Categories > Events

12 Winter Getaways in the Athabasca Region

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

 

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!

 

 

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!

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

5. Friday Night, Date Night

When: Any Friday/Saturday!

Have a relaxing “date night’ getaway with your love!

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)

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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.

Learn more here

 

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:

780-916-9768

 

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

Peace River Wilderness Trail

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

Fall Events in the Athabasca Region

While the days are getting cooler and leaves have changed their colour, not everything in the Athabasca Region is getting ready to tuck in for winter! Our Fall events schedule is heating up and getting ready to rock!

Take a look at some of our feature events coming up in October and November! And be sure to check our Events Calendar to see any updates.

 

 

 

Heartwood Folk Club Fall Series

The Heartwood Folk Club is a staple of Athabasca’s arts & culture scene. They present a seasonal series of amazing musicians from around Alberta, Canada and the world!

Performances happen in the fantastic Nancy Appleby Theatre, an intimate setting with a retro feel and great lighting and sound!

Make it a date-night-getaway and enjoy 10% off your meal at both Johnny’s Eatery or 49th Street Grill. Just show your server your ticket to the show!

Get more details here about the Heartwood Folk Club and their Fall 2023 Concert Series and how to buy tickets.

 

 

Tina Hart – September 29

“Spice up your night with the delightful sounds of Tina Hartt singing a coquette-ish mixture of originals, jazz standards and French chansons with a playful retro Parisienne cafe twist. Intimate, rhythmic and fearless – fully expect a toe-tapping soirée along with some downright pleasant surprises!

From Montreal but now living in Calgary. Tina has sung in a gamut of musical ensembles: “Cowtown Opera” (Calgary), Toronto Mendelssohn Choir, the 18-piece GTA Swing Band (Toronto), acapella jazz quartet “Tongues ‘n Groove”(Toronto), “Tina Hartt Quintet” (Toronto), and the rock bands “Rebel Hartt’s” and “Papa So Mean” (Montreal).”

Learn more about Tina here.

 

 

 

Ray Bonneville – October 14

“Acclaimed raconteur Ray Bonneville strips his bluesy Americana down to its essentials and steeps it in the humid grooves of the South, creating a compelling poetry of hard living and deep feeling. His ninth release, At King Electric, delivers more than his trademark grit and groove. Songs such as “The Next Card to Fall” and “Codeine” gleam with intimate narratives of characters reaching for hope and wrestling with despair. Rich guitar and harmonica lines resonate over spare but spunky rhythms, while Bonneville’s deep, evocative voice confesses life’s harsh realities.”

Learn more about Ray here.

 

 

Jake Vaadeland & The Sturgeon River Boys – November 2

“Jake Vaadeland is a self-taught multi-instrumentalist and songwriter from Saskatchewan, Canada. His traditional sound and unique style could be defined as a blend of Bluegrass and 50’s Rockabilly, with Jake also specializing on guitar and banjo in addition to his impressive vocals.

Jake strives to write and play with a focus on storytelling and messages that he hopes his audience can relate to, all packaged in foot-stomping, high-energy performances with The Sturgeon River Boys.”

Learn more about Jake here.
 

Crystal Plamondon – November 17

“Crystal Plamondon hails from Plamondon, a town in Northern Alberta founded by her Franco-American great-grandfather in 1908. Crystal is a talented bilingual singer/songwriter/performer with a 35-year track record of consistently delivering passionate concerts that cover an emotional range from heart-warming ballads; as she demonstrates in her sixth studio album “TORCH” realizing a dream to sing Jazz classics; to her rockin’ country, cajun, roots style. Crystal never fails to connect with her audience because of her warmth, wit and report! Crystal has toured extensively in live music venues, theatres, and festivals throughout North America and Europe.”

Learn more about Crystal here.

 

 

Boyle Thanksgiving Farmers’ Market – October 5

Visit the lovely Village of Boyle the Thursday before Thanksgiving, October 5, from 12 pm to 3 pm, to stock up on treats, veggies and unique handicrafts for your holiday festivities!

If you’re heading from Fort McMurray to Edmonton (or vice versa), leave early so you can visit this great, accredited Farmers’ Market!

The market is held at the Boyle Community Center in Downtown Boyle. There is good parking on the street. Google map link to Community Centre.

 

 

 

Athabasca Farmers’ Market Fall Schedule

You know summer is coming to a close, 🙁 , when the Athabasca Farmers’ Market moves to its indoor venue at the Athabasca Multiplex! But don’t be too sad, because you can still get all the amazing food, treats, crafts and more from the region’s market vendors. Same local products, cozy indoor setting.

Grab a snack and then head over to Muskeg Creek Trails for a gorgeous hike afterwards.

Upcoming dates: October 7 & 21, November 4 & 18, December 2, 9, 16

Check out their Facebook or Instagram profiles for more info!

 

 

 

 

Monster Pro Wrestling

Are you ready to rumble? Get your pro-wrestling fix at the Monster Pro Wrestling: Rise Up! Saturday, October 14th, 2023 at the Rotary Fieldhouse at the Athabasca Regional Multiplex.

Doors Open: 6:00PM
Show Time: 7:00PM

Tickets:
$25 Each Advanced (Contact any MPW wrestler/staff member or contact mpwrestlingevents@gmail.com)
$30 Each At The Door

 

One Book, One Community

“One Book, One Community (OBOC) is an event in Athabasca designed to encourage people to all read the same book and then come together to discuss it and participate in a program of related events. One Book, One Community-Athabasca supports reading, celebrates books and writing, promotes Canadian authors, and builds a sense of community through the shared experience of reading. OBOC is run by the One Book, One Community Committee which consists of local book club members, library staff, and members of community betterment groups.”

Join the Athabasca community in learning more about the refugee experience with the immersive events the One Book, One Community program hosts.

Learn more here.

 

 

 

Book Discussion – October 14

The book for the One Book, One Community program this year is Homes: A Refugee Story by Abu Bakr al Rabeeah and Winnie Yeung.

Join members of the community and the OBOC committee to discuss this award-winning account of two people’s refugee stories.

2 – 4 pm, Athabasca Seniors Center. Lots of great parking. Map to the Centre here.

 

 

 

 

Author Chat and Film Screening – October 21

Meet Author Winnie Yeung as she chats about the book she co-authored: Homes: A Refugee Story.

Then enjoy a screening of the award-winning film, Peace By Chocolate, the award-winning film about Syrian refugees who build a life in Nova Scotia one delicious piece of chocolate at a time. Based on a true story.

Both events at the Nancy Appleby Theatre. The chat begins at 5:30 pm and the film at 7 pm.

 

 

 

 

Taste of Athabasca – November 4

Get your tastebuds ready for a tour through Athabasca’s multi-cultured community! Community members will be cooking up traditional and cultural treats to share! Grab some bite-size nibbles from around the world and learn more about what makes Athabasca and the region a truly multicultural community!

By donation at the Athabasca Regional Multiplex from 11 am to 1pm.
 

 

 

 

 

Fall Into Place October 21

 

 

 

Rock out at Neighbours Pub with local talent Fall Into Place! These local rockers will be bringing the tunes and Neighbours will be serving up delicious food and beverages! Come out and support local live music!

Wear a costume (celebrate Halloween early!) to win prizes!  The band starts at 9 pm. No minors.

Check out Fall Into Place here.
 

 

 

 

‘Tis the Season: Moonlight Madness & Market – November 24 & 25

Kick off the holiday season with the Moonlight Madness Festival and Market! There will be a parade, a market at the Multiplex and more.

Stay tuned for details!

 

 

 

 

Make it a Getaway!

With so many fun, entertaining and sometimes thought-provoking events coming up in the Athabasca region, why not plan a weekend or long weekend getaway? There are some perfect date nights, so get out of the city with your S.O. or friends and experience the arts & culture scene of the Athabasca Region!

Get information about upcoming events, dining, accommodations and more at visitathabasca.ca!

It’s Events Season in the Athabasca Region!

Spring has sprung and folks in the Athabasca region are feeling their oats with how many events are happening! From Farmers’ Markets to jet boat rallies to music festivals, there is plenty to do in the region this June and July!

 

Spring Fling – May 28 & June 4

Hosted by the Boyle and District Agricultural Society, the Spring Fling Barrel Racing series showcases some of the best barrel racers in the area. The riders compete for a jackpot prize every Sunday in May. The event features adults, youth and pee-wee competitors and their amazing horses. Sure to offer exciting racing action!

The races run from 10 am to 4 pm at the Boyle Rodeo Grounds, just east of the Village of Boyle.

Learn More Here

 

Rotary Golf Classic – June 2

The Rotary Club of Athabasca is gearing up for their 21st Annual Golf Classic. Held at the beautiful Athabasca Golf and Country Club, this annual event offers a day of fun, food and prizes. The challenging course keeps golfers on their toes amidst the Boreal Forest backdrop.

This fundraising event allows the Rotary Club to support community projects and initiatives to better the quality of life in the community.

If you didn’t get a chance to register for this year’s event, be sure to mark your calendar for next year.

Instagram Profile

 

Jet Boat Rally – June 3

Get your motors running for the annual Athabasca River Jet Boat Rally and Poker Run! This year the event is hosted by the Athabasca Riverboat Association.

The event starts off at the Athabasca Riverfront Park, with registration happening at 10 am until 12 pm. Then the boats launch off for their poker run, picking up cards at 5 spots. The boats end up at the Riverside Recreation Area for food, live music and camping.

The next day, the Arnold Gorski Memorial Jet Boat Rodeo gives the boaters a chance to show off their skills.

 

 

 

The Play That Goes Wrong – June 9, 10, 11

Looking for a fun date night? Come out and experience “The Play That Goes Wrong” performed and produced by the Big River Arts Society. The Play That Goes Wrong was originally produced and performed on the West End Stage and on Broadway.

“An unconscious leading lady, a corpse who can’t play dead, a ruffled detective, and a word-mangling butler and others must battle against technical gaffes, forgotten lines, and sabotaging scenery in a quest to arrive all in one piece at the final curtain call.”

Start the evening with drinks and a delicious dinner at the Athabasca Seniors Centre. Then wander over to the Nancy Appleby Theatre to take in the show.

Purchase Tickets and Learn More Here

 

Athabasca University Homecoming – June 17

June 17 is going to be a big day in Athabasca! Come out and help Athabasca University’s Graduating Class of 2023 celebrate their convocation! Students, friends and family will take part in a day of activities ranging from campus tours, swimming at the Athabasca Regional Multiplex, a street dance, a BBQ contest and the Athabasca Farmers’ Market.

See the Schedule

AU Students Celebrate Convocation

Students and their guests will be arriving from Edmonton around 10 am for campus tours, lawn games with staff and faculty and activities at the Athabasca Regional Multiplex. Then the celebrations move to Downtown Athabasca for the Farmers Market, checking out Downtown businesses and the Alley Cat Street Dance.

Alley Cat Street Dance

The Alley Cat Street Dance is being presented by the Athabasca Chamber of Commerce and the Athabasca Advocate newspaper. They will be taking over 49th Street with all sorts of festival activities.

There will be local dance troupes performing, a cat adoption event, garage sale tables and businesses and non-profits with displays and sales.

Kick Off Summer

The Athabasca District Ag Society is celebrating the Summer with its “Kick Off Summer” event.

If you love BBQ, then one of the main attractions at the Kick-Off will be the “Show Us Your Meat” BBQ Ribs contest. Contestants will be slow cooking their ribs for the glory of the Best Ribs in Athabasca!

The rest of the activities include a bench show, petting zoo, kids rodeo, and equipment sales and displays. The 4H Club will be hosting the concession. This family-friendly event ends with a dance and cabaret!

Learn More Here

 

 

National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration – June 21

Join the Athabasca Native Friendship Centre in celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Day!

Starting at 4 pm, at the Athabasca Riverfront Park, there will be a free BBQ, door prizes, arts and crafts for the kids and Indigenous dancers and drummers performing.

 

The Magnificent River Rats Festival – June 30/July 1

One of the Athabasca Region’s cornerstone events is the Magnificent River Rats Festival! This annual event is 26 years running and showcases national and local talent, and celebrates Canada Day.

The two-day celebration centred at the Athabasca Riverfront Park offers performances on the Riverfront Stage, a Farmers’ market, kids’ activities, a beer garden, an art show and sale, a classic car show and more!

Day one, June 30, will be Rock themed with a Heart tribute band, Punch Drunk Cabaret and with Jimmy and the Sleepers headlining. Day two, Canada Day, is country themed with Duane Steele headlining.

Purchase Tickets and Learn More Here

 

 

Celebrate the Athabasca!

The history of the Athabasca River is part of the history of the Indigenous Peoples and explorers who used it as a transportation route for trade.

One of the settlements along the river,  Fort Assiniboine, is celebrating its bi-centennial. To help mark the occasion the Canadian Voyageur Brigade Society will be travelling on the river and making stops along the way.

The final stop will be the Athabasca Riverfront Park, where Town officials will be welcoming them ashore.

Learn more about the history of the river, Athabasca Landing and the people who travelled here at this family-friendly event. There will be entertainment and refreshments.

 

Athabasca Airport Fly-in BBQ – July 15

Another long-standing event in the Athabasca region is the Athabasca County Fly-in BBQ held at the Athabasca Regional Airport.

“Each year the Athabasca County Fly-In Barbecue includes more people from the aviation community and the local community. The Fly-In sees over 1,000 people attend the event and pilots “Fly-In” from all over Alberta. Incredible! Those who attend are welcome to check out some aircraft, displays, cars, and activities for the kids and learn about our airport.”

Starting at 11 am, pilots and guests can take in an airshow, free BBQ, a car show and much more.

Learn More Here

 

Farmers’ Markets

Athabasca Famers’ Market – Saturdays 10 – 2 PM

During the summer months, the Athabasca Farmers’ Market is held outdoors at the Riverfront Park from 10 am to 2 pm.

Spend the afternoon checking out artisan crafts, locally grown food and yummy treats.

Facebook Page

Boyle Farmers’ Market – Thursdays 12 – 3 PM

The Boyle Farmers’ Market is held every Thursday from noon to 3 pm at the Boyle Community Centre. Enjoy home baking, crafts and local produce.

Facebook Page

 

Coming Up In August and September

Some upcoming events to watch for are:

  • The Rochester Fair
  • Boyle Fiesta Days
  • The Boyle Wildberry Festival
  • Kapâwinihk Wilderness Triathlon

Be sure to check our Events Calendar regularly to stay up to date with events happening in the Athabasca Region. We update it every Friday. You can also submit your own event here. All submitted events require admin approval.

 

So if you are looking for a fun weekend or day trip, keep the Athabasca region in mind! Not only do we have spectacular Nature, and deep History but Events that will keep you entertained all summer long!

Next | Previous | All