Winter is ticking along here in Alberta, and as we round out the colder months, there are lots of opportunities to embrace what’s left of the season. From concerts to hot springs, we’ve got you covered.
Quick Dip
Take a weekend getaway to the Rockies to get warm and relax in some thermal waters. The Canadian Rockies Hot Springs have the best natural pools from Jasper to Banff to Kootenay National Parks. Get 15% off your regular hot springs admission when you show your AMA card. Have a few extra days to spend in the mountains? Extend your stay in Alberta’s National Parks with AMA member savings on annual passes to Parks Canada.
Find Canadian Rockies Hot Springs in Miette/Jasper (temporarily closed until May 2024), Kootenay and Banff National Parks.
A Sweet Treat
The classic fairytale Hansel and Gretel is coming to the stage with Alberta Ballet’s rendition of the hauntingly sweet story this March. Characters like the Ice Cream Witch and Dew Fairies are sure to tickle your senses—and possibly your sweet tooth—as they bring a more playful retelling of the Brothers Grimm original tale. Follow the brother and sister duo into the forest and remember that AMA members save on tickets purchased online. Hansel and Gretel take the stage March 7-9 in Calgary and March 22-23 in Edmonton.
Sample some Beers
Crack a cold one at the Edmonton International Beer Festival this month. Grab your collectable sampler mug and get in line to taste beers and bevs from around the province and the world when the event takes over the Edmonton Convention Centre on March 21-23. Make sure to get a ticket—AMA members save 50 per cent on general admission tickets–that allows you entry to the after party, featuring Felix Cartal, Glass Petals and Smalltown DJs. The festival ends at 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday but the afterparty kicks off at 9:30 p.m. running all night to 1:30 a.m. Don’t worry if you live in the southern half of the province—Calgary’s International Beer Fest is coming in May. Remember to always have a designated driver when you’re planning to consume alcoholic beverages.
Red Deer Winter Carnival
Winter will start to wrap up soon (or so we can hope) to let in the spring, but first, there’s one more cold weather festival to attend. Kick the month off with a day trip to the Red Deer Winter Carnival on March 2. Hosted at l’École La Prairie, the festival celebrates French-Canadian traditions and includes concerts, activities, maple taffy and other tasty treats and beverages. There’s fun for the whole family so make sure to bring everyone along!
A Night at the Lanes
Who doesn’t love a few wholesome games of bowling? With the winter not completely over, it’s the perfect time of year to take the family out for a few rounds on the lanes. Bowl Alberta has locations throughout northern and central Alberta, including Edmonton and the surrounding area, as well as Westlock, Barrhead and Sherwood Park. Plus, save 20% on regular open play rates with your AMA membership. Whether you like 5 pin, 10 pin, one-handed, backwards or you spend all your time in the gutter, there’s fun to be had for everyone.
Crowd Pleaser
It’s a great time for live music with some big names hitting Alberta stadiums this month. Edmonton’s Rogers Arena will be busy hosting country classic Blake Shelton on March 8 and viral TikTok sensation Noah Kahan on March 29. Both acts will be making visits to the Saddledome in Calgary March 9 and March 28, respectively.
If you’re looking for something a little heavier, Skid Row and Buckcherry will be at the River Cree Resort and Casino on March 7. Classic rock favourites Journey will be playing March 7 at the Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary before heading to Edmonton for a show at Rogers Arena on March 8.