Edmonton 
Credit: Jurassic Forest
Escaping the bustle of the city this summer is easy as heading north. There are lots of natural areas, provincial parks, and cozy towns and villages north of Edmonton that are just waiting for you to explore.
1. Jurassic Forest
2. Town of Athabasca
The Town of Athabasca is the “Gateway to the New North.” There are pedestrian-friendly trails, including the accessible riverfront Rotary Way, opportunities for canoeing and kayaking, golfing, even square dancing! The Trans-Canada Trails and Muskeg Creek hiking trails are easily accessed through Athabasca, making it easy to get out in the fresh air.
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3. Town of Westlock
Just over an hour north of Edmonton, Westlock is a great place for a day trip. The Westlock Golf Course is an 18-hole championship course offering new challenge on the green. Check out the calendar of events on the website to plan your trip around some local festivities.
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4. Long Lake Provincial Park
Hit the beach for the ultimate summer day trip. Water ski, swim, fish – even sail and windsurf on Long Lake. There’s a concession stand next to the sandy beach for when it’s time to eat and a 9-hole golf course to get away from the beach crowd. Or, try mountain biking and hiking on the great trail system in this provincial park.
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5. Town of Legal
Legal is becoming more and more popular as a day trip destination, and rightfully so. Enjoy live music concerts, farmers markets, public art (there are 35 murals in the Mural Walk through town), and lots of parks offering the perfect spot for a picnic. Legal is the French Municipal Capital of Canada, and it celebrates its bilingual cultural heritage through art and events.
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6. Summer Village of Sunset Beach
Sunset Beach is located on the southeast shore of South Baptiste Lake. This small and serene village is home to locals who love the lake and visitors who come to experience it. It’s a good spot for boating, canoeing, and fishing, so get ready for a day on the water under the big Alberta summer sky.
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7. North Buck Lake Provincial Recreation Area
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8. Town of Gibbons
Credit: Gibbons, AB
Along the banks of the Sturgeon River Valley, Gibbons is a vibrant community with lots to offer. Visit the spray park, Centre Park (home of the local favourite Country Cone Ice Cream Store), Echo Glen Fish Pond (stocked each year), and the beautiful trail system. The Gibbons Museum is home to turn-of-the-century buildings, equipment, and artifacts.
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9. City of Fort Saskatchewan
This city is filled with so much to do, you’ll just have to do more than one trip! Visit the Art in Public Places Gallery, catch a show at the Shell Theatre, explore the river valley, and take part in one of the many local events. And don’t forget to visit the sheep! The herd has been keeping the parks’ grass trimmed for 26 years.
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10. Chain Lakes Provincial Recreation Area
Swim and boat at the Chain Lakes Provincial Recreation Area for a great summer day trip. Take advantage of one of the smaller lakes in the area with the day-use site. Note that boating with electric motors only is permitted, so bring the sunscreen for a day on the water.
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11. Thorhild County
Just 45 minutes north of Edmonton, Thorhild is a growing community with small-town Alberta charm. With locally-owned businesses such as Mamma’s Italian Restaurant and the Corner Store, you’ll get a taste of what it’s like to be a local. Stop by the Thorhild Museum to learn about the area’s rich history.
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12. Halfmoon Lake Natural Area
Protected by the Natural Areas and Heritage Rangelands Act, Halfmoon Lake Natural Area is the place to get back to nature. Spend the day among rolling forests and herb-filled meadows, looking for animals of all sizes. Front-country hiking and fishing are popular activities in the area, so get ready to explore.
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13. Lawrence Lake Provincial Recreation Area
Located in the Athabasca District, Lawrence Lake Provincial Recreation Area offers the opportunity for fishing, boating, canoeing, kayaking, and geocaching. The day use site (open 7:00 am-10:00 pm) not only has fire pits for cooking lunch, but there is also firewood available. What could taste better than food cooked over the open fire?
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14. Goose Hummock Golf Resort
Credit: Goose Hummock Golf Resort
Just north of Gibbons, this full-service, 18-hole championship golf course is a destination in itself. Modelled after Scottish and Everglades architecture, the “Goose,” as it is affectionately known, offers twists and turns to keep things challenging. Grab a meal at the clubhouse restaurant to top off a fantastic day on the green.
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15. Town of Bon Accord
Canada’s first international dark sky community, Bon Accord keeps a priority on protecting its green spaces. If your day trip goes long enough (and there are enough parks to explore to fill the day), visit one of the Sky Sheds – small observatories to view the dark sky without light pollution. While in town, take part in one of the many local events, including regular outdoor music; check the website to see what’s coming up next.
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16. White Earth Valley Natural Area
Adjacent to Long Lake Provincial Park, the natural area is home to the 17 km White Earth Trail. The trail runs through diverse habitats, home to many different native plants and wild animals. Blue Heron, moose, deer, maybe even a black bear…who knows what you’ll see. Hike with a buddy and find ample parking at the trail head.
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17. Hamlet of Namao
Namao may not spring to mind immediately when considering a day trip, but don’t be so quick to rule it out. The Namao Museum, inside the local Kennedy home and Namao Agricultural Barn offers an unique look into the area’s history and hold monthly events. The hamlet is also home to Jonny’s Store, Alberta’s oldest store at 116 years old, selling locally-made goods.
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18. Nakamun Lake
“Nakamun” is Cree for songbird or song of praise, so make sure you keep an ear out for the chorus of the birds who flock to the area. It’s a great lake for fishing, boating, hiking, photography, and more. Bring a picnic lunch with you to enjoy at the day use site in the reserve at Nakamun Court.
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19. Town of Redwater
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20. Redwater Sandhills Natural Area
Home to some of the largest and most impressive sand dunes of the area, Redwater Sandhills is in the northeast corner of Sturgeon County. It’s the perfect place to get out on recreational vehicles – just what adrenalin junkies may be looking for. Explore the natural trails and habitats to get a different perspective of the Alberta landscape.
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21. Cross Lake Provincial Park
Cross Lake Provincial Park has everything you need for a summer day trip. Fishing, boating, canoeing, swimming, and top it off with some time playing in the sand on the beach…what could say summer better than that? If waterfront activities are not your thing, try hiking, geocaching, or even horseshoes.
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22. Edmonton Sky Dive
Credit: Edmonton Skydive
Cross that item off your bucket list with Edmonton Sky Dive. From the fastest skydiving airplane in Canada to the highest jumps in Western Canada, you won’t believe how it feels to take that first step. Their training school is top-of-the-line and their instructors have some of the best records in the country.
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23. Rainbow Park Pond
Perfect for the experienced and beginner fisherman alike, Rainbow Park Pond is just west of Westlock. Stocked annually with rainbow trout by the Alberta Conservation Association, it’s a great place to drop your line and see what bites. The day use site is 20 acres, with lots of picnic sites, fire pits, and room for outdoor games.
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24. Prairie Gardens Adventure Farm
Credit: Prairie Gardens & Adventure Farm
With over 50 free things to do for the whole family, Prairie Gardens Adventure Farm is a no-brainer. From the kid’s petting zoo and corn maze to the Old Thyme Photo Parlour and Market Garden, there is more than enough for kids young and old (or kids at heart). Don’t forget to stock up at the strawberry u-pick and farmer’s market before you leave.
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25. Meanook National Wildlife Area
This protected habitat is used as a research station by the University of Alberta. The area is home to many different species of birds, as well as larger animals such as moose and coyotes, protecting their natural habitats. While public use of this area is limited, the University often hosts public information and education events that shouldn’t be missed!
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