers.” Sugar shacks first appeared around the beginning of the 19th century in eastern Canada. Popular among maple famers, they were small family affairs. Eventually, sugar shacks became a more commercial enterprise, growing to include eggs, bacon, music, and acquiring more of a festival atmosphere. Parent has brought the treat to schools across the province for 15 of the last 35 years that he’s been

c l winter guide NOV 09, 2017 – MAR 31, 2018

running Les Bûcherons. He says that Alberta is one of the few western provinces where his educational workshop is able to do business. “Several provinces have this maple sugar awareness, but it’s mostly in the French culture and the French festivals,” says Parent. “In schools, British Columbia hardly has any interest in bringing in maple sugar. It just hasn’t been developed as a viable educational resource. In Saskatchewan, I’ve done one or two schools … Alberta’s been involved in maple sugar for 50 years.” The cabane à sucre is a good chance to get a family together, and candy is a sure way to get the kids outside in the winter. For Parent, it’s an opportunity for people to learn more about who they are and where they come from. “I say learn another language and another culture to discover a different part of our own spirit,” says Parent. “The spirit of our ancestors.”

Lucas Provencher @vueweekly

BEVERAGES

MUG UP TO WINTER LIBATIONS We’ve got the (not so) skinny on drinks this winter

hat else to get through an Edmonton winter than winter drinks to warm your belly? While coffee and hot cocoa certainly do the trick when you’re in a pinch, there are plenty of other offerings to go find in the city or even make at home to warm your frostbitten fingers and lips. But the magic of warm bevies goes beyond curing frostbite. A study published by the American Association for the Advancement of Science found that physical warmth actually promotes interpersonal warmth. The insula of our mammalian brain is involved in processing both perceptions and our subsequent responses. Long story short, participants who were given a hot coffee ranked a counterpart as having “a warmer personality” versus those ranked while participants were holding iced coffee. That’s right, science even says we’re more trusting, caring and generous when there’s something warm in our hands. So, if you’re planning to ask a favour of someone soon, make sure to put one of these drinks in their hands first! Hot toddy Ah, the original. All one needs is liquor, hot water, honey and spices or lemon. The hot toddy has been a fix-

ture of soothing hot drinks since 17th century. The British took it as their own to ease chilly, damp days back home. It was even touted as the cure for the common cold by residents of mid-19th century America. Now, with wonderful tea-based renditions rampant online, there’s a hot toddy for most tastes; chai lovers have a toddy, as do earl grey puritans and chamomile companions. If you really want to up the ante, add a scoop of butter. The flip An upscale drink with rich texture and smooth flavour. Ingredients include an egg, rum/scotch, sugar and spices. The flip was first seen in the 17th century amongst hardy sailors looking to warm up. A red-hot fire poker was used to stir the drink, causing the mixture to froth and sugar to caramelize. As a result, the end product became known as “the flip.” The egg was added later and we’ve never been the same for it. Cocktail bars such as Woodwork and Bar Clementine should have the fixings if you’re in the mood sip on this delight. Mulled wine If you think the 17th century are

early origins, try the second century. With roots in ancient Rome, mulled wine was first used to fend off the cold. The drink faded to the background over the centuries until the Swedes rebranded mulled wine (or glögg) to be synonymous with the holidays. Warm your spirits by throwing some red vino into a crock with Christmas spices and citrus; this can also be done with cider to spice it up. Silk Road on Whyte is a good place to find the spices you need.

Hot toddy / Supplied

Mexican hot chocolate For the spice fanatics of the bunch, rest assured, Mexican hot chocolate will satisfy your tastebuds. Made from cocoa, cinnamon and chilies, the bittersweet drink has origins with the Aztecs and Mayans who cultivated cacao trees. In fact, the mixture was most commonly used to cook mole, a savoury and spicy dish still made in the Americas. Now, we add some cream, sugar and it’s magic. Oh, and of course tequila. Culina’s offers a version of the treat and Tres Carnales is known to bring it out from time to time. So mug up, because it’s winter and there’s plenty to cheers to.

Sierra Bilton sierra@vueweekly.com

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c l winter guide NOV 09, 2017 – MAR 31, 2018

the perfect terrain; you may see some wildlife, including bison, elk, deer and moose. Located just a short distance from Edmonton, Elk Island National Park is the perfect location to experience snowshoeing for the ﬁrst time or to discover your new favourite place to snowshoe. • elkislandwildlife.ca • 780.405.4880

EDMONTON all WINTER EVENTS PROPER AND METRO HAY AND SLEIGH RIDES 530048 Rge Rd 183 • Offers year-round horse-drawn hay and sleigh rides. Able to accommodate various sized groups, with the capability of taking small numbers (even an intimate ride for two) as well as groups of up to 100 people

(mixed adults and children) at once. Each ride is one hour following a set route through trees and open ﬁeld. • hayandsleighrides.ca • 780.464.0234 BEAVER HILLS DARK SKY PRESERVE This dark sky preserve, just east of Edmonton, encompasses Elk Island National Park and neighbouring Cooking Lake-Blackfoot Provincial Recreation Area. With reduced artiﬁcial light, the preserve increases the visibility of the night sky. • travelalberta.com ICE CASTLES Hawrelak Park • Ice Castles is returning to Edmonton to construct another massive castle made of ice. The acre-sized winter

wonderland is crafted by hand, using only icicles and water, and resembles organic formations found in nature, like those of frozen waterfalls, glaciers or ice caves. Edmonton’s Ice Castle will be built in Hawrelak Park and in partnership with the City of Edmonton and the Silver Skate Festival. Construction will most likely begin in November, and the Ice Castle is expected to be open to the public late December, weather permitting. • icecastles.com SNOWSHOEING IN ELK ISLAND Elk Island National Park • Nov – Mar (tentative dates, depending on snowfall) • 12:30 pm (about four hours in length) • The rolling snow-covered landscape provides

SWING N SKATE AT CITY HALL City Hall and Churchill Square, 1 Sir Winston Churchill Square • Jan 8 – Feb 28; Every Sunday in January and February • 1 pm – 4 pm • Free • Enjoy the sounds of live swing, jazz and big band music and even try your hand (and feet) at some free swing dance lessons by the Sugar Swing Dance Club. Or if you’re someone who prefers your tunes over ice, lace up and glide to the music outside on the City Hall plaza rink (you even get free skate rentals). • wintercityedmonton.ca Open during winter: EDMONTON VALLEY ZOO 13315 Buena Vista Rd • 10 am – 4 pm • The Edmonton Valley Zoo is open 364 days a year allowing your family to see the animals almost any day of the year. See the babies grow up through the fall and winter seasons • edmonton.ca • 311 JOHN JANZEN NATURE CENTRE 7000–143 St, Whitemud Dr and

Photo by Andy Stanislav

•

c l winter guide NOV 09, 2017 – MAR 31, 2018

Fox Dr (Shared parking lot w/ Fort Edmonton Park) • 10 am – 5 pm (daily), 11 am – 4 pm (holidays/ Dec 24 – Dec 31); Closed Dec 25 and Jan 1 • Visitors will walk on the wild side with programs, events and interactive exhibits designed to promote awareness and engagement with nature in an urban setting. Walk carefully and quietly through the forest searching the snow laden ground for tiny clues while tracking wild animals. • edmonton.ca • 311 MUTTART CONSERVATORY 9626–96 A St • Open 364 days of the year. Closed Dec 25. Mon, Tues, Wed & Fri – Sun: 10 am – 5 pm; Thu: 10 am – 9 pm • Inside the pyramids, three biomes are in the Conservatory’s year-round displays. A fourth pyramid houses creative feature displays, changing up to eight times a year. • edmonton.ca • 311 STARTHCONA WILDERNESS CENTRE 52532 Rge Rd 212, Ardrossan • Nov – Apr • Enjoy the winter with family skiing, or snowshoeing on a beautiful patch of land just outside of Edmonton. • strathcona.ca • 311 U OF A OBSERVATORY Department of Physics 4-181 CCIS, University of Alberta • Enjoy the night sky through an array of high-powered telescopes and learn about the solar bodies that make up our galaxy. • ualberta.ca/physics

A G RY L A C OUTDOOR RINKS CITY-RUN RINKS BIG MARLBOROUGH PARK 6033 Madigan Dr, NE BOWNESS PARK LAGOON 8900-48 Ave, NW (Rentals available)

CARBURN PARK 67 Riverview Dr, SE OLYMPIC PLAZA 228-8 Ave, SE (Rentals available) PRAIRIE WINDS PARK 223 Castleridge Blvd, NE PRINCE’S ISLAND LAGOON 4 Street and 1 Ave, SW

VOLUNTEERRUN RINKS

These are maintained on a volunteer basis through the Adopt-aRink program. Adopt-a-Rinks are for pleasure skating only. Hockey equipment and games are not permitted.

S th Calgary Rinks ALTADORE 1904-47 Ave, SW

4220 Passchendaele Rd, SW BRITANNIA 925 Crescent Blvd, SW CEDARBRAE 475 Cedarille Crescent, SW CHINOOK PARK 91 Colleen Crescent, SW DISCOVERY RIDGE 3 Discovery Ridge Gate, SW

EVERGREEN 211 Everbrook Dr, SW GLENBROOK 4725 Graham Dr, SW MAYFAIR 160 Malibou Rd, SW OGDEN 7231-20A St, SE

EAGLE RIDGE 39 Eagle Ridge Plaza, SW

RAMSAY 2223 Spiller Rd, SE (Note: the Adopt-a-Rink is beside the Community-run rink)

ELBOW PARK 3820-13A St, SW

SILVERADO 131 Silverado Blvd, SW

c l winter guide NOV 09, 2017 – MAR 31, 2018

Springbank Hill 3804 Springbank Blvd, SW

CHarleSWood 4316 Charleswood Dr, NW

WilloW park 555 Winterbourne Crescent, SW

HillHurSt 1715 Broadview Rd, NW 2325 Broadview Rd, NW 2132-2 Ave, NW

Woodbrine 257 Woodbriar Cir, SW nortH Calgary rinkS Banff Trail 24 Cathedral Rd, NW

HoundSfield HeigHtS 1404-21 St, NW Hungtington HillS 130 Hungtington Gr, NW

Mayland HeigHtS 320-19 St, NE 3165 Mackid Crescent, NE

Silver SpringS 204 Silver Valley Rd, NW 132 Silvercreek Gr, NW

Mount pleaSant 607-30 Ave, NW

SunnySide 5A St and 3 Ave, NW

panoraMa 400 Panamount Blvd, NW

varSity 4931 Viceroy Dr, NW 3028 Vardell Rd, NW

SCeniC aCreS 345 Schooner Cv, NW 55 Scenic Cove Dr, NW

WeSt HillHurSt 616-28 St, NW WinSton HeigHtS 9 Marsden Rd, NE

Tobagganing/ sledding hills big MarlborougH park - dry pond 755 Madeira Dr, NE bridleWood 20 Bridleglen Park, SW

tHornCliffe/ greenvieW 5600 Centre St, NE

crosscountry skiing Groomed cross-country skiing areas: Canada olyMpiC park (Cop) 88 Canada Olympic Rd, SW Confederation golf CourSe 3204 Collingwood Dr, NW lakevieW golf CourSe 5840-19 St, SW

Confederation park 2807-10 St, NW

Maple ridge golf CourSe 1240 Mapleglade Dr, SE

deerfoot atHletiC park 1503-16 Ave, NE

SHaganappi point golf CourSe 1200-26 St, SW

glendale park 2225-45 St, SW

Ungroomed cross-country skiing areas:

kingSland - dry pond 505-78 Ave, SW (behind the Rose Kohn/Jimmie Condon Arenas)

edWortHy park 5050 Spruce Dr, SW

Maple ridge - dry pond 1127 Mapleglade Dr, SE MarlborougH CoMMunity aSSoCiation 636 Marlborough Way, NE MCkenzie toWne 160 McKenzie Town Dr, SE Monterey park 2707 Catalina Blvd, NE neW brigHton 1750 New Brighton Dr, SE prairie WindS park 223 Castleridge Blvd, NE riCHMond green 2539-33 Ave, SW royal oak 9100 Royal Birch Blvd, NW rundle - dry pond 4120 Rundlethorn Dr, NE SaCraMento - dry pond 10404 Sacramento Dr, SW SCarboro 1737-14 Ave, SW Signal Hill 2063 Sirocco Dr, SW

St andreW’S HeigHtS 2504-13 Ave, NW Stanley park 330-42 Ave, SW

cool winter guide nov 09, 2017 – mar 31, 2018

fiSH Creek provinCial park 15979 Bow Bottom Trail, SE nortH glenMore park 7305 Crowchild Trail SW SoutH glenMore park 90 Avenue and 24 St WeaSelHead natural environMent park 66 Avenue and 37 St, SW

Outside of Calgary The following natural areas typically offer good terrain, varied ski trails and optimal snow conditions: West Bragg Creek Ribbon Creek Bearberry Nordic Centre (near Sundre) Sandy McNabb (west of Turner Valley) Canmore Nordic Centre Peter Lougheed Park Mt Shark Trails Smith Dorrien Chateau Lake Louise Emerald Lake/Field Trails

and ﬁlmmakers from around the globe. 2017 features legends and pioneers including Sir Chris Bonington,Tommy Caldwell,Tamara Lunger, Mayan Smith-Gobat, and many more. • banffcentre.ca

ALBERTA WINTER BaNFF/ KE UISE FESTIVALS + EVENTS ALPINE SKI WORLD CUP • Lake Louise • Men’s: Nov 25 - 26, Women’s: Dec 1 - 3 • Free admission to the races. Lift ticket not required • Watch the world’s fastest racers begin the World Cup season at Lake Louise.The fastest skiers in the world will compete in Downhill and Super-G in the heart of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. • lakelouisealpineskiworldcup.com BANFF CHRISTMAS MARKET • Warner Stables, 100 Sundance Rd, Banff • Nov 24, 10

am – 8 pm; Nov 25, 10 am – 6 pm; Nov 26, 10 am – 4 pm • A one-of-akind shopping experience for unique fashions and handcrafted gifts along with live entertainment and fantastic food. • banffchristmasmarket.com • 403.762.0913 BANFF CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL • Cave and Basin National Historic Site, 311 Cave Ave, Banff • Nov 23 – 25 • The Banff Craft Beer Festival takes place at the home of Canada’s ﬁrst national park and is held each year in late November. Throughout the night, sample amazing food from some of Banff’s best pubs and restaurants and try an array of beer from Alberta’s own breweries. • albertabeerfestivals.com BANFF MOUNTAIN FILM AND BOOK FESTIVAL • Various venues in Banff • Oct 28 – Nov 5 • Nine epic days ﬁlled with stories of remote journeys, ground-breaking expeditions, and cutting-edge adventures told through the eyes of adventurers, authors, photographers,

BLITZ SNOWSHOE FUN RUN 2017 • Fairmont Chateau, 111 Lake Louise Dr, Lake Louise • Mar 10 • 9 am (5k/10k race starts), 9:10 am (kid’s race starts) • Celebrate the winter weather with a fun 5 k or 10 k run/walk. Open to all ages and levels, this fun and social event can test your fitness skills on the trails or just be a leisurely trek. Wide open and beautiful scenery will surround you as you walk or run the trails surrounding the Jasper Park Lodge. • snowshoe.blitzevents.ca ICE MAGIC FESTIVAL • Lake Louise • Jan 18 – 28 • Watch and experience the captivating talent of international ice carvers as they create works of ice art in a 34-hour International Ice Carving Competition. • banfflakelouise.com SANTA CLAUS PARADE OF LIGHTS • Along Banff Ave • Nov 18, 5:30 pm • Come watch the annual Santa Claus Parade of Lights roll down Banff Ave and catch a glimpse of the bearded man himself. In the night, the streets come alive with a procession of floats, parade of lights, and performers. • banff.ca SKI FOR HEART • Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, 111 Lake Louise Dr, Lake Louise • Jan 19 – 20 • Participants must fundraise a mini-

mum of $500 • Spend the weekend in Lake Louise doing a range of winter sports, all for a good cause.Arrive on Friday evening for the welcome reception where one of the best minds in heart and stroke research will be. On Saturday, choose between cross-country skiing, downhill skiing, snowshoeing or skating. In the evening, there’s an après-ski in the Chateau Victoria dining room complete with complimentary appetizers and a talk from a heart disease survivor.This outdoor fundraiser raises money for the Heart and Stroke Foundation. • heartandstroke.ca TASTE FOR ADVENTURE • Juniper Hotel Bistro, Banff • Until Nov 9 • A 16-day celebration of food and drink in Banff and Lake Louise. Savour limited-time menus created by award-winning chefs and explore new culinary experiences that will inspire • banfﬂakelousie.ca THE BIG BEAR • Feb 3 – 4 • Banff Train Station • A street party and ski/snowboarding showdown at Banff Train Station.Watch ski and snowboard pros as they hash out their tricks on custom designed ramps and rails—all to the adrenaline-pumping sounds of live music. • banfﬂakelouise.com WINTERSTART FESTIVAL • Nov 11 – Dec 11 • All of the holiday jubilation, shimmer of lights and culinary delights of the season come together at the Winterstart Festival. With one-of-a-kind weekend events and a robust weekday schedule of activities, there’s no better place to

c l winter guide NOV 09, 2017 – MAR 31, 2018

get in the spirit than Banff National Park. • banfﬂakelouise.com YAMNUSKA WINTER ADVENTURE • Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, 111 Lake Louise Dr, Lake Louise • Feb 25 - Mar 1 • Spend your days ice climbing, snowshoeing or back-country skiing, then relax and enjoy delicious meals and fabulous accommodation on the shores of Lake Louise. • banfﬂakelousie.ca

ALL WINTER BANFF FISHING UNLIMITED • Banff Fishing Unlimited, 713–4 St, Canmore. Located 50 min from Banff, or 30 min south from Canmore, in the heart of the Canadian Rockies • Ice fishing at Spray Lake for almost 30 years, Banff Fishing Unlimited provide heated huts to allow you to fish in total comfort. (You will be provided with all necessary fishing gear, and if needed, winter boots, hats, and gloves, to make this a warm and comfortable experience).• banff-fishing.com • 1.866.678.2486 BANFF GONDOLA • Located at the base of Sulphur Mountain at the end of Mountain Ave in Banff • Soar to the top of Sulphur Mountain in a four-passenger gondola cabin to experience a stunning bird’s-eye view of six incredible mountain ranges. • brewster.ca • 1.866.606.6700 BANFF SLEIGH RIDES • Warner Stables, 132 Banff Ave, Banff • December to February. Mon - Thu,

11 am - 4 pm every hour, Fri - Sun, 11 am - 7 pm • Take a horsedrawn sleigh ride with your family and friends. Relax and take in the breathtaking views and sparkling winter air of the Canadian Rocky Mountains.The sleigh ride will take you through the Bow River Valley showing you the remote areas around Banff. • banffadventures.com • 1.800.644.8888 grotto canyon icewalk • Hotel pick up and drop-off provided from Banff and Canmore • Departure times: 8:30 am daily from Dec 9 to Apr 16; Duration: 4 hours • Walk on a frozen creek into Grotto Canyon using special hiking crampons. Pass unusual rock formations, ancient First Nations rock art and icefalls.Your guide will point out the stunted pine forest and hidden ancient native pictographs, which were likely created by Hopi visitors from the Arizona region • banfftours.com • 403.760.5007 Howling Dog Tours • Howling Dog Tours, Unit 105, 712 Bow Valley Tr, Canmore • Visit website for tour information • Dog sled through the pristine wilderness of the Canadian Rockies just outside Canmore near the Banff National Park and Kananaskis Country and experience a dog sledding adventure you will never forget. • howlingdogtours.com • 1.877.364.7533 Johnston canyon icewalk • Departure times: 8:30 am, 1:30 pm, 6:30 pm daily; Morning tour runs from Nov 18 to Apr 16; Afternoon tour runs Dec 9 to Apr 16; Evening tour runs from Dec 9 to Apr 15; Duration: four hours. Pick up from hotels in Banff. • Travel through prime wildlife habitat on your way to the trail head and learn the clues to how Johnston Canyon was formed.This popular walk will lead you past the lower falls to the breathtaking, famous upper icefalls. • banfftours.com • 1.877.565.9372

offers a fantastic chance to play in the deep snow. • banfftours.com • 403.760.5007 wolfdog sanctuary • 263156 Rge Rd 53, on the 1A Hwy, 60 min from Banff. • Departure: Thursday to Monday • The Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary tour provides an up-close and intimate look at wolves and wolfdogs. Gain a better understanding about wild wolves and their importance in the natural environment while also seeing first-hand wolf behaviour through the wolfdogs at the sanctuary. • yamnuskawolfdogsanctuary.com • 1.877.565.9372

CaLGaRY FESTIVALS + EVENTS A Traditional Christmas • Jack Singer Concert Hall, Arts Commons, 205–8 Ave SE, Calgary • Nov 30 - Dec 2 • Celebrate the spirit of the season with a selection of sacred and secular holiday favourites performed by the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra and the Calgary Girls Choir.The beautiful Grace Presbyterian Church provides the backdrop—a favourite Calgary holiday tradition. • calgaryphil.com • 403.571.0849 Airdrie Christmas Show 2017 • Airdrie Town and Country Centre, 275 Jensen Dr,Airdrie • Nov 3 – 4 • At the seventh annual Airdrie Christmas Show there are a range of handmade items, including Christmas baking, jewelery, quilts, decor and clothing. No admission fee but the organizers recommend that shoppers bring a non-perishable food donation for the local food bank.• airdriefarmersmarket.com

kicking horse full-day snowmobiling • Departs at 10 am and runs Dec – Apr • You will be guided through spectacular scenery and given the opportunity to play in fresh powder. Each guest will operate their own snowmobile as they follow trails through the forest to a trapper’s cabin for a delicious hot lunch.The journey will take you on winding trails along the edge of a valley to areas just above treeline. • banfftours.com • 403.760.5007

calgary european film festival • Globe Cinema, 617–8 Ave • Nov 5 – 12 • This year, 18 countries will join us in celebrating European cinema here in Calgary: Albania,Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Moldova, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Spain, Switzerland,The Czech Republic, Greece and Norway. All films are screened in their original language with English subtitles. • calgaryeuropeanfilmfestival.ca

KINGMIK DOG SLED TOURS • UNESCO Heritage Site, 16430 Hwy 1A, Lake Louise • Tours run every day except Thursdays • The only dogsledding in Banff National Park. Tours are offered in beautiful Lake Louise, Banff National Park, Canada’s World Unesco Heritage Site.Visit website for tour information • kingmikdogsledtours.com • 403.763.7789

Calgary Expo Holiday Market • BMO Centre, 210 Roundup Way SW • Nov 25 – 26 • It’s a pop culture Christmas with this Expo Holiday Market shopping extravaganza.Tons of comic book vendors, toy dealers, collectible retailers and more take part in this annual event. Santa Claus will, of course, be coming around to make a personal appearance. • expoholidaymarket.com

paradise basin fullday snowmobile tour • Departs at 10:30 am (Banff) • Ride your snowmobile through the forest and up to the Paradise Basin to 2,438 m and visit the remnants of an early 1900s silver-mining town.The open powder bowl above the treeline 22

calgary midwinter bluesfest • Shaw Millennium Park, 1220–9 Ave, SW, Calgary • Feb 27 – Mar 4 • Nothing like blues to warm you up in the dead of winter. Check the website for full lineup and ticket prices. • calgarybluesfest.com

calgary Welness walk • Shaw Millennium Park, 1220 – 9 Avenue, SW, Calgary • Nov 13 • A celebration of recovery and the kick off to National Addiction Awareness Week.The group gathers at Millennium Park and walks through the streets of downtown to bring awareness of addiction and to promote a drug and alcohol free lifestyle. • calgary.ca Cuff. Docs • Globe Cinema, 617–8 Ave SW, Calgary • Nov 16 – 19 • CUFF is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to programming films that defy convention. Through the screening of contemporary works in various categories that include: feature, documentary, animation and shorts, they bring Calgarians a unique roster of films rarely seen in North American theatres. • calgaryundergroundfilm.org Deck the Walls • Newzones Gallery, 730–11 Ave SW, Calgary • Nov 25 – Dec 25 • For six weeks, an entire wall in the art gallery is covered with small-to-mediumsized artwork, any of which would be perfect for giving (or receiving) as a gift at Christmas this year.This exhibit showcases work by various Newzones gallery artists including photographer Dianne Bos and illustrator Cathy Daley. • newzones.com femme wave fest • Various venues • Nov 16 – 19 • Formed in 2015, this feminist festival celebrates the unique and underrepresented voices of women.The festival aims to showcase the music, comedy, visual art and film of marginalized groups in Calgary and its surrounding areas. Check website for full lineup and ticket information. • femmewave.com festival of crafts • BMO Centre, 210 Roundup Way SW • Dec 7 – 10 • Thu/Fri, 10 am – 9 pm; Sat, 10 am – 6 pm; Sun, 10 am – 5 pm • For four days close to 250 artisans from across Canada convene at Stampede Park to sell their handmade goods. In addition to shopping, try to be one of the lucky winners who goes home with gifts from the prize draw. • festivalofcrafts.ca field of crosses memorial project • Sunnyside Bank Park, Memorial Dr • Nov 1 – 11 • Over 3,000 crosses will be placed along Memorial Dr. Each cross memorializes an individual soldier from Southern Alberta who made the ultimate sacrifice during active duty protecting our country. • calgary.ca first responders half marathon • St Patrick’s Island, 1300 Zoo Rd • Nov 5 • 10 am • Annual half marathon, 10k, 5k and 1k fun run supporting the Calgary Centre for Suicide Prevention. • calgary.ca hALLOWAFTER V • Buckmaster Park, 1621-21 Ave • Nov 1 • 6:30 pm • Display of light pumpkins in upper and lower Buckmaster Park that will have hot chocolate, s’mores, and an open fire pit for residents to enjoy. • calgary.ca High performance rodeo • Various locations in Calgary

• Jan 5 – 28 • The High Performance Rodeo is Calgary’s International Festival of the Arts. Encompassing theatre, music, dance, comedy and interdisciplinary art, the High Performance Rodeo is the largest event of its kind in Western Canada. For four weeks in January, local, national and international performers converge on Calgary to share many of their award-winning performances. • hprodeo.ca • 403.294.9494 (box office) / 403.294.7411 (general) New year’s eve family event • Village Square Leisure Centre, 2623-56 and Southland Leisure Centre, 2000 Southland Dr • Dec 31 • 4:30 pm • Each location will have a variety of activities such as: obstacle courses, arts/crafts, bouncy house, and even a “take a selfie” photo booth.After, take the party in the waterpark to splash around in our wave pool, slides, hot tub. Make sure you stay until the pool party countdown. • calgary.ca Tannenbaum Lighting event • St Martin’s Lutheran Church, 66-7 St • Nov 25 • 5 pm • This celebration will include traditional German Christmas Treats, music and entertainment, before and after the lighting of the magnificent Christmas tree located in front of this heritage church. • germancanadianclub.com winterfest • Ralph Klein Park, 12350-84 St • Nov 19 – 20 • 1 pm • Bring your family and friends for this exciting winter celebration. Get creative in the crafts room, join a guided park tour or test out your birdwatching skills.There will be nature-themed games, fun facts about the park’s wildlife and much more. • calgary.ca

ALL WINTER nakiska • 2 Mt Allan Dr, Kananaskis • The Gateway to the Canadian Rockies and the proud site of the 1988 Winter Olympics, Nakiska features some of the best cruising and carving trails in the Rockies.A great resort to learn the sport of skiing and snowboarding with wide-open runs groomed to perfection.As the closest ski resort to Calgary, it is a family favourite not only because of the short drive but also because of easy on-mountain navigation and a variety of terrain suitable for all levels. • skinakiska.com • 403.591.7777 winsport (canada olympic park) • 88 Canada Olympic Rd, SW, Calgary • Situated 15 minutes from downtown Calgary, Canada Olympic Park (COP) is distinct from most Olympic venues in that it continues to function as a multi-purpose competition, training and recreation area designed for year-round use by both highperformance athletes and the general public. Check website for lift tickets, full list of winter activities and hours • winsport.ca • 403.247.5452, ext 4

JaSPeR/Hinton

cool winter guide nov 09, 2017 – mar 31, 2018

FESTIVALS + EVENTS Christmas in november • Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, 1 Old Lodge Rd • Nov 3 – 12 • For the past 28 years, Christmas in November has been the most anticipated event of the year at Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge.With a variety of presenters, activities and sessions to attend, this event has surely been one to remember. Join our hosts along with a lineup of celebrity chefs and presenters for an occasion like no other • christmasinnovember.com Festival of christmas • Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, 1 Old Lodge Rd • Dec 22 – Jan 1 • In Jasper, the land of a million Christmas trees, Christmas carols will get you in the holiday spirit all while you and your family enjoy the many winter holiday events and activities that await you. Sip hot chocolate while you skate around Lake Mildred or walk around the beautiful Lac Beauvert as the stars twinkle above you in the World’s Largest Dark Sky Preserve. • fairmont.com/jasper Jasper beer and barley summit • Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, 1 Old Lodge Rd • Feb 2 – 5 • Escape the cold winter air and let us fill your mugs with some of the best locally crafted beer Japser has to offer. • fairmont.com/jasper Jasper in january • Various venues in Jasper • Jan 12 – 29 • Celebrating its 27th year, Jasper in January offers two full weeks of all-ages events featuring a kick-off party, street festival, fireworks, Mountain Park Lodge’s chili cookoff, dogsledding, plus great deals on places to stay and ski packages. Enjoy live music from bands like Shred Kelly, and plenty of opportunities to hit the slopes at Marmot Basin.There’s also the Jasper Fat Bike Race and Summit.This epic fat bike race will be an exclusive to Canada’s base of adventure as the only Frosty’s event in the Canadian Rockies. • jasper.travel/things-to-do

ALL WINTER Dark sky preserve • 86 Connaught Dr, Jasper • Explore stars, planets, meteors, and auroras in all their glory in our 11,000-squarekilometre stargazing preserve. In 2011, Jasper was designated the world’s largest Dark Sky Preserve by the Royal Astronomy Society in Canada for its low light pollution that creates ideal conditions for astronomical viewing. Join space author/astronomer-in-residence Peter McMahon and staff for a personal guided tour of Jasper’s evening skies and cosmic heritage, all while exploring some of the darkest skies in Northwestern North America. • Japserdarksky.travel glacier skywalk • One hour south from Jasper • Feed your adrenaline and step into a breathtaking world where glaciers rest above

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cool winter guide nov 09, 2017 – mar 31, 2018

and birds soar below.The Glacier Skywalk experience features waterfalls, wildlife, fossils and more on an exciting 1 kilometre walkway that leads to a platform where glass is all that separates you from a 280 m drop. • brewster.ca • 403.762.6700 jasper train tours • SunDog Tour Co, 414 Connaught Dr, Jasper • Duration: 5.5 to 6 h. Via Rail’s Skeena train will transport you along the shores of the mighty Fraser River and into British Columbia’s Robson Valley. Upon arrival in Dunster, BC (approximately three hours after your departure from Jasper), you will be greeted by your guide with a vehicle ready for your return journey to Jasper. • sundogtours.com • 1.888.786.3641 MaLiGne CanYon iCeWaLK tour • SunDog Tour Co, 414 Connaught Dr, Jasper • Departs 10 am, 2 pm, 7 pm; Duration: 3 hours • The Maligne Canyon Icewalk is one of Jasper’s most popular and impressive winter adventures.The tour guide will take you to the bottom of the Maligne Canyon—the deepest accessible canyon in Jasper National Park— where you will explore frozen waterfalls, ice caves and incredible ice formations. • sundogtours.com • 1.888.786.3641 Winter WiLdLife disCoverY tour • SunDog Tour Co, 414 Connaught Dr, Jasper • Departs 9 am • Jasper is home to some of the largest inhabitable valley for wildlife viewings. Set out

with one of the park’s knowledgeable guides in search of moose, elk, mountain sheep, wolves, loons, eagles and osprey—just to name a few. Don’t forget to bring your camera. • sundogtours.com • 1.888.786.3641

CaNMoRE aLL Winter KpoW fortress Mountain Cat sKiinG • Directions from Calgary: Travel west on the Trans Canada Hwy (#1), then take the Hwy 40 exit at the Stoney Nakoda Casino and travel 45 kms (18 kms past the Nakiska exit). At the Centex station turn right onto the Fortress Mountain Access road. Travel 400 m and park on the right hand side of the road. • Opening Dec 9 for the advanced skier. With annual snowfall amounts between 7 and 9 m, Fortress offers amazing chances skiing and riding virgin snow. • kpow.ca • 403.808.5972 heLiCopter siGhtseeinG • Canmore at the heliplex or hotel pick up and drop-off is available • Spectacular scenic flights on these helicopter tours that border Banff National Park. Helicopter tours depart from Canmore (20 min drive, transportation is available) on three scenic flight routes:

Three Sisters Peaks (12 minutes), a Royal Canadian heli tour of Goat and Sundance Ranges (20 minutes), or the ultimate Mount Assiniboine heli tour to the “Matterhorn of the Canadian Rockies. • banfftours.com • 1.877.565.9372 MaddoGs & enGLishMen sLed doG expeditions • Exshaw, AB; 7 km southeast of Canmore on Trans Canada Highway 1 (Booking office and departure of tours at the Mad Dog Cafe & Market in Dead Man’s Flats) • A family owned and operated sled dog tour company offering primarily guided dog sled and skijoring tours on trails within Kananaskis Country just outside Banff National Park. • maddogsexpeditions.com/winter/ • 403.609.3670

gull lake aLL Winter iCe fishinG • Season starts Dec 11 • Adventure Ice Fishing is an outfit that encourages friends and family to come out to beautiful Gull Lake to have a great time catching fish on a chilly winter’s day. • adventureicefishing.com • 403.885.2997

red deer/ Sylvan lake festivaLs + events BreaKfast With santa • Multi Campus Gymnasiums, 2 Falcon Ridge Dr, Sylvan Lake • Dec 2 • 8:30 am – 10 am or 11 am – 12:30 pm • Festivities include a pancake breakfast, live entertainment, craft bags and more. Don’t forget to grab a photo with Santa. •sylvanlake.ca festivaL of trees • Westerner Park, 4847A –19 St, Red Deer • Nov 22 – 26 • A whole pavilion dedicated for children to go and burn off energy in Candy Cane Lane, with shopping in the popular gift shop and sweet shop.Wander around and admire the trees and silent auction items, try your luck at raffles. • rdrhfoundation.com • 403.343.4773 LiGht up the LaKe ChristMas CeLeBrations • 4823-49 Ave, Sylvan Lake • Dec 1 – 2 • 4 pm • Join the Town of Sylvan Lake for celebrating the holidays with the various activities that will be happening around town, such as a parade, fireworks, and much much more. • sylvanlake.ca • 403.887.2141

neW Year’s daY fireWorKs • Sylvan Lake Pier, 5000 Lakeshore Dr, Sylvan Lake • Jan 1 • 7 pm • Free • Ring in the New Year with a bang, watch Sylvan Lake light up the night with an amazing fireworks display that you don’t want to miss. • sylvanlake.ca • 403.887.2141 poLar Bear dip • Sylvan Lake Pier, 5000 Lakeshore Dr, Sylvan Lake • Feb 17 • 1 pm – 5 pm • Think you have what it takes to take the plunge in to our frozen lake? Brave the cold to participate in the fun, or watch others take the dip.The Polar Bear Dip is fun to watch for all spirit of sYLvan YuLetide • NexSource Centre, 4823-49 Ave, Sylvan Lake • Dec 1 – 2 • Fri, 4 pm – 10 pm, Sat, 10 am – 4 pm •The Spirit of Sylvan Yuletide Festival is a Christmas celebration of traditions, all at one unique festival. It fosters and promotes opportunities for artisans and vendors, choirs, school choirs, musicians, entertainers and of course, you cannot forget about Mr. and Mrs. Claus. • spiritofslyvanyuletide.ca Winterfest • Various locations around Sylvan Lake. • Feb 16 – 29 • Join the Town of Sylvan Lake for Winterfest, there will be various activities happening around town for our community to come together. Brave the cold to watch the Polar Bear Dip, have some family fun, watch the fireworks, or participate in all the activities. • sylvanlake.ca • 403.887.2141

Consider yourself

Whether it’s skating on the lake with the brilliant view of the lakeshore in the background, or discovering unique shopping opportunities, Sylvan Lake is your year-round destination for family fun and relaxation.

visitsylvanlake.ca

cool winter guide nov 09, 2017 – mar 31, 2018

SASKATCHEWAN AND

BRITISH COLUMBIA Saskatchewan 27TH ANNUAL SASKATOON SANTACLAUS PARADE • Downtown Saskatoon • Nov 19 • 1 pm • A century-old tradition in Canada with the ﬁrst parade having been held in 1905. Santa Claus parades in Canada signal the start of winter fun and festive celebrations. • tourismsaskatoon.com CANADIAN CHALLANGE DOG SLED RACE • Central Ave, Prince Albert • Feb 20 • Canada’s premier mushing event celebrates its 21st year. Experience the challenge of this long distance race, supported by local and global communities. There are three separate races – the 12 dog teams race for 539 km, the eight dog teams for 321 km and the six dog teams race for 112 km. • canadianchallenge.com • 306.420.8879 CARLYLE’S DICKENS VILLAGE FESTIVAL • Various locations around the town of Carlyle • Dec 1 – 2 • Enjoy the only Dickens festival held in Canada with high tea, street vendors, carolers, street urchins, theatre performances, lighted parade, and carriage rides. Fezziwig’s Family Pub and Warming Place provides free entertainment. A variation of the play “A Christmas Carol” each year. • townofcarlyle.com • 306.453.2363 ENCHANTED FOREST HOLIDAY LIGHT TOUR • Saskatoon • Nov 18 – Jan 7 • One of Canada’s most spectacular drive-thru Christmas Light Shows and Saskatchewan’s top winter visitor attraction. A “Must-See Event” and Saskatchewan Family Christmas Tradition. 2.5 km of animated light displays scattered throughout an urban forest. • tourismsaskatchewan.com ILLUMINATION – LIGHTS ON CEREMONY • Moose Jaw • Nov 17 • 6:30 pm • Free indoor and outdoor family activities include wagon rides, face painting, hot chocolate, cookies, holiday movie, and more. • tourismsaskatchewan.com MOSCOW BALLET’S GREAT RUSSIAN NUTCRACKER • Conexus Arts Centre, Regina • Nov 23 • Experience the exquisite artistry of world-class Russian dancers, playful puppets and the unmatched

splendor of hand crafted sets and costumes. • nutcracker.com PARADE OF LIGHTS • Weyburn • Dec 7 • 7 pm • Bundle up your family and head downtown for the 24th Annual Parade of Lights. Hot Chocolate is being sold at the Metro Centre, and downtown retailers will be open late for some late night Christmas shopping. • tourismsaskatchewan.com POTASHCORP WINTERSHINES • Saskatoon• Jan 27 – Feb 4 • Come and check out the professionally-designed ice sculptures, sleigh rides, and enjoy the festive atmosphere. • potashcorpwintershines.com SASKATOON FESTIVAL OF TREES: FAVOURITE THINGS • Western Development Museum, 2610 Lorne Ave, Saskatoon • Nov 24 – Dec 2 • Now in its 32nd year of operations, the festival offers family-friendly activities to get in the Christmas spirit. This year’s theme is ‘favourite things’ inspired by the “Sound of Music.” • festival-of-trees.com WATSON SANTA CLAUS DAYS • Watson • Dec 1 – 2 • Enjoy pictures with Santa, turkey shoot, moonlight madness, children’s games and ﬁreworks. Take in the free movie and treats, family skate with Santa, cupcake decorating, sleigh rides, supper and a variety night. • tourismsaskatchewan.com

BRITISH COLUMBIA A FORT LANGLEY CHRISTMAS • Fort Langley • Dec 22 – 23, 27 – 30 • Spend the day at Fort Langley to top off the Canada 150 celebrations. Create magical memories, complete with music and treats, in an old-fashioned fort setting pc.gc.ca/fortlangley • 604.513.4777 AVALANCHE AWARENESS DAYS • Golden • Jan 20 – 21 • Avalanche Awareness Days is a national celebration of Canada’s avalanche safety expertise and an invitation to enjoy the winter backcountry with education and training. In partnership with the Canadian Avalanche Center and CARDA, the KHMR Safety team will have a day of fun, education,

hands on demonstrations, and many prizes to be won. • kickinghorseresort.com/event/avalancheawareness-days/ CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR • Fruitvale • Nov 10 – 11 • Annual Christmas Craft Fair at the Fruitvale Memorial Hall. • kootenayrockies.com/event CHRISTMAS IN THE COUNTRY • Jaffray-Baynes Lake • Nov 4 • 9 am – 4 pm 27th Annual Christmas Craft Fair with over 36 tables of Christmas shopping at its best. • kootenayrockies.com/event CHRISTMAS MARKET • 1302-9 St Golden • Dec 16 • A Christmas market in Mount 7 RecPlex. • kootenayrockies.com/event CORNUCOPIA • Whistler Conference Centre, Whistler • Nov 9 – 19 • Cornucopia is the fall festival that celebrates the best of food and wine from Whistler and beyond. The festival offers something for everybody with winemaker dinners, themed food and drink events, interactive seminars, and electric after parties. • whistlercornucopia.com EASTSIDE CULTURE CRAWL • Various location around Vancouver • Nov 16 – 19 • A four-day celebration of art, creativity, and community in all its beautiful and bizarre manifestations. Painters, jewellers, sculptors, furniture makers, musicians, weavers, potters, writers, printmakers, photographers, glassblowers; from emerging artists to those of international fame. • culturecrawl.ca • 778.960.7575 HEADBANGER FESTIVAL • Radium • Nov 3 – 4 • Come and see nature in action as the Bighorn Sheep ram heads on the streets of the village of Radium Hot Springs. A weekend event full of activities and educational opportunities. • kootenayrockies.com/event INVERMERE LIGHT UP • Invermere • Nov 18 • 1 pm – 8 pm • Invermere hosts its annual holiday festival that includes a Santa Claus parade, entertainment, live music, shopping and much more. • kootenayrockies.com/event OLD FASHIONED MUSICAL CHRISTMAS • Fort Langley • Dec 16 • 5 pm • Join in an evening of music and carols in a magical setting and relax with your friends around the bonﬁre. Dress for the weather. • pc.gc.ca/fortlangley • 604.513.4777

KASLO LIGHT UP • Kaslo • Dec 2 • The local Kaslo Legion Hall is transformed into a Christmas shopper’s dream. Tables overflowing with handmade wares from local artisans, crafters, jewellers, photographers and more will entice and tempt you. • kootenayrockies.com/event KOOTENAY ARTISAN FAIR • Nelson • Nov 24 • The Nelson and District Arts Council presents the 31st Annual Kootenay Artisans’ Christmas Market. It is the only juried fair of its kind in the Kootenays of fine handmade crafts and goods. • kootenayrockies.com KOOTENAY COLDSMOKE POWDERFEST • Selkirk Mountain, Nelson • Feb 23 – 25 • The Kootenay Coldsmoke Powder Fest is a grass-roots gathering where both experienced and debutant backcountry skiers and snowboarders can celebrate the culture of backcountry pursuits amongst breathtaking scenery. The festival revolves around several days of clinics, competitions, events and celebrations of all ski/snowboard pursuits. • coldsmokepowderfest.com • 250.354.4944 MILNER CHRISTMAS MAGIC • 2179 West Island Hwy, Qualicum Beach • Dec 1 – 3, 8 – 10, 15 – 20 • An outdoor Christmas light show for the whole family to enjoy Over half a kilometre of lit and decorated trails. Come see Santa, live Christmas music, Teddy Bear Cottage—guess the number of stuffed bears to win a prize. •www.viu.ca/milnergardens/events MIRACLE ON MACKENZIE • Mackenzie St, Revelstoke • Dec 9 • Christmas festivities with bright lights, horse and sleigh, and of course a visit from St. Nicholas himself & his better half, Mrs. Claus. • kootenayrockies.com/event MOONLIGHT MADNESS • Elkford • Nov 16 • 1 pm – 8 pm • From fresh-baked holiday goodies, to raffles, to hand-made custom fishing rods, Moonlight Madness has something for everyone looking to get an early start on their holiday shopping. • kootenayrockies.com/event SLEIGH RIDE DAY • Fort Steele Heritage Town • Jan 1 • The sleigh will be ready to take you on an old-fashioned tour through the site. • kootenayrockies.com/event

c l winter guide NOV 09, 2017 – MAR 31, 2018

VANCOUVER INTERNATIONAL WINE FESTIVAL • Vancouver • Feb 24 – Mar 4 • One of the world’s premiere wine festivals, this event is a unique opportunity to learn about and enjoy some of the world’s finest wines. The event features wine tastings and pairings, gourmet dinners and luncheons, educational seminars and culinary competitions. • vanwinefest.ca • 604.872.6623 VICTORIA FILM FESTIVAL • Victoria • Feb 2 – 11 • A 10-day film festival, celebrating the best of film, from local to international films, this is a collection of films to expand your horizons in beautiful Victoria. • victoriafilmfestival.com VICTORIA YOGA CONFERENCE • Victoria • Feb 9 – 11 • A four-day yoga conference with over 70 classes to choose from including yoga, meditation, business, fitness, dance, health and more. For the curious and the serious yogi. • victoriayogaconference.com WHISTLER FILM FESTIVAL • Whistler • Nov 29 – Dec 3 • One of Canada’s leading film festivals, attracting over 10,000 attendees including 550+ industry insiders. Featuring innovative and original films from around the world and opportunities to connect with the people who made them. • whistlerfilmfestival.com • 1.800.838.3456 WHISTLER PRIDE AND SKI FESTIVAL • Whistler • Jan 21 – 28 • Don’t miss one of the biggest and best gay ski weeks in the world. The 26th Whistler Pride and Ski Festival features a full slate of events including snowmobiling adventures, wine tastings, a pool party, a snowball dance, fantastic skiing and snowboarding and everything in-between. • whistler.com/events/winterpride WINTERCRAFT FAIR • 811 Stanley St, Nelson • Nov 24 • 10 am – 4 pm • This one -day event offers 30 local vendors selling handcrafted artisanal products from clothing to body care, jewelery to preserves and much more. • kootenayrockies.com WINTER CARNIVAL AND SNOWBALL APRES • Whitewater Ski Resort, Nelson • Jan 20 • The 9th Annual Whitewater Winter Carnival will offer tons of family activities throughout these wintry days. • kootenayrockies.com

ADVENTURE ICE CLIMBING

Outdoor climbing offers cliffhanging for the whole family

he cold and snow are upon us, and while there are many winter activities and sports to do locally, sometimes it’s nice to load up the vehicle and head westward for a little playtime in the mountains. You can go the traditional route and pack up the skis and boards to hit the slopes for the day, but if you’re looking for a fun and unique experience, why not try ice or alpine climbing? Outdoor climbing sports offer a challenge for everyone, of every skill level. The limits are endless. It’s a matter of how far you’re willing to push your own boundaries. Your fitness level only needs to be the same as a weekend ski warrior or twice-peryear snowboard shredder, and you don’t require any previous climbing experience to enjoy it. There are many guiding operations offering mountaineering tours and training. Just be sure to choose an Association of Canadian Mountain Guides (ACMG) certified outfit to ensure safety is a priority for you and your crew.

Ice climbing / Supplied

If you’re heading to Jasper, one such place is called Rockaboo Adventures, run by husband and wife team Max and Lisa Darrah. Their operation has six internationalllicensed mountain guides including Sochi Olympic athlete, Jen Olsen and six apprentice guides who offer daily excursions, mountain safety courses, and clinics. “The best part about what we do, is seeing the faces on people when they reach a goal they have set,” says Max. “It’s amazing to see people push past their comfort levels, not only in a world-class climbing and skiing destination, but also in a safe environment.” Another bonus for trying ice climbing, instead of say alpine skiing, is the affordability. You don’t have to rent or buy a whole bunch of gear to try it out and the tours per person are relatively inexpensive compared to a day on the slopes. I asked Max what motivated him to start his own guiding company,

which he ran for almost six years out of his garage until it grew to the point wherein they could have a retail storefront downtown Jasper. “I watched Cliffhanger at a young age,” he says jokingly, and then tells me the real reason for his affinity with mountaineering. “My dad used to bring me to Jasper a lot as a kid and when we drove past the mountains he’d tell me tales about people jamming stakes into the rocks and climbing up them. I knew I wanted to be one of those people someday.” One thing’s for sure, it’s hard to outgrow the mountains. Think back to being a kid, how massive everything seemed in relation to your size: slides were as tall as skyscrapers and jungle gyms actually felt as big as real jungles. The awesome thing about playing in the mountains as an adult is the mountains are still massive.

Katie Robertson @vueweekly

ICE CARVING

CARVING OUT A NAME FOR YOURSELF Ice on Whyte returns for its 15th year

Thu., Jan. 25 – Jan. 28 and Thu., Feb. 1 - Feb. 4 Boardwalk Ice on Whyte Festival Old Strathcona (Whyte Ave.)

magine the pain-stricken degradation that Michelangelo would’ve felt if a short time after he’d sculpted David, the marble just melted into a puddle. While hard on some artists, the art forms that are only on display for a little while can sometimes be the most beautiful. Ice sculpting is likely among them and as the temperatures are getting colder, the Boardwalk Ice on Whyte Festival is preparing for its 15th anniversary. “I love their creativity and their dedication because they’re artists,” says Ice on Whyte producer Wanda Bornn. “But at the same time, they’re athletes because they’re working outside when it’s really cold, and in big bulky clothing, and thick clothing.” It also take a tremendous amount of skill. “They know how to sketch things out and engineer things so they stand and balance and all those things. And then they grab a chainsaw and turn that into artwork,” Bornn says.

The competition is made up of 10 teams, each consisting of two professional ice artists. Each team receives 15 blocks of ice, each weighing 300 pounds. What the teams manage to craft from the ice is scored based on their skill, technique, creativity, and concept. The teams from Sakha, Russia, famed for their prowess, have won the last five years of the festival. After 15 years, a few things have changed. This year’s sculpting will take place beneath a giant tent, to better dispense the damage a possible unseasonably warm winter might cause. This year’s festival is also moving closer to Whyte Avenue, and adding an ice bar stocked with liquor from local brewers and distillers for good measure. Bornn, who’s been with the festival since the beginning, reflects on the festival’s simpler days. “Interestingly enough, we started out as a simple ice carving exhibit in Macintyre Park,” she says. “Because that concept was so new in Edmonton, there was huge interest in it. Ice carving as a whole was becoming popular around the world. We had an ice carving competition, then we developed it into an international competition.” Ice on Whyte began in 2003 and quickly gained a following. The festival

/ Supplied

added a giant ice slide, an entertainment tent, and children’s areas in the years that followed. In 2009, Ice on Whyte opened itself to the world, becoming one of only three international ice carving competitions in Canada. From a sea turtle to a praying mantis, to a woman riding the crest of a wave—it’s difficult to imagine the dedication and skill that goes into

crafting the sculptures on the ave. While the Boardwalk Ice on Whyte Festival is centered around Whyte Avenue, Bornn thinks it does something bigger for the city as a whole. “The big thing is it puts Edmonton on the world stage,” Bornn says. “Our stop at our festival is now a stop on the world circuit of professional ice carving. Lake Louise hap-

c l winter guide NOV 09, 2017 – MAR 31, 2018

pens first, then us, then Ottawa. Those are three consecutive weekends, so artists traveling from all over the world can actually come and participate in all three events. And by doing that, they’re sharing their incredible talent with people right across our country.”

Lucas Provencher @vueweekly

MUSHING

POWDER POOCHES F

/ Supplied

Howling Dog Tours juggles both mountain escapes and the opportunity to enjoy winter with eager sled dogs

or those seeking to step outside of common winter adventure, try your hand at enjoying some alpine and canine activity. Howling Dog Tours bolsters hundreds of sled dogs and has been in operation for over two decades. With this level of experience in the field, it has been a hotspot in the Canmore area for quite some time. Dana Bitter and her husband are in charge of the tour company that’s been running since 1995. Both began working with sled dogs as a hobby and eventually decided to turn their favourite pastime into an opportunity for those in the province to experience

the thrill of tearing through snow with hordes of huskies. “My husband was allowed no pets or dogs when he was a kid, so when we had the opportunity to open an operation like this we decided to have 200,” Bitter says. The tours operate in Kananaskis County (located in the heart of the Rockies) and offer a wide variety of dog sled-guided trail expeditions all throughout the area. Bitter wanted to showcase the expanse of nature in the best available way and make the experience a double dose of working with animals and taking in the environment.

“People are always amazed by the fact that they get to do this sort of thing in Alberta, let alone near major cities or major tourist areas,” she says. The activities offered are separated into two different types of tour structures. Guests are given the opportunity to choose whether or not they want to mainline the Rockies in a quick two hours, or go in for the long haul and dedicate themselves to tearing through trails over a four-hour period. Each tour is handled by professional mushers and provides an experience for those looking for a more relaxing winter escape, as the guides and han-

dlers do most of the work. “A lot of people who can’t do common winter activities like skiing, skating or sledding like travelling with our dogs, mainly because you get to sit back and pretend like you’re royalty as you get pulled through the trails,” Bitter says. Trails showcase not only numerous mountain vistas but also loop around Spray Lakes in Kananaskis County, offering a wide variety of sights to be seen. Apart from the gorgeous views, another main attraction for many is getting to be in such close proximity to the sled dogs themselves. Howling Dog Tours plays

double duty as both a rescue and tour center as many of the dogs have been taken in and trained by the owners. “There’s so much energy in these dogs and that’s what the people come for. It’s a type of controlled chaos but that’s half the fun. I mean, at the end of the day, you’re dealing with a lot of dogs,” Bitter says. Howling Dog Tours operates during the regular season from late November to March and provides well for those who are looking for a little extra bite in their winter activities.

Jake Pesaruk @vueweekly

MAKE WINTER FUN

GET A LESSON! BOOK A ONEONONE OR GROUP LESSONS WITH A CERTIFIED CASI OR CSIA INSTRUCTOR

WWW.SNOWVALLEY.CA c l winter guide NOV 09, 2017 – MAR 31, 2018

SEE YOUR BREATH AS IT’S TAKEN AWAY

FROSTY’S FAT BIKE RACE SERIES

january 11-28, 2018 JASPER IN JANUARY january 11-13, 2018 FROSTY’S FAT BIKE RACE SERIES february 2-4, 2018 JASPER BEER & BARLEY SUMMIT march 2-4, 2018 DEVOUR! THE CANADIAN ROCKIES FOOD FILM FESTIVAL march 16-18, 2018 PJ PARTY april 7, 2018 JASPER CANADIAN ROCKIES HALF MARATHON april 19-22, 2018 PRIDE FESTIVAL

c l winter guide NOV 09, 2017 – MAR 31, 2018

Book your next adventure J A S P E R . T R AV E L / E V E N T S

ADVENTURE WOLFDOGS

The Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary displays wilderness in the flesh

here are a lot of stories about well-meaning, but ultimately imbecilic dads buying their kids a pet that will one day grow up to eat them in their sleep. Think of alligators in the sewers sort of stuff. Ever been curious what happens to the pets that, while cute babies, require a little extra care when they mature? The Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary currently contains 19 wolfdogs, rests on 160 acres of land, and offers three separate educational tours of the grounds. “Essentially, what a wolfdog is, is exactly what it sounds like,” sanctuary manager, Alyx Harris says. “It’s a canine with some amount of wolf and some amount of dog. There can be all different amounts of content

so we kind of split it up into high, mid, or low content, and that’s how much wolf content is in them.” The first of the tours offered by the sanctuary lets those six years and up walk through the park at their own pace. The second tour brings in an expert and lets visitors get a little closer to the animals. The third and final tour allows visitors to interact with them. Wolfdogs aren’t a naturally occurring species in the Albertan countryside. More often than not, they are the product of human intervention, breeding wolves and dogs together to make exotic pets. Harris says that much of the wolf DNA that produced the canines at the Yamnuska Sanctuary likely came from out of province breeders, since

/ Supplied

it is illegal to keep a wolf as a pet in Alberta. Wolfdogs are a sperate matter, and when available they can be adopted from Yamnuska. “The wolfdogs here at the sanctuary are pretty spoiled,” Harris says. “We give all of our guys about one to two acres for each of their enclosures, and four is the max that we’ll have in an enclosure.” They get plenty of space to frolic. “[For] most of them it’s about two to an enclosure and that’s two acres. We do activities with them throughout the day to get them some enrichment. They get fed their delicious food every day, so really it’s kind of a matter of they get to do whatever they want.” The Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary got its start in 2011 when it was

founded by the mother and daughter team of Andi Scheibenstock and Georgina De Caigny. Their first wolfdog, Kuna, was the inspiration for the sanctuary. She’s still there today and the alpha female of her own pack. Despite the fears some may have regarding wolves, Harris says the animals are better behaved than movies and popular television might lead audiences to believe. “You never really know what a wolf looks and acts like because we see in movies and TV show so much mis-representation,” Harris says. “They’re always claimed as these aggressive animals and its kind nice to come here and see that they’re kind of the exact opposite.” The operations of the Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary continue to

20%

Lucas Provencher @vueweekly

n o ne

O SD FF

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grow, with staff building a new enclosure every summer. The sanctuary will also be receiving three additional wolfdogs in the coming month. With more animals and more people showing up every year, Harris thinks she’s pinpointed why the sanctuary has been a success. “I think one of the big reasons why a lot of people do come is this is the closest that you can get to a wolf,” Harris says. “With our interactive tour, we do take you into the enclosure with a pack of three high-content wolfdogs. And with the highcontents, I think that little bit of dog in them isn’t really going to make a difference, so you kind of get a chance to be up-close and personal.”

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c l winter guide NOV 09, 2017 – MAR 31, 2018

Style Our friends at Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC) offer up some suggestions to keep you looking your best through the dreary winter months. These are a few styles and products that are bound to keep you looking and feeling your best throughout the season. For further browsing, be sure to check out the entire catalogue at mec.ca.

MEC Label Lite Within Jacket Black $225

MEC Pendleton Blanket in Lava/ Midnight Blue $30

MEC Label Tremblant Long Parka in Hailstone $260

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MEC Label Tremblant Lite Down Jacket in Spitfire $175

Men’s Head Advant Edge 105 Ski Boots Red/Black $499

c l winter guide NOV 09, 2017 – MAR 31, 2018

Style MEC Label Serratus 65 Backpack Midnight Blue $219

Louis Garneau Victor Snowshoes Unisex Lime $189

MEC Label Nahanni Vest Black $98

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cool winter guide nov 09, 2017 – mar 31, 2018

ind r rinks

ARDROSSAN RECREATION COMPLEX 80–1 Ave

AMBLESIDE III Currents Dr & North Windermere Blvd

BROADMOOR ARENA 2100 Oak St

ANDORRA 94 St and 168 Ave

MILLENIUM PLACE 2000 Premier Way

BARRANOW I 125 St and 142 Ave

SHERWOOD PARK ARENA AND SPORTS CENTRE 2015 Oak St

BEARSPAW 109 St and 11 Ave

BELLE RIVE I 88 St and 161 Ave

BRAESIDE 59 Sir Winston Churchill Ave

Sherw d park OUTDOOR rinks

DEER RIDGE PARK 120 Deer Ridge Dr

ARDROSSAN #80-1 Ave, Ardrossan

DEERBOURNE PARK 15 Deerbourne Park

BRENTWOOD Lark St and Falcon Dr

OUTDOOR rinks

ERIN RIDGE PARK 40 Erin Ridge Dr

DEVILLE/NORTH COOKING LAKE Wye Rd, Rge Rd 210 just north of Deville/Cooking Lake Community

The city maintains both ground and pond ice rinks in the major parks. It is recommended that children or inexperienced skaters use an approved helmet while on the ice to prevent injuries.

GATEWOOD PARK 17 Gatewood Avenue

AKINSDALE / KINEX ARENA 66 Hebert Rd SERVUS CREDIT UNION PLACE 400 Campbell Rd

SKATING RINKS Check edmonton.ca for public skating times

INDOOR rinks BILL HUNTER 9200-163 St CALLINGWOOD 17740-69 Ave CASTLE DOWNS 11520-153 Ave CLAREVIEW 3804-139 Ave CONFEDERATION 11204-43 Ave CORONATION 13500-112 Ave CRESTWOOD 9940-147 St DONNAN 9105-80 Ave GEORGE S HOUGHES SOUTH SIDE 10525-72 Ave GLENGARRY 13350-85 St GRAND TRUNK 13025-112 St KENILWORTH 8311-68A St KINSMEN 1979-111 St LONDONDERRY 14520-66 St

TCRC SUBWAY ARENA 2051 Leger Rd

ALPINE PARK 36 Alpine Blvd

TIPTON 10828-80 Ave WEST EDMONTON MALL 1174, 8882 170 St WESTWOOD 12040-97 St

FLAGSTONE PARK 51 Flagstone Crescent

CASTLE DOWNS 153 Ave and 115 St

LION’S PARK 21 Sir Winston Churchill Ave

RUNDLE PARK 113 Ave and 29 St Ice surface open: 10 am - 10 pm Victoria Park Oval 12130 River Valley Rd Warming trailer open: 10 am - 10 pm Ice surface open: 10 am - 10 pm Ice surface closed for maintenance: 5 pm - 6 pm (Tues, Wed, Thu), 8 am - 10 am (Mon, Sat) No public skating (reserved by the Edmonton Speed Skating Association): 6 pm - 7 pm (Mon, Wed), 6 pm - 9 pm (Tue, Thu)

MICHAEL CAMERON 10404-56 St

Warming pavillion open: 9 am - 10 pm Ice surface open: 11 am - 10 pm

MILLWOODS 7207-28 Ave

Note: Sticks, balls and pucks are only allowed in a designated shinny/hockey area. Pets are not allowed.

St albert

HODGSON PARK 46 Heritage Dr

LAROSE PARK 135 Larose Dr

JACKIE PARKER PARK 50 St & 44 Ave

WILLIAM HAWRELAK PARK 9330 Groat Rd

RUSS BARNES 6725-121 Ave

GROSVENOR PARK 44 Grosvenor Blvd

KINGSWOOD PARK 395 Sturgeon Rd

CITY HALL 1 Sir Winston Churchill Square

MEADOWS 2704-17 St

OLIVER 10335-119 St

St albert OUTDOOR rinks

NATALIA PARK Napoleon Crescent OAKMONT PARK Bellerose and Oak Vista Dr PRINCETON PARK 28 Princeton Crescent SALISBURY PARK 85 Salisbury Ave ST ALBERT CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL 35 Malmo Ave WILLOUGHBY PARK 6 Willoughby Dr

Sherw d park ind r rinks

KINSMEN / WESTBORO North of Strathcona Dr and Keith Rd MOYER RECREATION CENTRE 4569 Rge Rd 215, Josephburg SHERWOOD HEIGHTS Fir St, next to Sherwood Heights School STRATHCONA ATHLETIC PARK 1100 Clover Bar Rd, east of Bev Facey School STRATHCONA OLYMPIETTE CENTRE 25 52029 Rge Rd 224, Fultonvale Stormwater lake locations You can skate on stormwater lakes when conditions allow. The Drainage Branch oversees all uses of these lakes, and certain restrictions and conditions are in place to ensure that health and ecological issues are properly addressed. Due to the nature and function of stormwater lakes, ice conditions can be unpredictable. Moving water at different times and locations, or ﬂuctuating weather conditions, can result in unsafe ice conditions. Please obey all posted signs.

BEAUMARIS 109 St and 153 Ave

BELLE RIVE II 88 St and 157 Ave BLACKMUD CREEK I Blackmud Creek Dr and Blackmud Creek Crescent BRINTNELL Manning Dr and 153 Ave BRINTNELL I 164A Ave and 45 St BURNWOOD 50 St and Whitemud Dr CALLAGHAN Callaghan Dr and South Callaghan Court CAMERON HEIGHTS II Cameron Ravine Court and Cameron Ravine Way CANOSSA 115 St and 171 Ave CARLTON 137 St and 155 Ave CHAMBERY I 107 St and 173 Ave CHAMBERY II 107 St and 176 Ave CHAPELLE 28 Ave and Chapelle Blvd CHARLESWORTH I 66 St and 2 Ave DONSDALE II Drysdale Run and Decker Way EAUX CLAIRE I SOUTH 91 St and 161 Ave ELLERSLIE 87 St and 5 Ave ELSINORE I 103 St and 175 Ave FOUNTAIN 33 St and 43 Ave

ALLARD I Allard Link & Amerongen Dr

FULTON CREEK WETLAND 17 St and Whitemud Dr

ALLARD II Allard Gate SW & Allard Blvd SW

GLASTONBURY I Garnett Way and Garnett Court

AMBLESIDE I Anderson Way & Anderson Crescent AMBLESIDE II Windermere Blvd & East Ambleside Dr

c l winter guide NOV 09, 2017 – MAR 31, 2018

ALBERTA WINTER CAMPING PLEASE CHECK WITH THE CAMPGROUND TO SEE WHAT AMENITIES ARE AVAILABLE DURING WINTER SEASON. BEAUVAIS LAKE CAMPGROUND Alberta 775, Pincher Creek • 403.627.1165 • 21 campsites available • albertacampgrounds.com CHAIN LAKES CAMPGROUND Nanton • 403.627.1165 • 32 campsites • albertacampgrounds.ca DAWSON EQUESTRIAN CAMPGROUND Powderface Trail, Bragg Creek •

403.678.0760 • 10 campsites • albertaparks.ca

JARVIS LAKE CAMPGROUND Range Rd 265A,Yellowhead County • 780.865.8395 • 25 campsites • Opens Dec 10 • albertaparks.ca

ELKWATER CAMPGROUND 8229 Ferguson Hill Rd, Elkwater • 403.893.3833 • 36 campsites • albertaparks.ca FISHER CREEK CAMPGROUND 21202-21324 McLean Creek Tr, Bragg Creek • 403.678.0760 • 30 campsites • albertaparks.ca GREGG LAKE CAMPGROUND Yellowhead County • 780.865.5600 / 780.865.8395 38 campsites • Opens: Dec 10 • albertaparks.ca

KINBROOK ISLAND CAMPGROUND 145008 Park Rd 103 Rd, Rainier • 403.378.4342 • 32 campsites • albertaparks.ca

RUMMEL LAKE WINTER BACKCOUNTRY CAMPGROUND North Buller Pass Trail • 403.678.3136 • 10 campsites • Opens Dec 10 • Cross-country skiing, ice ﬁshing • albertaparks.ca

MCLEAN CREEK CAMPGROUND 285 McLean Creek Trail, Bragg Creek • 403.949.3132 • 170 campsites • albertaparks.ca

SPRUCE COULEE CAMPGROUND Elkwater • 403.893.3833 • 9 campsites • albertaparks.ca WRITING-ON-STONE CAMPGROUND Aden • 403.647.2364 • 61 campsites • Opens Dec 10 • albertaparks.ca

G G O A B N O T HILLS

MIQUELON LAKE CAMPGROUND Kingman • 780.672.7274 • 159 campsites • albertaparks.ca

Stay Warm WITH A

Cold One, alberta

Edmonton EMILY MURPHY PARK 11904 Emily Murphy Park Rd GALLAGHER PARK 97 Ave and 92 St GOVERNMENT HOUSE PARK 9938 Groat Rd CASTLE DOWNS PARK 11520-153 Ave RUNDLE PARK - ACT HILL 2903-113 Ave RUNDLE PARK - WALTON’S MOUNTAIN 2903-113 Avenue WHITEMUD PARK NORTH Keillor Rd and Fox Dr

Please enjoy responsibly

St Albert SEVEN HILLS, 15 Mission Ave

c l winter guide NOV 09, 2017 – MAR 31, 2018

Sherw d Park BROADMOOR LAKE PARK 2025 Oak St, north of Recreation, Parks and Culture office CLARKDALE LAKE Clarkdale Dr, west of Orchid Crescent COTTONWOOD PARK 290 Fir St FLORIAN PARK 902 Regency Dr MCGHAN PARK 751 Meadowview Dr STRATHCONA ATHLETIC PARK 1100 Clover Bar Rd WOODBRIDGE LAKE PARK Woodbridge Way, north of Parker Dr

SNOWSHOEING edmonton and Area With 7400 hectares of parkland and 150 kilometres of interconnected trails, Edmonton is ﬁlled with snowshoeing possibilities.

edmonton

GOLD BAR PARK 2115 Hermitage Rd JACKIE PARKER PARK 4540-50 Street VICTORIA PARK 12130 River Valley Rd WHITEMUD PARK 13204 Fox Dr WILLIAM HAWRELAK PARK 9330 Groat Rd

Good snowshoeing locations as per edmonton.ca

sherw d park

FORT EDMONTON PARK Corner of Fox Dr and Whitemud Dr

COOKING LAKE - Provincial Area South of and adjacent to Elk Island Park Primary access to Blackfoot Trail is from the Trans Canada Yellowhead Hwy 16 north

ELK ISLAND NATIONAL PARK 34 km east of Edmonton (Amiskwuche and Lakeview trails recommended) JOHN JANZEN CENTRE Beside Fort Edmonton Park (corner of Fox Dr and Whitemud Dr) MILL WOODS PARK 23 Ave and 66 St MCLEOD CREEK FARMS 43 km north of Edmonton RUNDLE PARK 2913-113 Ave STRATHCONA RECREATION AREA 16 km east of Edmonton

ELK ISLAND NATIONAL PARK Highway 16 East, Fort Saskatchewan, AB Rentals available: $15 per pair, $5 for tiny tots Guided walks: $36 STRATHCONA WILDERNESS CENTRE 52535 Rnge Rd 212 780.922.3939 Admission prices Youth: $2.50 Adult: $5.25 Family: $11.50 Senior weekday: $3.40 Snowshoe rentals: $7.80 Season passes available

OTHER PARKS THAT ALLOW SNOWSHOEING: BORDEN PARK 7507 Borden Park Rd CAPILANO PARK 10810-54 St CORONATION PARK 11425-142 St EMILY MURPHY PARK 11904 Emily Murphy Park Rd

st albert RIVERLOT 56 NATURAL AREA Stanski Northeast corner from Sir Winston Churchill Ave and Poundmaker Rd on the northeast boundary of St Albert near Sturgeon Golf Course

c l winter guide NOV 09, 2017 – MAR 31, 2018

HOT SPRINGS Alberta BANFF UPPER HOT SPRINGS 1 Mountain Ave, Banff 403.762.1515 Oct 3 – May 17 Soak in the steamy hot mineral water where travellers have come to take the waters for over a hundred years. Banff National Park’s only hot springs pool welcomes you for an authentic heritage experience.

MIETTE HOT SPRINGS Jasper National Park 1.800.767.1611 Oct 10 – May 3 Among Jasper’s top 10 attractions, Miette Hot Springs is a perfect destination for a day of sightseeing, wildlife watching, hiking and relaxing. MYSTIC SPRINGS 140 Kananaskis Way, Canmore 403.609.0333 Embraced by the spectacular and inspiring Canadian Rocky Mountains, Mystic Springs Chalets and Hot Pools immerse you and your loved ones in a Canmore resort

chalet surrounded by stunning natural resources.

waters you will ﬁnd in North America.

British columbia

LIARD RIVER HOT SPRINGS 765 of the Alaska Highway, approximately 60 km north of Muncho Lake Provincial Park. 250.776.7000 Liard River Hot Springs provides relief to Alaskan bound travellers after a long day on the road.

HALCYON HOT SPRINGS 5655 Highway 23, Nakusp 250.265.3554 Open 365 days a year 8 am – 10 pm / 11 pm (Sat) Halcyon is home to some of the most restorative hot spring

NAKUSP HOT SPRINGS 8500 Hot Springs Rd, Nakusp 250.265.4528 9:30 am – 9:30 pm Nestled in the Kuskanax Valley in

Where Faeries Live Important events at Where Faeries Live Nov 18 & Dec 9 - Faerie Market – selection of hand-crafted pagan

items from a selection of local vendors.

Monthly Full Moon meditations.

See our Facebook page for dates and times.

January 6 – Psychic Fair - Find out what 2018 has in store for you. Variety of readers and styles of readings

January 13 & 14 – Crystalpalooza - A menagerie of local vendors,

carrying one of a kind crystals, and crystal products. As well as amazing sale prices on your favourite sparkling gems.

visit www.wherefaerieslive.com or www.facebook.com/wherefaerieslive 10425 - 79 Ave NW • 780.454.0187

c l winter guide NOV 09, 2017 – MAR 31, 2018

the foothills of the Selkirk Mountains, the Nakusp Hot Springs are one of BC’s best kept secrets. RADIUM HOT SPRINGS 5420 Highway 93, Radium Hot Springs 250.347.9485 Oct 11 – May 18 2017: Hot Pool – Mon – Fri: 1 pm – 9 pm; Sat & Sun: 10 am – 9 pm Cool Pool – Fri: 6 pm – 9 pm; Sat and Sun: 10 am – 9 pm These odourless pools are surrounded by natural rock walls, and scenic way to relax and recharge.

FESTIVALS EDMONTON

9TH ANNUAL RUBABOO ABORIGINAL ARTS FESTIVAL • La Cite Francophone, 8627–91 St • Jan 28 – Feb 3 • A multi-disciplinary arts festival ﬁlled with an artistic stew of workshops and performances in theatre, dance, music, and visual arts by professional and emerging aboriginal artists • rubaboo.ca 2018 CANADIAN BIRKEBEINER SKI FESTIVAL • East of Edmonton, in the areas of Cooking Lake-Blackfoot Provincial Recreation Area, the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village and Elk Island National Park • Feb 9 – 10 • Come cheer on more than 2,000 crosscountry skiers or take on the Birkie yourself, with events for all levels of skiers. • canadianbirkie.com ALL IS BRIGHT • High Street, 124 St, between 102 and 108 Ave • Nov 25 • 4 pm – 8 pm • The businesses of 124 St and High St bring the All is Bright Festival, a unique event that celebrates the coming of the winter season in Edmonton and lighting up the night through illumination, fun, and live entertainment to patrons of all ages. • 124street.ca/all-is-bright CANDY CANE LANE • 148 St between 92 and 100 Ave • Dec 9 – Jan 1 • 9 pm • Candy Cane Lane has been a Christmas tradition for over 40 years. Enjoy a sleigh ride, take in the beautiful light displays and don’t forget to bring a donation for Edmonton’s Food Bank. • candycanelane.ca DEEP FREEZE: A BYZANTINE WINTER FESTIVAL• 118 Ave and 90 to 94 St • Jan 13 – 14 • Free • The Deep Freeze is a free, family event that brings together Ukrainian, Franco-Albertan, Franco-African and First Nations communities and traditions to revel in the magic and beauty of winter. This year’s theme is Village Upside Down. • deepfreezefest.ca FESTIVAL OF TREES • Shaw Conference Centre, 9797 Jasper

Ave • Nov 30 – Dec 3 • Thu – Sat: 9 am – 9 pm, Sun: 9 am – 5 pm • Buying a ticket to the Festival of Trees supports the life-saving and changing care provided to patients at the University of Alberta Hospital, the Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute and the Kaye Edmonton Clinic. Check out the children’s Christmas lane, the gift shop, and breakfast with Santa. • festivaloftrees.ca FLYING CANOE VOLANT • La Cite Francophone, 8627-91 St; Mill Creek Ravine • Feb 2 – 3 • 6 pm – 10 pm (Mill Creek Ravine), 6 pm – 12 am (La Cite Francophone) • The Flying Canoë Volant is a creative, interactive, cultural event, designed to celebrate local history and everything that is great about a long winter’s night. Inspired by the legend of The Flying Canoe and French Canadian, First Nations and Métis traditions, this event celebrates the beautiful Mill Creek Ravine and the French Quarter. • ﬂyingcanoevolant.ca ICE ON WHYTE • End of Steel Park (Gateway Blvd & Tommy Banks Way) • Jan 25 – 28; Feb 1 – 4 • Celebrate winter and be amazed by ice carvings. Play in the kids’ zone, carve some ice, enjoy live music and tasty food, and meet ordinary people with extraordinary stories that built Canada. • iceonwhyte.ca KRAMPUSNACHT EDMONTON • Whyte Avenue (tentative) • Dec 5 • 9 pm • Will you be rewarded by Saint Nikolaus, or punished by Krampus? Join us for an Austro-Bavarian #Krampuslauf Yule Parade along Whyte Ave on #Krampusnachtyeg. • krampusnachedmonton.com LUMINARIA • University of Alberta Botanic Garden, 51227 Hwy 60, Parkland County (5 km north of Devon on Hwy 60) • Dec 1 – 3 • 5 pm – 9 pm • This popular event ignites the festive season with thousands of candles

Now might be your time to shine, but August 4, 5 and 6 are all about us!

along the paths of the Kurimoto Japanese Garden in a breathtaking display–a quiet oasis of peace and light.Visitors will be able to stroll through the candle-lit pathways, drink hot apple cider beside the bonﬁres, gaze at ice sculptures, delightful “snow sprites” and the seasonal sounds of strolling a capella singers. As always, a special memory lane will be available for visitors who would like to light a candle in honour of a loved one, by donation. • luminaria.ualberta.ca SILVER SKATE FESTIVAL • William Hawrelak Park • Feb 9 – 19 • Rooted in the Dutch tradition of a love of the outdoors and the pleasure of experiencing the cultural and esthetic beauty of winter, this festival will feature snow sculptures, winter sports, and horse-drawn sleighs carrying families through the park. Sit in a Cree winter camp and cook bannock over an open ﬁre. Compete in the winter triathlon or speed skating events and take in some live music and theatrical performances. • silverskatefestival.org WINTERFEST • Snow Valley • Dec 1 – 3 • A weekend to kick off the ski season and celebrate winter. Refreshments, activites, giveaways and games all weekend. • snowvalley.ca

Lunch buffet Monday - Friday Dinner buffet seven days a week namsteindia.ca 780 540 0100 • 10023 107 Ave

Illuminate the winter season at the All is Bright Festival YEG’s favorite winter festival returns!

Saturday, November 25

4 pm – 8 pm Main Site 124 Street, between Jasper & 102 Avenue

YULE AVE: MERRY CHRISTMAS • In and around Alberta Ave Community League, 9120-118 Ave • Dec 16 – 18 • Free • A weekend of free family-friendly events aimed at creating your own Christmas, not buying it. Free chili dinner, live music and theatre performances, caroling, wagon rides and more. • yuleave.com ZOOMINESCENCE: A FESTIVAL OF LIGHT • Edmonton Valley Zoo,13315 Buena Vista Rd • Weekends in December and Dec 26, 27, and 28. • 5 – 9 pm • Stroll through the zoo after dark and experience one artistic light installation after another. • buildingourzoo.com • 311

c l winter guide NOV 09, 2017 – MAR 31, 2018

Light Up the Night Ceremony 5 pm, on the Main Stage

PRESENTED BY

Musical performances, Light Installations, Beverage Gardens, Mulled Wine, Beer from Situation Brewing, Kid’s Zone, Sleigh Rides, Light Parade, Street Hockey, Winter Activity Demo Area, Light-Up Street Performers, Mobile Gaming Unit, and so much more!

@shop124Street #AllisBright | www.124street.ca/all-is-bright LIGHT UP & FESTIVAL KID’S ZONE SPONSOR

COMMUNITY SPONSOR

BEVERAGE GARDEN SPONSOR

PRINT SPONSOR

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SPECIAL THANKS FOR FUNDING SUPPORT FROM:

SKI HILLS AND

MOUNTAINS Note:All opening dates are tentative and dependent on snowfall.

EDMONTON AND SURROUNDING AREA EDMONTON SKI CLUB 9613-96 Ave • Opening in December • The ski club has five runs on site with varying degrees of difficulty. The bunny hill is for beginners and has a rope-tow ski lift. T-Bar is the longest run and has varying pitches for intermediate and more advanced skiers and snowboarders. Grassy is the shortest run which benefits from a natural snow fall gathering many centimeters of powder snow. Twin Birch is the steepest pitched run and is classed as a Black Diamond for advanced skiers and snowboarders. • edmontonskiclub.com • 780.465.0852 RABBIT HILL D-25512 Township Rd 510A, Leduc County • Opening mid-to-late November • Rabbit Hill offers over 40 acres of ski and snowboard trails as well as one of the best terrain parks in Western Canada.The terrain is suitable for newer skiers and will permit advanced skiers to develop their techniques. • rabbithill.com • 780.955.2440 SNOW VALLEY 13204 Rainbow Valley Rd • Opening mid-November • Snow Valley features two terrain parks, three jumps, a flat bar, an A-frame, and more.The beginner terrain park has smaller features that make learning much easier and more forgiving.The advanced terrain park has comparatively larger features and requires more skill to use the features properly. • snowvalley.ca • 780.434.3991 SUNRIDGE SKI AREA 10980-17 St • Opening Nov 10 • Sunridge has three terrain parks: the porcupine park, chair park, and big park.The porcupine is for beginners with rollers and a small jump, a rainbow box, an orange box, an A-frame rail.The chair park is for intermediate skiers and snowboarders and has a flat down box, a janky flat-down rail, short and long turbo tubes, the rainbow rail, and a small round bar.The big park is recommended for advanced riders looking to practice their tricks. • sunridgeskiarea.com • 780.449.6555

ALBERTA CANYON SKI RESORT RR#2, Site 8, Box 26, 38433 Rge Rd 264A, Red Deer • Opening Nov 11 • Canyon Ski Resort is Alberta’s largest non-mountain family ski area. With 70 acres of skiable terrain, 22 runs and 6 lifts.The resort offers a terrain park, super pipe, snow tube park, a rustic lodge, cafeteria and cozy lounge.The two chair lifts, two T-bars and magic carpet can transport over 5,000 people per hour. • canyonski.ca • 403.346.5588 CASTLE MOUNTAIN Box 610, Pincher Creek • Opening December • Castle Mountain’s rawhide terrain park is designed for riders, by riders, but it is encouraged for beginners to check out. Some park features like boxes, rails, and jumps are designed to help build foundational skills while others will keep the big time pros happy and challenged for hours. • skicastle.ca • 403.627.5101 HIDDEN VALLEY SKI RESORT Box 12, Elkwater • Opening December • Nestled in the Cypress Hills Provincial Park the resort and is currently operated by Alberta Parks. The montane environment in which it is located provides some stunning vistas looking over the prairies toward the city of Medicine Hat, 65 km to the north west and some 600 m below.The townsite of Elkwater contains year round amenities and trails with a café, hotel and restaurants to enjoy. • skihiddenvalley.net • 403.893.3961 KINOSOO RIDGE SNOW RESORT 4905-50 Ave, Bonnyville • Opening December • Kinosoo Ridge Snow resort has 13 trails spanning from easy, difficult, to more difficult. There’s a terrain park, tube park five lifts and 60 acres of ski-able area. • kinosoo.ca • 780.594.5564 MARMOT BASIN 1 Marmot Rd, Jasper • Opening early November • Marmot Basin is a ski and snowboard destination 20 minutes from the town of Jasper. The resort offers 914 m of superb skiing and snowboarding on 1,675 acres of varied terrain.The large, snow filled bowls are paradise for powder skiers and snowboarders. For those who enjoy cruising, the grooming fleet keeps the tree-lined trails groomed to perfection. • skimarmot.com • 780.852.3816 MT NORQUAY PO Box 1520, Banff • Opening Nov 3 • Just minutes from the town of

Banff, Mt Norquay offers the only night skiing in Banff-Lake Louise, including a fully lit terrain park, and expert snowmaking on 85% of the terrain. Mt Norquay offers outstanding conditions for beginner, intermediate and advanced skiers and riders. • winter.banffnorquay.com • 403.762.4421 NAKISKA SKI AREA 2 Mt Allan Dr, Kananaskis • Opening TBA • Nakiska has more than 70 marked trails with most of them recommended for an intermediate rider. The resort contains four lift chairs, a tube park and 1,021 acres of fresh powder to enjoy • skinakiska.com • 403.591.7777 NITEHAWK RECREATION SKI AREA PO Box 1006 STN Main, Grande Prairie • Opening late November • Nitehawk offers nine exciting runs for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities, a mogul patch and half pipe, and two terrain parks.There’s also the Bauer Triple Chairlift, a Platter Lift, and a 30.5 m and a 182 m Wonder Carpet conveyor lift. • gonitehawk.com • 780.532.6637 PASS POWDERKEG 12402-18 Ave, Blairmore • Opening December • Located in the heart of the beautiful Crowsnest Pass this ski hill has a vertical rise of 400 m with a total inclined ski length of 1160 m.They offer night skiing, a terrain park, ski school, pro patrol, and a lodge with a concession. • passpowderkeg.com • 403.562.8334 SUNSHINE VILLAGE 1 Sunshine Access Rd, Banff • Opening Nov 10 • Three sprawling mountains provide breathtaking sight lines, uninterrupted by any signs of civilization beyond the resort. It is possible to ski in Alberta and British Columbia in one run.The resort features more than 3,300 acres of skiable terrain, ranging from gentle to extreme, inviting beginner runs all the way up to the most extreme big mountain runs. • skibanff.com • 877.542.2633

BRITISH COLUMBIA BIG WHITE SKI RESORT 5315 Big White Rd, Kelowna • Opening Nov 23 • Big White has more than 100 runs and 15 chair lifts. Hailed as Canada’s largest ski-in ski-out resort village, guests can ski to their doorstep or stroll through the village, shopping and dining in world-class restaurants and pubs.

Enjoy the velvety groomed runs, challenge the cliff powder bowl, and explore some legendary glades. • bigwhite.com • 250.765.3101 FERNIE ALPINE RESORT 5339 Ski Hill Rd, Fernie • Opening early December • Fernie has more than 140 alpine trails and five bowls of fresh powder. It also has 10 lifts ranging from chair,T-bar and conveyor.The skill level on the hills are listed as 30% novice, 40% intermediate, 30% advanced. • skifernie.com • 250.423.4655 KIMBERLEY ALPINE RESORT 301 North Star Blvd, Kimberley • Opening early December • Kimberley has 68 runs with 12 others in the glades.There are five lifts with the resort being fitted to more of an intermediate skill.With over 1,800 acres of terrain and a variety of true ski-in-ski-out accommodations, there’s plenty to discover at Kimberley. • skikimberley.com • 250.427.4881 PANORAMA 2000 Panorama Rd, Panorama • Opening Dec 8 • Panorama has 2,975 acres of terrain, ranging from wide open fall-line cruisers to powder-filled tree lines and the steep and deep exhilaration in Taynton Bowl.The ski area is perfect for many skiers as 75% of the runs are suitable for beginners or intermediates. • panoramaresort.com • 1.800.663.2929 RED MOUNTAIN RESORT 4300 Red Mountain Rd, Rossland • Opening Dec 8 • Red delivers 2,877 lift-serviced acres of pristine skiing unfettered by overdevelopment. With an epic vertical, in-bounds catskiing, wide-open groomers, 360-degree descents, a rich tradition, and some of the best gladed tree runs in North America. • redresort.com • 250.362.7384 REVELSTOKE MOUNTAIN RESORT 2950 Camozzi Rd, Revelstoke • Opening Dec 2 • The resort offers 3,121 acres of fall line skiing, high alpine bowls, renowned gladed terrain and endless groomers, as well as family fun in Turtle Creek tube park. Revelstoke mountain resort is the only resort world-wide to offer lift, cat, heli and backcountry skiing from one village base. • revelstokemountainresort.com • 250.814.0087 SILVER STAR MOUNTAIN RESORT 123 Shortt St, Silver Star Mountain • Opening Nov 18 • Champagne powder and varied terrain attract every kind of skier to BC’s third largest ski area.The colourful midmountain village offers true ski-in, ski-out access to the slopes, and Canada’s first all-inclusive lift ticket provides affordable, family-friendly fun for guests.With four distinct mountain faces and 132 runs, the progressive terrain is perfect for learning. • skisilverstar.com • 1.800.663.4431 SUN PEAKS SKI RESORT 1280 Alpine Rd, Sun Peaks • Opening Nov 18 • Sun Peaks boasts Canada’s

c l winter guide NOV 09, 2017 – MAR 31, 2018

second largest ski area with 4,270 acres of skiable terrain, giant 10 acre top-to-bottom Rockstar energy terrain park is bursting with features and groomed to perfection daily. The park runs the entire length of the Sundance chairlift and features a huge variety of jumps, rails, boxes, and fun urban hits to keep you coming back for countless laps, complete with zones for all abilities. • sunpeaksresort.com • 250.578.5474 SUN PEAKS SKI RESORT 1280 Alpine Rd, Sun Peaks • Opening Nov 18 • Sun Peaks boasts Canada’s second largest ski area with 4,270 acres of skiable terrain. giant 10 acre top-to-bottom Rockstar energy terrain park is bursting with features and groomed to perfection daily. The park runs the entire length of the Sundance chairlift and features a huge variety of jumps, rails, boxes, and fun urban hits to keep you coming back for countless laps, complete with zones for all abilities. • sunpeaksresort.com • 250.578.5474 TROLL SKI RESORT PO BOX 4013, Quesnel • Opening Nov 18 • Troll Resort has an impressive vertical at 527 m hosting a variety of terrain from perfect beginner slopes and long fall-line groomers to steep gladed tree runs and a large progressive terrain park with a recent terrain expansion.The resort also has an excellent beginner teaching area with its own separate lift. • trollresort.com • 250.994.3200 WHISTLER BLACKCOMB 4545 Blackcomb Way,Whistler • Opening mid November • The power of the landscape, the towering mountains, the crisp air and glinting snow cast the trivial aside and draw your focus to Whistler Blackcomb. Whistler has legendary terrain, reliably deep snow and a world record-breaking gondola. • whistlerblackcomb.com • 604.967.8950

SASKATCHEWAN MISSION RIDGE WINTER PARK 800 Sioux Ave, Fort Qu’Appelle • Opening late November • A premier ski area in southern Saskatchewan. Featuring three lifts, a triple chair, two conveyor lifts, 14 Runs and two terrain parks. • missionridge.ca • 1.800.550.6857 TABLE MOUNTAIN Box 343, North Battleford • Opening mid December • This popular ski area featuring eleven runs (longest 1097 m) offers alpine skiing, tubing and snowboarding. Lifts include two quad chairs and two magic carpets. Night skiing, snow-making and grooming equipment available. Relax in the newly renovated chalet. • tablemountainregionalpark.com • 306.937.2920 WAPITI VALLEY SKI RESORT Highway 6 N, Nipawin • Opening mid December • Offers downhill skiing and boarding on 15 slopes. The hill boasts a quad chair lift and a magic carpet lift.There is also a terrain park for freestyle enthusiasts. • skiwapiti.com • 306.862.5621

2017–2018 william prince

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7 the ennis sisters

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8

michael bernard fitzgerald

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15

calvin vollrath

THURSDAY, JANUARY 11 lisa loebEB

FRIDAY, JANUARY 12 magic pirate ship

Starring

the purple pirateE

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1 frank warren

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 3 morton the magician in : ta da!

Created by Sheldon Casavant SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 17

josh ritter and band

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23 & SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24

the east pointers

SATURDAY, MARCH 3

canada's ballet jörgen: anastasia

THURSDAY, MARCH 15 lindi ortega

FRIDAY, MARCH 16 kobo town

THURSDAY, MARCH 29 fortunate ones

FRIDAY, APRIL 13

amanda lindhout

FRIDAY, APRIL 20

kamikaze fireflies

SATURDAY, APRIL 21

beth portman and the good find

TUESDAY, APRIL 24

music - dance Sspeaker - family matinee

buy your tickets today! The Arden Theatre Box Office • 780-459-1542 • ardentheatre.com THE SMALL GLORIES PHOTO: MARC J CHALIFOUX PHOTOGRAPHY

c l winter guide NOV 09, 2017 – MAR 31, 2018

WWW.CAMPERS-VILLAGE.COM

Deep Knowledge A CAMPERS VILLAGE PERK

The snow’s coming down but that won’t slow you down. We’ll help you stay active all winter long, with expert advice about gear we know inside out.

SNOWSHOEING CROSS COUNTRY SKIING WINTER HIKING / WALKING / RUNNING WINTER CAMPING

c l winter guide NOV 09, 2017 – MAR 31, 2018

CRoSS CouNTRy Ski TRailS Trails groomed by River Valley operations Argyll PArk, 69 Ave And 88 St Grooming priority on Tues and Thu Length: 1.5 km Rating: Easy classic and skating Trailhead: Loop located in the northwest corner of the park adjacent to the Argyll Velodrome. Mill Creek rAvine Mill Creek Ravine runs from Argyll Park to Connors Rd. Access is also available at: Argyll Park, 69 Ave at 88 St, Mill Creek Pool parking lot, or Muttart Conservatory 98 Ave and 96 A St Length: 5.0 km Rating: Easy classic and skating This wide, scenic path connects the upper Argyll Park parking lot with Connors Rd. The path is wellused by walkers and is only set with sufficient snow accumulation. HerMitAge PArk, 2115 HerMitAge rd Grooming priority: Tues and Thu Access these trails from the Hermitage Park parking lot at 2115 Hermitage Rd, NW. Loop #1 Length: 500 m Rating: Easy This trail loops around the picnic shelter on-site and provides a quick and short jaunt for those learning to skijor. Loop #2 Length: 2.5 km Rating: Easy This trail starts at the Tornado monument and heads North/ South to just shy of the Beverly Bridge.

Rating: More difficult classic and skating The southeast corner of the Walterdale Loop. The trails on Kinsmen Park’s “Pitch and Putt” (south of the Sports Centre) follow along the gentle and steep hills of the golf course. The loop is ONE-WAY only. #2 TraiL: WaLTerdaLe Loop Length: 1.5 km Rating: Easy classic and skating Trailhead: The bottom of the field area. The trail follows the outer perimeter of the lower field. A grid of classic tracks for instruction, practice and training is on the football field at the west end of the park. riverSide golf CourSe, 8630 roWlAnd rd Grooming priority: Mon, Wed, Fri Riverside Golf Course is at Rowland Road and 84 St. The golf course is on the east end of Dawson Bridge as the river runs north here. Parking is on the south side of the road, across from the clubhouse. Trails start from the clubhouse. #1 TraiL: inSide Loop Length: 2.1 km Rating: Easy classic and skating This is a flat trail that starts at the clubhouse and loops around the golf course. #2 TraiL: river’S edge Loop Length: 2.7 km Rating: Easy classic and skating This flat trail follows the river’s edge north. A few gentle rolling hills are found along the south edge of the loop. #3 ConneCTing TraiL: riverSide / CapiLano Link Length: 5.5 km Rating: More difficult classic and skating terWillegAr PArk, 10 rAbbit Hill rd Grooming priority: Tue and Thu

Kinsmen Park is at the base of Walterdale Hill on the south side of the 105 St Bridge. Parking is available at Kinsmen Sports Centre or along the access road that follows the river.

Terwillegar Park is at the west end of the river valley in Riverbend. Follow Rabbit Hill Rd west until it turns into a gravel road and descends to the parking lot at the base of the hill. Terwillegar is an off-leash park, so it is an ideal place to ski with your dog. The generally flat terrain is good for beginner skiers. Be prepared for all types of weather as there are no warm-up facilities in the park.

#1 TraiL: ServoLd’S Loop Length: 2 km

#1 TraiL: pLainS Loop Length: 4.6 km

kinSMen PArk, 9100 WAlterdAle Hill rd Grooming priority: Mon, Wed, Fri

Rating: Easy classic and skating Parking lot at the base of Rabbit Hill Rd in Riverbend. The trail follows terrain that is generally flat, starting at the parking lot and circling Terwillegar Park along the edge of the river. #2 TraiL: ranCher’S Loop The Rancher’s Loop was identified as a trail with considerable challenges and risks for grooming staff, which saw minimal use throughout the ski season. Therefore, the decision was made to no longer set this track.

Trails groomed by Edmonton Nordic Ski Club:

viCtoriA golf CourSe And PArk, 12130 river vAlley rd Grooming priority: Mon, Wed, Fri Victoria Park trails are accessed from the Victoria Park Golf Course parking area, north of River Valley Rd and just east of Groat Rd. The main trailhead starts at the Cricket Clubhouse (brown cabin). The West Loop can also be accessed at the driving range building. #1 TraiL: WeST Loop Length: 1 km Rating: Easy classic and skating Trailhead: The flat trail begins and ends at the driving range, as it loops around the golf course #2 TraiL: eaST Loop Length: 2.5 km Rating: Easy classic and skating Trailhead: The flat trail begins just south of the Cricket Clubhouse and continues along the golf course toward the Royal Glenora Club, looping around the base of Victoria Park Hill and returning.

CAPilAno PArk, 109 Ave & 50 St Capilano Park is south of the river, on the west side where 50 St meets the river. #1 TraiL: CapiLano Loop Length: 2.5 km Rating: Easy classic and skating Capilano Park on the west side of 50 St past 109 Ave. The trail follows 50 St, turns west on 109 A Ave and ascends a long gradual climb along Capilano Crescent. At

YOUR BEST WINTER EMERGENCY KIT IS SCHEDULING A WINTER CHECK UP

2017

Specializing in but not limited to:

WilliAM HAWrelAk PArk, 9330 groAt rd Grooming priority: Mon, Wed, Fri

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#1 TraiL: perimeTer Loop / inner Loop Length: Perimeter loop - 2.6 km; Inner loop - 2 km Rating: Easy classic and skating The trail travels around the edge and loops around the interior of the park.

• Check engine lights and electrical diagnosis

#2 ConneCTing TraiL: emiLy murphy Link Length: 1.5 km Rating: Easy classic Trailhead: The first parking lot (Shelter #1) on the right side of the road in Hawrelak Park, or the parking lot on the east side of Groat Rd Bridge in Emily Murphy Park.

• Water pumps

cool winter guide nov 09, 2017 – mar 31, 2018

• Routine maintenance and services • Timing belt replacement • Brake services • Engine services and repair • Transmission service and repair • Steering and suspension services • Alternators, starters, and ignition service • Fuel pumps • Custom upgrading from lighting to full turbo kits

Edmonton’s Premier Automotive Repair Specialists Pug City Euroworks 9912 – 72 Avenue, Edmonton, AB 780-757-7844

IndEx of AdvErtISEmEntS all iS BriGht / 124 Street BuSineSS aSSoCiation – PG 17 arden theatre – PG 39 BarBer ha – PG 31 BlundStone – PG 32 CamPerS villaGe – PG 40 City of edmonton – PG 6 Ckua – PG 18 Ctv – PG 5 deeP freeze: a Byzantine Winter feStival – PG 10 diGital SChool – PG 43 edmonton doWntoWn farmerS’ market – PG 17 edmonton’S food Bank – PG 16 edmonton PoliCe ServiCe – PG 23 feStival of treeS – PG 2 feStival PlaCe – PG 44 heritaGe feStival – PG 37 homeWard truSt/find – PG 13 hot 107 / harvard BroadCaStinG – PG 1 JuBilationS dinner theatre – PG 7 la Citie franCoPhone – PG 35 la derma Skin CliniC – PG 32 launChPad tramPoline – PG 29 marmot BaSin – PG 9 namaSte india – PG 37 old StrathCona BuSineSS aSSoCiation – PG 21 old StrathCona farmerS’ market – PG 21 PuG City euroWorkS – PG 41 PumP houSe BreWerieS – PG 34 red Jade martial artS – PG 30 royal tyrrell muSeum of PalaeontoloGy – PG 19 SaWridGe hotel – PG 8 SherBrooke liquor – PG 17 SnoW valley – PG 27 SPeCial olymPiCS alBerta – PG 20 teluS World of SCienCe – PG 11 touriSm JaSPer – PG 28 toWn of Sylvan lake – PG 24 tutti frutti BreakfaSt & lunCh – PG 15 u of a BotaniC Garden – PG 3 u of a international Week – PG 10 Where faerieS live – PG 36

Hardisty Drive, the trail forks west along Hardisty Drive (#2 Capilano Link) or east down a long gradual hill back into Capilano Park. #2 ConneCting trail: riverside/Capilano link Length: 5.5 km Rating: More difficult classic and skating. Capilano parking lot or Riverside Golf Course has a panoramic view of Edmonton that can be seen from a lookout along the trail. At the end of Hardisty Dr, the trail descends a long steep hill and under Wayne Gretzky Dr. Watch for skiers coming up the hill. The trail follows rolling terrain along the river’s edge until it enters Riverside Golf Course. Gold Bar Park, 10955 50 St Trails in the park are accessed from the parking lot at Gold Bar Park, east side of 50 St and north of 109 Ave where the road meets the river. Trails can also be accessed from Goldstick Park at 101 Ave, half a km east of 50 St. Note: For safety, please follow all ONEWAY signs on the trails. #1 trail: two-way lake Length: 1.1 km Rating: Easy classic and skating Trailhead: A flat trail in the centre of lower Gold Bar Park that circles the lakes in the park. A grid of classic tracks for lessons is set on the lake by the warm-up shelter. #2 trail: north shore (two-way trail) Length: 1.4 km Rating: Easy classic and skating. A flat trail that follows the north shore of the lake. #3 trail: wood Cutters’ loop (one-way only) Length: 1.2 km Rating: More difficult classic and skating. At the south end of the park, the trail leads up into hilly terrain on the west side of the river valley. The trail travels through steep and rolling trail north through the forest. Where the trail drops to the park’s flats, a fork leads to Gold Bar warm-up shelter. #4 trail: 50 street (oneway only) Length: 1.8 km Rating: More difficult classic and skating. The trail continues north through rolling terrain and trees to 50 St, looping back to the warm-up shelter in Gold Bar. #5 trail: Creek Crossing (one-way only) Length: 1 km Rating: Most difficult classic and skating. At the south end of the park, look for the “most difficult” trail signs that lead into Goldstick Ravine.

The trail crosses Gold Bar Creek and goes up the very steep ESSO hill. Halfway up the hill, turn right onto a hilly trail that re-crosses Gold Bar Creek, leading back to flat terrain in lower Gold Bar Park. #6 trail: switChbaCk (one-way only) Length: 1.8 km Rating: Most difficult classic and skating. Continue up ESSO hill into rolling hilly trails along the trees in Goldstick Park. #7 trail: south end (oneway only) Length: 1.2 km Rating: Most difficult classic and skating This trail leads south into even more hilly terrain before it winds back toward Gold Bar Park. Steep uphill, downhill and tight corners challenge even advanced skiers. #8 trail: Capilano link (one-way only) Length: 1.5 km Rating: Easy classic and skating. Trailhead: The trail leads to 50 St, and cross the road to join the trails in Capilano Park. rundle Park, 2909 113 ave Rundle Connector Length Length: 3.6 km Rating: Easy - Groomed for classic and skate, with a shared two-way classic track through the lake bed. Access to the trail is via the trail house at the west, the parking area at the toboggan hill. A gently rolling and partially treed trail that acts as an out and back loop from the Ainsworth Dyer Bridge, or a connector to those wishing to ski through to Strathcona Science Park (some walking on trails required). Mostly flat with only one large slope at the west (near the trail house) end of the trail. Generally less skied than the other area parks, this is a great spot that stays well groomed for all levels of skier.

Surrounding Edmonton area: County of StrathCona Strathcona Wildnerness Centre 52535 Rge Rd 212, Ardrossan St alBert Kingswood Park 395 Sir Winston Churchill Ave Stony Plain Stony Plain Golf Course 18 Fairway Dr

VUEWEEKLY.COM 42

cool winter guide nov 09, 2017 – mar 31, 2018

WHERE ARE YOU GOING TO COLLEGE THIS WINTER? ACADEMY OF LEARNING CAREER COLLEGE OFFERS YOU: Convenient Start Dates Flexible Class Times Individualized Learning One-on-One Attention Online Program Selection Job Placement Assistance Career Training On Your Terms Inquire now for more information on the best program to match your interests.

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