The Best Hiking Spots In and Around Edmonton

Lace up your hiking boots and discover the natural beauty of Edmonton with our top hiking picks.

Edmonton is known for its beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities, both within the city and in its surrounding areas. With a variety of hiking trails in and around the city, Edmonton offers a unique experience for anyone looking to live near . Whether you're a seasoned hiker or just starting out, there are plenty of trails to choose from that offer stunning views and a chance to connect with nature. In this article, we'll explore some of the best hiking trails in and around Edmonton.

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Elk Island National Park

Location: 35 kilometres east of Edmonton

One of the most popular parks in the Edmonton area, Elk Island is a great spot for hiking and wildlife viewing. The park has over 80 kilometres of hiking trails, ranging from easy to difficult. The Astotin Lake Trail is a popular choice, offering stunning views of the lake and the surrounding landscape. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including bison, elk, and moose.

Gold Bar Park

Location: Central Edmonton

This 163-hectare park offers over 12 kilometres of hiking trails ranging from easy to moderate, making it a perfect option for city-dwellers to get a taste of nature without travelling too far from home. The park's trails offer a variety of landscapes, including forests, meadows, and river valleys. The park is a popular spot for picnics and family outings, with plenty of amenities such as picnic areas, playgrounds, and washrooms.

Whitemud Park

Location: Southwest Edmonton

Another great option for people living within Edmonton, Whitemud Park offers over 20 kilometres of hiking trails ranging from easy to difficult. The park's trails offer stunning views of the North Saskatchewan River Valley and the surrounding landscape. The park is also home to the Snow Valley Ski Club, which offers skiing and snowboarding in the winter months.

The Blackfoot Grazing Reserve

Location: East of Edmonton

With over 30 kilometres of hiking trails, the Blackfoot Grazing Reserve’s trails offer a unique opportunity to explore the prairie landscape and view wildlife such as bison and pronghorns. This gorgeous reserve is also a birdwatcher’s dream, with over 200 species of birds recorded in the area.

Devon Voyageur Park

Location: Southwest of Edmonton

One of the smaller parks on this list, Devon Voyageur Park offers over 5 kilometres of hiking trails. Its small size doesn’t keep it from making The park's trails offer stunning views of the North Saskatchewan River and the surrounding landscape. The park is a popular spot for fishing, with rainbow trout and walleye being the most commonly caught species.

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Mill Creek Ravine

Location: Central Edmonton

Mill Creek Ravine's picturesque trails offer a unique opportunity to explore a natural oasis in the middle of the city. The ravine is also a popular spot for picnics and family outings, with plenty of amenities such as picnic areas, playgrounds, and washrooms.

Strathcona Science Provincial Park

Location: East of Edmonton

This park's trails offer stunning views of the North Saskatchewan River Valley and the surrounding landscape. The park is also home to the Strathcona Wilderness Centre, which offers a variety of outdoor activities such as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

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