Winter is a tricky companion. Sometimes the skies are blue, the weather is mild and pretty fresh snow turns the world into a winter wonderland. Other times, it feels dark and cold and just plain long. Here in Drayton Valley, we’ve got a great mix of amenities and activities to get you and the family out of the house and moving. It’s the best way to beat the mid-winter blahs!

Outdoor adventures close to town

Drayton Valley is the perfect winter base once you’ve decided to gear up and get outside.

Put on some good shoes and go for a hike at the Hillside and Hilltop Trails System. With almost 10 kilometres of trails, you’ll find a loop that’s just the right kind of awesome for you.

Never gone cross-country skiing before? You’re in the right place. With trails galore, cross-country skiers never get bored. Get skiing at the Pembina Nordic Ski Trails. With 20 kilometres of maintained ski trails, most with set tracks, you’re spoiled for choice. Check out the Pembina Nordic Ski Club for lots more info, including programs to get your kids out skiing. Or if you like the challenge of making your own tracks, head to the Pembina Rotary Community South Trails.

Is sliding on snow not your idea of a good time? Try out snowshoeing, which surely remains one of the coolest ways to maneuver your way around a snowy world. Both Pembina trail locations are great for that. Remember to stay off the ski tracks at the Nordic Ski Trails—they have loops especially for snowshoers, hikers and even fat tire bikers.

Get your downhill skiing fix at the Drayton Valley Brazeau Snow Club. There are refreshments inside, ski runs and even a tubing area to enjoy. This hidden gem is a great place to learn before heading to Jasper, which is not that far away. Just check before you go — snowfall determines if the hill remains open!

Winter fun right in town

No need to head out of town if you need a quick adventure. There are 14 kilometres of paved walking trails winding through our neighbourhoods. And you won’t have to walk for too long before you find a park for playing or a bench for resting.

Is there a more perfect adventure for little kids than a quick trek to a toboggan hill? Ivan To Park and Northview Park both boast stellar hills guaranteed to get everyone in your group happily exhausted.

Another classic Canadian winter pastime: ice skating! The Omniplex has skating times for hockey, women’s hockey, kids, shinny, seniors, and free public skating on Friday nights and Sunday afternoons. There’s also an outdoor skating rink at Discovery Park, and the Neighbourhood Outdoor Rink Program supplies interested groups with boards and help on how to build a community rink. Ask around—there might be a rink near you. And if there isn’t, round up a few neighbours and build one!

It might be fashionable to complain about Canadian winters, but the community of Drayton Valley knows that winter is what you make of it. So gather your crew and plan an adventure. One thing is sure—you won’t have to go far to find fun.