Canadian Birkie News

Saturday Ski Event, Skate Ski and Nordic Fair Cancelled

The Canadian Birkebeiner Society had to make the hard decision to cancel the following events:

Classic Ski Events on Saturday, February 14,
Skate Ski Event on Sunday , February 15,
Nordic Fair on Friday, February 13.

Due to rainfall on Sunday, followed by continued sunshine and temperatures rising well above zero degrees Celsius today, conditions are no longer offering an enjoyable and safe ski.

We are crushed we had to take this decision, and it is even harder to inform you of this news.We understand the disappointment it brings to the skiers who trained so hard, the volunteers who committed their time and energy, and the partners who supported the event this year.

The following events are still going ahead:

Barnebirkie Returns to Gold Bar Park —

Family Fun on Skis!

The Barnebirkie Family Ski event is coming to Gold Bar Park on February 15th, and registration is open until the event. On-site registration and package pick-up will also be available on event day starting at 11:00 AM. We are excited to welcome MLA Janis Irwin for the official opening of the Barnebirkie.

Barnebirkie is a classic-style cross-country ski event designed for kids and parents to ski together. Partnering with the Silver Skate Festival, this family-friendly celebration of winter is where Birkie dreams begin—introducing young skiers to the joy, excitement, and community of cross-country skiing in a fun and welcoming environment.

Viking’s Feast – February 14, 2026

The Viking’s Feast brings the community together at the Agora Centre, Strathcona Community Centre for an evening celebrating food, music, and Scandinavian tradition. Doors open at 6:00 PM, with the program beginning at 7:00 PM with a traditional toast and an opening performance by the Valhalla Junior Scandinavian Folk Dancers.

Guests will enjoy live Scandinavian music by Janina Carlstad and John Fletcher, dinner, a visual recap of the day, interactive activities, and awards presentations throughout the evening. Programming concludes before 9:30 PM, with the Bent Stick Brewing–hosted bar open until 10:00 PM.

Tickets are available until February 10, Midnight

Children aged 0-3 : Eat free
Children aged 3-10 : Half-price tickets at $40
Ages 11 and up : $80

Meet Our 2026 Birkie Baby: Yonas Itzeck

Meet our Birkie baby, Yonas Itzeck! Yonas celebrates his birthday on Valentine’s Day, making Birkie Saturday extra special this year—making it a truly special occasion for the whole family. A true winter lover, Yonas can often be found digging holes in the snow, heading out on long sled rides, and enjoying ski sled adventures while his parents and Opa trained for their 10th Birkie.