Edmonton 
Leduc County spans a huge area to the southwest of Edmonton. This region is dotted with several towns and communities that surround the city of Leduc, or the North Saskatchewan River. Among the closest, and the only towns to sit right on the riverbanks, is the smaller town of Devon. Although relatively small compared to its neighbour, the city of Leduc, Devon offers many residents access to the North Saskatchewan River, its beautiful river valley trails, and its rushing waters. During a visit, the local indoor and outdoor attractions, trail exploration, and market shopping are all sure to easily fill a few days.
Credit: Town of Devon
2025 is possibly one of the best years in recent history to make a visit to Devon as the town celebrates its 75th birthday. From August 8th to 10th, the entire town will transform into an all-out block party with activities around every corner.
Happy Birthday, Devon!
History, Art, Culture
Begin a trip or day in Devon with a walk around Athabasca Avenue and Superior Street to experience everything locally from shopping and food to arts, culture, or history. Then, make your way to the Devon and Leduc County attractions that offer several more ways to learn about regional history or art.
- The Canadian Energy Museum shines a light on the area’s extensive history in the energy industry and is home to the Leduc No.1 Exploratory Well (which struck oil in 1947).
- The Devon Historical Museum is easy to make as a stop on a walk or bike ride around Devon, which will also offer historical bus tours for the 75th Birthday Block Party!
- Later in the year (no summer shows scheduled), enjoy the live performances from the East of 60 Dinner Theatre in Devon. The next scheduled shows are for November 2025.
- There are still chances to embrace the local arts and culture in Devon before the fall and winter, like through the Arts Association of Devon and their paint nights or artisan markets, or through a trip to the U Of A Botanic Garden, a short drive north of Devon.
North Saskatchewan River Adventures
River Lifestyle Co
A self-guided paddle or rafting trip from Devon on the North Saskatchewan River will take boaters to one of Alberta’s newest Provincial Parks: Big Island. The park is accessible by boat only and currently has no facilities. However, an informal trail winds around Big Island to offer excellent birding and wildlife viewing opportunities, while the shores have room for a picnic. The mighty North Sask. It may not be as inviting, however, for more inexperienced paddlers and floaters. Luckily, there are helpful guides around the Devon region who offer help with exploring the river.
- The River Lifestyle Co. still provide self-guided floating opportunities on the river, but does offer shuttle service between a put-in and take-out point!
- Get out on the river with a bit more speed and the help of the jet boats from Black Gold River Tours, which depart from Devon.
- Boating and paddling are not the only ways to make the most of the river waters. Devon’s Shalom Ski Park is located in a large creek or offshoot of the river, where the company provides their waterskiing lessons and clinics.
- Prospector’s Point is on the north side of the riverbanks with a parking lot and outhouses. This park offers direct access to the river with a small, narrow stretch of sand. On a hot day, set up lawn chairs in the shallow areas, sunbathe, finish a book, set up a picnic, or do all of the above. There may be shallower areas for splashing around, but keep in mind the strength of the river’s current.
Devon’s River Valley Trails & More Hiking Areas
Exploring Devon on foot or bike is made simple with the town’s 10km section of paved trails that connect all the main neighbourhoods. Plus, the river valley, as well as surrounding parklands, make the whole Leduc County a great place to get out on the trails, enjoy the birds or wildlife, and grab some nature photos.
- Trails line the North Saskatchewan River near Devon on both the north and south banks. Use Devon’s Voyageur Park to access the south riverside trails, and Prospector’s Point to access trails on the north side. Both parks also provide access to the river for paddleboats and rafts. The Legs of Fire Staircase trail from Voyageur Park offers a scenic 3 km round trip with a steep 86-metre climb. Starting flat and paved, it becomes gravel before reaching the challenging stairs.
- There are about 4km of trails within Clifford E. Lee Nature Sanctuary, which covers wetlands west of Devon. This peaceful trail area winds through forests and around the wetland areas with viewing platforms for better views of various waterfowl.
- Enjoy more forested and wetland trails north of town at Bunchberry Meadows, where there are options for longer hikes over 5km, or shorter loops at 3-4km. Bunchberry Meadows’ trails are especially scenic in fall.
Devon’s Summer Dining
- Some of Devon’s best takeout options are also some of the top choices for picnic foods. Cater a riverside picnic with foods from Taste of China, Phalika’s Thai Food, Sugar Shack, House of Goodys, or the Devon 2 for 1 Pizza & Pasta.
- Fuel up or start your day with tasty eats and drinks from Norma Dee’s Kitchen in the Devon Hotel, or The Coffee Shop.
- Get in summer patio time, or a few games of golf, with the Greens Restaurant and Devon Golf & Country Club.
Events
2025 is a special year in Devon as the town celebrates its 75th Birthday! The year started with a few winter celebrations and continues this August 8-10 with a summer block party. The party kicks off on Friday with a drive-in movie and continues on Saturday and Sunday with full days’ worth of activities. Devon also plays host to a handful of recurring summer events to check out!
- Later on August 17th, Devon will host The Wild Mushroom Expo, a one-day celebration of all things mycology. Learn about, taste, and embrace Alberta’s wild mushrooms.
- The Edmonton Corn Maze, one of the top fall attractions on the west end, opens its doors in late summer. Each year, the hosts landscape the corn fields into different images, so each year’s maze is a new challenge.
- There are a handful of markets open each week around Leduc County and Devon which offer a chance to try out the freshest farm goods, other fresh foods, artisan wares, and more. Browse all of the above at the Devon Lions Farmers’ Market (every Thursday 2pm-5pm), Devon’s Downtown Market Series on select summer dates, or the Calmar Market on Main (every Friday 3pm-7pm)
Where to Stay near Devon
The options within Devon offer a variety of ways to stay, among them: camp in a tent, trailer, or RV with or without full services at the Devon Lions Campground; book a room with the Devon Hotel, or with the Key West Inn.
- More nearby campsites are available with the Canadian Energy Museum’s Leduc No. 1 Campground, the Glowing Embers RV Park in Acheson, or the Jubilee Park Campground on Wizard Lake.
- Devon is a short drive northwest of Edmonton’s International Airport; on the airport grounds, and all around the Outlet Mall are dozens of hotel and motel options with amenities like pools, hot tubs, continental breakfast, or gyms.
- Take your pick among a handful of private rental options in Devon, to the north near Acheson and Spruce Grove, or to the southeast in Leduc. Sites like Airbnb, or VRBO, provide numerous types of accommodation options.
