This winter, get out of town for a day, a weekend or a week to the Athabasca Region! The air is crisp, the forest is quiet, and there is a getaway for you to discover.
Whether looking for unique thrift items, relaxing with your family around a cozy fireplace or sledding the Athabasca River at a remote cabin resort, there is a trip that fits your interests, timeline and budget.
Be sure to visit our Events calendar to see what is happening in the Region during your stay!
Winter activities are dependent on weather and snow conditions. If you need information about local conditions email: ted@athabascacounty.com or contact your host.
Winter 2024 dates for the Athabasca Farmers’ Market are: Feb 17, Mar 2, 16 & 30
Saturday Day Trips
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1. Boyle History Walk, Lunch & Downtown!
When: Any Saturday!
For a Saturday day trip, visit the Village of Boyle! About 1 hour 45 minutes from Edmonton and 2.5 hours from Fort McMurray, Boyle makes a great day trip to get out of the city. It offers small-town charm, a walking trail and access to cottage country and wilderness in Athabasca County East.
- When you arrive, do the Boyle Historical Walking Trails through town
- Grab a delicious lunch at one of Boyle’s great restaurants!
- Stroll through Downtown and check out the unique shops and small-town charm
- Be home for the hockey game!
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2. Athabasca Farmers’ Market & Muskeg Creek Hike/Snowshoe/Ski
When: Saturdays in February and March
An active day trip that gives you a chance to stock up on some of the great artisan goodies and crafts at the Farmers’ Market, then experience the Muskeg Creek trail system!
- When you arrive, visit the Athabasca Indoor Farmers’ Market at the Athabasca Regional Multiplex. It is open from 10 am to 2 pm
- Rent snowshoes from the Multiplex or strap on your cross-country skis and hit the Muskeg Creek trails just down the block
- Grab lunch at the Multiplex concession when you return your snowshoes
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3. Downtown Athabasca Thrifts & Finds Crawl
When: Any Saturday!
Downtown Athabasca hosts an eclectic selection of second-hand and thrift shops, fashionable boutiques and unique finds! We have planned out a route for you right here: Athabasca Thrift and Finds Crawl
- Start with your Paddymelon coffee and follow the route
- Finish off with lunch at one of Athabasca’s delicious food stops: Family Dining Fast Food
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4. Athabasca History Walk
When: Any Saturday!
If you love history and walking, you’ll love the Athabasca Historical Walking Tour. It winds its way through Downtown Athabasca, with interpretive signage telling the story of the settlement of Athabasca through its historical buildings.
- Fuel up at Paddymelon with a hot drink and snack
- Head down to the Train Station for the first stop on the tour
- Follow the tour book. Download Here
- Finish off with a delicious meal at a Downtown restaurant: Family Dining Fast Food
Overnight Getaways
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5. Friday Night, Date Night
When: Any Friday/Saturday!
Have a relaxing “date night’ getaway with your love!
- Leave work early on Friday. You deserve it.
- Arrive in Athabasca, check-in and head for supper downtown. Family Dining
- Karaoke at Neighbours Pub or event at Nancy Appleby Theatre
Stay in Athabasca: Hotel/Motels Short-Term Rentals
- Saturday morning, grab a coffee and a wrap at Paddymelon Gifts, Espresso & Eatery.
- Check out downtown shops
- Stroll Rotary Trail at the Riverfront Park
- Visit the Farmers Market at the Athabasca Regional Multiplex on your way back home (various weekends in Feb/March)
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6. Best of Athabasca
When: Weekends in February and March
On this active weekend itinerary, you’ll experience some of the best that the Town of Athabasca has to offer.
- Arrive Saturday early afternoon, go to Farmer’s Market and pick up some home-style treats and artisan goodies
- Rent snowshoes from the Multiplex and hike the Muskeg Creek Trails
- After supper Downtown, stroll Rotary Trail/Riverfront Park,
- Drinks at Neighbour’s Pub to end the evening!
Stay in Athabasca: Hotel/Motels Short-Term Rentals
- Sunday Brunch at Johnny’s Eatery
- Experience the historical roots of the area on the Athabasca Historical Walking Tour
- Head home refreshed to start your week!
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7. Lake Getaway – West
When: Anytime, based on availability.
If you’re looking for something closer to nature, the west Athabasca County Lake Country has a few lakeside cabins to rent. Relax with family or friends in scenic Boreal lake settings.
- Arrive Saturday, hit the Athabasca Farmers’ Market (www.facebook.com/athabascafarmersmarket) and stores to stock up on the way through town
- Check into your cabin rental
- Snowmobile the vast River Runner’s trail system
- Icefish on the lake
- Contact your host for their recommendations on winter recreational activities
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8. Lake Getaway – East
When: Anytime, based on availability.
The East side of Athabasca County has a few cabins to rent, too. Surround yourself with a picturesque Boreal setting.
- Arrive Saturday, stop in Boyle to stock up on the way through town
- Check into your cabin rental
- Take advantage of the Chump Lake trails for snowshoeing and snowmobiling
- Contact your host for their recommendations for winter recreational activities
Wilderness Experiences
9. River Runners Snowmobile Trails
When: Anytime, based on snow conditions!
If you love sledding, the Athabasca region has some great trails, especially routed for snowmobilers. Take a look at their maps and info here. Call ahead to check conditions and pay your trail fee.
You can stay in Athabasca or rent a West County cabin on Airbnb.
10. Grand Rapids Snowmobile Adventures
When: Various Weekends
Grand Rapids Wilderness Adventures hosts weekend expeditions at their remote cabin resort located on the banks of the Athabasca River. They provide cozy cabins, meals and more.
11. Reel Angling Ice Fishing
When: Anytime based on ice conditions!
Let an experienced local guide show you the best spots to ice fish! Ice fishing packages for the day, weekend or week are available. Take a look at their website for more info or contact them at:
12. Winter Wilderness Camping
When: Anytime!
The Athabasca Region offers some excellent winter back-country camping:
La Biche River Wildland Provincial Park
Hubert Lake Wildland Provincial Park
Winter camping tips:
- Dress in layers
- Be prepared for all kinds of weather
- You may need to bring firewood
- You may need to bring potable water
- Showers and flush toilets will most likely be closed
- Animal-proof food storage is essential
- Make sure someone knows your location and timeline
Follow Athabasca Region Tourism on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to post pics of your winter adventures. Tag us at @visitathabasca #VisitTheAthabascaRegion #LiveLifeOutside