Alberta is a perfect example of a place filled with people who know and appreciate exactly where they are.  Snow, mountains and questionable weather figure largely in any discussion from November to April.  Given the stretch of less than balmy temperatures, it would be easy to think there’s nothing to do through those long, dark winter months. Nothing could be further from the truth.  Albertans rally in winter to come together and celebrate their winter home.  From north to south, from December to March, festivals and events bring people together, reminding them of everything that makes this a great place to be.

1. The first ever Metropolis International Winter Festival runs in downtown Edmonton from December to February. The event kicks off with a New Year’s Eve celebration and runs with activities every weekend though to February 20. Architects from across Canada and the U.S. have designed a series of pavilions to sit in the centre of Winston Churchill Square.  The sculptural structures will house interactive displays, light and multi-media shows, entertainment and food.
   
    
2. Head down the road to Calgary for the High Performance Rodeo from January 5 – 28.  This international festival of the arts encompasses music, theatre, dance and interdisciplinary art. For four weeks events take place at more than 15 venues located in downtown Calgary. From noontime performances to ongoing installations, there’s always something to check out. Performance artist Laurie Anderson of ‘Hello Superman’ fame is one this year’s headliners and the dance/new media spectacle of Snowblower in Olympic Plaza is a big draw.
    
3. Fancy a ski?  The Canadian Birkenbeiner is held just outside Edmonton Feb 10-11.  The Birkie is a cross-country version of a marathon. Based on the Norwegian Birkenbeiner legend, a series of races from 55 km to 2.5 km are held for cross-country skiers of all ages and abilities.  The 55 km race is inspired by the story of a daring rescue of a young Norwegian prince in 1206. In the midst of a civil war, two Birkenbeiner warriors whisked the prince to safety over two mountain ranges. The modern day event is much less grueling, with room for everyone. So strap on those skis and get moving! 
   
    
4. Winter Light is another Edmonton Festival taking place over the darkest part of the winter. Now in its’ fourth year, Winter Light takes people outside, into places they might not otherwise explore…in the cold and in the dark. The Mill Creek Adventure promises a mysterious journey through a snowy winter wonderland, taking place on January 27 and 28.  The second major Winter Light event is Illuminations, a multi-media extravaganza overlooking the banks of the North Saskatchewan River, on February 11 and 12. 
   
    
5. Across the river on the south side of Edmonton, Old Strathcona hosts the Ice On Whyte international ice carving festival from January 12 – 22.  Things get going with artists competing from around the world, working round the clock from January 13 – 15. The sculptures set the stage for a park filled with giant ice slides, snow carving, children’s play area and tent with live music and story telling. This is a great event, often during the coldest part of the winter, a great excuse to get outside to play and marvel at the spectacular ice art. 
    
6. Ice Magic is the annual ice-carving event at Lake Louise, now in it’s 18^th year. Starting January 20, a non-stop 34-hour ice carving competition gets things underway.  Sculptors from around the world compete against the spectacular backdrop of Lake Louise.  Other events over the ten-day festival include ‘Little Chippers Weekend’,  ‘One Hour, One Artist, One Block’ and an ice playground to explore the science of ice and carving.
   
    
7. If you’re more comfortable on blades, rather than skis, the Silver Skate Festival might be just the thing. Inspired by Dutch skating tradition the Silver Skate Festival, now in it’s twenty-first year, runs February 17 – 20 in Edmonton. Events include a snow carving competition, winter triathlon (cross-country skiing, running and skating), speed skating marathon and sprints, and a fire sculpture event. 
   
    
8. St. Isidore Carnaval is an annual winter festival celebrating French Canadian culture in Northern Alberta. From February 15 to 20 the tiny community of St. Isadore (500 km north of Edmonton and 15 km from Peace River) comes alive with traditional Franco-Albertan culture.  Bundle up for sleigh rides, maple syrup taffy, log-sawing competitions and food – think poutine, tourtière and sugar pie.
   
    
9. The Calgary Midwinter Blues Fest February 20 – 25 brings hot blues to the depths of winter with a full week of the best in local and international blues workshops, concerts and dance parties. Most events are free except for the dance party, where tickets are $30 and $35.
   
    
10. The Banff Winter Festival offers ten days of outdoor winter fun at the end of January, with a highlight being the Mountain Madness Relay. The event starts with a ski from the top of Mount Norquay, and works its way down to the Bow River and Central Park with segments of running, skating and Cross-country skiing. Other festival events include the Lake Louise to Banff Loppet and Heritage Family Swim

While not technically a festival, each year the town of Jasper hosts Jasper in January.  The aim? To get people coming to Jasper, with a month long event offering deals galore on hotels, restaurants and lift tickets.  There’s also a street party, chili cook-off, moonlight skate and for the very brave, a polar bear dip in Lake Edith.

Another great event to consider is the Winterstart World Cup Downhill, the only Canadian stop on the circuit November 23 – December 4 at Lake Louise. Watch the Canadian Alpine team take on the fastest racers in the world.

Finally, even if you’re not a fan you won’t be able to resist cheering on a team at the most scenic hockey pond on earth during the Lake Louise Pond Hockey Classic.

Pat Barford, My Destination Alberta
November 2011

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