Create Winter Experiences and Share for a Chance to Win!

Winter Activity Passport

We want to see how you celebrate winter this February! Use the Silver Skate Winter Activity Passport to guide your winter experiences and share with us by Feb. 21 to qualify for prizes.

Follow and tag @SilverSkateFest and #SilverSkate in your winter activity posts on social media to be entered for a chance to win Celebrate Edmonton local surprise goodie bags, Silver Skate Toti art print, and Silver Skate toques. Accounts and posts must be set to public.

Submit how many winter activities you got up by Feb. 21 via this form.

Winners will be selected via social media and through the form submission.

ONLINE ACTIVITY
COMPLETION FORM

Silver Skate Festival 2023 winter experiences passport

Via Rail Grand Prize

If you specifically share social media posts showing how you're enjoying Silver Skate Festival on site at Hawrelak Park from Feb 11-21, you'll qualify for a chance to win our VIA Rail Canada adventure for 2 grand prize to keep your winter fun going (valued at $1,500)!

Only posts shared between Feb 11-21, depicting activities happening on site at Hawrelak Park for Silver Skate Festival, will qualify. Accounts and posts must be set to public.

Make sure you are also following and tagging @SilverSkateFest, @VIARailCanada, and #SilverSkate.

A winner will be selected via social media.

Miniature Art Scavenger Hunt

The Miniature Enthusiasts of Edmonton have created two special lanterns to showcase at Silver Skate Festival. These mini lanterns are hidden somewhere on site at Hawrelak Park. Find them during the festival Feb 11-21 and share a photo of both lanterns for a chance to win a Silver Skate Toti art print.

You must be following @SilverSkateFest and tag #SilverSkate to qualify. Accounts and posts must be set to public.

Be sure to follow @SilverSkateFest for updates and reminders about our 2022 Create Winter Experiences contests!

Not visiting us down in Hawrelak Park today? No problem!
Here are some ideas for awesome winter fun from our friends around town!

Visit the Flying Canoë Volant

Celebrate your inner voyageur with light, music, legends, and dance! Inspired by the legend of The Flying Canoe and French Canadian, First Nations, and Métis traditions, this event celebrates beautiful Mill Creek Ravine and the French Quarter. Check out our interactive map for activities you can do along the river valley and Mill Creek trail systems on your journey to The Canoe!

Visit flyingcanoevolant.ca

Take on The Wall

A wall made of ice eh? I think I watched a tv show that had one of those in it... Here’s your chance to channel your inner Jon Snow and scale the wall. Courtesy of the Edmonton Ski Club, Edmonton’s first and only ice climbing facility, situated in the beautiful river valley with downtown in sight, is now open. Ice climbing gear (boots, crampons, ice tools, harness and helmet) available for rent on site. What are you waiting for?

Visit edmontonskiclub.com

Go on a Snowshoeing Adventure

If you can only do one of our challenges this winter, please make it this one.

Snowshoes make going through the deepest snow a breeze, and a whole bunch of fun. Explore the river valley and get a great workout!

Get the most out of your snowshoeing adventure by booking a tour with a knowledgeable guide. They know the best routes, can give you fun and insightful information about the area, and will go at your pace. 60 minute snowshoe tours through the River Valley are only only $19.00/person (min. of 4 people).

Visit rivervalleyadventure.com

Plan an Epic Date

Surprise your person with a romantic winter excursion. First off, dig out that old thermos. You'll want some hot coffee or cocoa for this challenge (it's essential). Here's what we suggest:

Begin with a skate on the Hawrelak Ice Pond. This is one of the most beautiful spots in the city, but we find it especially beautiful around dusk. The light at that time of day is otherworldly.
Next, grab that thermos and enjoy a little bite. Silver Skate has partnered with a few local restaurants to offer you our unique Winter Box meal experiences. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner options available. Learn more here.
Lastly, have a nightcap on a winter patio. The heated patio at Rocky Mountain Ice House is the perfect cozy spot to unwind your magical evening with a little libation. They also have heated blanket to keep you cozy while you sip and star gaze.

Grab a Frisbee!

Ice skates + ice = endless possibilities, especially if you have a frisbee!

“Frisbee Rob” McLeod is a motivational speaker and frisbee ambassador living in Calgary, Alberta. His favourite ice surface in Edmonton is Hawrelak Park, where he has broken 6 Guinness World Records, and 12 WFDF World Records multiple times since the 2013 Silver Skate Festival.

Check out Rob's tutorial on his favourite three things to do with a frisbee on skates. Give them a go, and see if you can come up with a few of your own!

Visit Frisbee Rob's Tutorial

Try Urban Poling in Hawrelak Park

Top four reasons why you need to try urban poling today:

The arm movement associated with walking poles adds intensity to your aerobic workout, which helps you burn more calories.
Walking poles improve balance and stability.
Walking poles help you maintain proper posture, especially in the upper back, and may help to strengthen upper back muscles.
Walking poles reduce the load on your lower back, hips and knees, which may be helpful if you have arthritis or back problems.

Challenge accepted. Follow the link below for details on how to get started.

Visit wintercityedmonton.ca

Fatbike Challenge

Did you know that Edmonton has more than 160 kilometers of maintained multi-use trails? That’s a lot of ground to cover. Best get some wheels!

Fat bikes have become increasingly popular with outdoor enthusiasts who do not allow anything (i.e. snow) to confine them to indoor activity. Fat tire bikes provide improved grip and traction on the most troublesome terrain (i.e. snow).

Pro Winter Cycling Tips from redbike proprietor Cliff Vallentgoed:

Regardless of which type of winter rider you are, the starting point is to acknowledge that it is totally possible, with good preparation and respect for the power of a prairie winter, to have a good ride during an Edmonton winter.
The temperature range is bizarre. It can be -20 in the morning and +2 in the afternoon, so the conventional outdoorsy wisdom of dressing in layers makes good sense. Appropriate fabrics are super helpful, good old fashioned wool or modern temperature and moisture control materials derived from polyester fibres.
I’m sure you’ve noticed that it’s dark for about 23 1/2 hours a day as well so lights are a must. Blinky lights are great because they attract more attention in a sea of static lights and there’s tremendously powerful stuff out there to light the path ahead.

This winter – buy, beg, or borrow a fat bike! There are also many options available to winterize your skinny tire bikes. Visit your local bike shop for more details.

Visit Ice on Whyte

Gather your cohort and go on a self-guided tour of ice sculptures in Dr. Wilbert McIntyre Park (8331 104 Street NW, Edmonton) January 27^th through February 6th.

Visit iceonwhyte.ca