10 of the Best Snowshoe Trails near Edmonton, AB
Northern Alberta has plenty of snow for the majority of the year, so why not get outside and explore it? Bring your snowshoes to these ten trails near Edmonton.
Beaver Pond Trail
Elk Island National Park
Length: 3.6 km
Time: 1 – 2 hours
Elevation Gain: 46 m
Difficulty: Easy
As the name suggests, you’re likely to spot a couple of beavers along this trail. Elk Island National Park staff have re-introduced the furry animals back into the region after the population was eliminated by the fur trade in the mid-1800s. Explore the snowy trails and admire abandoned lodges on this easy and short snowshoeing trail.
Where can I find this trail? This trail is in Elk Island National Park, approximately 45 kilometres east of Edmonton.
Read More: pc.gc.ca
Hayburger Trail
Elk Island National Park
Length: 11.6 km
Time: 3 – 4 hours
Elevation Gain: 141 m
Difficulty: Moderate
Looking for a bit more of a challenge? Get your blood pumping along this long yet relatively gentle snowshoeing trail. Admire the sparkling snow while you step through tall aspen trees and wide-open meadows. Keep your eyes peeled for a wandering moose, as they are commonly seen in this area.
Where can I find this trail? This trail can be accessed from the Elk Island Parkway.
Read more: pc.gc.ca
Moss Lake Trail
Elk Island National Park
Length: 12.6 km
Time: 4 – 5 hours
Elevation Gain: 182 m
Difficulty: Moderate
You might run into some bison on this trail! This cross-country ski trail takes snowshoers through a variety of terrain including lakes, meadows, grasslands and wetlands. Make sure to stick to the trail to not disturb these delicate ecosystems.
Where can I find this trail? This trail begins at the Elk Island Parkway.
Read more: pc.gc.ca
Tawayik Lake Trail
Elk Island National Park
Length: 15.1 km
Time: 4 – 5 hours
Elevation Gain: 196 m
Difficulty: Difficult
For those looking for a true challenge, this snowshoe trail is sure to satisfy. Tawayik is the Cree word for halfway. Snowshoe in-between the sparkling frozen Tawayik Lake and Little Tawayik Lake.
Where can I find this trail? This trail begins from the Tawayik Lake parking lot.
Read more: pc.gc.ca
Aspen Loop
Bunchberry Meadows Conservation Area
Length: 4.5 km
Time: 2 – 3 hours
Elevation Gain: 63 m
Difficulty: Moderate
Can you guess which type of tree is most popular along this trail? Hint: it’s in the name. A popular choice in the summertime, the Aspen Loop trail transforms into a snowy landscape come winter. A quick 30-kilometre drive from Edmonton, this a great choice for those looking to spend the day out in the snow.
Where can I find this trail? This trail begins on Range Rd 261, Spruce Grove
Read more: alltrails.com
Muskeg Creek Ski Trail
Athabasca
Length: 10 km
Time: 4 – 5 hours
Elevation Gain: 264 m
Difficulty: Moderate
If you’re looking for a full day adventure, get away from the city and explore this moderate loop trail. Roughly an hour-and-a-half drive north from Edmonton, this scenic route takes you deep into the boreal forest. A true woodsy winter wonderland awaits.
Where can I find this trail? This trail head is located at 5502 48 Ave, Athabasca, AB
Read more: alltrails.com
East Loop
Devon Voyageur Park
Length: 1.8 km
Time: 1 hour
Elevation Gain: 180 m
Difficulty: Moderate
Snowshoe alongside the North Saskatchewan River near the town of Devon, just 41 kilometres from Edmonton. Known for its beautiful landscape, dogs are also permitted on this trail.
Where can I find this trail? This trail begins at the Voyageur Park secondary parking lot.
Read more: alltrails.com
John Janzen Nature Center to Wolf Willow Ravine
Fort Edmonton Park
Length: 4 km
Time: 1 – 2 hours
Elevation Gain: 113 m
Difficulty: Easy
Another great option for those looking to soak up the beauty of nature without having to go too far. This out-and-back trail in Fort Edmonton Park is a kid-friendly choice that follows the river for half of the time and then goes deeper into the park for the other half.
Where can I find this trail? This trail begins at the John Janzen Nature Center
Read more: alltrails.com
Miquelon Lake Loops
Miquelon Lake Provincial Park
Length: 9.5 km
Time: 3 – 4 hours
Elevation Gain: 170 m
Difficulty: Moderate
Escape to beautiful Northern Alberta with this moderate trail. Located roughly 70 kilometres away from Edmonton, this loop trail is a great place to spot lots of Canadian wildlife. Marvel at large Miquelon Lake or get lost between the aspen trees.
Where can I find this trail? Follow signs for Miquelon Lake
Read more: alltrails.com
Rundle Park Riverside Trail
Rundle Park
Length: 4.2 km
Time: 1 – 2 hours
Elevation Gain: 78 m
Difficulty: Moderate
Enjoy a winter wonderland without having to go too far. Listen to the snow crunch below your boots while following the north-eastern side of Edmonton’s river valley.
Where can I find this trail? This trail is located on 2909 113 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T5W 0P3
Read more: alltrails.com
Have you snowshoed these trails in Alberta?
Which was your favourite?
Tell us about it below!
More snowshoe trails on explore-mag.com:
10 of the Best Snowshoe Trails Near Vancouver
10 of the Best Snowshoe Trails in the Rocky Mountains
10 of the Best Snowshoeing and Cross-country Skiing Trails Near Ottawa