If you’re going to live in a winter city, you’d best find ways to enjoy it. One option is tobogganing. It’s cheap (well, once you have a toboggan, it’s free), comes with guaranteed thrills (if that’s what you want — there are more casual slopes, too) and you’re out in the fresh air, exercising, just like the doctor ordered.
In no particular order, we present six places in our fair city where you can rekindle your inner child (or at least bring your actual child).
2903 113 Ave NW, Edmonton
Rundle Park actually has two hills to choose from: the Act Hill is a short ride, perfect for the uninitiated and those looking for a lazy slide down the slope. If you’re looking to move a little faster, head just a few hundred metres west and try out the longer Walton’s Mountain ride.
15130 43 Ave NW, Edmonton
This popular hill in the Riverbend neighbourhood has two slopes — one steep and speedy, the other long and meandering. The official line from the City of Edmonton is that no ramps or jumps are to be built on tobogganing hills, but there are usually a couple here if you’re looking for airtime.
13909 Fox Dr NW, Edmonton
Tucked in between the Grandview Staircase and the Alfred H. Savage Centre, the tobogganing hill in Whitemud hill is steep and serious.
9505 96 Ave NW, Edmonton
The site of the Edmonton Folk Festival every summer turns into one of the city’s longest, fastest sledding hills each winter. With a wide bowl and a long run-out, there’s plenty of space for you to find a clear line.
4 St. Vital Ave, St. Albert
In St Albert, Mission Park has been a gathering place for generations, and it really does have seven hills. A very popular spot for families.
9938 Groat Rd NW, Edmonton
Just west of downtown, tucked in near the Groat Bridge, the hill at Government House Park starts with a pretty sheer drop and levels out as you head towards the river. Scenes from the Chevy Chase movie Snow Day, about a massive snowfall, were filmed in the area. Park at Government House Park.
