Sanyukta SrivastavaThere’s more to Edmonton than steep highlands, architectural landmarks, and historic sites.
Whether you are a beginner backpacker or a full-fledged thrill-seeker, you can find a bunch of activities to enjoy in the city. After all, aside from hosting a year-round slate of festivals, the city also features a diverse range of outdoor adventures.
Ready to discover them? Get your game face on because we’ll go through the best outdoor activities in Edmonton.
What are the popular outdoor activities in Edmonton?
1. Swimming at Queen Elizabeth Outdoor Pool
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
Queen Elizabeth Outdoor Pool is a 25-meter (82-feet) pool with six lanes and a zero-depth entry. The pool has a slanting entry, and its floor continues to slope upward until it meets the surface of the water and pool deck.
Since it has no bulky stairs or ladders, it creates a seamless transition, just like at the beach.
Besides that, it’s an advantageous design for people with limited mobility because they can easily access the pool area.
It’s open to everybody. Even little kids can soak in the pool because the pool’s temperature is kept at 29°C (84.2°F).
Note that this pool only allows a maximum of 1 hour and 45-minute recreational swim for each guest. Moreover, reservations are not mandatory, but booking in advance can ensure guaranteed access, so we recommend it.
2. Skiing and snowboarding in Snow Valley Ski Club
Image Source: CTV News Edmonton
Winter is approaching, and Snow Valley Ski Club is ready to offer you the thrilling winter adventure you want.
This recreation space features well-groomed slopes and different levels of skiable terrain for beginners and professionals to enjoy.
Don’t worry if it’s your first time hitting the slopes because the club has a training center where you can get a group or private lesson.
The certified instructors can provide beginner to advanced lessons for skiing, snowboarding, cross-country, and ski racing.
You can also relax in the 17,000 square feet (1,579 square meters) lodge. It has a full-service tech and rental shop and concession with glass walls and a patio where you can see the panoramic view of the ski area and the Rainbow Valley.
3. Canoeing and kayaking at Astotin Lake
Image Source: FortSaskOnline
Astotin Lake is one of the most visited parts of Elk Island National Park, especially in the summertime. The lake has a calm surface, making it good for kayaking and canoeing.
As you explore the river, you can catch a close-up view of the forested islands and peninsulas in the area. We also recommend bringing your cameras to capture the beautiful scenery and rich wildlife around you.
Some animals you can spot here are swans, ducks, geese, elks, and bison.
You can rent canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddle boards at the kiosk on the lakeside. Nonetheless, you can also bring your own equipment because the lake has a drive-up boat launch.
If you grow tired of canoeing or kayaking, you can stop by the shore, lay some blankets, and relax. Moreover, the park features many birdwatching opportunities. If you’re lucky, you can spot some broad-winged hawks, ravens, mallards, and sparrows.
4. Fishing in the North Saskatchewan River
Image Source: Creek River Lodge
North Saskatchewan River is the largest river system in Alberta. Since it flows across the South Saskatchewan River, Lake Winnipeg, Nelson River, and Hudson Bay, it’s one of the popular fishing spots for anglers.
Some of the most common species you can catch in the river are saugers, northern pikes, burbots, walleyes, and lake sturgeons.
If you’re new to fishing, it’s best to know where on the river you should fish. Some of the productive spots or areas you can try are the creek mouths, riprap shorelines, rock piles, and natural deep holes.
We’d also like to note that you can only fish in certain locations since some access points are on private properties. Check out the best angling locations in the city, such as Dawson Park, Goldbar Park, Whitemud Park, Hawrelak Park, and Fort Edmonton Park.
5. Play golf at Victoria Golf Course
Image Source: Go East of Edmonton
Want to play a friendly game of golf with your family or colleagues? Ready your golf clubs and visit Victoria Golf Course.
This golf course was built in 1896, so it’s the oldest city-run course in Canada. It features 9-hole and 18-hole courses with fairways and greens that are great for beginners or mid-handicap players.
However, if you’re a total newbie in this sport, we recommend signing up for golf lessons. With the help of their Canadian Golf Professional Association-certified instructors, adults and youths can learn various golf programs and lessons.
Moreover, rentals for golf clubs, power carts, and pull carts are available inside, so you can travel light if you’re quite far from the golf course.
You can also chill and appreciate the scenery around you because the place offers scenic views of the Alberta Legislature Building and the University of Alberta.
6. Hiking in Elk Island National Park
Image Source: Parks Canada
Elk Island National Park is an accessible flat landscape with wetlands, aspen woodlands, lakes, and prairie meadows.
It is a popular destination for outdoor recreation such as picnics, wildlife viewing, camping, and stargazing.
Besides that, it also has 11 official trails for walking, hiking, and biking. Here are the trails you can explore inside the park.
Beginners and professionals alike can explore these trails because the park has short and easy hikes as well as long and strenuous trails.
Moreover, Elk Island National Park is a haven for nature and wildlife lovers. You can easily spot elks, whitetail deer, moose, and a variety of bird species when you hike.
7. Climb the Aerial Park Tower
Image Source: Family Fun Edmonton
The Aerial Park Tower in Snow Valley Aerial Park is an excellent choice for people looking for an adrenaline-pumping outdoor adventure.
It features over 100 physically challenging games and activities for all ages and abilities.
Some popular games visitors recommend are the giant jungle gym, climbing obstacles and courses, ski bridge, and snowboard balance bridge.
The activities may seem intimidating at first, especially for people with an intense fear of heights. However, they have trained guides who can offer rope technique lessons, assistance, and training.
If you’re bringing your kids with you, you can let them play on the ground level. This kid’s route features safe and fun games good for children ages three to six years old.
