Go East of Edmonton and Find New Outdoor Adventures
February 26, 2021
It doesn’t take long on a highway east from Edmonton to reach your next exciting outdoor adventure destination. Whether you are road-tripping with friends or day-tripping with family, there’s a mid-Alberta activity waiting to be enjoyed during any season. From dog-sledding on the Iron Horse Trail in winter, river kayaking in summer, to a range of year-round activities, luscious scenery and welcoming communities are around every corner. Read on to learn about some great activities on offer.
Skating, Tobogganing, and Snowshoeing at Métis Crossing
Time from Edmonton: 1 hour 30 minutes
Métis Crossing hosts “Winter Fun Days,” where you can enjoy a range of family-friendly activities set amidsta natural winter wonderland. Ice skate with views of the North Saskatchewan River, toboggan in the nearby river valley, or snowshoe through tree-lined trails. Warm-up with Métis story time around the fire with some home-made treats.
Canoeing at Métis Crossing — Paddling an Authentic Voyageur Canoe
Time from Edmonton: 1 hour 30 minutes
“Paddle Into The Past” experiences combine history and fun while canoeing along the North Saskatchewan River. You can try your hand at making Métis crafts, cooking traditional bannock over an open fire, dancing the Métis jig, and learning about local plant life.
Riding at Métis Crossing
Time from Edmonton: 1 hour 30 minutes
Alberta’s Iron Horse Trail provides the perfect conditions for bicycle, horseback, or ATV riding. Named for the railroad which used to carry people and goods across the land, indigenous people had used the even, straight trails for hundreds of years before locomotives were built. The trail now treats riders to diverse views of rolling plains, pine forests, lakes, wetlands, and more.
Change of Season Signature Experiences at Métis Crossing
Time from Edmonton: 1 hour 30 minutes
Métis Crossing offers interactive cultural experiences that change according to the season. Knowledgeable guides share the indigenous history and lifestyle of the Métis people through a range of immersive activities. Experience summer, winter, spring, and autumn the way traditional Métis people do.
Experience and Explore Métis Traditional Winter Activities
Time from Edmonton: 1 hour 30 minutes
Learn how to build a shelter in the snow, set a game trap, and carry out traditional art techniques during the “Tales from the Trapline” experience. The four-hour, small-group tour lets you walk in the snowshoes of traditional Métis people for a day, experiencing the skills required to thrive in the winter. Taught by Métis interpretive guides, you get to take home your own unique, crafted keepsake.
Download the Go East of Edmonton Campground Guide for Fantastic Adventures
If camping is your preferred way to adventure, or it’s about time to give it a go, you’ll find loads of helpful information in the Go East of Edmonton Campground Guide – available to download for free.
Enjoy these Go East of Edmonton outdoor adventures
- Bonnyville Cold Lake hosts winter adventures such as skiing, snowboarding, and a tube park.
- Bodo Archaeological Centre provides a hands-on experience centered around bison bone and ancient artifact excavation.
- Elk Island National Park, a year-round natural marvel, is home to roaming bison, moose, and more than 250 bird species.
- Miquelon Hills Golf Course caters to both the novice and expert — the ninth hole offers a Par 27 toward the front while the back provides a Par 37.
- Victoria Settlement Provincial Historic Site will entertain history buffs at this authentic former pioneer settlement.
