25 of the Best Hikes in and Around Edmonton

Edmonton and the area offer plenty 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 connects with several interconnected trails that can be taken 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.

Enjoy birdwatching, explore with the family, or just get in some easy exercise in a natural setting. You can even find “hoodoos” like formations. Dogs are welcome 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 popular 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 from April to 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 in place. 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 the 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 heart rate up. The trail is dog-friendly.

Trail: Access from the 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 fromthe  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 are 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, located just south of Fort Saskatchewan, is rated easy, making it perfect for the whole family to explore, including 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 complex, 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 become muddy, so be sure to wear 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 connect major recreational parks of St. Albert. Bike, hike or run, but be sure to explore this beautiful all-season trail system.

Trail: St Albert

How to Go

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, 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 challenging 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 the 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 offers a lot of diversity, including a series of floating boardwalks that cross 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 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 be sure to bring your camera, as well as a 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 traversed 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

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.

Trail: Miquelon Lake Provincial Park, Access from the 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, offering gorgeous natural views and abundant 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