Just 35 minutes east of Edmonton is Elk Island National Park, a place where bison roam the landscape, trails meander through the forest, and ponds and lakes are animated with beaver and bird activity. There are so many things to do in Elk Island National Park that make it easy to appreciate the joys of...
Venturing out on the hiking trails in Elk Island National Park is an active and relaxing way to experience the landscape of the Boreal Plains, along with the flora and fauna protected within the park. While hiking the Elk Island trails, you’ll follow in the footsteps of bison through forests and grassy meadows, every so...
The North Saskatchewan River is an obvious choice for Edmontonians who want to go paddling, but there are so many more places to go kayaking in the Edmonton area for a fun day out on the water. Places to Go Kayaking in the Edmonton Area There are a lot of fantastic places to go kayaking...
Edmonton has a lot of great places for outdoor recreation, but if you’re looking for a change of scenery, hop in the car and head out on one of these fun day trips from Edmonton. Best Day Trips From Edmonton for Outdoor Activities Whether you’re looking for recreation close to the city limits or within...
There are so many great winter activities in Edmonton but if cross country skiing is your sport of choice, luckily the capital city offers plenty of groomed trails for your enjoyment. Places to Go Cross Country Skiing in Edmonton With several places to go cross country skiing in Edmonton, from city parks to river valley...
Once freezing temperatures descend on Edmonton, the city constructs several outdoor skating rinks in parks and public spaces. With so many places to go skating in Edmonton, from picturesque river valley parks to community league rinks, it’s no wonder ice skating is one of the top winter activities in Edmonton. Whether you’re heading out on...
The Chickakoo Lake Recreation Area near Stony Plain is a popular destination for family-friendly outdoor adventures thanks to its scenic hiking trails, lakeside picnic sites, and playground. The recreation area is spread across over 480 acres of woodlands and encompasses several small lakes and ponds, including its namesake Chickakoo Lake. Things to Do at Chickakoo...
There’s no denying that Edmonton is a winter city. With a large part of the year spent under a blanket of snow, you may think that an Edmonton winter is something to dread. Yet for outdoor enthusiasts, winter in Edmonton is filled with fun and adventure! Things to Do in Edmonton in Winter- The Best...
Kayaking at Elk Island National Park is a popular summertime activity and relaxing way to enjoy the Astotin Lake Recreation Area. Whether you bring your own canoe or kayak, or rent one in the park, you’re sure to have an enjoyable time paddling around the treed islands and scenic shores of Astotin Lake. Elk Island...
Kayaking on Islet Lake is one the best ways to enjoy the scenery and wildlife in Cooking Lake-Blackfoot Provincial Recreation Area. Several islands, flat water, and opportunities for bird watching make Islet Lake a popular kayaking and canoeing spot close to Edmonton. Kayaking on Islet Lake Islet Lake is the only lake in Cooking Lake-Blackfoot...
Miquelon Lake Provincial Park is a recreation and protected area conveniently located between Edmonton and Camrose. It is a popular day use area and camping destination. The 1,300 hectare park provides year-round access to nature with a large campground, beach area, and scenic trails that showcase a landscape formed by retreating glaciers over 12,000 years...
The best places to go bike riding in Edmonton can be found right in the middle of the city, in Edmonton’s river valley. This sprawling park system along the North Saskatchewan River features over 160 km of maintained multi-use paths and countless other dirt trails, providing plenty of options for biking in Edmonton’s river valley....
The Strathcona Wilderness Centre is a year-round destination for outdoor adventures near Sherwood Park. The centre is part of the Beaver Hills Biosphere and has several forested trails, picnic sites, outdoor recreation programs, and equipment rentals. Things to Do at the Strathcona Wilderness Centre There are plenty of outdoor activities at the Strathcona Wilderness Centre...
Edmonton is a major city but that doesn’t mean that nature is out of reach. With a national park, provincial parks and recreation areas, and several nature preserves nearby, there are plenty of choices for day hikes near Edmonton. Places to Hike Near Edmonton Each of these day hiking trips near Edmonton feature beautiful scenery,...
The Cooking Lake-Blackfoot Provincial Recreation Area is a large forested area east of Edmonton that is available for year-round recreational day use. The 97 square kilometre park has an extensive, 170 km multi-use trail system passing through wetlands, pastures, forests, and around several small lakes and ponds. Since the park is so big, it’s divided...
The Clifford E. Lee Nature Sanctuary is a scenic location for short nature walks and wildlife viewing opportunities near the town of Devon in Parkland County. Protecting 348 acres of land, the Clifford E. Lee Nature Sanctuary features easy walking trails and boardwalks passing through several different landscapes including marshland, pine forest, open meadow, and...
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...
