To start off, head due east from the center of Edmonton and take the easy jaunt to Sherwood Park in Strathcona County. It’s worth the quick road trip to visit the Strathcona County Museum, packed with exhibits that showcase the history of Strathcona County. This is your chance to experience the rich history of the region.
Time for some outdoor fun and adventure! Next door to Edmonton is a cluster of some of the greatest prairie parks and protected spaces on Earth. The Beaver Hills Biosphere was designated by UNESCO in 2016, recognizing the commitment of the local biodiversity and conservation.
Check ahead at the Strathcona Wilderness Centre for great events and programming that may be happening while you’re there. Or, spend some time bird watching or hiking. You can even book spots for group camping.
This is all next door to Elk Island National Park: the home of iconic bison herds! Be sure to stay in your vehicle when you capture your images of these majestic creatures. You can also take part in numerous park activities, including camping, canoeing, and hiking! Don’t forget to purchase your park pass at the gates.
A little further to the east is the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village. From May until September, this outdoor museum is the picture-perfect destination to experience Ukrainian culture as it is recreated by trained interpreters. Listen to the stories and learn the history of Ukrainian immigration to the area.
Your next stop on your Hwy 16 road trip is the Town of Vegreville. This is where you will find the World’s Largest Pysanka—giant Ukrainian Easter Egg. You can have a picnic in the park and enjoy the Pysanka Park Market on Thursday evenings during the summer. You can also explore the Vegreville Regional Museum before you head to your next destination.
Continue heading down HWY 16 and go golfing at the Mannville Riverview Golf & RV Resort. This challenging 9-hole course also has 63 camping spots. Making this the perfect spot to pull up your RV and rest a while.
Next stop — for some fabulous and unique shopping, stroll down one of the most charming shopping strips in Alberta — the Town of Vermilion! The streets of Vermilion are lined with brick buildings, creating a unique atmosphere where you can spot something delightful take home.
Time for a quick pit stop from Hwy 16. Head south on secondary highway 867 to the Climb Through Time Museum, in Paradise Valley. The Museum is inside the last standing grain elevator in the community and it celebrates the rich farming history of the area.
To finish an epic road trip, head to Lloydminster. One of the largest cities in the east of Edmonton region, Lloydminster has so many opportunities for adventure!
Fuel your stay with a stop to eat at the Timber Cafe. Located in the Home Hardware, the Timber Cafe is a great place to enjoy a cup of locally brewed Bulletproof coffee and a pastry.
While you’re there, be sure to take in the Border City Farmers Market. You will find an amazing selection of fresh produce and local handmade crafts. You can explore the market on Thursday afternoons year-round.
The final stop featured on the road trip is the Border City Petting Zoo (filmed in 2019) – note the zoo is closed to the public in 2020.
