Look Beyond the Slopes for High-Value Fun
With an average of around 154 cm of snowfall each year, the Grande Prairie region offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy winter. But the slopes are only the beginning. From ice fishing and snowmobiling to other ways to explore the outdoors, there’s plenty of fun to be had without paying for a lift pass. Read on for a roundup of our favourite winter activities and discover how to make the most of the season!
Snowmobiling
Pickup trucks hauling snowmobiles are a common sight in the Grande Prairie region during winter, and for good reason. The snowfall we mentioned earlier gives us an extended snowmobiling season (October to April), and with plenty of scenic terrain to explore, there’s always a new landscape to discover.
Where: You can find great snowmobiling routes throughout the region, but the Kakwa area is particularly well known for its deep powder and mountainous terrain, making it perfect for exploring.
Ice Fishing
Ice fishing is a quintessential winter experience, and you don’t need mountains of high-tech gear to get started. All you really need is a line, a hook, an auger, a stool, plenty of warm clothing, and a bit of patience! Our dedicated blog goes into greater detail about getting started.
Where: Snipe Lake and Moonshine Lake are both within two hours of Grande Prairie and offer opportunities to fish for trout, pike, perch, and whitefish beneath the frozen surface.
Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing
The calm and silence of a snow-covered forest in winter are truly magical, and cross-country skiing or snowshoeing is a great way to experience them. Escape the bustle of the city and make fresh tracks.
Where: Muskoseepi Park runs through the heart of Grande Prairie, offering trails that are free to use.
Outdoor Skating
Community rinks for public use are a tradition throughout the Grande Prairie region. You’ll find people taking their first steps on skates alongside those who have skated their entire lives in towns and hamlets across the region. Check out our complete guide to outdoor skating rinks.
Where: Muskoseepi Pond is a convenient option in Grande Prairie, while the Aquatera Community Skating Oval offers a large skating surface for those looking to practise their skating skills.
Tobogganing
Winter fun doesn’t get much simpler than tobogganing. Buy a sled, find a hill, and go wild! There are plenty of slopes throughout the Grande Prairie region for the young and young at heart to enjoy sliding through the snowy days.
Where: This handy guide lists more than half a dozen tobogganing locations in Grande Prairie alone.
