Updated August 1st, 2023
With summer starting to wane, you’ll want to make the most of it and enjoy some daytrips and getaways while there is still time! The Strathcona & Lamont Counties are within a 40-minute drive from Edmonton, yet they have some of the best and safe family-fun activities. Read on for ideas to plan your getaways in these neighbouring regions!
Highlights
Take a Biosphere Break at the Beaver Hills Biosphere Reserve
A standout and hidden gem – the UNESCO-certified nature reserve is one of only two such reserves in Alberta – and one close to our backyards. It’s a great place to take a walk and look for the 48 species of mammals or 150 species of birds that make this valuable wetland landscape home.
No trip is complete without touring the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village and Elk Island National Park – the best part? They’re only a 10-minute drive apart!
Elk Island National Park is the perfect place if you’re feeling adventurous! You’ve got your pick of seeing bison, moose, birds and more. You’re also rewarded with plenty of things to do including hiking, biking, canoeing, geocaching, golfing, and more!
Step back in time at the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village. Immerse yourself and experience what life was like in the 1900s within this open-air museum.
Strathcona County
As you head out from Edmonton, your first stop is Strathcona County. And for good reason, it’s got something for everyone!
Attractions
Learning doesn’t stop, even in summer. Visit Strathcona County Museum and Archives for a showcase of rotating exhibits that portray the County’s natural and human history. Explore special exhibits, replica RCMP jail cells, and an indigenous display featuring a stunning mural by Aaron Paquette, The Past Shows Us The Way.
Check out Centre in the Park, where the community centre is a year-round hub for events, culture and learning activities. Festival Place – a vibrant multi-use centre for the arts, hosts 100+ events a year. Millennium Place is a great place for those looking to get active with recreational activities and sports for everyone.
Located Southeast on Highway 14 is the Legion of Frontiersmen Museum, which features a stone cenotaph (one of 3 in the world) for the fallen 9000 Fontiersmen at the entrance to Fort Scott.
Outdoors
At the Strathcona Wilderness Centre, there are 12 kilometres of trails for you to explore…Better yet, there are camping and picnic sites so you can make it a weekend out of your trip. Anyone up for disc golf?
Take in the views while you get your swing on at the highly-rated Broadmoor Golf Course! Close by, the Broadmoor Lake Park is also a top-pick if you’re looking to go biking and trail exploring.
Want to get out on the lake? Hike a trail? Camp? At Cooking Lake Blackfoot Provincial Park, you can do it all! This massive land base adjacent to Elk Island offers free access to 170 km of trails!
Elk Island Retreat is the perfect place for camping after you’ve visited Elk Island National Park! Why go home when you can glamp and stay in a trappers-style cabin, a beautiful Yurt or Tipi? There are also full-service RV and tent sites if you prefer traditional camping.
Eat Drink, Shop
No matter your preferences, there is plenty for you to explore and check out within the county.
Food
- Try Confetti Sweets with their delicious Oscar-worthy cookies
- Say ‘hola’ to you new favourite tacos from Mexico Lindo
- Or send your taste buds to Italy at Café Celeste or Pasta Pantry
- Enjoy some fine southern barbeque at That BBQ Place
Drinks
- 70 Acre Co is new, but has already hit the ground running with its superb brews
- Have you heard of rhumb before? You’ve got to try it from Grey Dog Distilling
- Known for its Moose Milk, Elk Island Spirits Co has many great products!
- Hawke Prohibition Distillery is an award-winning distillery with a full line of spirits
- How does a tasty caramel apple cider sound from Fox Hills Cidery?
- Enjoy a fruit wine and take the tour at Barr Estate Winery
Shopping
- Shop local boutiques like Revolution Boutique, Real Spirit Apparel, & Max and Maud
- Find options for everyone at Sherwood Park Mall
- Fox and Willow, & Country and Bloom are great picks for unique décor
- Sherwood Park Bookworm has your next great read
Barr Estate Winery
Like farmers’ markets and supporting local? Sherwood Park is market central! With three occurring markets, you’re bound to be well-stocked after a visit! In its second year of operation, the Ardrossan Farmers Market has 40+ vendors this season & is a great way to support local and stock up on fresh food, pet supplies, and gifts! Stop by Tuesdays from 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm. You can also check out the Baseline Road and Emerald Hills markets on Wednesday afternoons till early evening.
Stay
Whether you’re looking for a place to stay during your staycation or you’re visiting from farther away, you have plenty of options with these top-rated picks! There are so many great places to stay with over 10 major hotels in Sherwood Park, you could stay and daytrip all-round the region.
- Ramada by Wyndham Sherwood Park, conveniently located near Anthony Henday Drive, is your home away from home with amenities including a great free breakfast with hot and gluten-free options, a fitness centre, business centre, laundry, and mini convenience store (perfect if you need a late night snack!).
- Sandman Signature – 203 guest rooms with CHOP! restaurant and lounge in proximity for dining. Now open in Emerald Hills, adjacent and easily accessible to Yellowhead Highway.
- Four Points by Sheraton – It’s a new hotel with a great location. Features an indoor pool, onsite restaurant, and close to other restaurants.
- Park Centre & Hotel –Uniquely designed as a boutique-style hotel, the Park Centre was created for travellers who seek an original experience.
After touring through Strathcona County… Lamont County is your next stop on your trip and the Cradle of Ukrainian Settlement in Canada!
Lamont County
Enjoy the country style only a bit farther from the hustle and bustle of city life. Here you’ll find beautiful landscapes and a rich cultural heritage for the perfect day trips or weekend getaway.
Attractions
Have you thought about what a meteorite actually looks like? In Bruderheim, you can see the display of the largest recovered meteorite fall in Canada!
Mundare’s Basilian Fathers Museum is a must-stop if you’re into Canadian history. Its collection of invaluable Ukrainian cultural & religious artifacts are a must-see for their cultural significance.
Pay a visit to the Mohyla, a centenary tribute to Ukrainian settlement in Canada, located just north of Lamont.
With its 40 historical churches, it’s earned its title of “North America’s Church Capital” and is well worth a visit to see the architectural design and significance.
Looking for the perfect selfie? The Andrew Duck & Mundare Sausage are the perfect backdrops.
Outdoors
Like to go ATVing? With its sand dunes and sandy plateaus intermingled with low wetlands, grass meadows, and woodlands, the Bruderheim Natural Area is a playground for everyone.
Looking to challenge yourself on the course? Whitetail Crossing Golf Course in Mundare is right up your alley. With specials throughout the week, the Whitetail is a course you must swing at this season!
Eat, Drink, Shop
Local businesses in this region are like no other. These shops truly show the entrepreneurship and hardworking spirit of the region. By supporting local, your impact goes further – give these shops a browse when traveling through the area.
Thiels Greenhouse in Bruderheim offers unique plant selections (growing over 500 varieties annually), as well as, fresh & delicious locally-produced food for pick up & hydroponic greens like kale, lettuce & others year-around. The best part? They use the latest biocontrol methods –for fresh, pesticide-free products!
Check out Trendy Petals for giftware and treat yourself to some beautiful fresh flowers.
If you know the name…then you certainly know how delicious the famous Stawnichy’s Mundare Sausage is! Definitely plan to make a stop and stock up on the real deal.
For the quilters, The Chicken Coop in Mundare is an excellent shop for fabrics and supplies to help you with your next quilting project.
The Andrew Farmers Market is perfect for picking up local produce and yummy, homemade baked goods.
Stay
Ever slept in a sea-can? At Studio 6 Hotel you can! In Bruderheim, the hotel is the largest structure of its kind in North America, built out of 80 steel shipping containers – a truly unique experience!
Lamont Days Inn is a great place to stay, with on-location laundry and food services for your convenience. If you’re looking to adventure within Elk Island National Park, it’s the closest hotel.
Looking for a bit more inspiration? Check out our Roadtrip videos – featuring highlights of the region!
HWY 15 & 45
HWY 16
For more information, visit our community pages on Strathcona County and Lamont County.
Need Help Planning your Trip?
- Call us at 1-888-632-8755 or email info@goeastofedmonton.com