Edmonton 
Edmonton is a winter city — one with some of the largest urban parkland in the world.
Exploring the wintery parkland of our River Valley is made easier by a ton of community efforts put into grooming these trails for hikers, fat bikers, and cross-country skiers. Here are 25 places to enjoy walking (or snowshoeing) and hiking in and around Edmonton during winter.
**Please wear snowshoes or proper winter boots (and use microspikes/ice cleats where required).**
1. Legislature Grounds
Credit: Alberta Leg.
The picturesque cityscapes surrounding this park make for a scenic walk all year round; but walk the historic Grounds in December and you’re able to take in a beautiful holiday light display. The LEDs wind through the large trees surrounding the fountain and continue to the south side of the Grounds.
Go on a scavenger hunt and experience Alberta’s history in a whole new way. Can you find the answer to “What do you get when you combine a wild rose and a fleur-de-lys?”
Address: 10800 97 Ave NW, Edmonton
2. Whitemud Ravine
Credit: River Valley Alliance
Whitemud Trail South is probably one of the best places to get lost in nature and forget that you are in Alberta’s capital. Enter south of the Snow Valley Ski Club and hike the trail that takes you through views of River Valley crossing footbridges over snow-laden creeks. Climb the stairs to enjoy winter scenery from the lookout point. This is also one of the best places to see Boreal Chickadees during winter. Details
Address: Directions
3. Mill Creek Ravine
Just down the hill from Whyte Ave is a popular start to this trail, which will take you past historic houses and eventually to Edmonton’s River Valley and downtown. The trail is a popular spot for snowshoeing and makes for a quick escape into nature within the heart of the city. Details
Address: Access off Argyll Rd and 91 St
4. Enjoy the Art at Borden Park
Multiple paved paths wind through the many works of art on display at Borden Park, also covered in massive trees. Borden Park is also a recommended snowshoe spot, given the big open fields and spaces. Winter Pavilion is open from 8am-2pm. Details
Address: Borden Park Rd NW, Edmonton
5. Sherwood Park Natural Area
The 3km hiking trail is open year-round and offers tons of opportunities for spotting wildlife like deer, moose, and coyotes. This is a prime bird-watching area too, giving you chances to spot great-horned owls. This is a family-friendly hike just a short drive from Edmonton. Details
Address: 52118 Range Rd 231, Sherwood Park
6. Patricia Ravine Trail
Access the ravine through Wolf Will Drive or Rio Terrace Drive and take the large staircase down to the ravine; on this side of the river, you can head south to Terwillegar Park. Once you cross the Fort Edmonton Foot Bridge over the North Saskatchewan River, you’re a 10-minute walk from Fort Edmonton Park to the east. Details
Address: Wolf Willow Road to Wolf Willow Crescent
7. Dawson Park and the Hoodoos
Credit: Washegon Trail Association
Located near Edmonton’s neighbourhood with beautiful old houses, Riverdale, Dawson Park gives you fabulous views of the river, the bridge and the hoodoos. Choose between the paved trail or dirt trail depending on the conditions on the ground and after a 1 km hike you can see the hoodoos. If you decide to continue, take the staircase that takes you to Kinnaird Park and Borden Park. Details
Address: 10298 89 Street, Edmonton
8. Blackmud Creek
Take multiple twists and turns through south neighbourhoods like Allard, Rutherford, and Cavanagh. Start in the centralized park at Roberta McAdams Elementary school, with a skating rink and tobogganing, and close to shops and warm drinks. Each trail offers unique scenery- hinted at in their names: The Estate of Things, Peek-a-Henday, or Run Through the Jungle. Details
Address: Roberta McAdams School, 2099 Blackmud Creek Dr SW, Edmonton
09. Manchester Square
Credit: Manchester Square Edmonton
This unique collection of shops near Edmonton’s downtown core has tons to offer in terms of photo opportunities and adjacent neighbourhoods to explore like the Brewery District, old Glenora, or 124th Street.
Address: 12016 107 Ave. NW, Edmonton
10. Self-guided Walterdale Walking Tour
Use the City of Edmonton’s step-by-step online guide to explore the industrial history of the Walterdale neighbourhood. You’ll walk through the John Walter museum, next to the iconic Walterdale and Highlevel Bridges, and enjoy river valley and downtown views. Details
Address: Kinsmen Park, 9180 Walterdale Hill NW, Edmonton
11. Red Willow Trail System in St. Albert
Throughout the city lay almost 100km of paved pathways next to the Sturgeon River. The Red Willow Trail will take you from one end of the city to the other and eventually leads to Lois Hole Centennial Provincial Park. Details
12. Explore St. Albert’s Founders Walk
Credit: Jeff Wallace/Flickr
Walk from the 71 feet high clock tower built in 1995 in the honour of Fleuri Perron (1866– 1931) to Father Lacombe Chapel in Mission Hill, following the cultural history of St. Albert. Along the way you will pass the mural painted by artist Lewis Lavoie as a tribute to the Sisters of Charity Grey Nuns of St Albert on the side of a building, site of the historic Bruin Inn, Banque d’Hochelaga building which houses Art Gallery of St Albert before reaching the historic Mission Hill where Little White School & Father Lacombe Historic Site is located. Details
13. The Devonian Trail
Due to efforts from the River Valley Alliance, Devonian trail is cleared for winter walks and hikes. Dress warm, and plan for being outside for a while as there is a lot to see: the main trailhead is located at Prospector’s Point, which starts a 7km walk to the U of A Botanic Gardens. This trail also takes you through the Bunchberry Meadows Conservation Area. Details
Address: 51013 RGE Rd 263, Parkland County
14. Wagner Natural Area
Take a scenic and family-friendly 1.5km walk around Marl Pond and enjoy the thick canopies of spruce, willows, and aspen. Take this opportunity to pack a winter picnic and enjoy the sheltered space at the end of the trail. Watch the snow for different tracks, and keep your eyes peeled for moose, elk, and deer. Details
Address: 30531 118 Ave NW, Acheson
15. Self-Guided Tours through Glory Hills
The Glory Hills Conservation Area trail begins just off Township Rd. 540 in Parkland County. Pick from a short loop through the area, or a longer trail which reaches the Conservation area’s northern border. Travel through up to 100 acres of dense forests, open grasslands, and a large collection of wetlands to spot moose, beavers, loons, or foxes. Details
Address: Township Rd. 540 and Dawn Valley Drive, Parkland County
16. 104th Street and the Neon Lights Museum
This unique area of Edmonton is a mixture of old and new: amongst the historical buildings in the area are new skyscrapers and the hockey arena. Edmonton’s Ice District area provides paved paths through the Ice Gardens and up 104th Street, bringing you to the iconic Neon Light Museum (best see at night) and tons of options for local restaurants, art, and coffee shops. Details
17. Rundle Park
Located on the northern bank of the North Saskatchewan, Rundle Park offers hiking trails to the east, west and south. Take a short loop around the park and facilities, or venture into some of the areas surrounding the park: via the Ainsworth Dyer Memorial Bridge you can head to Gold Bar Park where the trails extend all the way to Downtown Edmonton. Details
Address: 2909 113 Ave NW, Edmonton
18. 100th Street Funicular and Promenade
This uniquely Edmonton experience allows for easier access to the River Valley paths below, and a promenade which stretches out towards the river. This location has tons of photo ops and overlooks the U of A campus. Details
Address: 10065 100 Street, Edmonton
19. Northeast River Valley Park
Edmonton’s North Saskatchewan River Valley welcomed a 190-acre park, formerly Our Lady Queen of Peace Ranch. Larger than Hawrelak Park, it offers trails, an events center, a playground, and diverse winter activities like cross-country skiing and star gazing, enhancing the city’s outdoor experience. Approximately 2.3 km of walking trails are available, including a 1.5km lakeside loop Details
Address: 903 153 Avenue NE, Edmonton
20. West River’s Edge Loop
Located in Fort Saskatchewan, West River’s Edge Loop is a ~6-kilometre walk along the river. The wide trail takes you through wetland conservation area and offers great views of the river from viewing decks. Park at the parking area just west of the Red Coat Landing Boat Launch. Details
Address: River Valley Dr, Fort Saskatchewan
21. Waskahegan Trail
Explore Alberta Capital Region on Washegan Trail that runs around Edmonton (some of the trails mentioned in this article are part of the trail.)
The trail association also hosts guided walks. View the site’s events calendar to see all upcoming tours (COVID-19 pending) they are free and suitable for all ages. The trek lasts about 4 hours, and they’re offered all winter. Just call ahead to book your slot!
22. Smith Blackburn Homestead
Credit: Edmonton Area Land Trust
Smith Blackburn Homestead located on the Beaver Hills UNESCO Biosphere Reserve approximately 63 kms from Edmonton is for those who love to see wildlife like deer, moose, beaver, mouse, snowshoe hares, and Pileated Woodpeckers during their hikes.
This 73-acre land also features three boardwalks that allow visitors to explore the area while protecting sensitive habitat. Details
Address: Directions
23. Old Strathcona Walking Tour
If you like to go on a historic walking tour, check out Old Strathcona. See and learn the history of Strathcona Public Library, Knox Church, various historic residences, Princess Theatre, Commercial Hotel and more! You can always pop into various stores for retail therapy and restaurants for a quick bite. Details
24. Hiking and Snowshoeing around Elk Island National Park
Being located outside of Edmonton (about a half-hour), Elk Island Park offers serene trails around the small lakes for hikers and snowshoers alike. Watch for a variety of wildlife on the trails like elk, over 250 types of birds, and of course the bison! At the end of the day, warm up next to a fire and under the starry night-time views of the Beaver Hills Dark Sky Preserve.
Address: 54401 Range Rd 203, Fort Saskatchewan
25. Winter Walks for the Dogs
Edmonton has nearly 40 off-leash dog parks, all maintained by community volunteers, or “Off Leash Ambassadors.” Through their hard work, you have plenty of natural areas in the city dedicated to your pups and their exercise. Details
William Hawrelak Park
Hike a 2km loop around the lake, venture to one of the nearby River Valley trail heads, or explore the park on ice with your skates. The Park boasts a brand-new Community Plaza with firepits for staying cozy and great lake views, as well as a shelter with a concession. The heated shelter provides seating, skate rentals, lockers, a concession, and washrooms. Details
Address: 9330 Groat Road, Edmonton
