Terrific Trails East of Edmonton

Rebecca Isbister2022 Roadtrip Adventures, Attractions, Beaver County, Bonnyville, Camrose, Camrose County, Cold Lake, East of Edmonton, Elk Island National Park, Entertainment, Fall Adventures, Fort Saskatchewan, Highway 13, Highway 14, Highway 15, Highway 16, Highway 28, Highway 29, Highway 45, Highway 55, Iron Horse Trail, It's Time To Go, Itinerary, Killam, Lac La Biche Region, Lakeland Region, Lamont County, Lloydminster, Lougheed, MD of Bonnyville, Minburn County, National Park, North Saskatchewan River, Northeast of Edmonton, Outdoor Adventures, Parks & Trails, Redwater, Roadtrips, Sedgewick, Sherwood Park, Smoky Lake, Smoky Lake County, Southeast of Edmonton, Spring Adventures, St. Paul, St. Paul County, Strathcona County, Summer Adventures, Vegreville, Vermilion, Vermilion River County, Wainwright, Waskatenau

Last updated July 28, 2023

Cooking Lake Provincial Recreational Area. Photo by Rebecca Isbister.

Explore 1000+ km of trails at 100+ Provincial Parks, Campgrounds & Natural Areas. These trails are full of natural beauty just waiting to be explored. No matter whether you’re out on the trails every weekend or if you’re starting out, you can easily find dozens of hiking trails for every skill and mobility level.

How to get started? First, grab your copy of the Travel Guide. Read the Community stories and the Campground Listings, they have details about local parks and trails. The inside back cover has a map of locations so you can easily book your next site.

Local Trails

You don’t need to go far to get outside for a fun adventure.

Cycling the trails in Vegreville.

East of Edmonton

  • Fort Saskatchewan’s Scenic River Valley trail system has over 40 km of trails suited for hiking, biking
  • Vegreville’s Community linked trail system leads all around town.
  • Relax and stroll the trails at Bud Miller Park in Lloydminster.
  • Venture somewhere new and check out the 10 km of trails at the Wapasu Trail in Minburn County.

Northeast of Edmonton

  • The Cold Lake Bike Park has 6 km of year-round trails and jump features for mountain bikers of all skill levels.
  • Start as little or as much of the 278 km Iron Horse Trail from Smoky Lake. Hike, ATV or ride.
  • In Lac La Biche, the lakefront trail stretches over 10 km from downtown all the way to Sir Winston Churchill Provincial Park.

Southeast of Edmonton

  • In Camrose, there are 38 km of trails winding gracefully through the Stoney Creek Valley.
  • If you haven’t explored the area by Hardisty, you’ve been missing out! Walk, hike, bike or horseback ride through the most challenging and scenic trails in Flagstaff County!
  • Northeast of Wainwright is the Wildlife Society Trail winds along the Battle River with viewpoints along its 6 km of multi-use trail.

 

Trails in the Beaver Hills Biosphere

A special ecosystem, this UNESCO-designated nature reserve has lookout points perfect for hikers looking to get into to nature and spot wildlife.

#MyGeeRoadtrip2020 by Brenda Blair – Trail at Strathcona Wilderness Centre

Beaver Hills Biodiversity Trail  – See the interpretive signage to experience biodiversity, culture, the story of the land and the vision of the Biosphere. The trail is 2 km long with benches, lookout points and a picnic area at the trailhead. The trail is located at Rg Rd 211 and Twp Rd 530 (Baseline Road), east of the Strathcona Wilderness Centre.

Cooking Lake/Blackfoot Provincial Recreation Area – has 4 staging areas that act as trailheads within the 97 sq km of a total trail network of over 170 km for hiking, cycling, equestrian, dog sledding, snowshoeing, skating, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. Host site of the Canadian Birkebeiner Ski Festival.

Elk Island National Park – has diverse landscapes amidst the 80 km of trails. Located 20 minutes east of Edmonton on Highway 16, its 11 trails will take you through landscapes of gentle wilderness of aspen woodland, glistening lakes and prairie meadows.

**Elk Island National Park staff encourage you to make the park your weekday destination for trail adventures as vehicle congestion and the number of people in the park on summer weekends is creating health and safety concerns and is eroding the experience of visitors. Visiting the park mid-week instead of on weekends and holidays ensures visitors have more space to roam.**

Miquelon Lake Provincial Park – its 18 km of trails are well-groomed and interconnect through the park, allowing visitors to birdwatch in the protected area. Its trails are named after wildlife that frequent the area.

Ministik Lake Sanctuary – is Alberta’s oldest preserve and features 75 sq km of trails rolling through a terrain of wetland lakes, meadows and boreal forest. A park less frequented, it’s perfect for those looking for a quaint experience in nature.

Willow Canyon, Donalda

North Cooking Lake Provincial Recreation Area  –  A mixture of wetlands, forests and prairie land, with great trails for birdwatching and a quiet stroll. Located at 52209 Rg Rd 213 which is south of Wye Road (Hwy 630).

Sherwood Park Natural Area –   offers good bird, deer and moose watching from 3 km of gravel walking trails through aspen forest and from observation platforms. There is year-round hiking on this area’s 3 km trail system.

Strathcona Wilderness Centre – is a four-season outdoor adventure centre, with 12 km of trails. Enjoy disc-golfing, hiking, wildlife watching, tent camping, picnicking and more. In the winter, you can rent complete x-country ski and snowshoe equipment for all ages.

Alberta Park Trails

Our province is home to some spectacular landscapes. You can find pristine, uncrowded places to explore East of Edmonton at Alberta Parks. Alberta Parks Trail info: AlbertaParks.ca.

 

Trails Northeast of Edmonton

Cold Lake Provincial Park – while known for its beach adventures, don’t forget about its trails. Features 11.5 km of formal trail to hike or bike.

Garner Lake Provincial Park –is a popular park with immaculate sites. Take the 5 km trail by foot or bike, and read the interpretive signs highlighting local wildlife and vegetation. Located 5 km north of Spedden.

Moose Lake Provincial Park – has a lot to offer with its 7 km of trails. Visitors can expect to find stunning Jackpine forests and lakeside views. It’s located close to Bonnyville, perfect if you need supplies.

Lakeland Provincial Park – Adjacent to the Lakeland Provincial Recreation Area, this park has 45 kms of back country trails to explore making for one unique fun-filled adventure.  Home to Alberta’s only canoe circuit, it means hiking and canoeing can be combined in the back country for a true adventure. *

Long Lake Provincial Park – Enjoy the lakeview trail (pictured above) and access White Earth Valley Natural Area with 17 km of winding trails. Hiking, wildlife viewing, horseback riding and geocaching are just some of the activities that your family will enjoy. It’s also accessible year-round from Township Road 621.

Sir Winston Churchill Provincial Park – is renowned for its 10 km of old-growth forest . Accessible  year-round only 11 km from Lac La Biche. *

Whitney  Lakes Provincial Park – has an extensive trail system of more than 30 km trails that link the Ross, Whitney, Laurier and Borden lakes. Trails follow shorelines, pass through dense forests and offer exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities. *

Trails East of Edmonton

Vermilion Provincial Park –well-maintained, Vermilion Provincial Park and its campground are a favourite among families. Features 12 trails spanning a distance of 23 km and is also a favourite among mountain bikers, or those just looking to spend time outside. Looking for biking trails?

Burnt Rock Adventure Co. – Before you hit the trails, check out the brand name bikes, apparel and accessories. Plus watercraft and paddle sports, in downtown Vermilion.

Trails Southeast of Edmonton

Big Knife Provincial Park – is your ideal destination if you want to get away from the city and into nature. With 8.5 km of trails, expect an uncrowded adventure as you explore a unique landscape. Located near Forestburg, Big Knife is accessible from Township Road 855.

Dilberry Lake Provincial Park – its 13 km of trails traverse the unique prairie landscape. Some trails wander through areas of lush aspen forest. In season, many wildflowers are in bloom – a beautiful sight to behold. Located southeast of Chauvin on Highway 17.

Miquelon Lake Provincial Park –  is a protected area with easy, rolling terrain to explore over more than 10 kms of trails. Located an hour southeast from Edmonton off Highway 623. *

ATV Trails

Get out on the quad for and adventure off the beaten path!

Quadding in MD of Bonnyville.

Alberta’s Iron Horse Trail (278 km) – is a part of the Trans Canada Trail. This uninterrupted corridor of abandoned CN Rail Line welcomes all types of trail users. ATVs and snowmobiles are very popular on this trail. The western branch starts in Waskatenau, the eastern branch starts in Heinsburg, and the northern branch heads to Cold Lake.

Lakeland Provincial Recreation Area (140 km) – in the Lac La Biche region, has shared trails for motorized ATVs and snowmobiles. Many of these trails have been upgraded so that ATV use does not degrade the trail and the landscape. Highlights include the Dabbs Lake Trail, the Wishbone Trails and the Puller Lake Trails, which all showcase the best of this spectacular ATV destination.

Lakeland Breakers Trail System (35 km) – Along the North Saskatchewan River, these summer trails are open for hikers, ATV’s, and equestrian users. Cabins provide shelter, and canoe groups can use these for overnight rest stops. In winter, snowmobilers enjoy these trails. Located in Two Hills County north of Beauvallon, these trails are also known as the Cougar Patch or Beauvallon Cabin Trails. Find trail maps at Lakeland Breakers.

North Bruderheim Provincial Recreation Area – just north of Bruderheim and east of Highway 830 along Twp Rd 565, is a designated OHV/ATV recreation area with 14 km of terrain. However, please note that OHV use is not permitted on roads or road right-of-ways in this Provincial Recreation Area.

Poachers Landing Provincial Recreation Area – Located on the Athabasca River north of Boyle, it has a network of trails and bridges that wind through sand and pine terrain as well as poplar forest. Popular for hiking, ATVs, and snowmobiles, with a riverside campground including an equestrian staging area.

Redwater Provincial Recreation Area (100 km) – The Sandhills Area boasts one of the largest sand dune fields in the region, and can be found only five minutes east of Redwater on Twp Rd. 574. The area contains numerous designated looping trails and is used extensively by ATV and snowmobile riders.

Chaos Motocross Inc. – from Pee Wee to Expert tracks and trails for bikes and ATV’s. Camping available, south of Two Hills.

When you hit the trails in the area, don’t forget to take part in the Roadtrip Adventure Game! Collect stickers on your trip and remember to post your trip with #GoRoadtrips2023 and you could win monthly prizes this summer.

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