Edmonton 
You don’t need to drive far from Edmonton to find cool hikes and splendid trails.
Credit: Alberta Parks
If you are in search of day trip inspiration, consider these 10 awesome hikes, all under a 3-hour drive from Edmonton.
Pigeon Lake Provincial Park
The larger hiking trail at Pigeon Lake starts at Poplar Bay on the lake’s west shore. You can use the trail to explore the forested areas and campgrounds around the lake by bike or hike, enjoy the lake lookout, and watch for smaller wildlife like deer, squirrels, or owls.
Drive time from Edmonton: 1-1.5 hours
Hike distance: 9.3km
Difficulty level: easy
Chickakoo Regional Park Goat Track Loop
You can head off in a few different directions for exploring the Chickakoo Park area, and all of them will loop back to the start. We recommend the 7 km or 6 km loops, as they might make the drive a bit more worthwhile. Otherwise, you can create your own loops and distances too if you have a trail map with you during your hike. The low-lying marshes, ponds, and lakes in the area make it rich with plant life and wildlife.
Drive time from Edmonton: 30-60 minutes
Hike distance: 7km
Difficulty level: easy to moderate
Brazeau Canal
The Brazeau PRA includes day use areas, picnic sites, and campgrounds, as well as a wonderful 15km trail along the canal (east of the dam). You can spend the morning or afternoon exploring the area before embarking down the canal, where you’re met with perfect sunset locations, lush forest views, and the scenery of the large reservoir.
Begins at West Canal Campground in the Provincial Recreation Area
Drive time from Edmonton: 2-2.5 hours
Hike distance: 15.3km out-and-back
Difficulty level: easy
Big Knife Provincial Park
The unique landscapes around Big Knife show off the meeting of the prairies and the badlands. Around Big Knife is where the hills start to gradually get larger as you head further east, and they will eventually turn into the rocky badland hills. The campgrounds are nestled along the banks of the Battle River, with the trail taking you up and away from the river and campground to views overlooking what will feel like all of eastern Alberta.
Drive time from Edmonton: 1hour 40 minutes-2 hours 20 minutes
Hike distance: two hikes at 5km each, can both be completed in a day
Difficulty level: easy
Crimson Lake Trail
You have two great hiking options when visiting Crimson Lake, west of Red Deer. You can begin at Twin Lakes to hike 14km and finish at Crimson Lake; or, you can begin a bit further south at Highway AB-11 and venture onto 20km of the trail towards Crimson (with a stop at Twin Lakes still!).
Drive time from Edmonton: 2-2.5 hours
Hike distance: Varies, depedding on route, 2km to 10 km
Difficulty level: easy to moderate
The Southern Lakes of Elk Island NP
Many people from Edmonton are more familiar with the Astotin Lake part of the National Park. But the southern lakes of Elk Island still provide ample trail space for hikers and bikers. These include the Simmons, Shirley Lake, and Tawayik Lake trails, all of which will take you to serene meadows where you are likely to spot a couple of animals like moose, elk, or bison. Watch for the red bison calves, specifically in the Spring!
Drive time from Edmonton: 20 minutes-1 hour
Hike distance: 4, 11, or 15km
Difficulty level: easy to moderate
Alberta’s Iron Horse Trail
Two nearby staging areas from Edmonton on the Iron Horse Trail include its western beginning, Waskatenau, and Smoky Lake. You can follow the IHT as long as you like, or begin even further East in Vilna or Ashmont. The entire area is filled with history you can learn via these interesting stops along the IHT.
Edmonton to Waskatenau: 1-1.5 hours
Edmonton to Smoky Lake: 1-1.5 hours
Hike Distance: as long as you wish
Difficulty level: easy
Dry Island Buffalo Jump Provincial Park
Dry Island will require an earlier start: the park is a 2-2.5 hour drive from Edmonton, and once you’re there, you’ll have two longer hikes from which to choose. Both loops bring you to the park’s lookout over the Red Deer River and through a mix of forested and rocky badlands. Out here, you will want to watch for wildlife, but also cacti!
Drive time from Edmonton: 2-2.5 hours
Hike distance: 7- 9 km loop
Difficulty level: moderate
Willmore Park Trails
The looping trails around Willmore Park (south end of Edson) can get you following the McLeod River, following boardwalk paths, and can lead you to awesome river viewing areas. This is a popular cycling area, too, so consider Willmore for a cycling day trip, or keep your ears open for the bells while hiking.
Drive time from Edmonton: 2-2.5 hours
Hike distance: 10km loop
Difficulty level: easy
Miquelon Lake Loop
The looping interpretive trail around Miquelon Lake Provincial Park is best for a Friday or Saturday this spring. Why? After you finish your 9.5km loop, you can stop by the Farmers’ Market and replenish or hydrate. The hike will take you through most of the Provincial Park and to another small lake, offering forest shade, space for bikes, and historic sites to see.
Drive time from Edmonton: 30-60 minutes
Hike distance: 9.5km loop
Difficulty level: moderate
