5 family-friendly outdoor adventures near Edmonton, AB
By ‘Live the Adventure’ Club Ambassador Stephanie Huff
There are many outdoor adventure options for families near Edmonton, Alberta. Explore national parks teeming with wildlife, trek lakeside hiking trails and discover hidden gems right within the city limits. So, whether you’re a local or just visiting Edmonton, you will want to add these kid-friendly activities to your Canadian bucket list!
Beaumaris Lake
Only a 20-minute drive from downtown, Beaumaris Lake offers a family-friendly hiking trail with scenic water views. Suitable for strollers and bikes, this 2.6-kilometre paved path is perfect for active families seeking a break from the big city.
There are plenty of benches around this man-made lake, so pack a lunch for the kids and bring your camera to capture the picturesque backdrop.
Read more: mapmyrun.com
Botanic Garden
With nature trails, ecological wetlands and over 10,000 species of plants, the University of Alberta Botanic Garden is a convenient option to escape Edmonton’s urban landscapes without having to stray far.
Drive 40 minutes to Spruce Grove, where you’ll find this manicured 240-acre space. There are children-focused programs including summer camps, field trips and birthday parties, making it an overall great adventure outing for the whole family.
Read more: botanicgarden.ualberta.ca
Elk Island National Park
Elk Island National Park is a modest 35-minute drive east from Edmonton, and it’s well worth the trip! Most noted for its thriving bison population, you can even take part in a free guided tour on weekends to learn about the park’s conservation efforts and see the historic barns.
In addition, scenic driving routes, hiking trails and bike paths are also available to take in mother nature and observe the park’s plentiful wildlife. With several camping facilities and discovery programming for kids, this national park is a weekend getaway you won’t want to miss this summer.
Read more: pc.gc.ca
Lois Hole Centennial Provincial Park
Along the western side of Edmonton and St. Albert, a unique outdoor adventure sure to entertain the whole family awaits at the Lois Hole Centennial Provincial. Geocaching is essentially the modern-day outdoor scavenger hunt, powered by GPS. In just a 25-minute drive from Edmonton, start your search for the hidden items with your smartphone device as your guide.
When you tire of “the quest,” your family can take advantage of the provincial park’s many walking trails, including informative interpretive paths and scenic hikes, or enjoy a picnic lunch while taking in the views.
Read more: albertaparks.ca
Cooking Lake
Cooking Lake Blackfoot Provincial Park is about an hour’s drive from Edmonton but offers so many opportunities for outdoor family adventures. Perhaps best known for stunning Islet Lake, it’s possible to get out on the water by kayak or canoe.
While taking a family paddle, admire the lake’s unique islands and look out for the 200-plus bird species that frequent the area. If you are super keen to count how many you see, pack binoculars or a camera and use a book to check!
Read more: albertaparks.ca
Which of these outdoor adventure areas in Edmonton have you explored?
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