Drive ≈ 5 min Walk 1 hr
Explore 3.4 km of paved trails circling an artificial lake in Edmonton's river valley—a 45-minute easy walk that feels genuinely… Easy trail of 3.4 km, 163 m of climb.
Dog rules: check the trail page
See the trailor pick your starting city — the number is how many trails we list.
Pick your drive. Save time for the trail.
41 trails within 2 hr of Edmonton by car. Compare the drive, the walking time and the level to choose your next outing.
Photo : Wabamun Lake Provincial Park
Drive times are estimates (≈) from the city centre, as the crow flies. Walking time comes from the trail page when it has one; a walking filter hides trails without a duration.
Drive ≈ 5 min Walk 1 hr
Explore 3.4 km of paved trails circling an artificial lake in Edmonton's river valley—a 45-minute easy walk that feels genuinely… Easy trail of 3.4 km, 163 m of climb.
Dog rules: check the trail page
See the trailDrive ≈ 52 min
Spot wood bison in their natural habitat on this 16 km trail through Elk Island National Park, just 45 minutes east of Edmonton. Hard trail of 16 km, 167 m of climb.
Dog rules: check the trail page
See the trailDrive ≈ 1 hr 15 min Walk 1 hr 15 min
Just one hour west of Edmonton, this 3.5 km easy trail loops through aspen parkland and boreal forest with genuine wildlife… Easy trail of 3.5 km, 110 m of climb.
Dogs allowed
See the trailEdmonton & Area
Drive ≈ 21 min Walk 2 hr 15 min
Level: Easy Dogs allowed
Lakelands
Drive ≈ 51 min Walk 45 min
Level: Easy
Edmonton & Area
Drive ≈ 1 hr 3 min Walk 1 hr 30 min
Level: Easy Dogs allowed
Edmonton & Area
Drive ≈ 1 hr 3 min Walk 4 hr 30 min
Level: Hard Dogs allowed
Edmonton & Area
Drive ≈ 1 hr 15 min Walk 1 hr 15 min
Level: Easy Dogs allowed
Central Prairies
Drive ≈ 1 hr 27 min Walk 1 hr 15 min
Level: Easy Dogs allowed
Edmonton & Area
Drive ≈ 1 hr 59 min Walk 1 hr 15 min
Level: Easy Dogs allowed
No trail matches these filters. Widen the drive or remove a filter.
Think about the way back, the breaks and the parking.
Opening hours, parking and access conditions can change with the season.
Changing weather can make some trails harder.
Match the length and the level to your group and the time you have.
Without a car, an outing takes more planning. Some destinations near Edmonton may be served by public transit, but none of our trail pages lists it yet.
Check schedules and the last return trip with the transit agency before you go.
See the frequently asked questionsSpring
Spring hiking around Edmonton typically begins in late April to May when snow melts and temperatures rise to 10-20°C.
The North Saskatchewan River Valley trails offer excellent muddy season hiking, though waterproof boots are essential due to wet conditions and potential flooding. Start with shorter urban trails as daylight extends and weather becomes more predictable.
Summer
Summer is peak hiking season in Edmonton with temperatures reaching 20-25°C and long daylight hours extending past 10 PM in June.
The extensive river valley trail system provides excellent hiking with lush greenery, while nearby Elk Island National Park offers prairie and woodland trails. Pack insect repellent for mosquitoes and blackflies, and carry plenty of water during the warmest months.
Fall
Fall hiking around Edmonton from September to October features stunning autumn colors along the river valley trails with comfortable temperatures of 5-15°C.
This season offers excellent visibility and fewer insects, making it ideal for longer hikes before winter sets in. Layer clothing as temperatures can vary significantly, and be prepared for early frost and shorter daylight hours.
Winter
Winter transforms Edmonton's hiking scene with snow-covered trails perfect for snowshoeing and winter hiking from December through March, with temperatures often dropping below -20°C.
The river valley trails remain accessible for winter activities, offering a unique urban winter wilderness experience. Dress in layers, wear microspikes or snowshoes, and stick to well-marked trails due to shorter daylight hours and extreme cold conditions.
The page lists 41 trails. The closest is Louise McKinney Riverfront Park (≈ 2 min drive from downtown), the farthest Eagle Point Provincial Park Hiking Area (≈ 1 hr 59 min). Drive times are estimated as the crow flies.
21 trails are within ≈ 30 min of driving, 32 within ≈ 1 hr, and all of them within ≈ 2 hr. These are estimates from downtown.
Among the trails on this page, the most viewed on Let's Go Play Outside are Wabamun Lake Provincial Park, Wood Bison Trail and Muir Lake.
35 listings give a length, from 1 km (Constable Chelsey Robinson Day Use Park) to 35 km (Capilano Park). The other 6 do not say.
Yes: among the trails on this page that give a level, 25 easy, 4 moderate and 8 hard. The closest easy ones: Muttart Conservatory, Louise McKinney Riverfront Park and Forest Heights Park.
7 listings say dogs are allowed and 0 say they are not. For the other 34, the rule is not confirmed: check the trail page before you go.

Free guide: 25 hikes under 2 hours from Montreal
Drive time, distance and level for each one. The ones we go back to ourselves.
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