Best Edmonton Outdoor Activities - Outside Recreation Guide

When looking for adventures, fun, and entertainment in the great outdoors, the Edmonton community provides plenty of options. Edmonton has activities to suit all ages, from a variety of hiking and biking trails for outdoor enthusiasts and quality golf courses for those who like to tee off to plenty of water activities to enjoy and calming walks in the park. Read on to learn more about fun outdoor activities available in Edmonton.

Water Recreation in Edmonton

Swimming is a great way to cool off, and there are several places in Edmonton offering a refreshing oasis. Grab a paddle and canoe or kayak the North Saskatchewan River, fish in the river and Hermitage Park stocked pond, or even spend some time on the beach.

Outside the river, the Fred Broadstock outdoor swimming pool has plenty of room to swim and dive with its six swimming lanes and two diving boards. For younger visitors, a teaching pool and spray park are available. Visitors also have access to a sun deck, picnic tables, change rooms, and a concession for refreshments and snacks.

Located in multi-activity Callingwood Park, another place for kids to have fun in the water and to enjoy other outdoor activities is the Callingwood Spray Park. Along with the large spray area for the kids, there are also soccer and baseball fields, an off-leash dog park, a skate park, and a pavilion. After getting soaked at the spray park, relax and enjoy a picnic. The park is open 5 a.m.–11 p.m.

While it's indoors, one can't talk about water recreation in Edmonton without talking about the famous World Waterpark in West Edmonton Mall. Features include a massive wave pool, over a dozen waterslides, hot tubs, snack bars, rental cabanas, and more.

Edmonton Hiking & Biking Trails

Whether taking a nature trip, a relaxing walk with the dog, or an invigorating hike, Wolf Willow Trail Loop offers the opportunity to do it all. The trail loop runs for 3.2 kilometres and is rated as moderate, with several hills offering changes in elevation versus a continuous flat surface. Visitors enjoy scenic views of Fort Edmonton and the ravine and can see even more at the lookout located near Wolf Willow stairs by the river in Westridge Park.

Mountain biking enthusiasts will have an invigorating challenge along the scenic Patricia Ravine Route. The route runs for 34.6 kilometres, with multiple trails along the way. The trail's statistics are a 413-metre climb, 412-metre descent, and a high point of 672.7 metres. Conditions vary throughout the year.

Mactaggart Sanctuary Path, located in Magrath Heights Park, is a moderately rated trail of 2.3 kilometres with an elevation of about 40 metres. The trail type is a loop through a scenic forested environment where wildlife can be observed. The surface can be muddy at times and has rocky patches. Canines are welcome on the trail but must remain on a leash.

Edmonton Parks

One of Edmonton's best parks, Rundle Park is the place to play a round of mini or disc golf or go tobogganing down snowy hills. Conveniently located along the river in the northeast section of Edmonton, there are plenty of features available to use, such as walking and biking trails, fields for playing sports, paddleboat rentals, a family center, a horseshoe pit, the IceWay during the winter, a playground, and scenic picnic sites. The park is open from 5 a.m.–11 p.m.

Scenic William Hawrelak Park features open meadows and a lake and is a popular setting for scheduled events and festivals year-round. The park offers walking and cycling trails, a playground, picnic areas, and the Community League Plaza, which is fitted with a fireplace, a wood-burning stove, and heaters. During the winter, skate rentals are available. Inside the Pavilion Building at the park, enjoy lakefront views while sampling a variety of items from the food and drink menu at Culina on the Lake. Hawrelak Park and the Community League Plaza are open from 5 a.m.–11 p.m.

Equestrians will find Whitemud Park a convenient location for horseback riding along the park's designated multi-use trails. Near the park are the Whitemud Equine Centre, John Janzen Nature Centre, and Fort Edmonton Park. Activities at the park include walking and biking trails, 20 picnic sites, the Alfred H. Savage Centre for special events, and a toboggan hill for winter entertainment. Park hours are 5 a.m.–11 p.m.

Recreating plenty of Edmonton historical eras, Fort Edmonton Park is the perfect place for the history enthusiast. With period buildings and costumed guides, visitors can enjoy a tour of the 19th-century fort from the fur-trading years. Plenty of streetcars, wagons, trains, and ponies are found throughout for guests to ride. Food is also available, along with souvenirs.

Golf Courses in Edmonton

Residents can take a break from their golf course homes in Edmonton and venture out to try the greens at area courses such as The Links at Victoria Golf Course, developed in 1896. The vintage course offers a challenge to those learning the game as well as mid-handicap players. Play a round on the course, practice on the driving range, sign up for classes, or register for programs. There are many choices available for golfers of all ages.

Golfers will put their experience in motion at Raven Crest while maneuvering through over 6,700 yards of greenery and foliage, strategically placed bunkers, and water hazards. Other features available include a full driving range with mat and grass options, an area for a short game of golf, a chipping green, and a practice putting green. For those interested in improving their game, lessons are available at Raven Crest's Larry Petyrk Golf Academy.

Swing into action at The Derrick Golf and Winter Club. The private club has many activities for all ages to choose from. The club features an 18-hole golf course ideal for both beginner and experienced players and access to personal trainers and state-of-the-art equipment to support fitness goals. Members also have access to social activities, camps, classes, and sports. Other activities include tennis and swimming. To please the palate, the club offers four eateries from casual for families to settings for adults. These include The Sun Café, Founders Room & Spike Bar, Snack Shack, and the Patio.

Other Outdoor Activities in Edmonton

Get up close to many species of wildlife that make their home at the Edmonton Valley Zoo. The zoo is dedicated to conservation and offers an interesting and educational location to learn about over 350 animals. The zoo has many engaging features, including indoor habitats, train rides throughout the zoo area, carousel rides, a play area, entertaining and informative animal programs, food services, and the Zoo-tique gift shop.

When the weather is crisp and cool and the snow is falling, head to Sunridge Ski Area for plenty of skiing action. This winter playground offers snow lovers an array of things to do. Strap on a pair of skis and take on the slopes. Go snowboarding or visit the fast and furious Snow Tubing Park. Enjoy season passes, private lessons to hone techniques, or bring friends and family for group lessons. With multiple lifts available, getting to and from ski areas is easy. There is also the opportunity to join ski clubs and share the fun with others doing freestyle skating and ski racing. Rental equipment is also available. Packages include a snowboard or skis, poles, boots, and a helmet. If there is a special event on the horizon, the Sunridge Ski Area Chalet provides spectacular views, a fireplace, a dining area, and a dance floor surrounded by cedar panelling.

Taking a tour of the wildlife of the area will provide plenty of outdoor fun. You can enjoy a two-hour bird-watching tour at Hawrelak Park, a four-hour trip at Elk Island Park or even a 14-hour trip to Jasper National Park. Trips include meals and plenty of wildlife viewing.

Making the Most of the Great Outdoors in Edmonton

Getting outside and away from homes to enjoy nature is a great way to revitalize and rejuvenate the body and soul while having fun. With the many outdoor activities available in Edmonton, making the most of year-round destinations for a daytime getaway is easy. And even when the weather doesn't cooperate, there are still plenty of things to do in Edmonton.