Calgary 
The beauty of Alberta’s foothills is on full display in autumn. When there is a noticeable chill in the air, the forested areas become a sea of varying shades of red, purple, orange, and gold.
Credit: Explore Hinton
The town of Hinton is located right in the centre of this beautiful fall foothill scenery. That, and many other reasons, make the area a perfect fall destination for road trips and day trips. And for those on their way to Jasper National Park, west of Hinton, these ideas for fall fun will give you at least ten reasons to stay a while.
Get to know Hinton in a number of ways, like recreation, sightseeing, or by planning picnics at the nearby parks. For Hinton’s local dining, use Gregg Avenue on the west side of town or Smith Street on the east side. Both dining areas are beside the Trans Canada Highway.
Walk the Beaver Boardwalk Trials
Where: 408 Collinge Rd, Hinton
Explore Hinton’s Bike Trails
The Beaver Boardwalk trails are not great for cycling, as the pathways give right of way to those on foot. But Hinton has several other nearby trail systems meant for cyclists or mountain bikers.
- The most notable of bike trails in the area are courtesy of the Hinton Bike Park and Mountain Bike Association. The Bike Park has trails for all different skill levels.
- The Athabasca Ranch Public Land Use Zone is on the opposite side of the Trans Canada Highway (north side) from the bike park and has a variety of trail types to offer. This area also offers a few exceptionally challenging mountain bike courses.
Fall Fun at William A. Switzer Provincial Park
Two of Switzer’s day use areas are open year-round: Kelley’s Bathtub, and Gregg Lake. Jarvis Lake day use area will close October 13. So, no matter when you’d like to visit this fall, you’ll have options for picnic locations, and several activity options.
- Camping is available at the park all year with space for tents, or RVs that need service hookups.
- William A. Switzer is a paddler’s paradise. The park’s lakes are all connected to one another, giving canoers and kayakers an abundance of space and places to explore.
- Motorized boating is also permitted! Motorized boats must stay at Gregg or Jarvis Lake, both with boat launches at the day-use areas.
- There is an extensive network of hiking trails which follow all of the lakes.
- There are also trails on the south side of Highway 40, which start at the Hinton Nordic Centre.
Where: use Highway AB-40 north from Hinton to access the park
Fall Fishing near Hinton
The lakes and rivers around Hinton offer opportunities to catch a variety of species. Take your shot at trout, burbot, whitefish, or grayling.
- The Athabasca River runs through the north part of Hinton and parallel to the Trans Canada. The Highway 40 bridge is a popular place for people to cast their lines.
- Fishing is permitted in William A. Switzer PP with options between all of the lakes and creeks. Fish from the shores or take off in a boat to find a quieter place.
- Obed Lake, east of Hinton and north of the Trans Canada, is a highly rated lake for fishing.
Alternative Adventures Zipline
There are only two weekends left in the fall to try out Hinton’s incredible zipline adventure. Alternative Adventures Zipline offers a thrilling way to see the foothills with the Rockies in the background. Choose between the simple, standard ride down the hill, take flight as a Superhero, or ride tandem with someone else. Midweek flights are available by reservation as well!
Where: 50122 HWY 16 W; 10KM West of Hinton
See Hinton’s Fall Colours from Above
Jasper-Hinton Air offers one of the easiest ways to see the most of Hinton and all the surrounding fall colours. Book a 30-90 minute tour or a signature experience like a Heli-Picnic, a Heli-Hike, or Heli-Yoga. Tours can seat up to six passengers, with weight limitations to consider.
Where: Jasper Hinton Airport 26332C Airport Rd.
Picnic at Wildhorse Lake PRA
The Wildhorse Lake Provincial Recreation Area is the last park before the Jasper National Park gates. The smaller PRA surrounds two lakes, with a campground on one lake and the day use on the other. Towering mountain peaks surround the forested area, and it is incredibly scenic in the fall. The day use area is open until October 31 with firewood and firepits, making it easy to cook for your picnic. The lake also has a hand launch for paddlers, with fishing permitted.
Where: access from Jasper Hinton Airport and Airport Road
OHV Riding around the Brule Sand Dunes and Athabasca River
The Bule Lake PLUZ is popular for off-highway vehicle riding for many reasons: the scenery is gorgeous, the trails range from simple and easy to a little more challenging, and the trails are a unique opportunity to ride on Alberta’s few sand dunes.
Additionally, riders can head off to the area’s backcountry campground and stay a few days in the area. More trails in the area are located in the Athabasca Ranch PLUZ.
Wildlife Viewing & Photography
Take time to explore the trails around Hinton to uncover a diverse wildlife population. For prime wildlife viewing, embark on your adventure at dusk or dawn, as these quieter times for humans are usually the more active for the animals. And don’t forget your phone or camera!
When seeking out wildlife photography opportunities, it is important to stay smart and safe. For longer hikes further from town, carry bear spray or stay loud. And for all hikes, keep food or garbage sealed. Never approach or attempt to feed the wildlife.
- The Beaver Ponds are a great way to see some of the smaller animals that live around town, like beavers, ducks, or owls.
- The nearby Public Land Use Zones are intentionally set up to help preserve the wildlife. Around Brule Lake, for example, gives you a better chance at spotting elk, deer, or moose.
Rest Easy with your Pick of Accommodations
The town of Hinton has many hotels and motels which are perfect for a stop-over before entering Jasper National Park. Additionally, the two nearby Provincial Areas, Wildhorse Lake and William A. Switzer, both offer camping for tents and RVs. There are some other cool ways to stay around the town of Hinton, as well, which may only make the trip more memorable.
- The Old Entrance B&B are open year-round with seasonal pricing for their cabins, teepees, and guest suites. You can also book trail rides with the Old Entrance for a unique way to take in the scenery.
- The Black Cat Guest Ranch, near Brule, offers a cozy and quaint way to enjoy your stay in the Rocky Mountain foothills. The Ranch is open year-round.
- The Air BnB listings in Hinton give you a huge variety of options: apartments and homes in town, guest suites outside of town, or single rooms.
