Visiting Edmonton and Northern Alberta

Pure winter in Northern Alberta and the Canadian Rockies is the place to be. Canada’s Jasper National Park, the largest playground in the Canadian Rockies, is filled with pristine outdoors wilderness and amazing snow. Edmonton, Alberta’s capital city is a hub of culture and commerce year round; however only in winter can visitors enjoy The Silver Skate Festival and celebrate the beauty and fun of the season. Northwest of Edmonton via Highway 43, Grande Prairie anchors the southern region of Peace River Country and the northern reaches of the CANAMEX trade route. GP is convenient to Jasper via Bighorn Highway 40. Northern Alberta is all about winter fun this time of year.

Kick off the New Year with winter fun at Evergreen Park in Grande Prairie at the 2012 Grande Prairie Sled Dog Derby. In its second year, Grande Prairie hosts the derby, January 7th and 8th, now an ISDRA sanctioned event. Join the excitement as the new All-Around Champion Musher is crowned for 2012, and the most sportsmanlike musher is selected by those competing. The Grande Prairie Sled Dog Derby gets 2012 winter fun off to a great start.

The Grande Prairie Storm keeps the heat on through February at Canada Games Arena in downtown Grande Prairie. Celebrate the Storm’s 16th year in action with the Alberta Junior Hockey League at a game this winter. With the support of loyal fans from across the Grande Prairie region and the Swan City Hockey Association, cheer the Storm on to 2012 Playoff action. The Storm regular home season schedule ends February 17th and 18th with games against the St Albert Steel.

Jasper hosts one of Western Canada’s premier festivals to initiate the New Year. Jasper in January Festival 2012: Fire and Ice begins Friday January 13th. Join the fun at the Kokanee Kick Off Party setting the tone for the remainder of January. J in J events include snow carving competitions, downtown Jasper’s Family Street Festival and the Polar Bear Dip at Patricia Lake. New for 2012, don’t miss the Yukigassen Canada Snow Battle – watch as teams compete with snowballs to eliminate the competition and capture opposing flags. Jasper in January continues through January 29th.

Ski and snowboarding fans find Marmot Basin in Jasper National Park an ideal spot for bumps, bowls or cruising the powder. Enjoy the natural beauty of Lac Beauvert or Pyramid Lake for outdoor ice-skating on a frozen lake nestled in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Jasper has winter fun covered in one destination.

Jasper National Park offers cross-country ski terrain to suit all ages and experience levels. Beginners, check out the Lake Trail Loop or Moose Lake Trail to get started. The Moab Lake Trail is 18 km of amazing vistas for skiers looking for a challenge. Find the trail head at Meeting of the Waters picnic area south of Jasper along Highway 93A.

Northern Alberta is winter fun.

Edmonton and Northern Alberta Hotel Map