Let’s Be Explorers- The Best Hikes in Edmonton with Kids

Sometimes we all just need a little nature and don’t have the time to get out of the city. Thankfully, we live in a city that has endless trails and forests, with never-ending places to explore. I love “hiking” with my kids……and I use the word “hiking” loosely, cause let’s be honest, it’s just glorified walking. But as soon as we get off a paved trail and start exploring nature it becomes hiking to my girls and I’m okay with that.

There’s a couple things to remember before heading out with kids. For starters, it’s not a timed race. There’s no medal if you see the most or walk the furthest. The adventure is in the hike, in the things that you see and things that you teach along the way. We’re pointing out interesting trees, insects, flowers and teaching them each them the basics as you go. I like to try and engage my girls in conversations about pollination, photosynthesis, and root systems without the big words or sounding like a textbook. They are learning basic science as we explore and they couldn’t be happier about it.  If I don’t know an answer to a question we make a note in my phone and google it later. I’m always surprised at how much they learn when they recite things back to me at bedtime later. I also never tell them to hurry up  if they become interested in a particular flower or insect. It’s the journey, not the destination.

Also remember to pack water bottles, wear good shoes and be ready to take a break if those little legs need it. If your kiddos get bored turn it into a scavenger hunt with finding things like  different leaves, pinecones, sticks, bugs or rocks on the list.  Also pack snacks. Everything is better with snacks.

Our Favourite places to Hike with Kids in Edmonton-

Mactaggart Sanctuary-

Mactaggart Bird Sanctuary which is also referred to as Smith’s Crossing (or Blue Bridge Park as my family affectionally calls it) is our favourite place to take a walk.  This is mostly because it’s close to our home, but also because it’s so beautiful. It’s rarely busy, there’s ample parking and there’s a variety of things to see. The trails are not paved and are definitely uneven, so it’s not a place for a stroller or very young toddlers. There’s also some steep-ish climbs (my 3 year old can manage easily) and a few little homemade bridges.  We usually start by crossing the old blue bridge south and following the path on the right into the trees.  There’s a creek to explore and if you go far enough (10 minute walk) you’ll find a lake with beavers and ducks. There’s a couple beaver dams to see from the main trail and lots of side trails to explore. This park connects to the Whitemud Ravine Nature reserve if you were to walk North, but we usually stick going south within 20 minutes of the parking lot and see a lot of exciting things.

Park in the lot on 23rd ave at the bottom of the hill between 119ave and Rabbit Hill Road. There’s a blue bridge visible from 23rd avenue. 

Mill Creek Ravine-

Millcreek ravine is almost like stepping out of the city and into the mountains. The creek is picture perfect and it’s easily accessible from multiple parking lots and street parking (there’s stairs leading down into the ravine in many locations). Millcreek Ravine is a special because it has options- a paved wide trail for strollers or bikes and a smaller dirt path that runs along the creek. You can explore with either one very easily.  The ravine is quite long, with the south end having great old wooden train bridges and the north end connecting all the way to the river and the Muttart.

You could park in the middle at Millcreek pool and explore north or south from there. There are also staircases into the ravine at about 85ave and 97st, or at 86ave about 89t in Bonnie Doon. The entire ravine is easily accessible just from street parking or a lot at 82ave. See the City of Edmonton Website for a map of the ravine.

 

 

Lois Hole Centennial Provincial Park-

So yes, this park isn’t actually in Edmonton, but rather across from the Enjoy Centre in St Albert. However, it is extremely accessible from Edmonton with Anthony Henday. It is actually a protected Provincial Park and is a Duck’s Unlimited  protected wetland. There’s paved paths and a series of boardwalks over the water. My girls love the searching the lake for ducklings and heron as well as  running around on the boardwalk. The marshland is a great change from the coniferous treed paths of the river valley and a great place to bird watch. The province is opening a new day-use area in the near future for picnics, but for now it’s just a great place to explore nature.

Follow Ray Gibbons Drive North towards the Enjoy Centre. We parked at Rotary Park, which is just north of the Centre, with ample signage leading you to the playground ( which is located at Rodeo Drive and Riek Drive). Follow the paved path under the bridge heading west out of the city. It’s less the 10 minutes to the pier from the parking lot and what seems like an endless trail to explore from there.  

(and bonus if you get tired your big sister may ask if you want to be carried back to the car)

Other favourites are Strathcona Science Park, Fort Edmonton Footbridge trail (with a sand bar to play in at the bridge!) Wagner Natural Area (between Edmonton and Spruce Grove)

 

For more info check out the City of Edmonton Trails Map.

Look forward to-

Easily teaching your children about nature, ecosystems and a love of outdoors
Exercise from chasing your kids around
Fresh air and messy kids
Tiring out your kids!

But be Prepared for-

Kids getting tired out before you make it back to the car (distracting them with a walking game or taking a break helps with this)
Unscheduled potty breaks (go before you start walking)
Extra thirsty kids (bring bottles of water)
Not getting lost (bring your cell phone!)

Our Insider Tips-

The after work “rush hour” is real on the trails too.  But early morning and afternoon you may have them all to yourselves.