10 of the Best Winter Hikes Near Edmonton, Alberta
If you’re from the Edmonton area and you want to stay close to home this winter but still get out into nature, there are many great hiking trails near the city. Many of the trails listed are shared with cross-country skiers so share the trail and stay off their tracks. Also because of COVID-19 restrictions, many washroom facilities are closed. Follow all provincial restrictions.
Note: Hiking in winter can be dangerous. Be ready for the weather to change. Bring essential hiking gear, including boots with good tread and micro spikes. Have a trip plan, emergency gear and ensure you have the proper training before venturing out.
Bunchberry Meadows Outer Loop
Bunchberry Meadows Conservation Area
Length: 6.9 km
Time: 2 hours
Elevation Gain: 97 m
Located about 30 kilometres southwest of Edmonton, this well-signed forest hike loops around a lake and through tamarack, aspen and birch trees. Dogs and bikes are not permitted in this trail system.
Where can I find this trail? From Highway 627, turn south on Range Rd 261
Read more: ealt.ca/bunchberry-meadows
Chickakoo Lake Outer Loop
Chickakoo Lake Recreation Area
Length: 6.8 km
Time: 2 hours
Elevation Gain: 164 m
This multi-use trail is home to much wildlife—if you look closely, you can see the effects of beavers close to the lake. Some good-sized hills get the heart pumping.
Where can I find this trail? Just off Range Rd 13 and Township Rd 535
Read more: parklandcounty.com/Parks-Trails-and-Natural-Areas
Miquelon Lake Loop
Miquelon Lake Provincial Park
Length: 9.5 km
Time: 2 hours 45 min
Elevation Gain: 170 m
There are over 20 kilometres of rolling trails to enjoy in the park, with the higher points providing good views of the wetlands areas.
Where can I find this trail? About 70 km southeast of Edmonton, the access to Miquelon Lake is just off Highway 623
Read more: albertaparks.ca/miquelon-lake-pp
City of Edmonton
Devon Battery Creek Ravine Hike
Devon
Length: 5.1 km loop
Time: 1.5 hours
Elevation Gain: 150 m
This hike offers beautiful views of the North Saskatchewan River and then descends down the ravine to the river. Want a longer hike? At the river, continue on the Devon Lions Park Campground trails. Just remember, you have to climb back out.
Where can I find this trail? Park at Oakland Blvd, Devon, the trailhead is across Michigan Street
Read more: devon.ca/Parks-Trails
Riverlot 56 Loop
St. Albert
Length: 9.8 km
Time: 3 hours
Elevation Gain: 233 m
Named in 1871 by the Dominion Land Surveyors, Riverlot 56 was the original land division. Never fully developed, the natural area received natural protection in the 1980s and is now a favourite among hikers, skiers and nature lovers.
Where can I find this trail? Head northeast on Sir Winston Churchill Avenue, St. Albert, and turn right onto Poundmaker Road
Read more: stalbert.ca/riverlot-56/
Reg Grey Trail Loop
Sherwood Park Natural Area
Length: 2.7 km
Time: 47 min
Elevation Gain: 42 m
This picturesque trail, located in a natural area about 20 kilometres southeast of Edmonton, boasts forests and wetlands. Along the trail, watch for plaques marking the original survey markers for the Old Edmonton Trail.
Where can I find this trail? South of Highway 628, on Range Rd 231
Read more: strathcona.ca/sherwood-park-natural-area/
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Beaver Hills Biodiversity Trail
Strathcona County
Length: 1.9 km loop
Time: 30 minutes
Elevation Gain: 26 m
While this is the shortest hike in this list, it is located within a geographical and biodiverse area, making this a natural destination for beautiful scenery and an abundance of wildlife.
Where can I find this trail? The trailhead is about 45 km east of Edmonton on Highway 16 and south on Range Rd 211
Read more: strathcona.ca/beaver-hills-initiative
Wood Bison Trail #11
Elk Island National Park
Length: 15.9 km loop
Time: 4 hours
Elevation Gain: 171 m
If you’re lucky, you might just see wood bison on this hike, not to mention all the other wildlife that live here. This trail, 50 kilometres east of Edmonton, is in a national park, so visitors do require a park pass.
Where can I find this trail? The trail begins on the southside of Highway 16 in Elk Island National Park
Read more: pc.gc.ca/elkisland
Trail 5 Golf Course Loop
Devon Voyageur Park
Length: 6.8 km
Time: 2 hours
Elevation Gain: 180 m
The trails near Devon display high-sided river bank views of the North Saskatchewan River. This trail also boasts the Legs of Fire staircase with 304 steps and 86 metres of elevation gain.
Where can I find this trail? The trailhead is found at the Voyageur Park secondary parking lot
Read more: devon.ca/Parks-Trails
City of Edmonton
Boardwalk Loop and Woodland Flower Trail
Clifford E. Lee Nature Sanctuary
Length: 3.7 km
Time: 1 hour
Elevation Gain: 46 m
A favourite of locals, this nature sanctuary, located about 30 kilometres southwest of Edmonton’s city centre, protects 348 acres of land and a wide diversity of wildlife.
Where can I find this trail? From Highway 60, turn west onto Township Rd 514, then south on Range Rd 264
Read more: cliffordelee.com
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