9 easy hiking spots around Edmonton for your next fall adventure
With so much forest cover in the city, autumn is hands down the most beautiful season in Edmonton.
The best part? Countless trails make it easy for people of all hiking abilities to slip into nature and soak up all of the amazing fall colours.
So grab your jacket, charge your camera, and head out to explore these nine amazing hiking spots around the Edmonton region.
Mill Creek Ravine Park
View this post on Instagram
With its winding trail and creek, Mill Creek Ravine Park in the Argyll neighbourhood is a slice of nature in the middle of Edmonton. It can feel like a quick getaway without leaving the city.
Where: 96th Street and 76th Avenue NW, Edmonton
Fort Edmonton Park footbridge
View this post on Instagram
Sandwiched between Fort Edmonton Park and Wolf Willow Ravine, this route provides stunning views of the North Saskatchewan River on a lovely footbridge. Not only is this a fantastic walk, but itâs also one of the most picturesque spots in Edmonton!
Where:Â 1307 Woodward Pl. NW, Edmonton
Elk Island National Park
View this post on Instagram
Just 35 minutes east of Edmonton is an oasis filled with wildlife, starry skies, and incredible natural views. Elk Island National Park is a wildlife photographerâs dream thanks to roaming herds of bison, elk, and more than 250 bird species that have made this national park a mainstay of wildlife conservation.
Where:Â 54401 Range Rd. 203, Fort Saskatchewan
Hard Luck Canyon
View this post on Instagram
This canyon near Whitecourt was carved out by the Hard Luck Creek through the sandstone layers of the Paskapoo Formation. A bridge spans the falls of the canyon, which typically are at their highest during the spring melt. You can venture down a set of stairs right into the canyon and get an up-close look at the falls and canyon walls. Totally worth the visit!
Where:Â Range Rd. 125A, Woodlands County
Cooking Lake â Blackfoot Provincial Recreation Area
View this post on Instagram
This area boasts 97 square kilometres of peaceful forests, pastures, and wetlands. Itâs a great place to view wildlife, as the park supports habitats for tons of wildlife species, including coyotes, deer, elk, foxes, moose, and lynx.
Where:Â 52365 Range Rd. 210, Sherwood Park
Anywhere in Edmontonâs River Valley
View this post on Instagram
Edmontonâs River Valley is vast, and boy, are we ever lucky to have the largest urban park in North America. With more than 160 kilometres of maintained pathways and 20 major parks, the River Valley is a gem and a natural wonder for all. Itâs the perfect place to spend a summerâs day.
Lois Hole Centennial Provincial Park
View this post on Instagram
This stunning provincial park between Edmonton and St. Albert has one rather large feature: Big Lake. The lake makes up nearly 60 per cent of the parkâs total area, and its wetlands are considered ecologically significant. Spend a sunny summer afternoon walking along the boardwalks of this incredible park, and take in the wildlife viewing platform on the eastern shore of Big Lake.
Where:Â 1 Ray Gibbon Dr., St. Albert
Clifford E. Lee Nature Sanctuary
View this post on Instagram
This scenic nature sanctuary near Devon has trails and boardwalks that allow you to pass through different landscapes, including marshland, pine forest, meadow, and parkland. Over 100 species of birds can be found in this protected area.
Where:Â Sanctuary Road, Spruce Grove
Strathcona Wilderness Centre
View this post on Instagram
The Strathcona Wilderness Centre is a stunning spot in Strathcona County, featuring 12 kilometres of trails and numerous opportunities for wildlife viewing. In autumn, itâs the perfect place to take in that crisp air and colourful foliage!
Where:Â 52535 Range Rd. 212, Uncas