6 Edmonton Hikes & Walking Paths You Should Explore

Living in Edmonton allows residents to experience an urban city's vibrant atmosphere and convenience yet appreciate spending time communing with nature. It is easy to enjoy the best of both worlds when one calls Edmonton home.

There are plenty of jogging and walking trails in Edmonton—many of which are dog-friendly activities. Read on to discover some of the best places to take advantage of places to hike, bike, and jog in Edmonton.

Rundle Park Bridge Loop

Situated around tree-filled Rundle Park is a hard-packed gravel loop pathway favoured by cyclists, joggers, and pedestrians in Edmonton. Along the way, there are several bridges with bird's eye views of the river and surrounding woodlands. Early along the 6.5 km Rundle Park Bridge Loop is Sun Ridge Ski Hill and the Strathcona Science Park. After passing underneath three more bridges, a junction connects to the Heritage Park trail system.

The alternate path leads to the park's golf course and clubhouse. Bring along binoculars to view an array of wildlife, and even Fido is welcome to come along on a leash. The park can also be accessed via Gold Bar Park, which passes through several shaded areas and offers amenities like seating, paddle boats, and disc golf. Visit April through November for prime wilderness viewing. The park is open daily from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Mill Creek Ravine Trail

Mill Creek Ravine Trail leads to the mighty North Saskatchewan River and is a 5.3 km moderately trafficked loop on the outskirts of Edmonton. This trail is rated easy to moderate and features unpaved and paved sections. Mill Creek Ravine Trail is predominantly used by walkers, runners, cyclists and leashed dogs and is accessible year-round from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.

A segment of the loop connects to trail systems in Nellie McClung Park and Henrietta Muir Edwards Park. There, outdoor lovers can travel for several more miles along interconnected trails, and there are several access points to the riverfront itself. This is an exceptional place for snowshoeing and using small pull-behind sleds for a kid-friendly activity in winter.

North Saskatchewan River Loop Trail

Soak in exceptional views and an impressive array of wildlife along the riverbanks of the North Saskatchewan River Loop Trail. Navigating this 3 km loop trail can be confusing for first-timers. However, there are plenty of signs offering directions and interpretive plaques about the wildlife and foliage in the river valley. Visitors can take a respite and enjoy the scenery at stopping points with benches that make for prime birdwatching.

It's best to access the park at Fort Edmonton and join the trail situated at the northeastern corner of the parking lot. There are paved and unpaved zones running parallel to the river, and it ultimately connects to another fully paved trail at Whitemud Road that leads to the John Janzen Nature Centre.

Behind the centre is a shorter pathway, the Birch Tree Trail, where massive paper birch trees are rare in these parts. The trail is only 1 km and is brimming with beaked hazelnut trees and the sounds of songbirds throughout a forest setting.

MacTaggart Sanctuary Path

Many Edmonton locals prefer to hike and jog along the relatively moderate 2.25 km MacTaggart Sanctuary Path. Best used between May and October, visitors are welcome to explore the trail system with their leashed canine companions. Pups love to play in the Blackmud and Whitemud creeks, which connect to form a sizable pond.

Most people start at the access point near Anthony Henday from the south or 23rd Avenue from the northern end of the pathway. The trail crosses the wooden dam and often has a reservoir filled with ducks and beavers setting about stable logs. The views from the cliff just past the dam are photo-worthy and offer the best views of songbirds hidden in the thick of the Aspen trees.

Expect a few steep inclines along the narrow paths that feature natural staircases in several sections. Be aware that there are several loops, but all trails will lead back to the main one as long as visitors stay close to the creekside. Visit during the spring to be treated to a diverse selection of wildflowers that make for breathtaking photos.

Whitemud Creek Trail

Looking for a longer hike or jogging trail? If so, Whitemud Creek Trail is the ideal place to head for a solid workout filled with a variety of surfaces along a 6.6 km round-trip excursion. This route follows what locals consider one of the best around for anyone who loves nature and seeks a place to hike, bike, or jog.

The trails are all well-maintained gravel surfaces with a few inclines and descents. Whitemud Creek Trail travels through an old-growth forest and mostly follows along the creekside, creating a serene wilderness experience. Giant poplar, pine, and spruce trees filled with songbirds dominate the landscape, along with a diverse display of flora and fauna at ground level.

Birdwatchers are known to spot ravens, nuthatches, and chickadees in the bushy branches throughout the year. In winter, the path is snow-covered and is a favourite place for snowshoeing in Edmonton.

Fort Edmonton Park Loop

Fort Edmonton Park Loop is a 5.6 km walking and biking trail near Edmonton and has a moderate difficulty level. Situated in historic Fort Edmonton Park, the loop traverses woodlands throughout the riverside valley and boasts over 80 historical structures and installations pivotal to the city's history spanning four eras. These include:

• 1846 Hudson's Bay Fort
• Hotel Selkirk
• Yukon & Pacific Steam Engine & Train
• Early 1900s Street Cars
• 1920's Midway

The Fort Edmonton Loop trail has even more highlights, including the city's first suspension bridge constructed since 1985 and believed to be the second-largest footbridge in Alberta. The Fort Edmonton Footbridge has two pier overlooks that are great resting points while on the loop trail.

Reside in Edmonton's Urban Community Surrounded By Trails

Come and see why so many people love living in Edmonton. Beyond the extensive trails connecting popular parks, there are plenty of places to eat, drink, and be merry throughout the city. From quiet gated community homes to apartments and condos, Edmonton real estate is suitable for all.