The holidays are here already, and for those hosting friends, family, and even in-laws up here in the Grande Prairie region, this is the perfect opportunity to show off what we love about living in the area! Tasty treats, unique gifts, fun activities for the family… This guide has it all!
What are the holidays without good food and drink? If you’re already planning your main feast, our regional Farmers’ Markets offer the best local meats and produce, and Shade Tree Chocolate can help you with a unique treat. As for drinks? Where to begin?! Check out the delicious wines from Broken Tine Orchard, or treat your guests to an award-winning glass from either Stolen Harvest Meadery or the Joosed Moose Winery. Fancy something a little stronger? Latitude 55 and Vintage Wine and Spirits has you covered.
Sometimes, you’ve simply not got enough room for everyone. Not to worry, there are a number of great hotels in the area to help lighten the load. Even better, if your guests visit the Northern Spirit Light Show – a treat by itself – they can receive a discounted rate at the Sandman Hotel located in Downtown Grande Prairie, close to fantastic shopping, entertainment and restaurants.
You can’t have a proper holiday without gifts for your guests. If you’re looking for some really unique Grande Prairie region gifts, you can’t beat the Grande Prairie Farmers’ Market Christmas Show – you’ll also find plenty of more events over at our dedicated holiday cheer blog! If you’re looking for branded articals, drop by Centre 2000 and visit the Hidden Gem gift store, which brings together a lot of local goods. And finally, for anything else that you haven’t been able to find, the Prairie Mall will cross off those last few presents!
You’ll want to burn off all those extra Christmas calories at some point, so why not get out of the house and head for some fun? We already mentioned the Northern Spirit Light Show – one of the largest light shows in all of Alberta – but if you’re feeling more active, Nitehawk Year-Round Adventure Park offers easy access to a wide range of winter sports. If staying cozy is more your cup of tea, a day at the L Spa & Wellness Centre is the perfect way to pamper yourself. And if you want a little injection of culture, our blog on art galleries can point you toward the very finest creative hubs in our region.
You don’t have to break the bank to have a good time in the Grande Prairie Region. Thanks to our cold winter months, there are plenty of places to go snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. An afternoon spent ice fishing is fun by itself, and might even land you a tasty dinner. Muskoseepi Park in the heart of Grande Prairie has over 100km of peaceful trails for all fitness levels. And if all that doesn’t do it for you, you can always take a walk through the streets of Grande Prairie, Beaverlodge, Wembley or Sexsmith and see the many beautiful ways the communities have decorated their towns with lights and more.
When it comes to showcasing the Grande Prairie region, the best ambassadors are you! When your guests’ visit, be sure to show them the best that the area has to offer. Whether it’s the cozy hospitality of your own home along with local food and drink, or regional shopping and shows, make the most of your time together.
And, as always, don’t forget to capture all of your memories with plenty of photos. We’d love to see them! Be sure to tag us with the hashtag #GPTourism on Instagram and Facebook.
Most of all: have fun and Happy Holidays!