Edmonton, Alberta’s capital, is bursting with natural beauty – from vibrant flowerbeds to rare wildlife and serene spots perfect for unwinding. Let’s dive into some of the top outdoor destinations, as explored on edmonton.name.
Larch Sanctuary
Nestled right in the heart of the city, the Larch Sanctuary is a haven for local wildlife that roams throughout Edmonton and its surrounding areas. To help protect nature, the Edmonton & Area Land Trust has set up beehives and bat boxes here. A visit to this sanctuary promises a blend of adventure and peaceful reflection. It’s a popular spot for those looking to reconnect with nature and ponder what’s next.
The River Valley
More than just a city greenspace, Edmonton’s North Saskatchewan River Valley boasts the title of North America’s largest urban parkland. This means you can easily escape into nature without ever leaving the city limits. Explore this unique gem on foot, by bike, boat, or even Segway, and truly discover the beauty of Alberta’s capital.
Visser Conservation Lands
The Visser Conservation Lands are a sprawling woodland, spanning 233 acres of rural farmland. These lands provide local farmers and markets with space to grow fresh fruits, vegetables, and flowers. It’s a fantastic spot for a forest stroll, a breath of fresh air, or an invigorating jog.
Nakamun Lake
Translating to “singing bird” or “song of praise” in Cree, Nakamun Lake truly lives up to its name. Be sure to listen for the enchanting bird songs, especially during spring migration when flocks gather here. This stunning lake is ideal for fishing, boating, hiking, photography, and more. Don’t forget to pack a picnic to enjoy lakeside!
Boisvert’s Protected Forest
Boisvert’s Protected Forest stands out amidst the surrounding agricultural fields. This vital woodland is part of a wildlife corridor for moose, deer, and various bird species. It’s beautiful no matter the season, offering positive vibes and incredible photo opportunities.
White Earth Valley Natural Area
While perhaps not as well-known, the White Earth Valley Natural Area features the 17-kilometre White Earth trail. This path winds through diverse and beautiful habitats for a variety of animals and plants. If you’re lucky, you might even spot black bears, deer, or moose here.
Elk Island National Park
Escape the urban hustle and immerse yourself in peace and quiet at Elk Island National Park. But don’t be surprised if a herd of bison blocks your path! Just a 35-minute drive from Edmonton, the park offers a plethora of opportunities for outdoor adventure and wildlife viewing. Hiking, canoeing or kayaking, cross-country skiing, picnics, and stargazing are just some of the activities awaiting visitors.
Smith Blackburn Homestead
The Smith Blackburn Homestead is a popular Edmonton retreat for those seeking a break from city life. Cherished and preserved by multiple generations, its primary role is to support the region’s biodiversity. The homestead is home to a rich variety of birds and animals.
Cooking Lake-Blackfoot Provincial Recreation Area
This recreation area boasts over 170 kilometres of multi-use trails, accessible from four staging areas. These trails are considered moderately difficult for hiking. Visitors can enjoy birdwatching for migratory species and photographing wild animals like moose, beavers, deer, and even bears.
Ministik Conservation Area
The Ministik Conservation Area is home to both predators and their prey, including coyotes, wolves, moose, and beavers. This fascinating blend of forests and wetlands creates unique opportunities for hiking and exploration. Be sure to snap some beautiful photos amidst the trees and flowers!
Hicks Conservation Land
People come to Hicks Conservation Land for a hike, but often discover so much more. All 149 acres are part of the UNESCO Beaver Hills Biosphere Reserve, featuring wetlands and a diverse array of wildlife and birds. Visitors can even participate in a special program to help monitor animal populations.
Coates Conservation Lands
The Coates Conservation Lands encompass a parkland forest, a rapidly disappearing biome. This makes the 80 hectares of protected land incredibly important. Here, you might spot moose, porcupines, hawks, and wood frogs. There’s even evidence that dinosaurs like hadrosaurs and albertosauruses once roamed this area, promising a truly engaging and interesting walk.
Miquelon Lake Provincial Park
Despite being a bit further from Edmonton, Miquelon Lake Provincial Park is always bustling with visitors. That’s because it offers beautiful hiking and biking trails, playgrounds, and cross-country skiing tracks. Both kids and adults alike will be thrilled with the opportunities for animal and bird watching, ensuring no one gets bored here.
Bunchberry Meadows Conservation Area
This sanctuary is characterized by aspen groves, forests, and areas rich in biodiversity. It’s also home to animals such as moose, deer, owls, hawks, and songbirds. Visitors can participate in the Edmonton & Area Land Trust’s “Citizen Science” program, helping to identify plants and animals during surveys and track their growth and populations.
Clifford E. Lee Nature Sanctuary
Spanning 348 acres, this sanctuary features wetlands, meadows, aspen groves, and boreal forests, along with a wide variety of resident animals. You’ll truly enjoy a leisurely stroll along its trails and boardwalks.
Wabamun Lake Provincial Park
Wabamun Lake is the perfect spot for water-based recreation. Enjoy paddling, fishing, canoeing, and even windsurfing. In winter, people flock here for skating, hockey, and even some ice fishing. The park also offers numerous walking paths, playgrounds, and picnic areas, ideal for a good meal after an active day outdoors.
Wagner Natural Area
You might not have heard of this hidden gem before, but it’s truly unique. The Wagner Natural Area is home to 16 out of 24 orchid species and several other unusual plants. Explore hiking trails of varying difficulty and try your hand at geocaching here.
Lu Carbyn Nature Sanctuary
The Lu Carbyn Nature Sanctuary spans 155 acres. A leading ornithologist once described it as the best bird-watching spot within 100 miles of Edmonton. Recently, 95 species have been recorded here, making it a must-visit for any bird enthusiast.
Pipestone Creek Conservation Land
This conservation area not only borders Pipestone Creek but also features spruce forests, aspen parklands, and more. While strolling here, keep an eye out for rare plants. If you visit during bird migration season, look to the sky for trumpeter swans.
As you can see, Edmonton is rich with natural locations, offering countless opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors.
