8 Best Walking Trails in Edmonton Worth Exploring
There are plenty of convenient transportation options in the city, but if you’re looking to get your heart pumping and log some steps, I highly recommend exploring on foot!
There are a variety of walking trails in Edmonton that beautifully blend pockets of nature with the urban landscape. Each time I hit the trails, it feels as though I’ve escaped into the heart of the wilderness.
I’ve compiled a list of the best trails in the city that will lead you to places you might not have discovered yet during your stay!
Mactaggart Sanctuary
Address: 820 119 St NW
Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate
Trail Length: Around 2.25 kilometres
Average Time: 1 hour
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 5:00 am to 11:00 pm
For an excellent introduction to the city’s nature sanctuaries, I highly recommend exploring the wild and protected Mactaggart Sanctuary.
The trails offer a mix of easy pathways and a few challenging inclines, promising an adventurous outing that may leave you a bit breathless.
Just beyond, a cliff offers breathtaking views and great photo ops of songbirds nestled in the Aspen trees. Nature’s beauty never fails to impress me whenever I walk this reserve!
| Tips: My favourite time to visit is during the spring. This is when most of the flowers are in full bloom, giving you a very romantic stroll along the lawns. However, if you’re allergic to flowers and pollen, I recommend dropping by in the summer or fall instead. Bring some bug spray with you. It’s especially useful once you reach closer to the creek. Wearing protective gear and hiking shoes is also a must (you can get by with regular sneakers, but I don’t recommend that if you get tired easily!). |
Mill Creek Ravine
– Media from seeneysells
Address: 9116 68 Ave NW
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Trail Length: Around 6 kilometres
Average Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours
Contact Details: +1 780 944 5555
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 5:00 am to 11:00 pm
Mill Creek Ravine is a favourite hiking spot among Edmontonians, nestled close to the North Saskatchewan River. The trail itself is quite easy, but it’s worth slowing down to take in the peaceful surroundings and natural beauty along the way.
For those looking to extend their walk, the trail connects seamlessly to the networks in Nellie McClung Park and Henrietta Muir Edwards Park, offering even more serene riverfront views and the tranquil sounds of nature.
| Tips: Coyotes are sometimes seen along certain parts of the loop. Avoid approaching or disturbing them as they move through the ravine to prevent any accidents or unwanted encounters. It’s best to stay still and let them pass until they’re out of sight. Be cautious when crossing the creek bridges! Although they’re sturdy, the wooden surfaces can get slippery, particularly after rain. Taking it slow is the safest approach. |
Whitemud Park
– Media from dani.roselle
Address: 13204 Fox Dr NW
Difficulty Level: Easy
Trail Length: Around 6 kilometres
Average Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Contact Details: +1 780 442 5311
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 5:00 am to 11:00 pm
Starting near Fort Edmonton Park and the John Janzen Nature Centre, Whitemud Park has become one of my favourite city walks. The path through Whitemud Ravine Nature Reserve is foot-traffic-only, so it’s quiet and peaceful.
The full trail spans 6 kilometres, though the halfway point at Snow Valley makes for a great turnaround. Whether you’re up for the full hike or just a stroll, it’s a perfect spot to enjoy nature in the city without going too far off the radar.
| Tips: This park is also a prime spot to go on a picnic. There are barbecue pits around available for anyone to use as well. After a long walk, why not reward yourself with a nice barbecue dinner in the park as the sun goes down? Take your time and read the information posts along the trail in the park. You might learn a new thing or two about the wildlife and plants around the park! |
Terwillegar Park
– Media from exploreedmonton
Address: 10 Rabbit Hill Rd NW
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Trail Length: Around 6 kilometres
Average Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours
Contact Details: +1 780 442 5311
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 5:00 am to 11:00 pm
Terwillegar Park spans 186 hectares, so there’s a lot of space for you to explore while going on a walk here. The most popular walking trails start right at the parking lot and end right by the river for a total of about 6.5 kilometres total.
There are a lot of wooded areas in this park, so prepare for a little adventure amidst nature. Lots of mountain bikers explore this park, but there are walking paths as well for hikers like you!
| Tips: The ideal time to explore this trail is in the summer. Although it’s accessible year-round, the paths can become slick with ice during winter. For your safety, it’s advisable to avoid hiking here in the colder months! Remember that many hikers and cyclists on the trail bring their dogs along. You might encounter some off-leash dogs near the riverbanks, so stay alert when hiking through those areas. |
Kinnaird Park
– Media from s.kay_captures
Address: 7696 Jasper Ave
Difficulty Level: Easy
Trail Length: Around 4.3 kilometres
Average Time: 1 hour
Contact Details: +1 780 442 5311
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 8:00 am to 11:00 pm
Kinnaird Park has become one of my go-to spots to bring my dog, with its mix of on- and off-leash areas, river access, and scenic paths. Plus, finding the famous river valley swing always feels like a little treasure hunt. It’s worth keeping an eye out for!
This 4.3-kilometre loop winds through beautiful, tree-filled surroundings, making it such a refreshing escape within the city. With its low light pollution, this park also sometimes provides a special winter treat: a chance to see the Northern Lights!
| Tips: Birdwatching along the way is a bonus, and while there’s a steep hill near the end, a sturdy pair of shoes makes it a manageable climb back up. This park has fewer amenities compared to others around the city. There are no public restrooms or picnic tables. I’d suggest bringing a mat or blanket if you plan to relax on the grass! |
Gallagher Park
– Media from exploreedmonton
Address: 9505 96 Ave NW
Difficulty Level: Easy
Trail Length: Around 3 to 4 kilometres
Average Time: 1 hour
Contact Details: +1 780 442 5311
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 5:00 am to 11:00 pm
If anyone were to ask me where they can find the best views in the city, I immediately think of Gallagher Park. This sprawling hilly park offers some of the best views of the skyline and sets the perfect place to take a romantic sunset walk.
It’s not the longest trail, but it does offer a serene environment to just slow down and enjoy the vibes. I highly recommend taking a break at one of the benches facing the river after your walk!
| Tips: Be mindful of where you pause to enjoy the scenery, as wasps tend to be frequent visitors, especially near the trees. I’ve had my own run-ins with them and have even spotted a few nests, so it’s wise to stay vigilant and avoid any wasp zones! Need a little challenge? Run up and down the hills for a few rounds. This is a fast way to get your heart pumping. The hills don’t look too steep from afar, but they can really make you break a sweat! |
Fort Edmonton Park
– Media from fortedmontonpark
Address: 7000 143 St NW
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Trail Length: Around 9.7 kilometres
Average Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours
Contact Details: +1 780 496 7381
Opening Hours: Saturday and Sunday, 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Fort Edmonton offers plenty of entertainment if you’re looking for a walking trail that can fill your day. Known for hosting seasonal events like Christmas markets, Halloween fairs, carnival games, and museums, it’s also a fantastic place for a scenic walk.
During quieter months, the park offers a peaceful setting to stroll along the river. You can also explore a portion of the River Loop Trail, which follows the river’s edge next to the park, for an extended, nature-filled experience.
| Tips: Keep in mind that Fort Edmonton Park is only open on weekends from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm, so plan your walk around these hours. If you arrive after closing, you can always begin the trail from Whitemud Park instead. Take a break and explore the 1920s Midway & Exhibition when you have extra time to spare. It’s an amusement park that recreates historic streets and buildings in the city. Learn more about it here! |
Government House Park
– Media from sfharris_bc
Address: 9938 Groat Rd NW
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Trail Length: Around 2.5 kilometres
Average Time: 1 hour
Contact Details: +1 780 442 5311
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 5:00 am to 11:00 pm
Located on the north shore of the North Saskatchewan River and just a stone’s throw from downtown Edmonton, Government House Park is one of my favourite walking spots. This park is a local favourite for picnics, jogging, and cycling.
I enjoy starting my walks along the river, taking in the natural beauty around me. The 2.5-kilometre trail (5 kilometres round trip) winds into MacKinnon Ravine, gradually inclining and offering stunning river valley views that make every step worthwhile.
| Tips: Many locals complain about the strong sewage smell in the park sometimes. I recommend rescheduling your walk to another day (when it’s not super hot out) if the sewage drain starts to emanate foul smells. I recommend taking a bathroom break BEFORE heading to the park for a walk, although there are public washrooms here (unless you’re okay with using a portable toilet). |