Edmonton 
Edmonton and area are full of natural beauty just waiting to be explored. No matter whether you’re out on the trails every weekend or if you’re just starting to get out there, you can easily find dozens of hiking trails for every skill and mobility level. Stay in the city or head out for a day trip and discover the great outdoors.
1. Within Edmonton
1. North Saskatchewan River Loop Trail
A local favourite, this trail is easy enough for the whole family, but worthwhile for all hikers. It loops around both sides of the North Saskatchewan River, so you get a taste of both banks. At 5.1 km, the trail is partially-paved, and dogs are allowed on leash.
Trail: Trail access off River Valley Rd and Fortway Dr
How to Go
2. Mill Creek Ravine Trail
Mill Creek Ravine Trail is good for all skill levels. Considered an easy hike, with some paved and some unpaved terrain, it winds through the ravine towards the North Saskatchewan River, where it links up with several interconnected trails you can take to extend your hike. There is no designated parking, but neighbourhood parking is available.
Trail: Access off Argyll Rd and 91 St
How to Go
3. Mactaggart Sanctuary Path
This path is a little shorter at just 2.3 km, but is considered to have a moderate difficulty level as the terrain can be muddy and rugged. You’ll forget you’re in the city when you descend into the Sanctuary and are surrounded by the trees and keep an eye out for deer and birds. There is free parking at the trailhead.
Trail: Access off 23 Ave west of 119 Street
How to Go
4. Whitemud Creek Trail
Whitemud Creek Trail is a very popular spot, and it’s easy to see why. An easy trail with great views, it’s perfect for all skill levels of hikers. Do some birdwatching, explore with the family, or just get in some easy exercise in a nature setting. You can even find “hoodoos” like formations. Dogs are welcomed on leash.
Trail: Access off Whitemud Trail and Rainbow Valley Road
How to Go
5. William Hawrelak Park Riverside Walk
It’s easy to see why this is a poplar trail for Edmonton hikers. The 5.1 km loop is considered moderate, largely because of elevation changes and occasional uneven ground. From wooded areas to up-close views of the North Saskatchewan River, the hike has it all. It is considered to be at its best April-October.
Trail: William Hawrelak Park, Access behind picnic site #2
How to Go
6. Rundle Park Bridge Loop Trail
This 4.3 km hike crosses the river four times with footpath bridges. With hills, forested areas, man-made lakes, and more, you’ll experience all kinds of terrain on this loop. The hard-packed gravel that makes up the path is easy to walk, but the elevation differences make this trail a moderate hike. Watch for birds and butterflies that flock the path.
Trail: Rundle Park, access from parking lot
How to Go
7. Blackmud Creek
Blackmud Creek is an out-and-back trail running 9.3 km. Considered an easy hike, it’s perfect for the whole family to explore, with a mix of paved and gravel terrain. The interpretive signs along the path help you to learn about the flora and fauna you’ll spot while you’re out.
Trail: Access off Ellerslie Rd and 103 A St
How to Go
8. Capilano Park Loop Trail
A moderate hike that runs around the perimeter of Capilano Park, this 4.2 km trail shows off views of the North Saskatchewan River and downtown alike. There are a lot of hills on this trail, keeping your heartrate up. The trail is dog-friendly.
Trail: Access from parking lot of Capilano Park
How to Go
9. Victoria Park West Trail
A popular trail just outside of downtown, this local hiking hotspot is perfect for a day of hiking. The 3.2 km shared-use trail is considered moderate and features a view of the North Saskatchewan River. It also skirts the golf course, making a mid-way stop at the clubhouse a nice break.
Trail: Access from main parking lot of Victoria Park
How to Go
10. Kinnaird Park Highlands Hiking Trail
You’ll find great city views and relaxing river settings with picnic tables along Kinnaird Park Highlands Trail. Rated as moderate, the trial is best taken April-October. There is ample parking along Ada Boulevard.
Trail: Access off Ada Blvd NW and 73 St NW
How to Go
11. Staircase Hikes
Sweat it out at these staircases with 200+ stairs that lead to amazing views of River Valley.
- Glenora Stairs (Victoria Park East Trail)- Ezio Faraone Park, 11004-97 Ave.
- Grandview Stairs – Whitemud Park, 13204 Fox Dr. (rebuild in place)
- Hotel Macdonald Stairs – Behind The Fairmont Hotel Macdonald, 10065-100 St.
- Wolf Willow Stairs – Access from Fort Edmonton Park
2. North of Edmonton
1. Fort Centre Park Loop Trail
This 4.2 km trail is paved, making it accessible for all skill and mobility levels. With grasslands and wooded areas along the bank of the North Saskatchewan River, the hike is full of great views. There is also a lot of local history sites, such as the historic Lamoureux and a small graveyard for TB victims in the early 1900s.
Trail: Fort Centre Park, Fort Saskatchewan; Access Fort Centre Park by the tennis courts
How to Go
2. West River’s Edge Wetlands Area Loop
Hiking in the wetlands is great for wildlife spotting and taking in a unique landscape. This 6.9 km trail just south of Fort Saskatchewan is rated easy, so it’s perfect for the whole family to explore, even dogs (on a leash). There is plenty of free parking at the Red Coat Landing boat launch.
Trail: West River’s Edge Wetland, Fort Saskatchewan; Access at the end of W Rivers Edge Rd
How to Go
3. Riverlot 56 Loop
Considered to be moderately difficult, this is a 9.8 km loop just outside of St. Albert. There isn’t a lot of traffic usually, so that makes it a good location to spot wildlife – especially moose. The somewhat uneven ground can get muddy, so make sure you have good footwear.
Trail: Riverlot 56 Natural Area; Access off Poundmaker Rd
How to Go
4. Red Willow Trail System
Red Willow Trail System is a multi-use trail system with over 85 kilometres of recreational trails, of which 34 km of paved multi-use trails connects major recreational parks of St. Albert. Bike, hike or run, but be sure to explore this beautiful all season trail system.
Trail: St Albert
3. East of Edmonton
1. Beaver Pond Trail
An easy trail in Elk Island National Park, Beaver Pond Trail showcases beaver activity in the area. From felled trees to built up lodges, it’s everywhere. You might be lucky enough to spot a beaver itself – or moose, bison, and waterfowl. The average time is 1-2 hours, depending on how many times you stop for photos.
Trail: Elk Island National Park, access across from Elk Island Parkway
How to Go
2. Tawayik Lake Trail
Circling Tawayik Lake and beyond, this trail is considered a difficult hike that takes roughly 4-5 hours. It’s definitely worth the effort, though. Winding through aspen forest and meadows, it’s great for spotting bison, elk, and waterfowl.
Trail: Elk Island National Park, accessible from Tawayik Lake parking lot
How to Go
3. Amisk Wuche Trail
Amisk Wuche Trail is perfect for introducing children to hiking. The easy 2.7 km trail has a lot of diversity, including a series of floating boardwalks across beaver ponds. You’ll be able to spot a variety of birds and aquatic life, including fish and beavers.
Trail: Elk Island National Park, access by Elk Island Parkway
How to Go
4. Blackfoot East
The full length of the loop that makes up the Blackfoot East trail is 11.2 km, but this hike can be made shorter or longer trail by taking advantage of the connecting trails in the network in this provincial recreation area. It’s a great location to spot wildlife such as deer and birds, so make sure you are prepared with your camera, as well as your water bottle and hiking boots.
Trail: Cooking Lake Blackfoot Provincial Recreational Area; Blackfoot Lake Staging Area Day Use
How to Go
4. West of Edmonton
1. Aspen Loop
Rated as moderate but still easily transversed by the whole family, Aspen Loop is a popular trail that circles a small lake. Moose and deer are often spotted nearby, making this a great hike for nature lovers. Note that dogs are not allowed on the trail.
Trail: Bunchberry Meadows Conservation Area; Access off RR 221 and Ball Dr.
How to Go
2. Bunchberry Meadows Outer Loop
This 6.9 km trail is considered to be a moderate difficulty level, but it’s a good option for those who want to take the next step after easy trails. It’s not as well-trafficked as some of the other area hikes, but the trail is well-marked. Watch for wildlife and birds as you hike around the small lake.
Trail: Bunchberry Meadows Conservation Area; Access off RR 221 and Ball Dr.
How to Go
3. Hasse Lake Recreation Area Trail
The 3 km loop that runs through Hasse Lake Recreation Area is easy to navigate and explore. It winds through the forested area near the lake, offering a lot of opportunities to spot wildlife and birds. Dogs are welcome on a leash, so it’s a great day out for the whole family.
Trail: Hasse Lake Recreation Area, access off 52228 RR 21
How to Go
4. Wagner’s Bog
Located between Edmonton and Spruce Grove just off the Yellowhead, Wagner’s Bog is an easy hike through the Wagner Natural Area. The 1.4 km trail gives you the chance to see a wide array of wildflowers, including some rare orchid species you won’t find anywhere else. While not paved, it’s great for almost all skill levels of hikers.
Trail: Wagner Natural Area; Access off Wagner Access Rd
How to Go
5. South of the City
Credit: Alberta Parks
1. Holdsworth Trail
Holdsworth is a 3.1 km out-and-back trail rated as moderate. With scenic wetlands views, this hike is a popular trail for bird-watchers. You might even spot a moose or two. The trail will lead you past a historic homestead, so you get some culture while you’re out.
Trail: Miquelon Lake Provincial Park, Access from Park Centre
How to Go
2. Beaver Hills Loop
One of the most popular trails in the area for backcountry hiking, Beaver Hills Loop is hilly, but not too strenuous. It’s easy to extend the hike by taking advantage of the connected trails, such as Chickadee or Grouse loops. Keep an eye out for the trail’s namesake: beavers. There are a lot in the area!
Trail: Miquelon Lake Provincial Park, Access from Day Use site next to the baseball diamond
How to Go
3. Devon Battery Creek Ravine Hike
A moderate hike on the outskirts of Devon, this 5.1 km loop descends into a ravine for gorgeous natural views and lots of wildlife activity. Make sure you have decent footwear for the hike back up out of the ravine, but the effort is worth it. You’ll forget how close you are to town as you surround yourself with woods and a dry creek bed.
Trail: Devon, Access off Michigan St and Oakland Blvd
How to Go
4. Peace Hills Park Loop
Peace Hills Park Loop is a good one for a hike without too much traffic, but plenty to see. The 2.7 km easy hike is good for all skill levels and offers views of wildflowers and a variety of birds. Keep the binoculars handy. There is a lot of shade and the well-kept trail is easy to navigate.
Trail: Peace Hills Park, Wetaskiwin; Access off Cree Cr.
How to Go
Under section 2. North of Edmonton, 1. Fort Centre Park Loop Trail you have spelt the name of of the historic site “Lamoureaux” [sic] incorrectly. The correct spelling is “Lamoureux”. Please correct.
Thanks
Thank you, corrected!