Discover 4 Edmonton Attractions To Help Combat The Winter Blues

What causes the winter blues?

Unless you are an avid winter sports person, winter can be a daunting time for many. Winter blues is an onset of depression. The long dark days, with the lack of sunlight/sunshine, along with bitter cold can really cause one to experience sadness, SAD ( Season Affective Disorder) known as the blues.

How do I know if you are experiencing the blues or SAD?

• Fatigue- tired and lethargic
• Excessive sleep- sleeping more than normal.
• Loss of interests in social activities as well as loss of libido.
• Weight gain due to lack of exercise and poor eating habits
• Boredom- complaining about nothing to do.

When experiences the winter blues it is best you find ways to combat this sad feeling early on so it doesn’t grow into a major depressive stage

Ways to combat the winter Blues

• Stay active- always good to get out and move.
• Dress warm- dressing for the occasion will help, be prepared.
• Be social – plan a road trip with friends, everyone will benefit.
• Eat healthily- eating the right foods for energy.
• Soak up some Sun – the sun is a big factor in SAD, or get a therapy light.
• Take antidepressants.
• Stay hydrated.
• Practice Mindfulness

For me, winter is a normally a terrible time of year. While visiting the city of Edmonton one winter I came to discover 4 attractions that were very enjoyable as well as relieved my winter blues, at least for a short time

4 Attractions to help combat the winter blues while in Edmonton

#1 Muttart Conservatory

The Muttart Conservatory is a unique building itself. They have one of the largest botanical gardens in Canada. Inside you will discover permanent as well as temporary art exhibits by local artists throughout the building.

Discovering the 4 pyramids under the sky lit windows are the Tropical, Arid, Temperate, and the Feature pyramid are breathtaking and definitely get one forgetting winter for a duration of the visit. The feature pyramid changes at least 5-7 times per year to give return visitors a new experience.

Find out more about hours, admission, events and tours here>Muttart Conservatory

#2 Ice Castles

The Ice Castles although are still a wintry cold event it is a sight to behold. Dress warm and be prepared to stay a while. The best time to go I found was an hour or so before sunset as once the sun goes down it welcomes you with to a whole new experience.

So much to see and do such as Ice slides (yes for adults too), Tunnels, Archways, Canyons as well as Performances, Bond fire, Sculptures and the Light displays are incredible day or night. Food trucks are on site with hot beverages and a snack although these are to be consumed outside the castle.

For more info go here> Ice Castles

#3 Strathcona Wilderness Center

One place I have yet to experience is the Strathcona Wilderness Center. Here you will discover km of wilderness trails great for Snowshoeing, Cross country skiing, or just a walk in the park.

Find a day that is comfortable for you and get active, watch the birds, Take advantage of winter natural beauty, you may be surprised the beauty that surrounds you. Nature can make any blue day a bit brighter.

Reminder: Dogs, Horses, Bikes and Vehicles are not allowed in park.

#4 West Edmonton Mall

Now, this is sure to please activity for any age. Prepare to spend a few hours here as the possibilities are endless, Full of natural light from the skylights above enjoy activities such as:

• The Water Park – Make believe you are in a tropical paradise surrounded by palm trees, crashing waves on the beach. with some of the best water slides, even a zip line that blasts high park.
• Galaxy Land – Full of excitement here from 27 spectacular rides for all ages. dare to ride the original world’s largest indoor triple-loop roller coaster. Everything you will find at an amusement park and more.
• Marine world – here you will find some featured sea life including Sea Lions where you can get up close to watch a show or find yourself exploring the full-size replica of Christopher Columbus Pirate Ship centered amongst the mall. An underground aquarium with 100 species of sea creatures to discover.
• So much more to discover like skate at the full-size Rink that sometimes may find the Oilers practicing, Mini Golf, Bowling, Shopping and find a place to rest and dine at Bourbon St with 15 of Edmonton’s finest restaurants.
• Stay – The Fantasy Land Hotel has 13 theme rooms as well as rooms normally found in a top hotel or if you want to save, We found a nice basement suite for the 5 of us for like $80 a night. My advice is to check out Airbnb

For more info go here> West Edmonton Mall