Looking for a new adventure? Go straight north of Edmonton on HWY 28, then keep heading a little further on Secondary Highway 803 to the Town of Legal. You won’t be disappointed! Your road trip will start with 38 beautiful murals sprinkled throughout the town of Legal.
When you leave Legal, head due east on secondary HWY 651 until you meet up again with HWY 28 at the Town of Redwater: home of the World’s Largest Oil Derrick! Test your photography skills to capture the entire structure.
Nearby is the Redwater Provincial Recreation Area, one of Alberta’s best destinations for ATV/OHV owners who want to spend a day playing in the dunes on the marked trails.
Did you remember to pack the tents, sleeping bags? It’s time to head north to Long Lake Provincial Park, in Thorhild County. Simply follow HWY 28 to the Village of Waskatenau, then drive north along secondary Highway 831. Bring your bikes, swim gear, boats, hiking shoes because Long Lake boasts almost every amenity an Alberta Provincial Park has to offer. Don’t forget to bring along your sense of adventure!
Come southwards, back to HWY 28 after your camping stay at Long Lake and check out the wonderful shops, local food, and amenities of Smoky Lake.
The town of Smoky Lake is a veritable hub of Alberta’s Farm to Table movement, with fine purveyors such as: Serben Farms Store, Linda’s Market Garden, Old Fashioned Bread Bakery and Betsy’s Burger Shack.
If you want to take part in one of Canada’s great works of community building, the town of Smoky Lake is an access point to the Iron Horse Trail. You can find the trailhead at the Smoky Lake Pumpkin Park. Next, head to Metis Crossing where you can experience the heritage and history of Alberta’s Metis people. Book ahead to take the guided voyageur canoe ride down the North Saskatchewan River.The nearby Victoria Settlement will send you back in time while costumed interpreters bring the site to life. You can find both Metis Crossing and Victoria Settlement just south of HWY 28, down secondary highway 855.
Return to HWY 28 for one of the GIANTS of the trip—the Mushrooms at Vilna! Find the perfect Instagram shot in the Village of Vilna with your friends and family beneath the statues of giant mushrooms in the town park.
It’s time to head north again. Use HWY 36 to go straight north, for about an hour to Lac La Biche. This is the home of the Lac La Biche Mission—a hidden gem National Historical Site. You can explore and understand some the first exchanges in Alberta between Indigenous, Metis, Francophone, and Anglophone populations. Stay awhile and camp in the Lac La Biche region—home of Sir Winston Churchill Provincial Park. You can bring your RV, a tent, or go glamping in a tipi! There are full-service year-round cabins available. The Lac La Biche lakeshore in the Park is beautiful, there are many footpaths, and the unique mid-northern Alberta setting makes this the perfect spot to spend a few extra days.
On to one of the biggest stops of the trip: City of Cold Lake! The quickest route there from Lac La Biche is to take HWY 55 up to HWY 28, which ends right at your destination. Cold Lake is an experience-filled destination for travelers. There are beaches, Marina, an Air Force Base, camping, and plenty of great sights to see, such as ornate trestle bridges. If you decide to spend the day, you can also try fishing, boating, or getting some shuteye on the beach.
It’s time to turn around and head southwest towards Edmonton. Use HWY 28 and you’ll soon arrive in Bonnyville, where the focus is on local, fresh and fabulous. For amazing eats, stop by Jennie’s Diner. Or, head to the Farmer’s Market for some exceptional farm-to-table options. Don’t forget to take a picture next to the wooden statue of Angus Shaw in front of the Bonnyville & District Museum.
As you travel down HWY 28, don’t miss out on another GIANT—the World’s Largest Pyrogy, located in the Village of Glendon! You can tag your Instagram #goeastofedmonton. You’re now close to the Town of St. Paul, right on HWY 28. For foodies, this is a can’t miss destination; St. Paul is home to the Twisted Fork Restaurant. Nobody is doing unique, locally sourced fresh food like the Twisted Fork!
You can also stop by for another only-in-eastern-Alberta picture for your Instagram—the UFO Landing Pad!
St. Paul is another key trailhead and staging for the Iron Horse Trail, marked by the beautiful iron gates. There is nearby camping and space to set up equipment and horses.
That’s the final stop on our HWY 28 itinerary!
