Discover the Best Birding, Wildlife Viewing, and Hiking Trails just a Stone’s Throw Away from Edmonton
February 26, 2021
Are you planning a wilderness adventure? Want to trade the hustle and bustle of the city for a secluded hike through some of Canada’s most majestic landscapes? Want to learn more about the indigenous Métis settlers? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then it’s time to engulf yourself with the immense history, culture, wildlife, and outdoor adventures here in Edmonton, Alberta.
Identify plants, animals, and learn how to track animals at MétisCrossing
Time from Edmonton: 1 hour 30 minutes
Nestled on 512 acres and bordering the Saskatchewan River Valley, Métis Crossing is a premier visitor attraction. Step into a 19th-century time capsule with Métis Crossing’s “Walk in Our Mocs: Archery Program.” This immersive experience will introduce you to the traditional ways that the Métis identified plant and wildlife species. Authentic, cultural cuisine will also be provided, all while taking in a beautiful riverfront landscape.
Hike and view wildlife in the Elk Island National Park
Time from Edmonton: 40 minutes
Have you ever encountered a wood bison in the wild? Elk Island National Park has one of the only hiking trails that allows you to gaze at nature’s most beautiful animals up close. (Following safety procedures, of course!) With 11 hiking trails in total, you can take a path through boardwalks over wetlands, walk along the beach on Astotin Lake, or venture into the secluded grasslands packed with wildlife. Elk Island can accommodate all levels of experience in its hiking trails, providing enjoyment for the whole family! Dusk and dawn offer the highest level of sightings, allowing you to witness over 250 species of birds, elk, moose, deer, bison, and more!
Learning about traditional plants and harvesting at Métis Crossing
Time from Edmonton: 1 hour 30 minutes
Situatedalongside a glacier-fed river known as the Saskatchewan River Valley, the indigenous Métis settled there in the mid-19th century. Learn how to harvest and identify plant life from the Métis ancestors in Métis Crossing’s “Walk in Our Mocs: Métis Archery Program.”
Join the archery program at MétisCrossing
Time from Edmonton: 1 hour 30 minutes
Are you a history buff wanting to dive deep into the culture and traditions of the indigenous Métis settlers? Sign up for Métis Crossing’s “Walk in Our Mocs: Métis Archery Program.” This program will supply visitors with a wealth of knowledge that has been passed down from ancestral generations! Learn the traditional way Métis used a bow and arrow to hunt for food, and at the end of the program, you can enjoy a taste of the past with authentic Métis cuisine.
Discovery Wildlife Park offers a unique way to experience wildlife
Time from Edmonton: 40 minutes
Are you searching for a family-fun-packed wildlife attraction? Look no further! At the Discovery Wildlife Park, you can walk with wolves, take pictures with bears, hang out with camels and raccoons, and even feed African cats! Lions, and tigers, and bears, oh yes! Discovery Wildlife Park offers daily passes, yearly packages, and educational school programs. Want to know the coolest part about Discovery Park? They have a campground and cabin rentals offering you insider access to the zoo at night. Talk about a unique experience!
Birding at Clifford E. Lee Nature Sanctuary as you hike a trail
Time from Edmonton: 40 minutes
Do you wish to escape the busy crowds and reconnect with nature? Perhaps you are a teacher searching for the perfect field trip? Discover Clifford E. Lee Nature Sanctuary’s 348 acres of protected land, wildlife, and bird species that call this sanctuary home. With four hiking trails, spread across marshland, rolling meadows, and the Aspen forest, you can sightmany local bird species. Woodpeckers, birds of prey, jaybirds, crows, pheasants, songbirds, waterfowl, and more can be sighted along these hiking trails! The sanctuary also becomes a popular destination for migrating birds such as the American Tree Sparrow, Long-billed Dowitcher, and Tundra Swan during the fall and spring. Grab your binoculars and get to birding!
