The winter season in Edmonton is a real treat for outdoor enthusiasts. When temperatures drop below zero and snow covers the city in a white blanket, locals and newcomers often wonder: is it possible to find like-minded people to go sledding or ice skating with? The answer is encouraging — Edmonton offers a wealth of opportunities for social interaction through winter activities, from organized clubs to informal groups, from family events to programs for beginners of all ages.
Why it's important to find a group for winter activities
Moving to a new city, especially one as large as Edmonton, can be challenging when it comes to forming social connections. The winter months, which last for almost half a year, can seem particularly lonely if you don't know where to find people with similar interests. Participating in group winter activities has many benefits that go beyond simple physical health.
First, group winter activities help overcome the so-called “winter blues” — a seasonal affective disorder that often affects residents of northern regions due to a lack of sunlight and prolonged periods of cold weather. When you skate or sled with other people, physical activity in the fresh air combined with social interaction creates a natural antidepressant. The laughter of children on sleds, friendly conversations at the skating rink, drinking hot cocoa together after skating — all this creates a sense of community and belonging.
Second, group activities are especially beneficial for families with children. Children quickly make new friends during active games in the snow, and parents have the opportunity to meet other families going through a similar stage in life. Many parents note that their children ask to return to such events again and again, as they not only get physical activity but also valuable social experience.
Third, participating in organized groups helps beginners feel more confident. If you are new to ice skating or have never sledded down a real Canadian hill before, it can be scary to start on your own. In a group, there will always be more experienced participants who will share tips, help you up after a fall, or simply offer words of encouragement. This atmosphere of mutual support is especially important for those who have come from countries where winter sports are not as common.
Fourth, group activities are often free or very affordable. The City of Edmonton and local community leagues make a significant effort to make winter recreation accessible to everyone, regardless of income level. This is especially important for newly arrived families who are still establishing their financial footing in a new country.
Organized sledding programs
Free Play for Kids — free programs for children
One of the most well-known organizations offering group winter activities for children in Edmonton is Free Play for Kids. This organization began in 2007 as Free Footie (soccer) and has since expanded to include basketball, rugby, field hockey, and other sports. In 2020, during the pandemic, the organization launched the Adventure Days program, which focused on winter activities, as children aged seven to twelve were getting very little outdoor activity.
Free Play for Kids works with the Edmonton Ski Club to offer skiing and snowboarding every Thursday for children from sixty high-need schools. Initially, about 100 children joined the skiing and snowboarding program, and now nearly 240 children participate in winter activities, which now also include sledding and tubing. The organization believes that “not only should all children have the freedom to play, but the play itself should be free.”
Feedback on the winter programs from children and parents has been very positive. Tri Cao says his ten-year-old son Andy enjoys playing in the snow with a large group of friends. Tri also recommends that other families sign their children up for Free Play's winter activities because “it's better to be outside doing activities than sitting at home in front of a tablet.” Lexi Alvarez-Bulgin, 11, and Lincoln Alvarez-Bulgin, 8, love tubing at Free Play because they spend less time learning and preparing and more time enjoying the activity. Their mother, Kenya Alvarez, says they also enjoy skiing and snowboarding, which she believes they would not have been able to try without the organization.
Free Play helps children overcome barriers to play, including cost and transportation. The organization provides children with opportunities to “play in a safe, accessible, and inclusive environment at no cost to them or their families.” The organization's future goal is to increase the capacity of its winter programming to reach even more children.
Community leagues and their winter festivals
Community leagues across Edmonton organize fifty to sixty winter festivals, most of which take place around Family Day in February. These events have become a tradition for many Edmonton families and offer a great opportunity to get to know your neighbors and make winter memories together.
Community league winter festivals typically include a wide range of activities, with sledding taking center stage. For example, the South Clareview Community League organizes a unique sledding competition where participants create their own sleds out of cardboard and duct tape, then compete on a snow hill for prizes. Categories include “Audience Favorite Sled,” “Fastest Run,” and “Best Flip.” This event takes place in late February and attracts families from across the city who want to combine creativity with winter fun.
The Royal Gardens Community League offers a winter festival that includes snowshoeing, sledding, ice skating, horse-drawn sleigh rides, hot chocolate, and marshmallows roasted over a bonfire. Similar events are organized by the Westwood Community League, where you can go sledding and draw in the snow, as well as eat hot dogs and roast marshmallows over a bonfire.
Millhurst Community League organizes a Family Fun Day that combines ice skating, curling, snowshoeing for children (equipment provided), hot chocolate, chili, and a winter gear swap. This is a great opportunity not only to enjoy winter activities, but also to exchange winter clothing and equipment that your children have outgrown.
Many of these events require membership in a community league for some activities, such as sledding or free treats. However, community league membership is usually very affordable and provides access to numerous amenities and programs throughout the year. It is important to check the information for each event in advance, as some may be postponed or canceled due to extreme weather conditions.
City Programs and Play Rangers
The City of Edmonton offers free Play Rangers programs, which focus on engaging children and families in special outdoor recreational activities that everyone can enjoy. Children aged six to twelve can attend on their own, while younger children can come with a parent or guardian.
Play Rangers are held on most Saturdays and include a variety of winter activities such as orienteering, scavenger hunts, snowshoeing, campfire building, and more. These programs are led by specially trained leaders who create a safe and fun environment for children to learn about nature and develop winter outdoor survival skills.
Although Play Rangers is not specifically a sledding group, these programs often include winter activities in parks where there is access to snow slides. This is a great opportunity for children to meet peers who are also interested in winter outdoor adventures and possibly form friendships that will continue beyond the organized activities.
Skating clubs and groups
Figure skating — CanSkate clubs
Edmonton has a very developed figure skating infrastructure, with numerous clubs throughout the city offering programs for all ages and skill levels. For beginners, the best place to start is the CanSkate program, Skate Canada's flagship skating program.
CanSkate is the most important program in Skate Canada clubs, as it is here that skaters have the opportunity to develop a lifelong interest in the sport. The program serves beginners of all ages, including children, adults, and athletes with disabilities. CanSkate provides a solid foundation for any ice sport, including figure skating, hockey, ringette, speed skating, or just skating for fun.
The CanSkate program focuses on balance, control, and agility using a nationally proven curriculum. Classes are fifty minutes long and include a group warm-up, learning new skills, review and practice, group activities, and a cool-down. Children are divided into color groups based on their abilities, and they have fun at different stations, working on the skills required for different badge levels. Skate Canada professional coaches teach this program with the help of program assistants.
There are many figure skating clubs in Edmonton that offer CanSkate and other training programs:
Derrick Skating Club has been operating in Edmonton since 1966 and is a Skate Canada club. The club offers skating training programs that follow the recommendations of Skate Canada's flagship CanSkate program. The club's dynamic skating program focuses on fun, participation, and the development of skating skills.
Crestwood Skating Club is a non-profit recreational skating club that was founded in 1977. The club currently holds classes at the Callingwood Recreation Centre and Crestwood Arena. The club's mission is to offer a full range of skating classes full of challenges and fun, where students learn solid basic skating skills that allow skaters to advance to higher levels.
Gateway Skating Club has been operating in Edmonton since 1964 and is a proud member of Skate Canada. The club offers recreational skating programs through to competitive figure skating, and their professionally trained and NCCP-certified coaches support all skaters in reaching their full potential at every level.
Extreme Edge Skating Club offers figure skating lessons in North Edmonton. The club offers beginner classes for children, teens, and adults, and holds classes for ages 3.5 and up. The club is known for its highly trained and experienced coaches who are qualified, inclusive, and fun.
Fliteway Figure Skating Club is a full-service figure skating club for first-time skaters to advanced skaters. The club is home to provincial-level medalists and champions and is located in North Edmonton. The club offers both a preschool skating class and a CanLearn Skating class.
Mayfield Figure Skating Club serves all levels, including beginners with the PreCanSkate program. The club holds sessions throughout the year, including fall, winter, and spring sessions.
The Edmonton Synchronized Skating Club offers high-quality skating lessons for all ice sports in southwest Edmonton. All sessions are conducted by Skate Canada certified coaches, with an emphasis on a high coach-to-skater ratio and a focus on skill development and fun on the ice.
Adult Programs
Many people mistakenly believe that skating lessons are only for children, but in fact, many clubs in Edmonton offer special programs for teens and adults. If you have never skated before or want to refresh your skills after many years of not skating, these programs are designed just for you.
Teen/Adult CanSkate is a program open to skaters aged twelve and older who want to learn the basics of skating. These classes create a comfortable environment for adult participants, where they don't feel awkward learning alongside young children. Adult participants often form strong friendships in these classes, as they all share the experience of learning a new skill as adults.
Delia's free skating lessons at City Hall are another great opportunity for beginners to gain confidence on the ice. Free drop-in lessons are offered on Saturdays and Sundays from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. These lessons are ideal for those who want to try skating without the commitment of registering for a full-season program. It's also a great way to meet other adult beginners who are also taking their first steps on the ice.
Public rinks and informal groups
The City of Edmonton maintains over a hundred community rinks that are operated by volunteers. Many leagues also have skate rental programs, so you don't need to have your own equipment to start skating. These community rinks become natural meeting places for local residents who want to skate in an informal setting.
The Glastonbury Community League Skating Trail is a new skating trail open to residents from all community leagues. The trail is located in Glastonbury Park at 1101 Grantham Drive and is lit at night, allowing you to skate even after the sun goes down. It's a great place to meet up with friends or family for an evening skate after work or school.
For those interested in informal hockey, there is a Facebook group called “Edmonton ODR Shinny (Outdoor Rink).” This group was created for people who want to organize shinny (informal hockey) on outdoor rinks. If you know a goalie or want to play yourself, this is a great way to find other hockey enthusiasts for friendly games.
City Rinks and Large Winter Spaces
Rundle Park IceWay and Shinny Ice Surface
Rundle Park offers one of Edmonton's most popular winter experiences—a long, scenic ice trail that leads to a large skating surface inside the park. The IceWay and skating surface are open from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., and skate rentals are available on-site at the Rundle Family Centre. This makes the park ideal for spontaneous visits—you don't have to worry about bringing your own equipment.
For shinny (informal hockey) enthusiasts, Rundle Park also has a dedicated shinny surface, which is only accessible via the IceWay at the end of the route. It is important to note that for the safety of all users, shinny is strictly prohibited on the IceWay — sticks and pucks may only be used in the designated Shinny Ice area.
Rundle Park also has Winter Windbreak Comfort Nodes — open spaces designed for visitor comfort, located next to the IceWays. These areas have south-facing seating, fire pits, and wooden panels to block prevailing winds, providing a comfortable place to take a break and warm up.
The Rundle Family Centre is open from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and offers restrooms, a skate change area, skate rental, and other services. This makes Rundle Park not just a place to skate, but a true social hub where people can meet, spend time together, and enjoy the winter atmosphere in comfortable conditions.
Victoria Park IceWay and Skating Oval
Victoria Park offers a large oval for recreational skating plus a picturesque IceWay and pavilion. The IceWay is open from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., while the skating oval has different hours depending on the day of the week. On Mondays and Wednesdays, the oval is open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.; on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and from 9:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.; and from Friday to Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
It is important to note that, in partnership with the City of Edmonton, the Edmonton Speed Skating Association has exclusive use of the oval on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., as well as on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. During these hours, the oval is closed to the public, but visitors can still use the IceWay.
The pavilion is open from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and offers restrooms, a vending machine, and skate change rooms. As with Rundle Park, there are also Winter Windbreak Comfort Nodes with fire pits where you can warm up while skating.
City Hall Plaza Rink
The City Hall Plaza Rink is located in the heart of the city at 1 Sir Winston Churchill Square. It is a popular urban skating surface in the heart of the city, surrounded by festive lights and City Hall. The Edmonton Arts Council organizes Winter City Weekends at this rink, where you can skate and dance to music.
One of the best features of City Hall Plaza Rink is the free skate rental available in the evenings and on weekends. This makes skating accessible to everyone, including those who don't have their own skates or want to try skating for the first time without investing in equipment.
Outdoor clubs and social groups
Edmonton Outdoor Club
The Edmonton Outdoor Club is one of the largest and most active organizations for outdoor enthusiasts in the region. The club brings people together in a fun, friendly, and welcoming atmosphere, and membership is free. The club encourages people of all abilities to join and offers regular outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, biking, rollerblading, canoeing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, as well as social gatherings and special events.
Although the club does not specialize specifically in sledding or skating, the winter program includes many activities where participants can meet like-minded people who also enjoy winter sports. Most events take place in the Edmonton area, but sometimes the club visits neighboring provinces or travels further from home. The club tries to keep events as inexpensive and accessible as possible. EOC is run 100% by volunteers.
Edmonton Trail Community
Edmonton Trail Community was founded in 2014 for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages and abilities who love to pursue adventures together. The group runs, hikes, bikes, skis, and snowshoes. If it's outdoors, they're there. Every person, every pace, not just running.
The group organizes a variety of winter activities, including Trail Treasure Hunt — a treasure hunt on trails in the Edmonton River Valley with family and friends or on your own. The trails are covered with snow and have varied terrain, so hiking boots or trail running shoes are recommended. This is a self-guided activity — use the maps on the group's website to choose your adventure. All trails start and end at Wolf Willow Starbucks.
November Project
November Project Canada meets for FREE, fun, and challenging workouts. But mainly, they are a smile factory that can change your life. Join the tribe! Meetings are held on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 6:00 a.m. sharp at various locations.
While November Project isn't specifically a sledding or skating group, many members continue to socialize after workouts and often organize informal winter activities, including skating or sledding. It's a great way to find active, energetic people who enjoy winter and want to make the most of the winter months.
YEG Coffee Outside
YEG Coffee Outside is a group for those who ride bikes in the morning and want to be part of the coolest coffee club and socialize with others over lively conversations. Most Fridays from 7:00 to 9:00 a.m., the group meets at different locations, usually at Ezio Farone Park. You bring your own coffee, tea, or hot chocolate—or impress others by brewing it there on a camping stove.
Although the group focuses on bike rides and coffee, many members also organize informal winter activities, including ice skating at public rinks or sledding with children.
Edmonton Sport & Social Club
The Edmonton Sport & Social Club is an organization that has been helping Edmonton adults with their sporting and social needs since 2004. The club's philosophy is “fun first, winning second.” The club offers a variety of leagues and events throughout the year, including winter activities.
Although the Sport & Social Club does not specifically organize sledding or skating as a regular league, they do offer a variety of winter programs, such as “Learn to Curl” at the Jasper Place Curling Club. The club also organizes various social events where members can meet and discuss the possibility of organizing informal winter activities together.
Meetup Groups
The Meetup platform is a great resource for finding groups and events in Edmonton. On Meetup, you can find groups based on interests ranging from hiking and reading to networking and skill sharing. Events happen every day—sign up to join in on the fun.
There are many groups on Meetup that organize outdoor winter activities. For example, the Edmonton Active and Leisure Group organizes snowshoeing in Jackie Parker Park followed by a hike for food. While there may not be many specific Meetup groups dedicated exclusively to sledding or skating, many general outdoor activity groups include these activities in their winter programs.
Membership on Meetup is free, and you can join as many groups as you like. This allows you to explore different types of activities and meet a variety of people until you find a group that best suits your interests and schedule.
Specialized Programs and Unique Opportunities
Kicksled Edmonton
Kicksled Edmonton (Harness Dog Sports) is a Facebook group for those in and around Edmonton who want to share trail conditions and post local group rides and events. It's a friendly and helpful group with members ranging from beginners to experienced veterans. A kicksled is a traditional Scandinavian winter vehicle that resembles a sled on long metal runners with a steering wheel, and can be pulled by dogs or simply pushed by a person.
Although a kicksled is not technically a sled in the traditional sense, it is a unique winter activity that combines elements of sledding, skiing, and working with dogs. The group regularly organizes meetups in Edmonton's river valley, where participants can try kick sledding, meet other enthusiasts, and learn proper technique.
Silver Skate Festival
The Silver Skate Festival is Edmonton's longest-running winter festival, a free ten-day event in Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park that is a massive celebration of winter life. The festival includes a variety of activities for the whole family, including ice skating, amazing snow sculptures, and movies projected onto a giant screen made of snow.
The Silver Skate Festival provides a wonderful opportunity to meet other families and winter enthusiasts in a festive atmosphere. Many people attend the festival every year, creating a tradition and meeting old friends. For newcomers, it's the perfect place to see how Edmontonians truly enjoy winter and participate in the city's winter culture.
Deep Freeze: A Byzantine Winter Festival
Deep Freeze is a vibrant, free festival on Alberta Avenue that celebrates Ukrainian, French-Canadian, and Indigenous traditions. The festival takes place in mid-January and includes a variety of winter activities. Children enjoy the Deep Freezer races, street hockey, and baking banask (traditional Indigenous bread) over an open fire.
Deep Freeze provides a unique opportunity to experience Edmonton's cultural diversity while enjoying winter fun. Many families come to the festival in groups, and the atmosphere is very friendly and welcoming to newcomers. If you want to meet people from the Ukrainian community or simply learn more about Ukrainian culture, Deep Freeze is a great place to start.
Ice on Whyte
Ice on Whyte is another must-see winter festival in Edmonton. For about ten days from late January to early February, a collection of impressive ice sculptures is displayed somewhere on Whyte Avenue or nearby in Old Strathcona. The most recent festival was held at Dr. Wilbert McIntyre Park, right off Whyte.
In addition to admiring the ice sculptures, children can take a quiz, slide down an ice slide, sit in an ice chair, or create their own ice sculpture. There is also a bonfire and several food trucks on site. There is a small admission fee for this event, but it is worth visiting for the whole family.
Tips for successful participation in group winter activities
How to find and join groups
The first step in finding a group to go sledding or skating with is to research your options. Start by checking your local community league's website, as many leagues organize regular winter activities and maintain public skating rinks. You can find a rink near you by visiting the EFCL (Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues) website, selecting “Community League Facility Search,” and choosing “Skating Rink” from the facility search drop-down menu.
Facebook is another great resource for finding groups and events. Search for groups using keywords such as “Edmonton winter activities,” “Edmonton skating,” “Edmonton outdoor,” or the names of specific activities that interest you. Join groups, read posts, and don't be shy about introducing yourself and asking questions. Most groups are very welcoming to new members.
The Meetup platform is also a great place to find organized groups. Create a free account, enter your location and interests, and you'll see a list of relevant groups and upcoming events. Many Meetup groups organize regular winter activities, and it's a great way to meet people in a structured setting.
For those interested in more formal skating programs, visit the websites of local figure skating clubs. Most clubs offer free trial lessons or open houses where you can come and check out the program before signing up. This is a great opportunity to see the facilities, meet the coaches, and ask questions about the program.
What to bring
The right equipment and clothing make a big difference in your comfort and enjoyment during winter activities. For sledding, you will need a warm, waterproof winter jacket and pants, warm mittens or gloves, winter boots with good traction, a hat, and a scarf. A helmet is highly recommended, especially for children, as it protects against head injuries in the event of a fall or collision.
For ice skating, you will need similar clothing, but many people prefer slightly lighter layers, as skating is a more energetic activity that generates body heat. Be sure to wear appropriate socks—thick socks can make skates too tight, while very thin socks may not provide enough protection from friction. Many experienced skaters recommend special skating socks that have extra padding in key areas.
Don't forget to bring extra mittens or gloves, especially for children, as they often get wet while playing in the snow. A thermos of hot chocolate, tea, or coffee is also a great idea—a warm drink helps you warm up from the inside and makes breaks more enjoyable. Many families also bring small snacks, such as granola bars or cookies, to maintain energy levels during long outdoor sessions.
Safety and etiquette
Safety should always be a priority during winter activities. For sledding, always use designated sledding hills that are maintained by the city. These hills have safe exits, safety signs, and reduced hazards. Never sled on unfamiliar slopes, near streets, parking lots, or bodies of water. Always sled feet first, not head first, and make sure the route is clear before starting your descent.
When ice skating, follow all published rules and recommendations. At public skating rinks, always skate in the same direction as everyone else, usually counterclockwise. Be aware of other skaters around you, especially children, who may be less predictable in their movements. If you fall, try to get up quickly and move out of the way of other skaters. If you need a break, move to the edge of the rink rather than stopping in the middle where others may collide with you.
Etiquette is also important for creating a positive experience for everyone. Be welcoming and friendly to other participants, especially beginners who may feel nervous. If you see someone who has fallen or looks like they need help, offer a helping hand. This culture of mutual support is one of the things that makes Edmonton's winter community so special.
Overcoming the language barrier
For newcomers who are still learning English, participating in group activities can seem intimidating. However, most organizers and participants are very patient and willing to help. Don't be afraid to use simple English phrases or gestures to communicate. Many people in Edmonton have experience helping newcomers and understand the challenges of adapting to a new country and language.
If you feel more comfortable, look for groups or events organized by communities that speak your language. For example, the Deep Freeze Festival celebrates Ukrainian culture and attracts many Ukrainian-speaking participants. This can be a great opportunity to meet people who speak your language while enjoying winter activities.
Many figure skating clubs and programs also have a diverse contingent of participants from different cultural backgrounds. Coaches are used to working with people who speak English as a second language and often use visual demonstrations and physical cues to help overcome language barriers.
Start your own group
If you can't find an existing group that meets your needs, why not start your own? Starting a sledding or skating group may seem like a big task, but it can actually be quite simple and very rewarding.
Start with a small group—perhaps just a few families from your neighborhood or other parents from your children's school. Choose a specific day and time for regular meetings, such as every Saturday morning at 10:00 a.m. at the local sledding hill or every Sunday afternoon at the public skating rink. Consistency helps people plan and makes your group more reliable.
Create a simple Facebook or WhatsApp group for communication. Post reminders about upcoming meetings, share photos from past events, and encourage members to invite their friends. You may be surprised at how quickly your group can grow—many people are looking for social opportunities like this but don't know where to start.
Keep things simple and casual, especially in the beginning. Don't worry about creating a formal structure or charging fees. Just focus on creating a regular opportunity for people to meet and enjoy winter activities together. As your group grows, you can add more structure if necessary, but many successful informal groups remain very simple and volunteer-run for years.
Conclusion
Edmonton offers an extraordinary wealth of opportunities to find groups and communities for sledding and skating. From organized figure skating clubs that offer structured training programs to informal groups of like-minded individuals who meet at public rinks for friendly skating, there is something for every age, skill level, and interest in the city.
For families with children, there are numerous programs, such as Free Play for Kids, that provide free access to winter activities, including sledding and tubing. Community leagues organize dozens of winter festivals each year, creating opportunities for neighbors to get to know each other and enjoy winter together. City programs such as Play Rangers offer structured winter activities for children and families in local parks.
For adults who want to learn to skate or improve their skills, numerous figure skating clubs offer CanSkate programs specifically for teens and adults. Free lessons at City Hall Plaza provide an opportunity to try skating with no strings attached. Public skating rinks throughout the city create informal spaces for social interaction where people can meet and skate together.
Outdoor clubs, such as the Edmonton Outdoor Club and Edmonton Trail Community, bring together people who enjoy winter activities and want to explore Edmonton's winter landscape together. Platforms such as Meetup and Facebook make it easy to find interest groups and allow beginners to easily join existing communities.
Winter festivals such as the Silver Skate Festival, Deep Freeze, and Ice on Whyte create a festive atmosphere that celebrates winter and brings the community together. These events not only offer fun and entertainment, but also provide an opportunity to meet other people who appreciate Edmonton's winter lifestyle.
For newcomers, especially those who have moved from countries with warmer climates, participating in these groups and events can be the key to successfully integrating into Canadian society. Winter in Edmonton is not an obstacle to social life — it is an opportunity. When you embrace winter and actively seek ways to enjoy it with others, you not only improve your physical and mental health, but also build meaningful connections that can last a lifetime.
Don't let the cold keep you indoors. Dress warmly, grab your sled or skates, and go out to find like-minded people. Edmonton welcomes you with open arms and a wealth of opportunities for winter fun with new friends.