With fall in full swing, there’s no better time to enjoy the crisp autumn air than with a nice walk through some of Edmonton’s most scenic trails.
Thankfully, Edmonton offers great views of the changing seasons. With plenty of trails to explore, including some in the stunning River Valley, there are more than a few spots to take in the scenery.
To help you explore more this season, we’ve rounded up some of the best trails and hikes in Edmonton to give you the full autumnal experience.
No matter which journey you find yourself on, all the trails we’ve rounded up will give you a great chance to take advantage of the crisp fall air and gorgeous falling leaves.
This 4.5-km loop takes hikers through an easy, picturesque path in the river valley, taking approximately one and a half hours on average. You’ll also find tremendous views of the River Valley and of the massive staircase, also known as the Wolf Willow Stairs.
In the first half of the trail, the ground is paved and accessible for all people. The Fort Edmonton Footbridge helps connect all the trail systems to give you a spectacular view of the river valley. On the bottom half of the trail system, there is a packed gravel path that leads to the Whitemud Ravine or back to the parking lot.
Where: Directions to the starting point
For those who want more of the gorgeous River Valley views, this loop provides some of the best.
The Wolf Willow Trail Loop is a short, easy-to-moderately rated trail that takes you through the neighbourhood. With numerous stairs and elevation changes, this short loop is ideal for both a quick fall workout and stopping to enjoy beautiful sights. The estimated time is less than an hour, but it depends on the time you spend taking it all in.
Where: Directions to the starting point
According to the City of Edmonton, this park spans 68 hectares and boasts more than just River Valley views. Hawrelak Park has wide‑open meadows, shady picnic spots, and an adjacent five‑hectare lake.
During the fall, this park turns into one of the most perfect places for an autumnal stroll thanks to all of the lush greenery surrounding it. You’ll be able to enjoy the 2-km park loop for the full effect of the season. There are also paved multi-use trails which link the park directly to the broader river valley trail network.
Where: 9330 Groat Rd. NW, Edmonton, Alta.
Considering it’s fall, we had to mention the Larch Sanctuary and its trail loop.
Located in a section of the Whitemud Creek, this 59-acre reserve is an absolutely gorgeous spot to make the most of the fall season. The trail loop is around 3 km and takes around one hour to complete, with a rated difficulty of moderate to hard.
Like most, this loop is available year-round. It’s most popular in the autumn due to the larches changing colour, providing the best atmosphere and photo opportunities.
Where: May Link NW, Edmonton, Alta.
The Whitemud Creek Trail is easily one of the most popular trails in the Edmonton area.
According to AllTrails, the trail is approximately 7 km, guiding hikers through the natural trails of the river valley. It takes an average of just under two hours to complete. Here, visitors can walk along some of the most scenic natural paths in Edmonton. In winter, it turns into a popular snowshoeing destination.
For those new to hiking or looking for an easier trail, this is definitely the one to hit.
Where: Directions to the starting point
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Alyssa Gallardo
Alyssa is a Staff Writer for Dished and Curiocity Edmonton. She’s a big fan of everything entertainment, and can always be seen running around the city going from concert to concert.
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