Besides skiing, what else is there to do in the winter in Alberta? I'm going in February and need some ideas.

Are there some good places to go ice-hiking or whathaveyou?

I just saw this: http://www.skinet.com/travel/2008-11/sidet...limbing-alberta it looks awesome, has anybody ever done it?!

I'm not your best source for ice climbing, but a few ideas for you:
- Try snowshoeing! You can use the same trails as x-country skiers (but don't ruin the "tracks"), or you can just tramp around off-trail if you're comfortable with that. You can rent snowshoes at most ski rental places.
- Calgary usually has a Winterfest with ice sculpting, skating, etc. Can't see any info posted yet, but try a web search in the new year.
- If you are in Banff and want a night of culture after a day on the slopes, check out the winter concert series at the Banff Centre: http://www.banffcentre.ca/events/music/2008/winter/
- There is a festival of new Canadian plays staged by by Alberta Theatre Projects in Calgary starting Feb 4th: http://www.atplive.com/OnStage/Enbridge/enbridge.html
- If you have access to a car, check out some of the corny tourist attractions I mentioned in a separate topic in this forum.
- If you meet any locals who have a skidoo (unfortunately I am not one of them), beg them to take you out for a ride - it's exhilirating!
- Hunker down in a cozy coffee shop with a fireplace - I recommend Higher Ground in the Kensington area of Calgary

I like that Banff Centre idea, thanks!

And I like the sound of the Calgary winterfest too. I will watch out for that.

How about in Edmonton, do you know of things going on on the weekend of Feb. 7/8?

The Muttart Conservatory

Edmonton Art Gallery

West Edmonton Mall

Ohhhhhhh the conservatory! Almost forgot, I will add that to my itinerary for sure.

I have already been to the West Edmonton Mall... didn't like it, blech.

I will definitely check out the art gallery though.

I should have mentioned this one earlier, but a great thing to do in Edmonton on a Saturday is the Farmers Market in Old Strathcona. It's indoors, so it's winter-friendly, and it's open from 8 am to 3 pm.

Oh cool, I want to go! Thanks!