Did the holidays drain your wallets as much as they did ours? Don’t worry, because we’ve got a great list of the best free and cheap things to do in Edmonton this January. After all, anyone can have fun on a budget, you just need to know where to look. And friends, we’re ready to share what we’ve found for this month.
Here are the best free and cheap things to do in Edmonton this January.
ICE ON WHYTE
The Ice on Whyte Festival is back! At the end of this month, some amazing ice sculptors will be creating stunning pieces all along Whyte Ave. Whether you’re taking a peek during a shopping trip, checking them out before or after dinner one night, or just going see them by themselves, this is a great option in Edmonton for January.
When: Starts January 27th
Where: Whyte Avenue
Cost: $6 for GA
DEEP FREEZE: A BYZANTINE WINTER FEST
Now celebrating its 15th year (!!) Deep Freeze festival is undoubtedly a must for anyone looking to make the most of the colder months. This celebration of local art, and the city itself, offers a ton of incredible art installations, learning opportunities, and more.
When: January 14th to 23rd
Where: Locations around Edmonton
Cost: Free!
ELK ISLAND NATIONAL PARK
Elk Island is a veritable winter wonderland year after year, and luckily, you can check it out no matter the weather. Whether you’re hitting the trails, stargazing, or trying to see some buffalo in true winter fashion, this national park is always worth the drive out there.
When: Open throughout January
Where: 54401 Range Road 203, Fort Saskatchewan
Cost: $7.90 for admissions
GO SKATING
One thing’s for sure- Edmonton’s skating rinks are going to be frozen solid for quite some time. Bring a Thermos of hot chocolate with you, go for a skate, and then really feel like you earned a night inside binge-watching movies or TV shows. That’s what we do, at least.
When: Open throughout January
Where: All around Edmonton
OR CROSS COUNTRY SKIING
For an even more intense outdoor activity this month, you can always try your hand at cross-country skiing in some of Edmonton’s best parks! Our advice is to check in with your more outdoorsy friends or your parents and see if they’re willing to lend you some gear, too.
When: Open throughout January
Where: All around Edmonton
TUBING AT EDMONTON SKI CLUB
To round out our trio of specific outdoor activities, we’ve got tubing at the Edmonton Ski Club! The least expensive option in the city, this spot offers some classic, family-friendly fun and of course, more than earns the price of admission with a magic carpet to get you up the hill.
When: Open throughout January
Where: 9613 96 Avenue NW
Cost: $15 for GA
ART GALLERY OF ALBERTA
The AGA has pulled out all the stops for the winter, with a whopping 8 temporary exhibits in addition to their permanent collections. If you’re looking to spend a few hours staring at pretty art, it doesn’t get much better than this. Plus, Alberta students get in free!
When: Open throughout January
Where: 2 Sir Winston Churchill Square
Cost: $14
LASER FLOYD: DARK SIDE OF THE MOON
Is a laser show a piece of art? We’re going to go ahead and say yes. Every weekend, the Telus World of Science hosts a nostalgic (but still stunning) laser show set to, really, the best band for it- Pink Floyd. Whether you’ve been a fan of their music for years, or want to try something new, this is a great option.
When: Fridays and Saturdays throughout January
Where: 11211 142 Street NW
Cost: $14.95 for GA
MUTTART CONSERVATORY
If you’re not feeling winter’s chilly embrace, remember that the Muttart Conservatory is back in action! Take a trip to this incredible indoor garden in the city, which we admit might double as one of our favourite buildings in the city.
When: Open throughout January
Where: 9626 96a Street NW
Tickets: $14.95 for GA
GOLF SIMULATOR
Speaking of indoor options, this one is all about economies of scale. Sure, renting out a room at Evolution Golf might cost up to $45/hr, but go there with a couple of friends and slash those prices! What’s more, we won’t hesitate to say that golf simulators are the best way to get your ‘beginner’ (aka haven’t been playing for a decade) friends into the sport.
When: Open throughout January
Where: Multiple locations
Cost: $35+/hour
Alright folks, that’s our roundup of the best free and cheap things to do in Edmonton this January! Whether you’re ready to tackle winter or take a break from it, we hope this list helps you out.
