Bunchberry Meadows Conservation Area- Activity and Visitor Guide

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Bunchberry Meadows is a conservation site near Edmonton that has over 8 km of trails for foot-use.

Covering 640 acres, Bunchberry Meadows protects a unique combination of old-growth forests, grasslands, and wetlands. While other native parklands around Edmonton have been developed or undergone significant changes, Bunchberry Meadows has remained intact. This natural environment makes Bunchberry Meadows a scenic and relaxing place to go hiking near Edmonton.

Bunchberry Meadows Conservation Area- Visitor Guide

Things to Do at Bunchberry Meadows Conservation Area

hiking
wildlife viewing
cross-country skiing
snowshoeing

Trails at Bunchberry Meadows

Bunchberry Meadows has 4 signed, easy hiking routes that make up about 8.6 km of connected trails.

Aspen Parkland Trail is the main loop in the park from which all other hiking trails diverge. The Blueberry Connector Trail (0.39 km) cuts across part of the loop, providing a shorter alternative to the full Aspen Parkland Trail.

For a longer walk, you can combine a portion of Aspen Parkland Trail with Tamarack Trail (3.33 km). The out and back Meadow View Trail (0.53 km), which branches off from Tamarack Trail, can also be included as part of this longer hike in Bunchberry Meadows.

Aspen Parkland Trail

*Editor’s choice

Difficulty: Easy

Distance: 4.43 km

Surface: Grass and soil

Time: 50- 60 minutes

If you only have time for a shorter hike but still want to discover Bunchberry Meadows’ main attributes, then Aspen Parkland Trail is the perfect choice.

The route passes through a few rolling meadows but is mostly sheltered by forest. Along Aspen Parkland Trail you’ll see numerous types of trees including larch, balsam poplar, white spruce, black spruce, Jack pine, and of course, aspen.

The most unique feature of the trail is the pure stand of white birch, approximately one hectare in size. This is a rare sight, since birch are normally found in mixed wood stands.

Aspen Parkland Trail also has plenty of raspberry bushes and wildflowers, including goldenrod, aster, yarrow, and harebell lining the trail.

Wildlife Viewing at Bunchberry Meadows

While hiking at Bunchberry Meadows, keep a look out for the following animals:

northern flying squirrels, long-tailed weasels, and porcupines in Jack pine habitat
large mammals like moose and white-tailed deer
birds such as barn swallows, pileated woodpeckers, great horned owls, and broad-winged hawks
butterflies like the Canadian tiger swallowtail

Review of Bunchberry Meadows

Bunchberry Meadows is a hidden gem notable for its mix of tree species in a small area so close to a city.

Its location near the city limits of Edmonton makes it a convenient place for urban dwellers to get their nature fix. The property is pleasantly quiet, with just the rustling of tree leaves and calls of birds, making you feel a lot further away from the city that you really are.

The trails at Bunchberry Meadows are well marked with signage including both distance and approximate walking time, making it easy to choose your route. There are also interpretive panels providing information about the area’s flora and fauna.

A visit to Bunchberry Meadows can be combined with a trip to the nearby Clifford E. Lee Nature Sanctuary for a nature-filled day trip from Edmonton.

Fungi growing on a tree in Bunchberry Meadows Conservation Area

Tips for Visiting Bunchberry Meadows

Location: Bunchberry Meadows is located southwest of Edmonton (30 km from the city centre) in Parkland County. Its address is 1B5, Range Rd. 261, Spruce Grove, AB.

Getting There: From Edmonton, head west on Whitemud Drive. Turn south onto 215 St/Winterburn Rd. Turn west onto Highway 627/Maskekosihk Trail then south onto Range Rd. 261. Bunchberry Meadows will be on the right. The driveway is marked with a sign but there wasn’t a sign on the road indicating the park was coming up.

You can also take Anthony Henday Drive to Maskekosihk Trail/184 St. Follow that briefly south, then west (Maskekosihk Trail turns into Highway 627). Turn south at Range Rd. 261.

Opening Hours: Bunchberry Meadows is open year round from 7:00 am- 10:00 pm.

Admission Fees: None

Facilities: There are some picnic tables and pit toilets beside the parking lot. There is also a large trail map on display.

Visitor Guidelines: The following are some guidelines for responsible use of the conservation area.

Access the site on foot only. Bicycles, horses, and motorized vehicles are not allowed on the trails.
Dogs are not allowed in the conservation area.
Stay on designated trails and do not collect plants, mushrooms, and berries.
Refrain from lighting campfires and using camp stoves or BBQs. Dispose of garbage in the bins.

Park Map: Here is a trail map of Bunchberry Meadows.