10 hiking spots around Edmonton so you don't have to drive far this summer
Summer is in full swing here in Edmonton, and if you’re looking for some easy ways to get out and get some steps in, we’ve rounded up a list of some of the best hiking spots around the area.
So grab your hiking shoes and check out these 10 amazing hiking locations around the Edmonton region for your next summer adventure.
Mill Creek Ravine Park
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A favourite among south-central Edmonton residents, Mill Creek Ravine Park stretches the length of the ravine with kilometres of scenic trails for all ages and abilities. From wide, paved pathways to quieter forested routes, it’s easy to find a trail that suits your pace. The park is accessible from several parking lots and multiple cycling connections along the ravine. Despite being surrounded by the city, the towering trees and lush greenery make it feel like a true escape from it all.
Where: 96th Street and 76th Avenue NW, Edmonton
Elk Island National Park
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Just 35 minutes east of Edmonton, Elk Island National Park is home to rolling hills, tranquil lakes, dark skies and an abundance of wildlife. The park is a favourite among photographers thanks to its free-roaming herds of bison and elk, along with more than 250 bird species that thrive within this protected landscape. It’s also a fantastic destination for hikers, with trails ranging from the short, accessible Living Waters Boardwalk to the more challenging 15.6 km Wood Bison Trail.
Where: 54401 Range Rd. 203, Fort Saskatchewan, Alta.
Fort Edmonton Park footbridge
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Sandwiched between Fort Edmonton Park and Wolf Willow Ravine, this scenic route crosses the North Saskatchewan River on one of Edmonton’s most picturesque footbridges. Accessible from the parking lot at the south end of Fort Edmonton Park, it’s also easy to reach from the north side of the river via Jan Reimer Park or the Wolf Willow stairs and trail. Along the way, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the river valley, Fort Edmonton Park and the steep riverbanks.
Where: 1307 Woodward Pl. NW, Edmonton
Hard Luck Canyon
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This one is a bit farther from Edmonton than the other spots on this list, but it’s well worth the drive for a day trip. Located near Whitecourt, Hard Luck Canyon was carved over thousands of years by Hard Luck Creek through the sandstone layers of the Paskapoo Formation. A footbridge crosses above the waterfall, which is typically flowing the fastest during the spring melt. From the trailhead, the landscape appears relatively flat, but a staircase descends into the canyon, where you’ll find towering rock walls, the rushing creek, and a dramatically different landscape. The hike is short, but the scenery will invite you to stay, making it a fantastic spot to pack a picnic.
Where: Range Road 125A, Woodlands County, Alta.
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Cooking Lake – Blackfoot Provincial Recreation Area
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This area spans 97 square kilometres of quiet forests, open pastures and wetlands, making it an ideal setting for wildlife viewing. The park supports a wide range of species, including coyotes, deer, elk, foxes, moose and lynx. Its trail network is extensive and well-connected, with options ranging from short 500-metre strolls to the 15.2 km Central Alleyway.
Where: 52365 Range Rd. 210, Sherwood Park
Emily Murphy Park
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Much like Mill Creek Ravine, the descent into Emily Murphy Park via the river valley stairs feels less like hiking in Edmonton and more like leaving the city behind. Surrounded by mature trees and riverside trails, it’s an ideal spot for a peaceful walk without ever leaving the urban core. From the park, you can extend your hike by crossing into Hawrelak Park or continue along the river valley trail network to explore even more of Edmonton’s green spaces.
Where: 11904 Emily Murphy Park Rd. NW
Lois Hole Centennial Provincial Park
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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 park’s total area. The lake’s extensive wetlands are considered ecologically significant and provide important habitat for a wide variety of wildlife. On a sunny day, take a stroll down the park’s boardwalks and trails before stopping at the wildlife viewing platform on the eastern shore for sweeping views across the lake.
Where: 1 Ray Gibbon Dr., St. Albert
Clifford E. Lee Nature Sanctuary
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This scenic nature sanctuary near Devon features a network of trails and boardwalks that wind through a variety of landscapes, including marshland, pine forest, meadow and parkland. If you’re a birdwatcher, this may become your new favourite hiking destination near Edmonton, with more than 100 bird species recorded throughout the protected area.
Where: Sanctuary Road, Spruce Grove
Strathcona Wilderness Centre
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The Strathcona Wilderness Centre, located in Strathcona County, offers a scenic network of 12 km of trails and plenty of opportunities for wildlife viewing. The landscape is made up of black spruce, birch and poplar forest alongside wetlands that support a wide range of plant and animal life. Along your hike, you may encounter wildlife that could include moose, white-tailed deer, snowshoe hares, fishers, porcupines, frogs, and a wide range of bird species.
Where: 52535 Range Rd. 212, Uncas, Alta.
Northeast River Valley Park
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This is Edmonton’s newest river valley park and makes for one of the best day hiking destinations around. The 190-acre park, previously known as Our Lady Queen of Peace Ranch, opened in 2023. Here, you will find walking trails and connections to the River Valley trail network in addition to drop-in picnic sites and playgrounds, making it easy to spend a few hours exploring this green space.
Where: 903 153rd Ave. NE