Interested in new or different scenery for a change? Here are 10 ideas for a day trip from Edmonton this May.
Sangudo Sundial; Bernadette Gallagher
All can be done in a day, with one-way drivetimes no longer than 3-hours.
Sangudo and the Pembina River Valley
Sangudo is actually home to one of Alberta’s Big Roadside Attractions, too. The Sangudo Sundial is surrounded by large blossoming trees during spring, and is an excellent picnic area, with washrooms too. From here, it is a short drive to the Pembina River Valley at Sangudo Riverside Campground, where the deep spring greens and flowers are starting to show.
Drive time from Edmonton: 60-90 minutes
William A. Switzer Provincial Park
Head west from Edmonton and turn off the highway just before Jasper to find the hidden gem of William A. Switzer. Within the park, you can still see the best of the mountain views, along with lake views, and river views. This is a perfect location for photography, wildlife viewing, canoeing, hiking, and picnics. The park even has an interpretive canoe trail through the river.
Drive time from Edmonton: 2.5-3 hours
Metis Crossing
Now that the snow is gone, the spring and summer experiences are opening at eastern Alberta’s Metis Crossing Cultural Heritage Centre. You can sign up for a signature wildlife tour, traditional art workshop, or simply pay the admission fee to explore the grounds and exhibits.
Drive time from Edmonton: 60-90 minutes
Lesser Slave Lake & Boreal Centre for Bird Conservation
Lesser Slave Lake Bird Observatory
Each year, the Boreal Centre for Bird Conservation hosts its Songbird Festival. On May 28 & 29, 2022, you can bring kids to the Centre for tours, workshops, guided birding hikes, and an early-bird pancake breakfast. Our Boreal Forest is home to several types of songbirds and migratory birds, and a little outdoor education is a great way to celebrate them.
Drive time from Edmonton: 2.5-3 hours
St. Albert Rainmaker Rodeo & Festival
The Kinsmen Club of St. Albert presents their annual Rainmaker Rodeo this May. The trip itself is short, but you can spend the entire day enjoying the attractions of the rodeo. From May 27-29 2022, you and your family can take in bull riding, pony races, concerts, steer wrestling, and the free parade on the 28th.
Drive time from Edmonton: 10-45 minutes
Hesje Observatory at Miquelon Lake
Alberta Parks
You can book a stargazing evening with the Hesje Observatory, run by the U of A, and only a short drive from Edmonton. If you have up to 10 people to go with, you can book a private evening and learn all about the starry sky from an expert. It is also part of the Beaver Hills Dark Sky Preserve. So, if you can’t book the private event, you can still drive out here to park, sit, and gaze.
Drive time from Edmonton: 30-60 minutes
Strathcona Wilderness Centre
You can pack up your car with a few things before you come to the Strathcona Wilderness Centre: a picnic, a frisbee or ball to toss, good hiking shoes, and a camera. You may run into small wildlife on your trails or picnic, too.
Drive time from Edmonton: 30-60 minutes
Legal
It is sometimes worth a short drive to simply explore what Alberta’s small towns have to offer. In Legal, you can tour the entire town on foot or bike and take in their town murals. There are over 30 to find with your family!
Drive time from Edmonton: 30-60 minutes
Hard Luck Canyon Falls
This trip takes you north towards Whitecourt. Just outside of Whitecourt is a pretty little hidden gem of a trail. This is a very short trail but takes you to a waterfall and riverbed location. It is great for small kids and a great place for family photos. Afterwards, the nearby Blue Ridge Provincial Recreation Ares is another pretty and quiet spot for a picnic.
Drive time from Edmonton: 2-2.5 hours
Lac La Biche Museums
Lac La Biche County
There are a few museums and historical sites to see and take in near Lac La Biche. Their Mission, or Gateway to the North, begin booking tours by May Long Weekend. The museum is open year-round with a few feature exhibitions for May. Plamondon Museum & Mini Parc Heritage Park celebrates the regions’ francophone history and culture. And last but not least is the county’s Portage College Museum of Aboriginal Peoples’ Art & Artifacts. A full day of museums, for sure!
Drive time from Edmonton: 2-2.5 hours