1. Hit the Slopes at Canyon Ski Resort
The largest non-mountainous family ski area in Alberta is located about 12 minutes east of Red Deer. With 80 acres of skiable terrain, 23 runs, six lifts, a terrain park, a snow tube park, two lodges and a cafeteria, Canyon Ski Resort welcomes more than 50,000 guests every year. And, thanks to the resort’s snow-making system that covers 95 per cent of the park, you can expect coverage, even if the weather is unseasonably warm.
38433 Range Road 264A, Red Deer County, 403-346-5588, canyonski.ca
2. Have a Cozy Coffee at the Little Red Barn
Take a break at the Little Red Barn for a bit of shopping, snacking and locally roasted coffee from Satinwood Coffee. The menu here ranges from shareable meals to salads, pizzas, flatbreads, soups and sandwiches (try the gluten-free and vegan carrot-zucchini-coconut curry). On Sundays, treat yourself to brunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
4, 38349 Range Road 270, Red Deer County, 403-392-8924, littleredbarncafegift.com
3. Experience Vino Therapy at Solorzano Spa
At this spa in downtown Red Deer, indulge in “vino therapy” with treatments like manicures, pedicures, massages, body wraps, facials and foot baths that incorporate a variety of wines. Hands and feet soak in tubs of merlot before being treated with crushed cabernet scrubs and massaged with grape-seed extract oil. Body treatments use merlot mud wraps and polishes, and some treatments even include refreshments and nibbles.
4631 50 St., Red Deer, 403-596-9492, solorzanospa.ca
4. Dig into Caribbean Food at Chubby Jerk & BBQ Kitchen
This eatery has been serving fresh and authentic Caribbean barbecue for five years. Head over and fill up on dishes like jerk chicken, goat curry, Jamaican beef patties and more to warm up on a cold day.
5005 50 Ave., Red Deer, 825-221-9798, facebook.com/chubbyjerk
5. Catch a Red Deer Rebels game at Peavey Mart Centrium
For another dose of winter sport (albeit as a spectator), cheer on the Red Deer Rebels hockey team at a home game. The Western Hockey League team plays on various days throughout the week. Don’t miss the chance to see the Rebels take on the Calgary Hitmen there on Feb. 13.
4847C 19 St., Red Deer, 403-341-6000, chl.ca/whl-rebels