A city that lives for hockey
Edmonton's hockey pride runs deep. The Oilers' dynasty years in the 1980s are part of local folklore, and a new generation of stars has given fans plenty to cheer about. In spring, when the team makes a run, the whole city seems to wear a jersey.
Edmonton is also a northern city with long, cold winters, and it has plenty of ways to enjoy the dark months, which makes it a good place for cosy, creative dates.
Rogers Place and the ICE District
Rogers Place, the Oilers' home since 2016, anchors the downtown ICE District. The district includes restaurants, bars and public spaces around the arena, and in winter it has an outdoor skating surface, handy for a spontaneous date whether or not the Oilers are home. Downtown LRT stations are close by.
On game nights, the district fills with fans in jerseys. During playoff runs, crowds gather in the plaza outside to watch together, and the atmosphere can be electric.
Oilers tickets are prized, so keep Rogers Place for a few dates in. Get them through the club, the arena box office or a marketplace that refunds failed orders. Somebody on a dating site with seats to sell is running a con.
Where Oilers fans watch
Pubs and sports bars across the city show every game, from Whyte Avenue to the suburbs. For a first date, a neighbourhood spot with table service gives you room to talk. Save the packed downtown viewing parties for when you know each other better.
Skating and winter outdoors
Beyond the ICE District rink, Edmonton has outdoor rinks run by community leagues in many neighbourhoods, and skating spots in parks across the river valley when conditions allow. The city's winter festivals often include skating and fire pits.
Edmonton embraces winter as a lifestyle, so outdoor dates are normal here. Just dress for the cold and keep an eye on the forecast.
Indoor ideas for the longest nights
When it is too cold to stay outside, Edmonton has plenty of indoor options: indoor rinks for public skating, cafés, galleries, theatres and the city's large shopping and entertainment spaces. A public skate at an indoor arena followed by dinner nearby is a reliable plan whatever the temperature.
Rec hockey in Edmonton
Community league hockey is part of the city's fabric, and adult leagues run in arenas across Edmonton through the winter. Late-night games and weekend tournaments are common. If you are dating a player, ask about their schedule early.
Oilers versus Flames
Edmonton and Calgary have a rivalry that runs through politics, sport and just about everything else. Rivalry nights are intense. If your date cheers for the Flames, enjoy the banter but keep it about hockey. Edmonton fans also have strong feelings about Vancouver. Read our rival fans guide for tips.
Long-winter date ideas
1. Lace up at the ICE District rink. On a non-game evening, skate under the city lights and grab a bite nearby.
2. A river valley winter walk. On a clear, cold afternoon, walk a section of the river valley trails, then warm up at a café.
3. An indoor public skate and dinner. For the coldest nights, find a public skating session at an indoor rink and follow it with a meal.
Getting around
The LRT connects downtown with the university area and other parts of the city, and buses fill in the gaps. After a game, the stations around the arena fill in seconds; if you are not in a hurry, wait out the rush indoors.
Winter safety
Edmonton's winters can be severe. Look up the wind chill before any outdoor plan, wear proper layers, and swap to an indoor idea when it really bites. Never skate on river or pond ice that has not been officially cleared. A first meeting should be in a busy spot, with someone you trust aware of where you are and your own route home planned.
Cheering against the Oilers in Edmonton?
Lots of people move to Edmonton for work in energy, health care or the university, and they bring other loyalties with them. Owning yours makes for a lively first conversation.
Playoff springs in Edmonton
When the Oilers go deep, Edmonton becomes one big watch party. Fans pack the plaza outside Rogers Place and Whyte Avenue fills with jerseys. It is a wonderful time to be a fan and a complicated time to start dating. If you match with someone in May, a quiet brunch on a non-game day lets you talk without one eye on the score.
Junior and university hockey
Edmonton also has junior hockey and strong university programs, and games are generally affordable and easy to get into. They make relaxed second dates with plenty of time to chat between whistles. Check the teams' own sites for schedules.
Festivals that beat the cold
The city is known for embracing winter with festivals that bring skating, fire pits, food and music outdoors. A festival evening, dressed warmly with a hot drink in hand, is a great date for people who like to keep moving. Dates change each year, so check event listings.
A word on distance
Edmonton is spread out, and the north, south and west ends can feel far apart, especially in winter. If you live in a suburb such as St. Albert or Sherwood Park, mention it in your profile and suggest meeting somewhere central for a first date.
Watching at home, Edmonton style
Plenty of Oilers fans prefer the couch to the bar, especially on a minus 30 night. A home game night can be a lovely third or fourth date: one of you cooks, the other brings dessert, and you find out whether your date yells at the television. Keep it relaxed, keep the volume reasonable for the neighbours, and save the deep statistical arguments for the second intermission.
Indoor rinks for every weather
The city runs indoor arenas across its neighbourhoods, and many offer public skating sessions through the winter. They are cheap, warm enough to linger, and reliable when outdoor ice is closed. Check the City of Edmonton's schedules before you go, because times change from week to week, and bring your own skates if you have them.
Summer in Edmonton
When summer arrives, the river valley, festivals and long evenings take over. A profile that shows both your winter and summer sides helps people see the full picture.
More for Edmonton fans
Keep reading with ideas for a first date or what dating a player involves, and see how the rivals live in Calgary. Other cities: all locations.
Meet Edmonton hockey fans
Your favourite Oilers moment and your go-to January date make a great opening paragraph: Signup Here. Members in the city can Sign in.