‘Tis the season for outdoor fun in Wood Buffalo!

Check out our must-do list of winter activities! Find outdoor recreation spaces at rmwb.ca/parks   

There’s so much to see and do in the region over the winter.

Here are our top ten must-do winter activities that will keep the whole family entertained until spring:

1)   Game on! Many outdoor rinks are now open

Many outdoor rinks are now open daily from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. All Municipal outdoor rinks are expected to be open by Dec. 20 weather permitting.   

Nets are included on all outdoor rinks for pick-up games. As always, there will be no scheduled games on Municipal outdoor rinks.

Outdoor rinks are closed daily for approximately one to three hours for flooding and regular maintenance. For everyone’s safety, please follow all posted signage.

Find the locations and check the status of outdoor rinks using the parks map. 

2)   Take a Nominate Your Neighbour tour

Who doesn’t love touring the best festive light displays in town? Get involved and nominate a festive home or business by following the steps below. Nominations will be accepted until Dec.18.

1. Visit rmwb.ca/NYN.
2. Click ‘Add Marker’ on the Holiday Lights Map.
3. Enter the address of the home or business you are nominating.
4. Fill out a short nomination form and upload a clear landscape-oriented photo.

You can also vote for your favourite holiday displays! Simply browse the Holiday Lights Map and vote for the displays that fill you with holiday cheer. Voting closes Dec. 31.

Explore the holiday lights map at rmwb.ca/NYN and plan your tour!

3)   Leisure skating at Borealis Skating Pond and Candy Cane Lane

If you’re looking for a cure for the winter blues and hockey isn’t your thing, look no further than the Borealis Skating Pond. This year, the Parks team created a Candy Cane Lane theme that you can enjoy while skating or walking around the pond.

Please be aware that hockey sticks and pucks are not allowed on the pond. Weather permitting, the pond will be open seven days a week, until 11 p.m. The pond is expected to open by the end of Dec.

4)   Build a community rink

The Municipality has made it easier and more affordable to apply, obtain a permit and build a community backyard rink.

Getting your community backyard rink started is simple. Begin by reading through the online guide at rmwb.ca/CommunityRinks. This guide includes information and tips on the application process and building and maintaining your rink.

5)   Groomed winter trails  

Stay active this winter and explore the Birchwood trails and neighbourhood trails around the region. Certain trails are groomed regularly for community members to enjoy non-motorized activities such as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, bicycling, dog walking and trail running.

Construction work on the Raven Bridge in Thickwood is now complete and open for trail users.

If cross country skiing, please stay on groomed trails and off other trails in the area.

6)   Enjoy Lions Park skating trail

For the fifth year running, residents can enjoy the popular skating trail downtown at Lions Park. This skating trail is free, suitable for all ages and is the perfect outing to get you in the festive spirit as you enjoy a leisurely skate and take in the holiday light display.

The skating trail is open and will remain open, weather permitting, seven days a week until 11 p.m.

7)   Timberlea sliding hill

Grab your sleds and slide into the night at Timberlea Community Park! The lights are on from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week. The sliding hill is a fun and easy way to enjoy winter day or night and is suitable for all ages.

Check out other designated sliding hills in Fort McMurray at the Syncrude Athletic Park (behind Hlushak Field), Snye Point Park, behind Dr. Clark School and on Ross Haven Drive.

8)   Volunteer as a Snow Angel and you could win a snow blower!

Sign up as a Snow Angel and make sure your neighbour can safely access their home and stay connected to their community this winter season. By joining this program, you’ll provide a community member in need the ability to live their life uninterrupted through the winter months. Plus, eligible volunteers will be entered into a draw for a snow blower at the end of the season!

Register at rmwb.ca/SnowAngels.

9)   Safely enjoy Off-Highway vehicles

Taking time to enjoy off-roading in the back country is a fun outing for family and friends alike. Please remember that OHVs are not allowed to operate anywhere in the Fort McMurray Urban Service Area, except for Municipal roads in Abasand. There are four staging areas located in the urban Fort McMurray area, use the parks map to locate one near you. McMurray Sno-Drifters also operate and maintain snowmobile trails in the region. Visit their Facebook page or website to learn more.

Always be safe and responsible when operating OHVs and follow all OHV laws and safety tips. Before heading out learn more about OHV safety in the region.

10)  Mark your calendar: WinterPLAY is back Feb. 21 to 25

WinterPLAY at the Snye is happening Feb. 21 to 25, 2025 with lots of free winter activities for you to enjoy! Get ready for ice slides, leisure skating, horse-drawn wagon rides, and of course, the annual Shootout on the Snye four-on-four pond hockey tournament.

Learn more about this family-friendly winter festival at rmwb.ca/WinterPLAY.

Play it safe

• Please do not use outdoor rinks and other outdoor amenities if they’re closed. Doing so creates a safety risk and may cause damage, resulting in temporary closures or delays opening. 
• For everyone’s enjoyment and safety, please remember to dispose of all garbage properly or take it home with you.
• Never skate on storm ponds, this is extremely dangerous.

Find more information on outdoor recreation activities, including a map of all the amenities available, at rmwb.ca/parks.

For further information or questions, please contact Pulse at 780-743-7000, toll free 1-800-973-9663 or online at rmwb.ca/pulse.

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