Scenic parks and wilderness await you in the Edmonton region, made all the more dramatic by the prairie’s expansive clear blue sky.

Parks for the Picking

No matter what community you live in, fluffy, white snow is not far away. Stop and build a snow fort, throw a few snow balls, cross country ski, run or walk in the river valley, or toboggan down the bright snow hills on a glorious sunny day.

• Edmonton River Valley Park. It is 22 times larger than New York’s Central Park, and eight times larger than Vancouver’s Stanley Park. It includes 150 kms of multi-use trails, playgrounds, picnic sites, golf courses, off-leash areas and more. For a map call 780.442.5311.
• Heritage Trail. Retrace the steps of the pioneers beginning at the Alberta Legislature. This self-guided tour offers a beautiful view of the river valley. 780.427.7362
• Strathcona Wilderness Centre. Explore 550 acres of parkland with 12 kms of interpretive trails, spruce bog boardwalk, camping and picnic sites plus enrichment programs at the Wilderness Centre. 20 minutes east of Sherwood Park on Township Road 530 and Range Road 212. Call 780.922.3939.
• Spruce Grove’s Heritage Grove Park. Fifty acres of natural wooded area in the heart of Spruce Grove are linked by 15 kms of paved trails, which are great for running and cross country skiing. 780.962.2561
• St. Albert Red Willow Trail System. Run, walk, or cross country ski on 44 kms of paved trails along the Sturgeon River. (780.459.1553)
• Trails at Stony Plain. Over 14 kms of pathways link the entire community. Stop at Shikaoi Park to experience the Japanese Gardens or relax at the Rotary Park pond and feed ducks and geese. 780.963.4545
• Chickakoo Lake Recreation Area. Cross country ski over 14km of trails.

For more information on campgrounds visit www.travelalberta.com.

Going Downhill

Grab your skis and snowboards because Alberta offers some of the best Canadian winter holidays around.

• Edmonton Ski Club. Ski and snowboard minutes from Downtown Edmonton. 780.465.0852.
• Rabbit Hill Snow Resort. Greater Edmonton's largest ski and snowboard resort. 780.955.2440.
• Snow Valley. Downhill skiing and snowboarding. Located off of the Whitemud Freeway (on 199 Street). 780.434.3991
• Toboganning Areas. Several hills are prepared by City of Edmonton for safe sliding. 780.496.2966.

Kalyna Country 

Three times the size of Prince Edward Island, the unique historic, cultural and natural area just east and north of Edmonton offers eco-fun for everyone. Home to more than 40 designated or informal natural areas. 1.888.452.5962,  www.kalynacountry.com.

• Elk Island National Park. Second only to Africa’s famed Serengeti for wildlife viewing opportunities, with hundreds of bison, elk, moose and deer. Hike, picnic, camp, bird watch, cross country ski and more. 1.888.773.8888.
• Watchable Wildlife Tours. Observe wildlife in their natural habitat including, deer, moose, elk, bison, beaver, porcupine and a wide variety of bird species. 780.405.4880.
• Beaverhill Lake. Join the serious bird watchers who flock to this protected habitat. Watch over 270 species of birds, hike the Nature’s Marsh and learn at the interactive Nature Centre. Tofield. 780.662.3191.
• Cooking Lake – Blackfoot Recreation Area. Hike, mountain bike, canoe or ride horseback through a provincial area which includes 170 kms of trail running over rolling hills and past ponds, bogs, small lakes and wildlife. Interpretive Centre and four staging areas with picnic facilities. 780.922.3293. 
• Elk Island Retreat. Sleep in a teepee explore hiking trails, and learn about Aboriginal culture. 780.998.0708.
• Strathcona Wilderness Centre. Hike and picnic along 12 kms of trails. Enjoy views of Bennett Lake or explore a black spruce bog. Rent canoes, take a learn-to-canoe lesson, watch wildlife, and stay in a tent at a walk-in campsite. 780.922.3939.
• Waskahegan Trail Association. Join a Sunday hike on the Waskahegan Trail looping through Kalyna Country.
• Vegreville. Visit the world’s largest Ukrainian Easter Egg at the Elks Kinsmen Community Park in Vegreville, or take in some Ukrainian culture at the annual Pysanka Festival, July 6-8. 

Stargazing

• TELUS World of Science – Edmonton. Get a free telescopic view of the magnificence above us—constellations, stars, sun spots and the northern lights can all be observed on the southeast grounds of TELUS World of Science – Edmonton, weather permitting. Call for times and details.

Other areas in the Edmonton region offer their own opportunities for outdoor adventure. Visit or call any visitor information centre for a ‘Visit Edmonton’s Countryside’ brochure with all the details you need to travel informed. www.edmontonscountryside.com