Looking for great getaway ideas this summer? Check out our featured partners for your daytrip and getaway inspiration – there’s everything from attractions, outdoor activities and trails – to some of the most special local shops and restaurants to satisfy your adventure spirit!
Go Northeast of Edmonton…
Athabasca County
In only 90 minutes from Edmonton, you can get your fill of the outdoors!
Venture out on dozens of lakes – jet boating is a must-do! A favourite is Forfar Recreation Park, a great spot for waterskiing and enjoying a day at the beach. Or, take a longer hike and experience the Tawatinaw Valley and the trails of Muskeg Creek.
More into golf? You can do that at three beautiful and uncrowded courses!
Looking for a different kind of shopping? Explore downtown Athabasca and take a self-guided Athabasca Historical Walking Tour, enjoy a meal at one of the many local restaurants, or pick up something vintage from the unique shops.
Lac La Biche County
The drive is 2.5 hours from Edmonton – but it’s worth it –especially when you can catch fish like this!
Lakes, lakes, lakes. You’ll be amazed at how many there are here!
You’ll also find boreal forest wilderness, sandy beaches, 100+ lakes, and 1000 campsites – it’s a perfect combination to truly immerse yourself in nature. May we suggest Sir Winston Churchill Provincial Park? It’s got hiking, biking trails, and secluded campsites through old-growth forests.
Don’t forget to explore the Lakeland Provincial Park & Provincial Recreation Area. It’s 38 km world-renowned canoe circuit includes seven lakes, making it an exceptional experience for the bucket list.
There’s no shortage of things to check out within Lac La Biche County. With four museums, you’re bound to learn a lot in a short time!
MD of Bonnyville
A 2-hour drive from Edmonton to pass the day out on the lake? Sounds like a plan!
With 11 campgrounds in the Bonnyville-Cold Lake region, it’s easy to relax and live on lake time.
The glassy lakes and sandy beaches are some of the most pristine in Alberta. Go boating, fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, or just relax on the beach – you can do it all at over a dozen lakes in the area! You can also take it off-road on the many ATV trails.
For those looking to get up high, the Kinosoo Aerial Adventure Park will be you go-to spot to climb around!
More interested in golf? There are both 18 and 9 hole courses for you to spend the day at.
Like birds? You’ll find plenty of species within the boreal forest and on the lakes – over 292 species can be found in the region!
No matter what your interest is in the outdoors, the MD of Bonnyville has plenty for you to take it to the lake!
Cold Lake
Looking for a win-win getaway within a 3-hour drive from Edmonton? Head out to Cold Lake!
Did you know that Kinosoo Beach reaches a three-block span with some of the finest sand in Alberta? It’s a great spot to get out on the water.
Is fishing more your thing? Launch your boat at the beautiful marina where you can head out to catch different species in one of Alberta’s largest and deepest lakes. Options are available for summer and ice fishing tours in winter.
After all that fun, you’re bound to have worked up an appetite. Check out local favourites including Clark’s Eatery, Picante Café, and Cold Lake Brewing & Distilling!
Where to stay? We’ve got you covered! Book a cabin at Evergreen Birch Lodge or one of the local Bed & Breakfast Inns. The popular Cold Lake M.D. Park is a lakeside campground right in the city limits. If you want to be more in the country, check out Crane Lake M.D. Parks, or for an intimate lakeside camping experience, look into a site at Ethel Lake M.D. Park.
Go East of Edmonton…
Lamont County
Is an easily accessible getaway your priority? In less than an hour from Edmonton, you’ll be able to step ‘back in time’ and be home on the same day!
Known as the Cradle of Ukrainian Settlement in Canada, you can take a day or a weekend self-driving tour and explore all that Lamont County offers. Spend the day at the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village where you can be immersed in settler life. Looking to see historical churches? There are more than 40 dotted throughout the countryside.
We’ll let you in on East of Edmonton’s best-kept secret: the Ross Creek Market! With vendors selling a variety of household items, antiques, and vintage collectibles from the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s, there’s something for everyone to find!
We haven’t forgotten you golfers, you’ve got some great courses to play like Elk Island Golf Course and Whitetail Crossing in Mundare.
Strathcona county
Just minutes from Edmonton, Outdoor Adventurers take your pick!
Head out for the day to Elk Island National Park to enjoy the trails for hiking, cycling, and geocaching!
Or go paddling, canoeing, or kayaking to your heart’s content. Want to go yurt camping and glamp it up? You can do that too at Elk Island Retreat just west of the park!
If you’re looking to explore somewhere new, did you know…the UNESCO Beaver Hills Biosphere Reserve features more than 35 lakes and Cooking Lake-Blackfoot Recreation Area has over 170 km of summer and winter multi-use trails! Or try your luck at disc golf at the Strathcona Wilderness Centre. The best part? All these places are located within an hour’s drive of Edmonton!
Like golf? The Broadmoor Golf course in Sherwood Park is rated as one of the top courses in Alberta, or swing your clubs at the many other courses across the county.
Vegreville
There’s plenty to do and see in this warm community. The best part? It’s only a 1-hour drive from Edmonton!
Voted as one of the Seven Wonders of Canada, the Vegreville Pysanka truly lives up to its name – containing 524-star patterns, 3,512 facets, 2,206 equilateral triangles, 6,978 nuts and bolts & more. We could go on, but come check it out yourself!
Better yet, the kids can play in the Elks-Kinsmen park’s recreation area or the whole family can enjoy the Thursday evening Pysanka Park Market.
Vegreville is the treasure-hunters shopping paradise! You’re bound to leave with a Ukrainian souvenir from Ceramic Cottage, or a unique gift and specialty teas from Everything Tea & Gifts.
Go Southeast of Edmonton…
Camrose
Want to get away from the city crowds – Camrose is only a 1-hour drive from Edmonton…tops!
It’s easy to see why Camrose is a vibrant city celebrated for its friendly, local feel – without the hustle and bustle.
Downtown Camrose has historical, boutique shops making it a truly unique destination with more than 280 businesses. After all that shopping, you’re bound to have worked up an appetite. Places you can only find here include Lefse House with its yummy Scandinavian baked goods, award-winning Back 40 Distillery which even has the crowd favourite Ol’Apple Betty, and not one…but TWO farmers markets every week.
Want to get outdoors? There are a number of great campgrounds and golf courses in and around the City. Try Silver Creek, Double Dam or the Miquelon Hills Golf Course.
Want to connect with nature? Camrose County Nature Conservation Centre is the perfect place! Located in the heart of the county, it’s a beautiful day-use recreation area for lake activities or relaxation.
Wainwright
In only two hours Southeast from Edmonton, you’ll find gorgeous views like this!
Roam and have a blast from the past in Wainwright!
Go west of town to see the awe-inspiring Battle River Train Trestle – it’s the second-largest in Canada. An area chock full of history, the downtown features include a beautifully restored business district with buildings from the 1929 era and the free-standing Memorial Clock Tower, one of the only structures left standing after the Great Fire of 1929.
Enjoy the downtown shopping from local shops that have unique offerings. For a town staple, The Iron Raven has vintage décor, fine art, and handicrafts. Need to stock up on camping supplies and fishing/hunting licenses? Gibson’s Home Hardware has both and more.
Like bison? Snap a unique photo at Canada’s largest buffalo statue.
Still not sure where to go?
Check out our quick links to help plan your Trips:
- Go East of Edmonton Travel Guide
- Eat East of Edmonton
- Shop East of Edmonton
- Camping East of Edmonton
- Golfing East Of Edmonton
- Attractions East of Edmonton
Plus we’ve got videos!
Check out the awesome, new roadtrip videos and get inspired to Go East of Edmonton. Find all videos and the all the great summer trip ideas at goeastofedmonton.com/videos/.
What are you waiting for? Start planning your next trip east of Edmonton!
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