Whether you kayak, canoe or use a standup paddle board (SUP), paddling is a great way to explore, connect with nature and get some healthy exercise. The Edmonton region offers several lakes, ponds, and the iconic North Saskatchewan River for paddle adventures. We’ve put together our top picks for the best places to go paddling near Edmonton, Alberta. Why these...
Moose Lake is in the heart of Lakeland, an area in northeastern Alberta along the edge of the boreal forest known for its many lakes. You can’t miss Moose Lake on a map, as it looks like a moose head with two arms jutting out to make up the antlers. Though cottages and homes dot the shorelines, large sections of the lake remain wild, including the large...
Dinosaur Provincial Park has some of the most impressive badlands scenery in Canada. It offers the best of the badlands, including flat-topped buttes, sandstone spires, mushroom-capped hoodoos, cactus-lined gullies and the cottonwood glades along the Red Deer River valley. Hiking in Dinosaur Provincial Park is the best way to experience this otherworldly landscape...
Exploring the backcountry with kids opens up a new world of outdoor adventure opportunities. Whether you’re hiking, biking or paddling, you can access beautiful wilderness while building lasting memories with your family. Backcountry trips with kids take extra planning and packing, but it is more than doable, and the rewards are worth the effort. Still, kids have...
Backcountry Packing Guide for Beginners The mountain snow is thawing, the leaves are blooming, and the birds are singing… which can only mean one thing: it’s hiking season! It’s time to find adventures in the backcountry. For backcountry pros, this means it’s time to dust off the hiking boots, check your sleeping pad for leaks, and mentally prepare to eat a lot...
A 35-minute drive east of Edmonton takes you to the rolling hills, aspen forests, rich wetlands, pretty lakes and starry skies of Elk Island National Park. It is an ‘island’ of natural wonders and a UNESCO-designated Biosphere Reserve, surrounded by agriculture. This wild inland island is home to free-roaming bison herds, elk, deer, coyotes, beavers and over 250 bird...
Kootenay Lake from Queens Bay Tucked between the Selkirk and Purcell Mountain ranges, Kootenay Lake in British Columbia is ideal for relaxing and nature-focused family spring break. From natural hot springs to laid-back and historic lakeside towns to rocky beaches, waterfall hikes and world-class downhill skiing, you’ll have no trouble finding activities the whole...
You don’t have to carry a tent dozens of kilometres into the backcountry to enjoy the great outdoors. Car camping, also called front-country camping, is fun, too! It can be more accessible, great for families, and allows you to bring more comfort items from home. Photo by Miranda Smit Unfortunately, irresponsible car camping damages the environment, leaving behind...
The Kaslo River Trail winds along the north and south shores of the Kaslo River, connected by two bright red, enchanting covered bridges, to make it a family-friendly 3.6 km loop. About halfway, you’ll find magical “Koots” sculptures playing hide-and-seek among the moss-covered boulders and quiet forest. The sound of the river, the playfulness of the sculptures and...
Waterton Lakes National Park is one of Alberta’s five national parks, located in the southwest corner of the province. It offers pristine lakes, sweeping mountain vistas, waterfalls, hiking trails, campgrounds, the famous Red Rock Canyon, the historic Prince of Wales Hotel, and the quaint Waterton Village. The park’s land area is relatively small compared to...