While others are fretting about the cold weather – we Tri-Regioners are getting excited about all the fun winter brings. From skating to curling to ice fishing – there’s endless possibilities to enjoy the outdoors during wintertime in Spruce Grove, Stony Plain and Parkland County. Here’s your guide to enjoying four different ice-related activities in the area.
Hockey & Skating under the Indoor Lights
Agrena
The Agrena is home to the Grant Fuhr Arena and Stu Barnes Arena, two full-sized indoor arenas available for rent. Plan a game of shiny with your friends, an extended family get-together skate or a corporate outing with primetime/non-primetime rate offerings. It’s easy to make a lasting memory in these Spruce Grove sporting meccas where families having been building traditions for years.
TransAlta Tr Leisure Centre
The TransAlta Tri Leisure Centre has two huge arenas for all your hockey needs. Afterwards, enjoy a cold beverage at the Shotz Lounge while you take in a game on one of their big screens. The lounge also overlooks both arenas. Combine this fact with their family friendly menu and you have a perfect family outing for those wanting to play and those who prefer to watch. The Tri Leisure Centre also boasts a smaller leisure ice surface available for recreational skating rentals. This provides a more intimate skating experience, but with the conveniences and luxuries of an indoor ice surface.
With a Booster Juice nestled in the front lobby and Mountain Top Market (offering everything from speciality coffee to a quick meal) located on the second floor – there’s no shortage of dining options. Birthday parties are also a breeze at the Tri Leisure with all the ice facilities, a pool and several party rooms.
More great arenas in Parkland County and Stony Plain
The Glenn Hall Centennial Arena located in Stony Plain offers public skating on Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at varying times.
Hockey & Skating Outdoors on Winter Nights
Spruce Grove
Spruce Grove has an array of outdoor skating options including three outdoor skating rinks, two skating ovals and two leisure ice surfaces. These outdoor facilities are free to use and non-scheduled, meaning a spur of the moment wintertime skate is always an option. The Central Park skating oval is a particularly magical experience, as you can skate around under the twinkling light displays, which stay up until February. Afterwards, enjoy a hot cup of cocoa post-skate at the Lions Log Cabin – located right next to the skating oval in Central Park. Perks Coffeehouse is also another great option for a warm beverage!
Be sure to check the status of the rinks before you head out.
Stony Plain
Stony Plain has four outdoor shinny rinks throughout town, available for use in the winter when the temperature is above -20. Each outdoor rink is conveniently equipped with heated change rooms, so you can lace up your skates where it’s warm. Hockey, shinny and public skating are permitted at each of these four rinks. As well, they are all available for rent at a cost of $30 per hour. Be sure to check the status of the rinks before you head out.
Rotary Park Skating Rink is another popular outdoor rink in Stony Plain. Families will particularly enjoy this spot as shinny and hockey are not permitted. Heated washrooms are available but there are no changeroom facilities.
Parkland County
Parkland County has some unique outdoor skating options. If you’re looking for something a little more classic (or romantic), a trip to Wabamun is a must. Take a skate on quaint Wabamun Lake and then head into town for a warm beverage – it’s the perfect daytrip!
Hurry Hard
If Canada’s other great winter sport is your activity of choose, the Tri-Region is an excellent place to visit. Curling is a popular sport locally and the region has a number of unique venues. The Spruce Grove Curling Club offers everything from leagues to rental opportunities to bonspiels. The Rock Lounge is located onsite, perfect for some friendly companionship after a game. The Spruce Grove Curling Club is located at the Agrena.
Westridge Curling Club in Stony Plain offers leagues and several bonspiels throughout the winter. They also have a beautiful viewing deck if you’re tagging along to watch the action. This community staple has been around since 1958.
Hardly in a Hurry
Parkland County is known for it’s endless outdoor winter activities – from cross-country skiing, to geocaching to snowshoeing, there’s plenty of ways to have fun during the cooler months here. If you’re not in a hurry – ice fishing is one of the greatest ways to discover Parkland County. In fact, we like to think of it as Edmonton’s ice fishing hotspot. From trout to whitefish to walleye, the rewards are endless in the Tri-Region.
There you have it – there are endless ways to enjoy the ice in the Tri-Region, no matter your activity of chose. Start planning your great winter escape west of Edmonton today! Want more inspiration? Here’s some other awesome trip ideas.