Glide into Greenview for cross-country zen and apres comfort

Contrasting with the more mountainous setting of Grande Cache on the other end of the loop, this provincial park is perfect for nordic skiing, especially for beginners. Visit Crooked Creek General Store on Hwy 43 for heavenly doughnuts and stock up on local delicacies.

Apres tip: cap off your winter adventure at Crabbie Goat Distillery, where Cheryl Gordon crafts award-winning spirits on their 10-acre orchard. 

This farmstand distillery, nestled in an adorable red barn-style building, is the perfect place to warm up and savor the unique winter offerings of MD Greenview. 

Wapiti Nordic Ski Club, Grande Prairie

With a local legacy of cross-country skiing stretching back 60+ years, and formerly a host of the Alberta Winter Games, Grande Prairie is a nordic haven. 

A network of 35 kilometres of groomed trails spread out through the boreal forest, with lit tracks for night skiing as well. In 2024, the club is once again a host venue for the Alberta Winter Games in Grande Prairie.

Apres tip: after your day, the city of Grande Prairie is 15 minutes away, where apres such as local craft beer maker Grain Bin Brewing awaits.

Grande Cache

After two days of building up your nordic legs, your arrival in Grande Cache puts you on the eastern edge of the Rockies, where you'll want to devote ample time.

Stop at the Grande Cache Visitor & Interpretive Centre, not just for trail maps but for a complete winter experience. Rent snowshoes and cross-country skis at an affordable $20 for 24 hours, explore local art, books, and history, and gather insights on winter activities from knowledgeable locals. 

The center also provides beginner lessons for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

Here are some suggestions for trails to check out.

Where to cross-country ski 

• Grand Cache Municipal Campground & Golf Course, with 10 kms of track-set trails overlooking the town. 
• Pierre Gray’s Provincial Park, maintained by the Smokey River Nordic Ski Club, offering 15 kms of groomed trails. 
• Beaverdam Road, a 12-km maintained road in winter, providing endless possibilities for snowshoeing and winter hiking. 

Where to go snowshoeing or winter hiking 

• Sulphur Gates, overlooking the confluence of the Smoky and Sulphur rivers, offering a spectacular view on the edge of the Willmore Wilderness Area. 
• Grande Cache Labyrinth, a scenic outlook on the edge of town, walk the maze and take a few deep breaths.

Apres tip: steak and classic pub fare at the Big Horn Grill will hit the spot, or if you're heading back towards Edmonton, head for Folding Mountain Brewery near Hinton, for a pit stop and a tasty local pint.

When you go

Total driving time is about 12 hours, starting and ending in Edmonton, but it's worth spreading it out over a long weekend, or a week. You'll feel the Zen flow all the more.

Edmonton to Young's Point: 4h
Young's Point - Grande Prairie: 1h
Grande Prairie - Grande Cache: 2.5h
Grande Cache - Hinton: 1.5h 
Hinton - Edmonton: 3h 

If you want to extend your trip, add a day with a stop in Hinton, which also features excellent nordic connections and apres. 

ZEN 12 winter adventures

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