Most Interesting Hiking Trails in the Edmonton Region

Break out those hiking boots, dress comfortably, and pack a lunch before taking on any of the region’s trails in and surrounding the provincial capital. There are a ton of trails to choose from, for nature newbies and experienced outdoor folk. While there are several more that could have been included, here’s a rundown of some of the more popular and unique spots to hike.

Edmonton River Valley

Even if you dedicate a summer to hiking in Edmonton’s river valley, it might take a few weekends to cover all of the 160 km of trails that stretch from Anthony Henday Drive in the southwest to Hermitage Park in the northeast. Popular paths within this network walkways include the 3.7-km Riverside Trail, the 8-km. Riverdale-Clover Bar Loop and the 6-km. Walterdale Loop which includes a ride on the 100 Street Funicular.

Heritage Grove Park

Visitors can take their first steps of this network of trails totaling 40 km. and hike to adjacent communities, while taking in the natural surroundings outside the city. At various points of interest, hikers will find a series of outdoor classrooms that document the history and evolution of the area.

Lois Hole Provincial Park Wetlands Trail

Located right by St. Albert, this park features nearly 3 km. of trails looping a lake that’s ideal for bird watching. Wooden walkways also take you through the wetlands with the rest of the loop consisting of paved surfaces that are perfect for all skill levels.

MacTaggart Sanctuary

The deeper you venture into this area via its 2.3-km trail, the harder is to believe you’re still in southwest Edmonton. Donated to the public by philanthropist Sandy MacTaggart, this sanctuary places a priority on ensuring the well-being of the natural surroundings. 

Riverside Lot

Near the Kingswood neighbourhood at the northern tip of St. Albert and accessible via Poundmaker Road, this is one 6 km. trail meant for the hardier hiker. While the trails can get muddy in bad weather, the payoff is that the pathways aren’t likely to be crowded, making it more likely to watch for larger mammals like moose in the area.

St. Albert River Pathway

Both hardy hikers and neophytes can get a lot out of this 16.7 km. set of trails that border the Sturgeon River that run the entire width of St. Albert. Besides promising a view of the river and wildlife taking advantage of the terrain, those who tread these paths can find their way to a number of bordering parks, plus a water park and skateboard facilities.

Voyager Park

Located near Devon is a 6.8 km. trail that even newbies can trek although it might help to take things slow. One of the more difficult spots is the stairs at the east end of the park can pose a challenge for less seasoned hikers. A jaunt through the river valley paths is guaranteed to take half a day.

William Hawrelak Park

This park, accessible via Groat Road has one of the easiest and most family-friendly trails with a 3-km. path circumnavigating the lake. The walkway offers a chance to check out local wildlife and passes by the Heritage Amphitheatre and the park pavilion as well as plenty of spots for a picnic after that workout.

Wagner Natural Area

The trails in this wildlife conservation spot located a few minutes’ drive east on Hwy 16 are more rustic than most in the region and the volunteer organizers like to keep it that way. The unspoiled surroundings including some wetlands have become ideal homes for plant life from ferns to orchids as well as a wide variety of insects and small animals.

Wood Bison Trail

One of the more difficult trails to hike is this 16 km. loop located in Elk Island Park roughly a half hour’s drive east of Edmonton on Hwy 16. But it’s one of the best spots in the region to catch a wide variety of wildlife in the area from bison and elk to deer and a myriad of waterfowl species.t8n