Fort McMurray, AB  – WinterPlay 2025 is just days away, with the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB) inviting residents to celebrate our northern spirit from February 21 to 25 at the Snye and Borealis Park. The annual festival will feature a variety of free family-friendly activities, including leisure skating, Indigenous cultural programming, horse-drawn wagon rides, and dozens of hand-crafted ice sculptures.

This year’s WinterPlay promises an exciting lineup, including an ice slide, a WinterCHALET serving hot meals and treats, and special sporting events in partnership with Wood Buffalo Sport Connection. Visitors will have the opportunity to try speed skating, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. Firepits and rink bookings are available for private use, with registration opening February 20.

One of the festival’s signature events, the Shoot Out on the Snye with the first puck dropping at 6 p.m. on February 21. The tournament will bring intense outdoor hockey action as teams compete in a round-robin competition leading up to the playoffs on February 23. Capping off the festivities, a fireworks display will light up the night sky over Snye Point at 7:30 p.m. on February 23. Attendees can even enter for a chance to skate under the fireworks on a private rink with a firepit. As event preparations continue, access to Snye Point will be restricted, with full closure on February 23 for the fireworks. More details and booking options can be found at rmwb.ca/WinterPLAY.