Charlottetown launches programs for 2020 Winter Active Campaign

CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — The Charlottetown Parks and Recreation Department has launched its 2020 Winter Active Campaign with free activities designed to encourage people of all ages to be more active during the winter months. 

A free snowshoeing program is being offered on Sundays starting on Jan. 19, until March 8, 2-4 p.m., at Victoria Park (snow conditions permitting). A limited number of snowshoes will be available, and those participating should meet at the Ball Field Clubhouse, off Brighton Road.

Free family skates will be offered on Jan. 26, 1:50-2:50 p.m., at the Simmons Arena and on March 1, 3-4 p.m., at the Cody Banks Arena. Free hot chocolate will be served. 

A free 10-week Learn to Run program is being offered in partnership with the UPEI Athletics Department, on Mondays, beginning Jan. 20, 6-7 p.m., at the Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre at UPEI. The program will run until March 30, with the exception of Islander Day on Feb. 17. Interested individuals can email [email protected] or call 902-368-1025.

Winter Family Fun Events, including sleigh rides, outdoor skating, snowshoeing and free hot chocolate, will take place on the following dates: Jan. 19, 2-4 p.m., at the Malcolm Darrach Community Centre, 1 Avonlea Dr.; Feb. 2, 2-4 p.m., at the West Royalty Community Centre, 1 Kirkdale Rd. (note: there is no outdoor rink available at this location); and Feb. 23, 2-4 p.m., Hillsborough Park Community Centre, 199 Patterson Dr.

In partnership with WinterLove P.E.I., a free family event called Light up the Park is Feb. 9, 5-7 p.m., at Victoria Park (meet at the Ballfield Clubhouse, off Brighton Road). There will be a number of winter fun activities like snowshoeing and sleigh rides (note: there is no outdoor rink available at this location this year).

The following trails/boardwalks are also available for winter walking: the boardwalk from Victoria Park to the Friendly Pharmacy; Victoria Park Trails; Beach Grove Trails and the Confederation Trail within City limits. For cross-country skiers, the city maintains groomed ski trails at Victoria Park and the Belvedere Golf Course. 

Information on the city’s outdoor rinks, as well as ski trail maps, is available on the city’s website at Charlottetown.ca by clicking on the recreation and leisure button. More details of the Winter Active Campaign can be found at Charlottetown.ca/winteractive or by calling the Parks and Recreation Department at 902-368-1025.