A blanket of snow and mild winter weather are creating the perfect conditions to get outdoors and enjoy some seasonal fun in Alberta’s provincial parks.
Whether it’s a high-energy afternoon of tobogganing with the kids, cross-country skiing through a still winter forest or skating on a frozen lake, winter activities abound at parks from Fort McMurray to Cypress Hills to Grande Prairie to Cold Lake.
“Albertans have a wonderful winter playground in our provincial parks. I encourage everyone to forgo their hibernation and take advantage of the winter programs and services that range from the traditional to the unique.”
~ Kyle Fawcett, Minister of Environment and Sustainable Resource Development
Winter activities such as ice fishing, disc golf, snowshoeing and camping can be discovered at AlbertaParks.ca, a one-stop shop for all things provincial parks. The website also includes trail reports to help visitors prepare for their adventure.
A few Alberta Parks regional highlights for outdoor enthusiasts include:
- Skating at Miquelon Lake Provincial Park (ice rink is located near the park centre);
- Wildlife watching on the large network of trails at Cooking Lake-Blackfoot Recreation Area;
- Ice fishing in Wildhorse, Kinky, Emerson and Pierre Greys lakes and in all of Switzer Parks’ five lakes;
- Luge or backcountry hut rental at Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park;
- Camping in heated cabins at Sir Winston Churchill Provincial Park;
- Snow/Fat biking in Kananaskis Country; and
- Snowshoeing and hiking in Saskatoon Island Provincial Park.
A provincial park or provincial recreation area exists within one hour’s drive of every Alberta community, so opportunity abounds to spend outdoor quality time with friends and family this holiday season.