Places to Hike Near Edmonton- 6 Best Day Hiking Spots
The hills are alive with the sound of hoofbeats… as in horses, and not some hippy little bongo player. You can see where the terrain is the flattest here, and the best place to take a break from hiking. If the area has been heavily logged, then you should expect to see lots of standing trees and standing stumps. Today, you have to be at least 6’4″ tall, and weigh under 300 pounds to hike into this area. The reward is almost ten miles of diverse trails around spectacular waterfalls.
There are a couple of things to be aware of here: first, this area is very flat, and the entire thing is less than half a mile around. Second, the trails are narrow and uneven in spots. A good rule of thumb to follow is to keep your eye on your feet and toes. The trail may be tricky to follow in some areas. You’ll never get lost here, but a quick tumble into the chasm below may be your only option. Thankfully, this particular chasm is probably not very deep. It is a tight squeeze, and you may need to turn sideways to squeeze your way into the rocks.
Edmonton is home to some of the most beautiful trails in the province, so if you’re looking to get in touch with nature, you don’t have to look far. This gorgeous area of the city is home to several secluded waterfalls with incredible rock gardens and incredible sandstone outcroppings. There are also a few walking trails and the area boasts some amazing trails for biking and horseback riding as well. Don’t forget to stop and take in the view. Here’s a list of some of the best places to hike near Edmonton:
1. Kinsmen Park
Kinsmen Park is located in Forest Lawn and is about 30 minutes from downtown. This area is home to two waterfalls – the Second Falls and Third Falls. Hiking into the Second Falls is the best option, and is the longest and steepest trail to the falls. Look out for rattlesnakes, because there are some rough stretches. The 3rd Falls is a bit less steep and more inviting. There are a couple of staircases that will take you to the base of the falls.
Another hiking option to consider is Mount Ida, which you can access from McKernan Park, a short drive from Kinsmen Park. It has lots of trails that criss-cross through the park, so if you’re a walker, you’ll love it here. This park is also a popular picnic spot and even includes a playground and walking trails. There are tons of trails to explore so there’s no reason to go home hungry. Kinsmen Park is also home to the historic Forest Lawn Cemetery. The trails connect to other parks throughout the area, so you can make day trips out of it.
2. Hawrelak Park
The largest natural area in Edmonton, Hawrelak Park also has tons of trails for hiking. This park has a series of trails that can be found at different spots throughout the park. They are about a kilometer apart, so don’t worry if you find yourself lost. The area has tons of fun hidden trails with picturesque views of the river valley. There are some rocky sections, so be sure to bring a good pair of walking shoes and a backpack.
It’s perfect for hikers because it has several different trails ranging from 5km to 22km, so if you don’t want to do all 22km, you can choose the 5km trail and walk-on parts of it, or you can go the whole way. Hawrelak Park also includes a large lake, lots of animal trails and ponds, and lots of trees. It is easily accessible by the LRT and is located in the southwest part of Edmonton. If you’re up for a hike in the morning, consider doing the trails around the area around Hawrelak Lake.
3. Glenmore Reservoir
Situated in the city’s southwest, Glenmore Reservoir is a popular attraction that offers hiking trails and great views. It is only a 15-minute drive from downtown and includes a scenic lookout over the city. There is also a giant playground for children, although children under the age of 5 are not allowed.
The park also features one of the city’s swimming pools and a nice fishing area. This place is also perfect for sunbathing, picnics, and bird watching! There are two kilometers of trails that meander around the reservoir, and at the edge of the water, there is an area with a playground and swimming areas. It’s also a great place to take a stroll.
4. River Valley Ranch
River Valley Ranch is a great place to experience the wilderness, and the picturesque city of Edmonton, at the same time. The ranch is about 40 minutes west of downtown Edmonton. There are great hiking trails, multiple horseback riding options, and a great day camp program. The site also includes a playground and a campsite with enough space for tents and trailers.
The ranch also provides horse- and canoe-sailing experiences along the river valley. If you’re looking for a weekend away, the ranch is a great idea. There are so many trails to explore, so there’s no reason you can’t try out a few different ones. The ranch also has a gift shop that has lots of supplies to fuel your outdoor exploration!
5. Elk Island National Park
Elk Island National Park is a massive nature preserve with mountains, lakes, canyons, forests, and streams. There are a lot of trails to choose from, but the most popular ones are the Testalinden Lakes Loop and the Jim Creek Loop. Located about 50 minutes outside of Edmonton, this is a great option for adventurous couples and families. There are two options for a weekend excursion.
There are two days for horseback riding along the river, and the other is for a more relaxed, day-in-the-park option. If you want to get close to the wildlife, though, keep in mind that you’ll have to be careful with this park, as there are cougars and bears! If you want a more extreme experience, you can also try the Mirror Lake and the Saskatchewan Lake Loop. These are two trails that can be accessed from either the Testalinden Lake parking lot or the Buffalo Pound Lake parking lot.
6. Springbrook Park
Springbrook Park is about 50 minutes west of downtown Edmonton. The park is known for its large prairies and beautiful forests and has some great trails for hikers, runners, and cyclists. Springbrook Park also has several picnics and barbecue sites, as well as restrooms, but make sure you bring your drinks since there are no water taps in the park. There are two campgrounds in the park, too, so you can stay for a night or longer if you’re so inclined.
There are tons of different trails in the park, so you won’t get bored. This park is home to a great zoo, as well as parks, trails, and campgrounds. There are a lot of great areas to explore here, including the hills, but the most popular ones are the Damview Creek Trail and the Oliver Creek Trail. You can also hike to historic Fort Edmonton and get a view of Edmonton from there.
Other Alternatives to Hiking Spots:
Here are some other day spots that can also be an alternative to the spots mentioned above:
River Bend
River Bend Park is about 20 minutes west of downtown Edmonton. The park is a bit hard to get to, but once you’re there, it’s worth it. The trails are pretty easy to follow, so it’s a good one to try. Several different playgrounds are great for kids! This park also has several picnic areas and an amphitheater for people to bring a blanket and spend the night under the stars. If you want to spend a long time here, though, there are plenty of walking trails to explore!
Beaverhill Lake Park
Beaverhill Lake Park is just down the road from Beaverhill Lake Provincial Park. There are several trails in the park, and many of them go right to the lake. You can access the park from the Sicamous Beach Provincial Park parking lot. There are lots of different trails that are good for walkers, runners, cyclists, and even snowshoers. There are also hiking trails and even a campground at this park. There is even a lighthouse at this park. The park is famous for its trails and natural beauty, so you won’t want to miss this one. Beaverhill Lake Park is a great place to come out and get some fresh air and exercise!
Perry Sound Country Heritage Park
Parry Sound Country Heritage Park is about 10 minutes east of downtown Edmonton. The park is a great place to learn more about the area because it has tons of historical sites that are full of stories. You can walk the historic Townsite, visit the Museum of Northern History, walk the Gunflint Trail, or even go horseback riding at Parry Sound Horseback Riding. There are also several more trails and campgrounds that you can try out in the area.
Yellowhead Trail
Yellowhead Trail is a popular highway that runs through the cities of Edmonton, St. Albert, Sherwood Park, and Cold Lake. You can also take this highway and head east to Lloydminster or west to Calgary. If you’re traveling east, you can try out the Spruce Grove Trail or the Beaumont/Devon Trail. If you’re traveling west, you can try out the Falher Trails or the Athabasca Trail. You can also try to get to Jasper from Yellowhead Trail, but it’s a bit more of a drive!
North Saskatchewan River
You can get an amazing view of the North Saskatchewan River in downtown Edmonton! There are loads of trails and views of the river to explore if you want to check it out. In Edmonton, there’s the Treaty 6 Trail, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which will take you through Whitemud Park and follow the river as you go. You can also try out the Old Strathcona Trail and the Kensington Trail to see the Edmonton skyline from a different perspective. This is a great park to walk your dog or bring your kids out to enjoy some fresh air.
Wetlands
There are lots of different wetlands in Edmonton. The Arden Hills Nature Sanctuary is a great place to go and explore a bit of nature! The city has a lot of wetlands that you can explore, which are perfect places to go for a quick day trip. You can also try the Muttart Conservatory, one of Edmonton’s favorite destinations. You can learn more about the conservatory on the City of Edmonton website. There are even two fancy restaurant dishes named after the park, which are the Arden Hills (a salad made with quinoa and fresh greens) and the Arden Hills Bread Pudding (which is filled with cinnamon crumb topping).
Conclusion
These few hiking places near Edmonton are some of my favorites. If you want to explore the river valley and wildlife, check out the Beaverhill Lake Park. If you want to do more activity and go out in the wilderness, check out the Sicamous Beach Provincial Park. If you want to just relax and get some fresh air, check out the Beaverhill Lake Park. The more you get out there, the more you’ll see that Edmonton has to offer. 9 out of the top 10 were within a 10-minute drive from my home, which is awesome for me because Edmonton is such a small city.
I think that it’s pretty easy to get around in Edmonton, no matter what type of mode of transportation you choose to go on. This was another really good data-driven post. If you enjoyed this, please share it. I hope you guys enjoy the rest of the data, as I hope to make more in the future. As always, feel free to comment below with your opinions, whether they be strong or weak.